The Mt Blanc Escalade wall is known for having very small footholds and insecure smears, so it was going to be a good test for the shoe. In short, I was impressed. The shoe felt a bit bigger than I was used to, but when I learnt to trust it, I found it extremely stiff and precise. The fit is so comfortable, it just seems to wrap around my foot and the laces make it nicely adjustable.go to full review

This is a high performance shoe, with remarkable straight out of the box comfort. Whilst they are comfortable and secure, I wouldn’t use them for day to day training or general sport or trad climbing and on certain routes, but as a high performance red-point, bouldering and hard-trad shoe, La Sportiva Genius are exceptional.go to full review

Considering that I have used the shoe aggressively on very abrasive rock and in harsh environments, I have not noticed major ware and tear either on the shoe's upper or rubber. That seems fantastic in itself. The shoes edge and sensitivity have worked really well for me on both tiny granite crystals and limestone edges. The rubber has been very effective.go to full review

Whilst the Otaki is sold by La Sportiva as an “aggressive all-rounder”, I felt it was more an edgy sport-climbing or performance trad shoe: super stiff and slightly downturned which requires precise footwork. If you have poor footwork, it will take no prisoners. But, if you’re looking for security on edges, or to get precise toe power on sharp and crozzly overhanging limestone, these are the perfect shoe. Just don’t expect to be smearing delicately up slabs in them.go to full review

Overall, the Mega Jul is an extremely versatile and lightweight belay device with high braking performance that assists the belayer with lead falls. Basically it'll be there for you to protect your climber when you need it most. go to full review

The other cool feature on the Pyramid is that it has ridges on the outer sides that disperse heat, meaning you don’t get burned on long rappels. When it comes to rappelling and lowering, the Pyramid is a pro. Smooth and steady, this device makes descending feel dream-like.go to full review

For anyone that is looking for their first pair of climbing shoes, I would point them in this direction every time. They are a shoe that provides you with all of the tools you need to improve your climbing, and they aren't going to smash your feet while doing it. Depending on how much you climb, these shoes could last you years as well, preventing you from having to keep investing more money and allowing you to keep climbing.go to full review

Overall I really did like this shoe. For my first pair of aggressive climbing shoes, the price tag didn't hurt as much as some of the other ones that are on the market that offer similar performance. Also over time, I began to realize that this shoe may be better for people with a wider foot, which I do not have which caused me some issues on some heel hooks. Even though this shoe may not have been the exact right shoe for me, I would still suggest it to anyone looking to get an aggressive..." go to full review

Great second shoe to advance climbing, size down as much as you can and maybe buy a second pair for the tragic moment down the line when the shoe eventually stretches out.go to full review