My one complaint actually has to do with the logo. The Vibram® logo on the bottom of the shoe is placed under the front of the foot. Several times I found myself blowing feet and it took a little time to figure out why. Once I realized, I took some sandpaper to the logo, and problem solved!go to full review
A very versatile and durable rope that’s a pleasure to climb and belay with. Ideal if you’re looking for something for ice, alpine or red-pointing. I’d give it a pass if you’re looking for a TR cord and go for something with more heft. The 9.5 or 9.8 Crag Classic ropes are good for workhorse cragging and TR.go to full review
All of this adds up to one of the best choices for a technical climbing tool on the market! While you will notice how nice they feel in hand at your local gear shop you truly will be impressed the first time you take these out on real ice. These are a perfect choice for the ice climber who only occasionally (or never) climbs hard mixed routes. They excel on WI3+ routes. I would still reach for the Petzl Quarks for WI2 or more alpine type objectives but for ice cragging at Frankenstein, Ouray..." go to full review
I am a fan of Scarpa shoes, I really think they make a high-quality product, it feels like the technology that they put in really helps the climber and it’s not just a gimmick. I love looking down and seeing that precise edge. It requires a slight tweak to the way you climb but you can be almost less precise as the softness makes holds better. But if you level up your climbing, really focus on your feet then the booster will re-pay you. The shoe is waiting for you to get better, which is a..." go to full review
After having spent more than an hour trying on ALL the climbing shoes in the store I finally settled on the first shoe I tried, the La Sportiva Otaki Women. According to La Sportiva “Otaki in Japanese Samurai slang is the oldest single wire sword: extremely sharp and precise on small targets. A concept perfectly applicable to climbing”.go to full review
The Mammut Realization Shorts 2.0 provide a freer feeling for the gymnastic movements of sport and competition climbing. But its upsides, utility, and comfort on belay or arresting falls come with a premium price.go to full review
Many manufacturers are now bringing their own high-top, trad-oriented shoes to the market. The Maestro Mid Eco is one of the stiffer, burlier options. We're big fans of their durability and edging prowess, and if found on sale they could be a great deal. A limited number of testers, however, complained of acute Achilles pain, so consider the shape of your Achilles before making a purchase.go to full review
Ultra-soft climbing shoes are not ideal for every situation or climber. However, if the type of climbing you prefer demands maximum sensitivity, while still supplying ample opportunities to rest your feet, then the Veloce is an affordable shoe to consider. These bouldering beasts are best suited for those with the foot strength to match their massive forearms.go to full review
The selection of high-top trad shoes has grown rapidly in recent years. The Five Ten Grandstone presents a nice addition to the field. Its softer, more flexible sole addresses the chief complaint made about many of its competitors — that they're too insensitive. In our tests, however, we discovered that the added sensitivity also leads to added foot pain during sustained crack jamming. Nevertheless, the Grandstones manage to fill a nice middle ground between an ultra-stiff trad model and an..." go to full review
The Mammut 9.5 Crag Classic wins our Editors' Choice award as the best overall climbing rope because it combines longevity with great handling, and also offers a nearly perfect catch, whether leading or top-roping. 9.5mm ropes work perfectly for nearly any type of climbing, and are the diameter we recommend for those who simply want one rope that can do it all, and don't want to worry about having an entire quiver of cords. If this sounds like you, then we highly recommend the 9.5 Crag..." go to full review