13 minute read
CLIMBING SHOES
A climbing shoe is the indispensable ally to guarantee confidence on holds. Shape, softness, closure system. How to move in this universe? The choice is strongly linked to the type of climbing (bouldering, crag, gym) and the more or less prolonged use that you will face. But first of all, you need to find the right product based on the level of experience and frequency of use.
Beginner
Novice climbers should prefer models that help the foot to work properly and that gradually develop the necessary muscles. Those who start climbing need a comfortable, basically rigid and supportive product designed to gradually adapt to something more performing. A straight and symmetrical shoe, with a neutral and flat shape, is perfect for becoming familiar with the holds. Avoid specific shoes but focus on all-round models with a relaxed fit. Do not listen to the advice of friends, and choose your normal size. Prefer comfort, you will have plenty of time to suffer.
Intermediate
Are you looking for improvements on the wall? You can start choosing a balanced shoe that compensates for the level of performance with softness, with a tendentially asymmetrical and slightly arched shape. The first factor will allow you to be more precise and effectively use the edges of the shoe, the second to optimize the thrust and power on the holds. If you mostly climb indoors, you will need a more flexible shoe that will allow greater feeling on artificial walls. If you climb on crags or on natural rocks, you will need a stiffer sole that allows you to save energy on long routes and to push better on smaller holds. To optimize performance, start considering one size smaller than your standard one.
Expert
If you are a performing athlete, these notions will probably be your daily bread. Whether it’s boulders, crags or multi-pitch routes, you need to combine precision, adjustability and optimal grip. There is no doubt about this: the more arched is a shoe, the more aggressive it is, therefore suitable for an expert climber. The asymmetrical shape and a softer sole will guarantee excellent flexibility and greater sensitivity on micro holds. Carefully evaluate the choice of the size. Very often it seems that the more numbers you subtract from your shoes, the more you prove to be valiant climbers. In reality, exaggeratedly tight shoes can not only be harmful to the health of the feet, but also useless from the point of view of performance.
Velcro or laces?
We could define the laces/Velcro issue as a personal preference. The substantial difference translates into practicality. Needless to say, if you have to wear and take off your shoes often (if you do bouldering or a lot of indoor climbing) the advice is to opt for Velcro closures that are easier and faster to wear. Shoes with laces require more preparation time, but allow you to tighten the shoe as much as possible with more precise adjustments and personalized adherence to the foot, which is only partially possible with Velcro.
ZENIST
Designed for the competition climber who needs the most feedback from their shoes during precise foot placements and delicate heel and toe hooks. The Vegan synthetic upper built on an aggressively profiled last will ensure your foot is always in a power position and that the shoe will not stretch too much over time. Rubber midsole that provides just the right amount of rigidity without sacrificing the sensitivity. Also available in the female version.
GESHIDO VELCRO
For the climber that needs to excel on all types of terrain from moderately overhanging, to vertical, to off-vertical faces for long periods of time. Built with a single later vegan synthetic upper, a synthetic upper will undergo less stretch than a leather upper, which will, in turn, keep the shoe feeling tighter and more powerful. It has a 2 strap hook and loop closure system for easy on and off. Equipped with a 1.2 full-length plastic midsole that will ensure that you have enough power to drive through small features and provide confidence during those technical sequences. Also available in the female version.
Upper Synthetic Midsole MX-P 1.2mm full length, Dark Spine heel Sole 4.2mm Trax SAS € 139,00 Upper Synthetic Midsole MX-R 1.0mm half length rubber Sole 4.2mm Trax SAS € 145,00
GESHIDO LACE
Designed for the climber that needs to excel on all types of terrain. The single layer leather upper paired with the 3/4 length lace closure system will allow the shoe to mold to your foot over time, giving you that perfect custom fit and then allow you to sinch the shoe up when you need some extra power to drive through small features and confidence during those technical sequences. It has a thinner heel rand to yield when the route goes past vertical but is paired with a dark spine heel midsole to ensure that there is plenty of rigidity and power to the toes when needed. Also available in the female version.
Upper Leather Midsole MX-P 1.2mm full length, Dark Spine heel Sole 4.2mm Trax SAS € 145,00
ARAGON
Shoe with double velcro lacing ideal for beginners and for all climbers who need a comfortable and quick product to put on. Perfect for use in indoor gyms. The unlined leather upper gives greater adaptability to the foot.
Anniversary edition of the famous climbing shoe present in the collection since 1991, made with eco-friendly materials. Ideal for long routes and prolonged use on the wall. Adherent FriXion White sole and patented lacing system for maximum volume adjustment. Multi-purpose shoe dedicated to both bouldering and lead indoor climbing, ideal for those looking for comfort and versatility. Unlined upper in microfiber and suede for elasticity and comfort. The newly developed heel integrated into the sole offers grip.
