Our verdict
Many reviewers say that the Ra is a Tenaya rock climbing shoe that oozes comfort and stuns with precision. It is also considered a highly responsive pair that sticks like a champ, particularly on the edges.
Pros
- Delightfully comfortable climbing shoe
- Superb precision for smearing
- Sufficiently grippy
- Add a product
- Versatile for several climbing disciplines
- Prefer a climbing shoe that delivers precision and power
Cons
- Spacious heel
- Nice to know
- Offers smells bad after a few uses
Who should buy the Tenaya Ra
The Tenaya Ra is capable of helping climbers complete their send projects, granted they find a pair that fits. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a climbing shoe that gives optimal responsiveness, toe power, and comfort for vertical and overhanging routes.
- Nov 7, 2019.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that supplies sufficient grip on most types of surfaces.
Secure foothold
The Ra uses a Vibram XS Grip that helps climbers gain a secure foothold. Its 4mm thickness lets wearers endure harsh rocky surfaces.
Excellent grip
The outsole’s sticky rubber composition delivers grip for toe-in hooking and smearing.
Provides a supportive platform for edging, smearing, and pockets
The Tenaya Ra’s 2D PLT 10 midsole gives users a supportive platform for edging, smearing, and pockets. Its medium-stiff construction allows individuals to perform these climbing techniques.
Nov 7, 2019
Provides a supportive platform for edging, smearing, and pockets.
Secure fit
The Tenaya Ra wraps around the foot using a vegan-friendly microfiber upper. It is lined with TXT-treated cotton material. The shoe is equipped with a Draxtor closure system, which consists of double-backed straps, for fit management.
Easy to wear
The shoe’s toe and heel areas are covered with a rubber rand, making it robust. It has a pair of pull tabs at the rear for easy on and off.
Offers smells bad after a few uses
The Ra gives precision and sensitivity for vertical climbs and overhanging routes. Tenaya also developed the Masai with a number of identical technical advances, albeit for a different purpose. Shown below are some of the similarities shared between these two rock shoes and their corresponding differences.
Application. The Tenaya Masai is efficient and extremely precise on micro edges, cracks, and rounded holds. Like the Ra, it is also used for vertical and moderately overhanging routes.
Closure. While the Ra employs Tenaya’s Draxtor closure technology, the Masai uses a conventional lace-up system. Wearers can get a precise fit by adjusting the shoe’s laces. This type of closure also adapts to a wide assortment of foot widths.
Downturn. Just like the Ra, Tenaya’s Masai is a climbing piece built with a moderate downturn. This design makes the shoe capable of taking on slightly overhung routes.
Outsole. Both the Tenaya Ra and Masai use a 4mm-thick Vibram XS Grip. Its sticky rubber composition renders enough grip that assists climbers when gaining a foothold on most surfaces.
Upper. The Tenaya Masai employs the same microfiber upper from the Ra. It is also lined with TXT-treated cotton. A rubber rand wraps around the shoe that makes it durable.
Fit. The Masai’s synthetic upper prevents the shoe from stretching. It is crafted on a narrow and symmetrical last. The rock shoe comes with a low-volume heel design which supplies the user with a snug fit. Meanwhile, the Tenaya Ra, as mentioned above, is built around a mid-width, mid-volume asymmetric last offering comfort. Stretching is also prevented thanks to its synthetic upper.
Nice to know
- Those who wish to explore other vegan-friendly options may take a look at climbing shoes manufactured by Evolv.
- Buyers who need aggressive climbing kicks for overcoming boulders and steep sports routes may want to consider the Butora Acro.
