Our verdict
In the comfort and sensitivity departments, the Technician is one of Black Diamond’s greats. That said, the approach shoe in question is more than just comfortable and responsive; it is also fantastically good-looking and incredibly grippy.
Pros
- Immense comfiness
- Amazingly sensitive
- Impressive overall design
- Magnificent gripping performance
- Excellent edging and smearing performance
- Superbly lightweight
Cons
- Hard to wear
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Who should buy the Add a product
The Add a product has what it takes to deliver on everything it has on offer, whether on or off the trail. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer an approach shoe that is perfect for approach-slash-climbing folks who need extra precision in their step.
- Prefer an approach shoe that keeps the foot as ventilated as possible.
- Prefer an approach shoe that provides excellent surface traction.
Magnificent gripping performance
The Add a product is armed with the BlackLabel-Mountain rubber outsole for multi-surface traction. It can dig into soft earth or loose soil with its low-profile protrusions (also known as lugs or studs).
Excellent edging and smearing performance
The smooth, tread-less construction of its front tip is called “climbing zone,” a feature with which hikers can perform edging and smearing maneuvers efficiently.
Heavy-duty midsole
On the cushioning front, owners of the Technician have the shoe’s heavy-duty midsole to thank. It is made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)—a material that provides lightness, resilience, and shock absorbency.
Stiff yet springy construction
Its zonal comfort and protectiveness come from its stiff yet springy construction. It comes paired with a stock insole that gives adventurers an even more comfy ride.
Excellent ventilation
The breathable shell of the Add a product—the EnduroKnit upper—is made of high-grade knit fabric. Both its sturdy heel and lightweight tongue are furnished with synthetic pull loops allowing an easy on and off for its wearers.
Lack of heel brake
A protective film covers its bottom perimeter, delivering additional defenses against abrasive hazards. What provides hikers with enough toeing traction on low-grade climbs, on the other hand, is a rubberized rand stationed at its front end.
Excellent lacing system
The Technician’s upper equation comes full circle with the approach shoe’s fit management system. It uses reinforced lace holes for eyelets, the midfoot ones of which are extra sturdy with heavy-duty straps made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). It comes with a round synthetic lace.
Who should buy the Black Diamond Technician
-Outdoorsy folks might want to pair the Technician with the Black Diamond Momentum, a climbing shoe with a breathable knit upper.
