4 The heels of the Block Runner shoe from The Flame in 2023
Since 2003, the Evolv brand has continued to build an impressive lineup of world-class climbing shoes. The label has gained the trust of both professional athletes and weekend warriors for its award-winning designs and high-quality performance-ready rock-climbing kicks.
If you are looking for an excellent heel cup fit and remarkable edging capability, then the top-rated Evolv Oracle or Phantom is definitely worth the investment. For entry-level pieces, the all-around Nighthawk and the best-selling Defy model would be amazing choices. Both of them also come with a budget-friendly price tag.
To help you in your search, we’ve listed and ranked 10+ of the best Evolv climbing shoes available in the market. We based our selection on the rigorous testing we executed for each shoe. As seasoned climbers, we also generated our respective in-depth reviews for them. We’ve also highlighted our recommended picks in various categories.
Best Evolv climbing shoes overall
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Glove-like fit
- Bouldering champ
- Strong heel hooking
- New Adidas Original Tubular Runner Sneakers Men Red Mono
- How to clean waterproof hiking shoes
Cons
- Ultra-high asking price
- Poor smearing performance
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I really liked the shoes | Best all-around Evolv climbing shoes
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Oozing comfort
- Quick break-in time
- Remarkably grippy
- Impressive climbing performance
- Competent all-rounder
- Super-secure lockdown system
Cons
- Inability to fight off the stink
- Lack of sensitivity
- you must admit that we all benefit from improvements in shoe technology
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Best Evolv climbing shoes for edging
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Adidas Ultra Boost 21 Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers FY0396
- Round-toe slip-on sandals
- Super-quick break-in period
- The heel hooks like a champ
- Customizable lacing system
- Impressive comfort
- Remarkable stickiness
Cons
- Toe-hooking capability is below average
- Converse Canvas Shoes Sneakers 157707C
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Best Evolv climbing shoes for narrow feet
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Incredible comfort
- Amazing edging performance
- Secure fit
- Superbly grippy outsole
- Best Shoes At The 2015 Tony Awards
- Adidas originals superstar metal gold toe triple white fv3311 womens sneakers
Cons
- you must admit that we all benefit from improvements in shoe technology
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Comparison of the 4 best Evolv climbing shoes
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I really liked the shoes | How we test climbing shoes
For this selection, we identify the top performers through a battery of tests. We carefully examine each model to check its overall quality and commercial features. We slip into the shoes to try them in actual trad climbing or bouldering outside and in the gym.
Here are the steps we take:
- We purchase all pairs of climbing kicks from Evolv from our own pocket. We invest our own resources to unlimited our objectivity and unbiased approach.
- We put in the hours of climbing to evaluate the break-in period, comfort, outsole grip, edging capability, heel and hooking efficacy, lacing system, and overall value. We subject each model to the wear and tear of climbing and bouldering and see their strengths and weaknesses.
- We also get down to a data-driven approach: lab testing! Here, we take different measurements and compare them to average values to give them more substance and context. We also split open the boots to study them from the inside out.