Model ideal for indoor climbing. It features a microfiber and suede upper, newly designed heel integrated into the sole, toe cap integrated into the toe edge and construction designed to be resoled easily. Breathable model in knit fabric with a modern and captivating look. Ideal for use in indoor gyms and for sport climbing. It features a lightweight and breathable upper, an injected shell for greater comfort and a Vibram XS-Grip sole.
Climbing shoe with Vibram XS Grip sole. Lightweight and breathable upper that wraps the foot like a sock thanks to the soft and elastic fabric. It gives perfect adaptability to the different volumes of the foot thanks to the knit fabric upper.
Upper Suede leather tubular construction Midsole LaspoFlex 1.1mm Sole FriXion Black G 220 € 95,00
KUBO ZENIT
Upper Knit fabric + leather insole Midsole LaSpoflex 1.8mm Sole Vibram XS Edge 4mm G 230 € 109,00
MYTHOS 30TH ANNIVERSARY KUBO ZENIT
Upper Eco suede calfskin with metal-free eco-tanning Midsole LaSpoFlex 1.1mm complete Sole FriXion White G 510 € 119,00 Upper Unlined microfiber + suede calf insole Midsole LaSpoflex 1.1mm complete + P3 System Sole Vibram XS Edge 4mm G 200 € 129,00
Upper Unlined microfiber + suede calf insole Midsole LaSpoflex 1.1mm complete + P3 System Sole Vibram XS Edge 4mm G 170 € 129,00 Upper Knit fabric + leather insole Midsole LaSpoflex 1.8mm Sole Vibram XS Edge 4mm G 230 € 109,00
BOOSTIC
Ideal for technical climbing, where continuous support on the micro-supports is essential. The asymmetrical and arched shape is combined with a pre-shaped flexan insert to obtain maximum power in the tip on the smallest edges.
A sensitive slipper, ideal for the modern climber with extended rubber coverage on both the toe and the heel, ideal for all hooking possibilities. Asymmetrical and downturned shape with a medium-to-high angled toe box for excellent toe sensitivity. Optimal for precision climbing, with the right flexibility to adapt well to grip supports. The Tri-Tension tensioning system guarantees flexibility and precision while supporting the entire arch of the foot.
Model with more extended rubber lining on the heel and toe which makes it ideal for hooking possibilities. The reduced volume with asymmetrical and arched shape gives excellent sensitivity. The PCB-tension system ensures maximum flexibility. Appreciated by climbers for its ability to cope with almost all climbing terrain, it adapts perfectly to a large variety of footholds and angles. It is slightly asymmetrical, downturned shape, with a medium angled toe box.
Appreciated by climbers thanks to its versatility on different terrains. It perfectly adapts to a wide range of supports and hooking possibilities. It has a reduced volume with a slightly asymmetrical and arched shape with a moderately compressed position of the toes.
Upper Multi panel microfiber + Alcantara panel Midsole 1mm Flexan insert Sole Vibram XS Edge 3.5mm G 235 € 164,00
DRAGO
Upper Multi panel microfiber Midsole 1mm Flexan insert Sole Vibram XS Grip 2 3.5mm G 200 € 145,00
BOOSTER
Upper Multi panel microfiber + Alcantara panel Midsole Flexan insert Sole Vibram XS Grip 2 3.5mm G 245 € 159,00
DRAGO LV
Upper Multi panel microfiber Midsole 1mm Flexan insert Sole Vibram XS Grip 2 3.5mm G 215 € 145,00
INSTINCT
Upper Multi panel microfiber + PU Midsole Flexan insert Sole Vibram XS Edge 3.5mm G 225 € 135,00
INSTINCT
Upper Multi panel microfiber Midsole 1mm Flexan insert Sole Vibram XS Grip 2 3.5mm G 200 € 135,00
INDALO
Aggressive and with extraordinary adaptability to the many positions of the foot, it offers maximum control on micro edges. At the same time it retains all the good qualities for friction climbing. Ideal for bouldering and overhanging routes.
Perfect combination of form and flexibility enabling precision. It features a close, glove-like fit, providing maximum responsiveness in all types of climbing situations. Aggressive yet balanced, it is ideal for overhanging routes and boulder problems. Powerful and responsive in all situations. Ideal for vertical and overhanging routes and bouldering. It features a sticky rubber that covers the upper part of the toe-box and instep providing protection against abrasion. Glove-like fit.
