UK Climbing
These shoes do feel more 'old school' than some of the equivalents from other brands, but I think they will work for people that have been used to a more traditionally constructed climbing shoe and particularly those who have fond memories of less techy FiveTen shoes from a decade or so ago. These shoes are best suited to low to mid-grade climbing both at the climbing wall and the crag, but there is some extra performance in the toe box if you pull the laces up tight. For more relaxed..." go to full review
Perhaps you're more of a winter hillwalker, but want something that's good for the occasional mountaineering route too; maybe you're a more committed climber, but like easy fast-moving days as well as pushing your grades; or let's imagine you're heading somewhere Alpine or bigger: light, modular, technically able yet not overkill when walking, the versatile Vertex covers a lot of bases. If, like me, you have a weakness for a good axe, and a suitable gap in your current collection, then you..." go to full review
The Beta - and the Beta Eco - are a comfortable and competitively priced shoe that would be ideal either for the beginner just starting out, or as an indoor training shoe for the more experienced climber looking for comfort. Whilst the Quattro rubber might not be quite so sticky, what it lacks in that little bit of grip it makes up for in durability, which could - if you're using them frequently indoors - be of use to make the shoes last longer. If you've been climbing a little longer, or..." go to full review
To describe the Joker as a beginners model would massively undersell a shoe that has the ability to appeal to a much larger audience - that being anyone whose first priority is comfort. For low-mid grade routes and bouldering they're impressively versatile, with just enough stiffness to give a reassuring amount of support, but not too much to strip out the sensitivity. The fact they're made in the EU, and still manage to come in at an affordable price, makes them even more attractive. Unless..." go to full review
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
Light yet solid; simple but effective - DMM's new Spire walking axe and Spire Tech mountaineering axe may not set out to win awards for innovation, but they very competently get the job done. You can spend rather a lot on a fancy axe these days. While I understand the urge to get 'the best', and I'm sad enough to covet a shiny axe as much as the next anorak, I'd say these models from DMM are proof that less showy quality and functionality don't necessarily need to cost a lot. Most of us will..." go to full review
If you have low-volume feet and you're looking for a shoe for smearing, volumes and competitions then the Nitro is a great choice. It's comfortable, extremely flexible and sticky. If you've got slightly wider feet, or are looking for something that has a lot of power on edges, check out the Ocun Bullit.go to full review