Our verdict
Often likened to the La Sportiva TC Pro, the Yosemite Bum from Evolv delivers convincing tenacity where cracks are present. There's a big amount of support going on here, making it a shoe that conquers edge-filled routes quite effortlessly. Also spotlight-worthy in this downturn-less climbing shoe is its overall comfy fit, which lessens the need to take off the shoe in between pitches.
Pros
- Excels on edges
- A fit-tastic Evolv climbing shoe
- Snug but not tight
- High-level precision
- Comfortable
- Exceptionally grippy
- Eye-catching design
- A winner on fit
Cons
- A winner on fit
- Quite pricey
Who should buy the Evolv Yosemite Bum
Track and field:
- You're after uncambered climbing shoes that perform excellently on big-wall or trad ascents.
- Extra ankle protection is what you need on the crack-laden routes you take on.
- You rely on smearing or smedging when transitions become tricky.
Who should buy the Evolv Yosemite Bum
With no criticisms about the lifespan of its rigidity, the Evolv Kronos is a fine alternative to the Yosemite Bum. And if you're into crack climbing shoes You rely on smearing or smedging when transitions become tricky Black Diamond Momentum instead.
Yosemite Bum: The wizard of edging
Many climbers find the Yosemite Bum remarkable on edge-type footholds. One of them says it "provides plenty of support" on ledges. "I can edge in these things like crazy," says another.
Fantastic in fissures
The Yosemite Bum makes scaling fissures a walk in the park. An experienced sender says that it's "promising for thin cracks."
A fit-tastic Evolv climbing shoe
Climbers are impressed with the fit of the beginner-friendly Yosemite Bum. Take a look at these rave remarks:
- "A winner on fit."
- "These work perfectly with a wider foot like mine."
- "Fits like a dream." (This is from someone who has Morton's toe.)
Peak-level control in the Evolv Yosemite Bum
This multi-pitch climbing shoe from Evolv doesn't feel sloppy at all. It gets on various wall features and holds with extra precision. Besides that, the shoe also delivers incredible adhesion. "The rubber is amazingly sticky," says a seasoned trad sender.
Rigid but not forever
Among the Yosemite Bum's few missteps is its tendency to go soft (at the forefoot) way too soon. A non-professional reviewer says, "The midsole stiffness drops incredibly quickly." Because of this, he says that instead of edging, he is forced to smedge (smear + edge) in the shoe.
Yosemite Bum equals comfy ascents
Comfort-wise, the featured camber-free climbing shoe is pretty impressive. "The wide toe box provides comfort without sacrificing too much accuracy," says a stoked climber.
Something that catches the eye
There are those who applaud the Yosemite Bum's aesthetics. Supporting their observation are the comments "These look sweet" and "another good-looking competitor to the TCs."
Not for the frugal climber
The Evolv Yosemite Bum at $205 a pop isn't exactly for the masses. It's indeed a super-expensive piece as it's $93 pricier than the average cost of neutral climbing shoes.
These work perfectly with a wider foot like mine
You may have this climbing shoe resoled for the first time without spending anything. "They come with one free resole!" says a delighted sender about their Yosemite Bums.
