This is probably one of the most negative reviews I've written for a long time, but I genuinely believe a mistake has been made somewhere along the line within the NIAD Moccasym's design. The root of the problem is its toe patch, which is - in my opinion - far too thick. The knock-on effect of this is a much stiffer shoe, which doesn't offer that same level of comfort or adaptability as its predecessor. go to full review

If you'd asked me whether or not I'd have recommended the old Instinct SR over the Instinct VS and VSR, my answer would realistically have been no, because the VS and VSR are actually a much better choice for the majority of climbers. But with the new Instinct S that choice isn't quite so simple, because with this slipper Scarpa have managed to up the ante in terms of both performance and sensitivity, which is quite an achievement. Whilst slippers are undoubtedly a more specialist offering,..." go to full review

The G5 Evo is a well-built boot, and its modern design and materials add up to a really good balance of warmth, lightness, and climbing ability. With the addition of proper waterproofing across the uppers, this will no doubt become a go-to technical mountaineering boot for many climbers who had snubbed the previous iteration. The BOA system is great in terms of convenience, but it would be better still if it allowed the fit to be fine tuned a bit more effectively towards the front end. Of..." go to full review

Overall the Mago is an edging-focussed shoe and its admittedly beautiful and high-tech construction means it's both sensitive and stiff. It's more of a toe than a heel shoe and it's a brilliant choice for indoor edging and smearing, as well as outdoor routes and bouldering. If you're looking for something for technical heel hooks you might want to look elsewhere, but if you're going to be standing on small edges and want a shoe that's comfortable and sensitive, the Mago is a great choice...." go to full review

When it comes to rock climbing performance, footwear is arguably the single most important piece of gear. However, sticky rubber wears out quickly so climbing shoes are one of the highest recurring costs for regular climbers. The La Sportiva Finale presents a two-prong way to reduce those costs — it's available at an affordable retail price and the durability advantage of its thicker rubber means that you should wear through a pair less quickly. Although its performance cannot quite match..." go to full review