New version specifically adapted to the anatomy of the female foot. A versatile shoe created to achieve a perfect balance between ultimate responsiveness and maximum transfer of power from the toes when standing on tiny footholds. A curved climbing shoe that works both on vertical walls and on overhanging routes and boulder problems. Its design and system of construction let the heel sit lower while climbing and it is responsive and comfortable in every situation.
Designed for the female foot. It works well on friction slabs and boulder problems. The angle of the toe-box and aggressively curved shape allow the heel to sit lower providing a greater feel and control while the Bellows tongue gives breathability.
Lining TXT treated cotton Upper Microfiber Midsole GX 1.4 & TST 100 Sole Vibram XS Grip 3.5mm G 257,5 € 151,90
MASTIA
Upper Microfiber Midsole Double midsole GI 1.8 y TST 150 Sole Vibram XS Grip 3.5mm G 330 € 139,90
OASI
Lining TXT treated cotton Upper Microfiber Midsole Double midsole GI 1.8 & TST 150 Sole Vibram XS Grip 3.5mm G 340 € 130,90
MUNDAKA
Lining TXT treated cotton Upper Microfiber Midsole Double midsole GI 1.8 y TST 150 Sole Vibram XS Grip 3.5mm G 340 € 139,90
RA
Lining TXT treated cotton Upper Microfiber Midsole 2D PLT 10 Sole Vibram XS Grip 4mm G 340 € 117,90
OASI LV
Upper Microfiber Midsole TDouble midsole GI 1.8 & TST 150 Sole Vibram XS Grip 3.5 mm G 340 € 130,90
FLAGSHIP
Ideal from pinpoint precision work on high, outdoor sport routes, to low-percentage toe hooks in competition finals. It features a toe cap made of durable high-friction rubber and a simple onestrap closure system that provides a secure fit.
High-performance, slip-on moccasin that pays homage to the founder of the original sticky rubber. Outfitted with an asymmetrical toe for precision footwork and a Velcro closure for a snug fit. The front boasts a wrap-over randing covering the forefoot. Signature model by Tomoa Narasaki. Complete with a slingshot heel design for sensitive heel hooking. The stiff midsole produces an aggressive downturn that can still stand on small footholds. The rounded toe allows margin for error on dynamic foot movements.
Developed specifically for the Olympics Speed Climbing category. This moccasin-style slipper has been built to be soft and supple, providing a sensitive feel while gliding up a competition wall at maximum speed. Perfect also for a gym-style trainer. This down-turned, moderately aggressive shoe uses a RS rubber and has been updated with wrap-over randing for precise toe hooks and scums. A new lightweight and robust 2:1 closure has been introduced for easy on/off when at the gym or the crag.
The softest shoe in the UP family. The front piece VD rubber sole with RS heel sole and soft midsole allow for total freedom while climbing. It has the ability to stick to the most imperceptible smears and enough power to toe down and throw heel hooks.
Upper Micro synthetic Midsole Micro synthetic Sole RS rubber/RH rubber G 237 € 179,90
UP RISE PRO
Upper Solo suede Midsole Solo suede Sole RH rubber G 272 € 159,90
TN PRO
Upper Synthetic suede Midsole Synthetic suede Sole RH rubber G 238 € 169,90
UP DUEL
Upper Micro synthetic Midsole Micro synthetic Sole RH rubber G 234,5 € 129,90
LYRA
Upper Solo suede Midsole Solo suede Sole RS rubber G 222 € 179,90
LEOPARD II
Upper Tirrenina Synthetic Split Midsole Tirrenina Synthetic Split Sole VD rubber/RS rubber G 187 € 169,90
UNPARALLEL FLAGSHIP
High-end all-round to get the most out of any type of climbing.
Unparallel’s new flagship is designed to offer allround performance, from bouldering to crags to World Cup competitions. Flagship features a synthetic upper with a large, extremely adaptive rubber toecap. The simple yet effective single velcro strap closure system provides a personalized and secure fit. The sole is equipped with a double compound: in the front 3.5mm of soft and adherent RS (Real Supreme) rubber to have the best support in vertical sections and model itself on small grips without transferring weight to the wrong points. On the 4.2mm heel of RH (Real Honor) rubber tougher for all-round performance on the rocks and solidity in the hooks. By dividing the sole in two, the Flagship achieves maximum stiffness and power on the toe while maintaining sensitivity on the rest of the foot. The heel is well tensioned, and the level of support around the forefoot is really great. A downturned profile shoe to help you redefine your next goals. A true all-rounder, precise and correctly sized.
WE LIKE The separate dual compound sole to offer specific performance.
TONGUE
Elastic G 237 € 179,90
STRAP
Synthetic Leather Webbing
UPPER
Micro Synthetic
MIDSOLE
Micro Synthetic
SOLE
RS rubber/RH rubber