Rock and Run

2 years later and the Mystix is still an incredibly attractive, contemporary proposition, aimed at the high-end bouldering market with technically specific design features to streamline performance on modern, indoor problems. Powerfully downturned and rather stiff for a modern shoe, the Mystix felt like a weapon on my foot right out of the box with a pronounced point at the toe end of the shoe to dominate holds on overhanging terrain. This was where the Mystix truly thrived, clawing..." go to full review

When it comes to performance, the Strange has been designed to deliver the purest power in EB’s line-up. The shoe’s profile is typical of the EB range, favouring aggressive asymmetry over modest downturn to pump power through the toe, but it’s the more pronounced point at the tip of the shoe that gives the Strange its edging focussed focal point. Featuring a full midsole (a 1mm plastic insert that sits between the fabric and the rubber) and further reinforcement under the toe, the super..." go to full review

After so much of the last year spent in lockdown, many of us will be feeling like kids in a sweet shop now the restrictions are lifting and the weather is improving. Now we can travel more than a few miles, will we get back down the wall, go bouldering, sport or trad climb? Quite possibly, your answer will be ‘all of the above’. The Geshido is the kind of shoe you can chuck in your bag for a weekend, whether you are planning to train, go out bouldering, sport or trad climbing. Like any rock..." go to full review

I’d recommend the Ozone Plus highly for anyone with wider feet, who is looking for a reliable all-round performance shoe for sport and trad climbing. It offers top level construction and fit, without the hefty price tag of some more popular brands. I’d be more cautious in recommending the Ozone Plus for those looking for a technical bouldering shoe, because the heel didn’t have the staying power or sensitivity of others on the market. Nonetheless, the Ozone Plus was a more than capable..." go to full review

For many durability is one of the main requirements of a winter mountaineering boot, you’ll often hear people wax lyrically about having this or that boot for 10 years or more… “and they’re still going strong!”. The fact they only wear them for their one trip of the year may have something to do with that. However, it is important when investing the price of a climbing holiday to Spain in your footwear. You want them to last. In testing, I did manage to tear the upper of the Cordura gaitor...." go to full review

I’m sure that the Maestros will see me through many more climbing trips, and that I’ll come to feel just as attached to them as I did to my Velocitys. Scarpa seem able to cater to a very wide variety of climbing needs, and I have to say that most of them seem to be satisfied by just this pair of shoes.go to full review

Overall if you’re looking for a relatively comfy well-fitting technical shoe I would definitely recommend the Instinct VS-R. Whether you’re an indoor only climber that occasionally ventures outside or a dedicated year-round outdoor climber they’re definitely a shoe to consider. They give me so much confidence in my feet even on the most desperate of footholds, I will certainly be purchasing another pair and recommending them to those after a technical rock shoe. For me they are the perfect..." go to full review

The Apus epitomises the handling and quality that Edelrid ropes are famed for. An ideal high performance rope for when weight saving is important or for a multi-discipline climber who wants just one set of half-ropes. Pros include the Apus’ minimal in weight and diameter, the Pro Dry finish for outstanding dirt and water resistance, Thermo Shield treatment for perfect handling and Bluesign® standard for the environmentally conscious. go to full review

After a week or two of breaking-in, the Synergy’s seemed to overhaul my climbing style, benefitting my foot technique and improving my style considerably on modern, competition style climbs. Like any whirlwind romance, we’ve rapidly become comfortable with each other and are enjoying every moment we spend together. Respect to you Boreal, the Synergy is a true shoe of the new age of climbing; quirky, technical and a whole bag of fun!go to full review

I’m sure that the Maestros will see me through many more climbing trips, and that I’ll come to feel just as attached to them as I did to my Velocitys. Scarpa seem able to cater to a very wide variety of climbing needs, and I have to say that most of them seem to be satisfied by just this pair of shoes.go to full review