Our verdict
In a nutshell, the Evolv Rave is a captivating product in terms of comfort. That said, its greatness is a concerted effort, whose key players include the shoe’s supportiveness, sticky outsole, and spacious toe room. The shoe in question, however, might deter some climbers with its flimsy pull loops.
Pros
- Magnificently comfortable
- Admirable tackiness
- Phenomenal high-quality rock shoe
- Prefer a climbing shoe that provides adequate surface traction
- Reassuringly snug
Cons
- Frail pull loops
- Add a product
updated Jun 7, 2023
The Evolv Rave is far from being a tough sell, thanks to its short-but-enticing collection of send-specific features. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a climbing shoe that delivers extra protection.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that provides adequate surface traction.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that provides adequate surface traction.
Evolv Rave notable features
- Dubbed by Evolv as a shoe for specialist senders, the Rave provides climbing precision without sacrificing comfort. Its high-quality reinforcements and the simplicity of its design translate to a straightforward shoe that lasts.
- This slipper-type climbing shoe is engineered with two Evolv-owned technologies: TRAX and Variable Thickness Rand (VTR). The former, a.k.a. TRAX-SAS, provides adequate surface traction, particularly underfoot. The latter, on the other hand, delivers extra protection around the shoe’s high-wear sections, all while lessening pressure points where the rubber is thinner.
Profile
Downturn. The Evolv Rave comes without a downturn, essentially making it a neutral climbing shoe. Kicks without a downward camber are usually sufficiently supportive on edge-type projections. Lasting comfort is expected of downturn-less rock shoes like the Rave.
Applications. This offering from Evolv is an all-around performer that specializes in ascending slabs. Its build quality renders it capable of taking on both man-made routes and rocky surfaces.
Fit
Evolv’s Rave is a low-collared slipper built specifically for male and female climbers. Because it is a unisex shoe, it requires women to go down one and a half sizes for a snug and precise fit.
Its moderate asymmetry equates to some pressure around the arch and the big toe. Wearers can expect to get some stretch out of it (about a full-size top) with time and regular use. A secure fit in it is courtesy of the shoe’s stretchy instep and collar.
Secures ascent climbing
This asymmetric, neutral rock climbing shoe relies largely on its proprietary TRAX-SAS outsole in giving climbers a secure ascent, whether on plastic or rock.
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The compound that powers it has virtually equal amounts of stickiness and durability. It is 4.2 mm thick.
Prefer a climbing shoe that delivers extra protection
The Rave provides enough support underfoot thanks to its full-length midsole.
Why trust us
The Rave provides enough support underfoot thanks to its full-length midsole. It has an overall thickness of 1 mm. Evolv engineers furnished it with what the brand calls Arch Wings—a feature that bolsters the shoe’s arch support.
Quick and easy to wear
The Evolv Rave’s below-the-ankle upper is made of leather. Its interior is unlined. Both sides of its heel have a synthetic pull loop each, making slipping in and out of the shoe quick and easy.
The Rave provides enough support underfoot thanks to its full-length midsole
Walling its lower perimeter is the VTR, which provides a combination of upper-level traction and abrasion protection. On the other hand, its heel has a tensioned rand, whose presence grants ample sticking power on heel hooks.
Frail pull loops
What locks the foot in place in the Rave is the shoe’s slipper-type closure. It consists of gartered gore panels, which are highly elastic and durable.
