Comments on: Evolv Unisex Optimus Prime Climbing Shoe

By: Mandy Jane

Mandy Jane — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:20:01 +0000

This was my second pair of rock climbing shoes. My first were Mad Rocks. I love these shoes. I have used them so much that I have blown a hole in the toes. Usually I look around to try another product and compare. However, I will stick with these shoes. Wonderful for climbing. In a few weeks I will take them outside and see what they are like outside of the gym.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Ronald A. Dickson

Ronald A. Dickson — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:02:18 +0000

These are the shoes that I turn to when I mean business. You can really power off of footholds with the downturned last and get full extension without worrying about your foot blowing off. They snag and grab hold of the rock. I have had mine for over a year and they are still going strong. They are sensitive and have a killer heel. Size a half size down or equivalent to your shoe size.
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Walker L Kearney

Walker L Kearney — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:34:49 +0000

fantastic shoes! exceptional for steeper climbing as the down-turned toes helps toes in and the snug fit provides great heel-hooking. climb very well on less horizontal things but they really shine when you get upside down. might not be the best shoe to hike between problems all day but if you want performance these guys do the trick. i size up a half size from other evolv shoes.
Rating: 4 / 5

By: David Sharratt

David Sharratt — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:19:08 +0000

This is Evolve’s high performance downturned climbing shoe designed by Chris Sharma. For a shoe of this type (specialized for steep hard climbing) it is exceptionally comfortable and versatile. I often see beginner-intermediate climbers using this shoe and having fun — which says a lot! Try another company’s “secret weapon” model on anything but the gnar-gnar and you will feel like your big toe is about to break. The key to this comfort is a less asymetric last while creating an aggressive downturned shape that stays through the life of the shoe. This model also features a deep high volume heel cup which fits and performs very well for me. The Optimus Primes have helped me step it up on gently overhanging to severely overhanging terrain – thanks Evolv!
Rating: 5 / 5

By: Elizabeth L. Colley

Elizabeth L. Colley — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:51:07 +0000

I have been extremely pleased with the performance and durability of my optimus primes. Their downturned last maintains its shape with extended use. It has a great balance of comfort and performance. I found that they are my favorite shoe for vertical to steep terrain. They have just the right amount of stiffness to be great for edging but are soft enough for sensitivity. The heel cup is deep and feels very secure for heel hooking. I highly recommend the primes to anyone!
Rating: 5 / 5