Climbing shoe rubber comparison. These were our favorites.

Climbing shoe rubber comparison. These were our favorites.

Climbing shoe rubber comparison. Sep 13, 2024 · This study examines the tribological properties of climbing shoe rubbers, challenging the common belief in the climbing community that softer rubbers are inherently grippier. Sep 20, 2019 · See our in-depth review of the Scarpa Instinct VS climbing shoe, with details on the Instinct VS's performance, sensitivity, fit and sizing, and more. Ow. Both the Crux, and the Boulder X have Vibram soles, whereas their predecessors had stickier, thinner, dot-tread like soles. Led by legendary shoe designer Heinz Mariacher, the Scarpa team has developed a wide range of propriety technology including some seriously sticky rubber, a few interesting rands, and a wide range of unique last shapes. I have the following shoes to resole Ocun ozone - The rubber was very light and easy to feel the holds and flexible. See our full list of Vibram climbing shoes now. Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. Aug 19, 2023 · The sole is made of Vibram XS Edge rubber and EVA foam. See the La Sportiva Authorised Resoler page, FAQ's page for more information and see the Mountain Equipment article link. But finding the right shoes is about more than finding a pair with the best fit and stickiest rubber. Mar 19, 2024 · Ten testers wore a dozen pairs over the span of two months tackling a variety of climbing to find the best climbing shoes. Apr 29, 2025 · The two researchers and equal first authors of the study came up with the idea of testing the rubber from their own climbing shoes using the same scientific methods they use to analyze car tires. 8 months is a totally reasonable amount of time to need a resole, especially climbing outside. The rubber used in climbing shoes plays a crucial role in a climber’s performance, providing the necessary grip, durability, and sensitivity required for different types of climbing. Jul 7, 2025 · See our guide to the best rock climbing shoes of 2025, with reviews of the year’s top climbing shoes from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Evolv, Butora, and more. It's very important that your shoes Jan 7, 2025 · When choosing climbing shoes, beginners often overlook how crucial factors like climbing style, shoe shape, fit, and closure systems are for comfort and performance. Dec 9, 2018 · In general terms, softer rubber is grippier rubber, but Graphene technology means you may soon have all that grip, but without the accelerated wear. If you're looking for shoes with rubber that will last longer than that you'll need some hiking boots. A stiff pair of shoes is great for edging, which Vibram XS GRIP was the first compound that represented the new generation of Vibram high performance climbing rubbers. Dec 18, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Vapor Slipper for wider toes, if you like sensitive, for bouldering and sport climbing. Unsurprisingly, XS Grip 2 is the most used outsole Touted as a favorite by some of their biggest brand ambassadors and a leader in the No-Edge revolution, the La Sportiva Futura has changed the way we think about climbing shoes. The Fit of the Scarpa Drago Depending on your preference you can buy this at street The Evolv Agro was my former go-to bouldering and sport climbing shoe before Evolv retired this model in 2022. This rubber sole provides good edging ability as well as comfort for long days of climbing. It has a flatter profile that suits slab and crack climbing as well as vertical and overhanging routes. As an Official La Sportiva resoler, we carry and supply La Sportiva Original Spare Parts (rubber soles) for most of La Sportiva climbing shoe models. Mar 24, 2023 · The Drone Comp Series (CS) is a highly aggressive asymmetrical bouldering shoe—a softer counterpart to the classic Drone—that excels on steep outdoor climbs and gym volumes. Using a less thick rubber compound in this way means you have far more sensitivity in the heel. Whether you're smearing on a friction slab, edging on steep terrain, or placing gear on a trad route, the right rubber enhances grip, durability, and control. Size 1 down or 2 euro down from street shoe for performance fit. I would like to choose a rubber with similar styles for each shoe. The La Sportiva Skwama vs Solution, who is the winner? Jul 16, 2025 · We've tested a bunch of shoes to find the best climbing shoes for you. 5 down from your street shoe for comfort fit. Also surprisingly durable for a high performance shoe, lasted 8 months before I resoled them could have probably pushed it another month or 2. Up to you and try what fits you best on different kind of walls. Dec 7, 2023 · Vibram climbing shoes have earnt a reputation over the last few decades as being some of the most reliable and high-performance shoes available. In this study, we investigated RDCs intentionally incorporated into climbing shoes for Jun 22, 2018 · In a sport full of edges and ledges, La Sportiva is helping climbers bring out their best performance with the exact opposite. Also offering levels of comfort previously unheard of in such high performance shoes. Apr 16, 2025 · So we thought we’d compile a list of our favorite sport climbing shoes—the shoes that our editors and testers choose to climb in when we’re not testing new shoes. Size 1. These materials are developed for key attributes, such as abrasion resistance, flexibility, step sensitivity, slip control, and grip, in order for them to function efectively across indoor and outdoor conditions and Discover the best climbing shoe rubber designed for optimal performance on the rock face. Fairly Stiff. Climbing shoe rubber is the single most important part of the shoe. Rubber Both Scarpa and La Sportiva prominently use Vibram rubber for the vast majority of their shoes. Boreal mutants - Felt very good at smearing and very grippy. Jul 29, 2025 · We tested 30 top-rated climbing shoes in the gym, crag, and bouldering to find the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and mid-level climbers, with winners from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Black Diamond and Evolv Mar 7, 2025 · Climbing shoes also feature sticky, rubber soles that keep your feet on the wall. The La Sportiva Skwama vs Solution, who is the winner? Nov 11, 2023 · La Sportiva has some amazing climbing shoes, but with over 38 different models available, it’s not always easy to work out which shoe is best suited to you. Sep 18, 2022 · Being a softer, more sensitive climbing shoe, the Skwama naturally features a thinner heel cup. Veryst Engineering performed friction and compression testing of two climbing shoe rubbers to quantify and compare their performance. No-Edge climbing shoe technology brings the foot closer to the rock. Jun 14, 2013 · One of the interesting changes in approach shoes at this pricepoint ($100) is the transition from proprietary dot-tread climbing shoe rubber outsoles to molded Vibram rubber outsoles with a more hiker-friendly tread pattern. "We wondered whether, like tire particles in outdoor environments, climbing shoes particles could become resuspended in indoor air. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! I'm getting my shoes resoles and I have the choice of which rubber to chose for them. Jan 22, 2025 · When climbing any vertical face, the sticky rubber of your climbing shoes allows for traction and precise footwork to help you ascend to new heights. It's very important that your shoes May 16, 2025 · In reply to Aled Williams: The differences is rubber will vary on temperature etc and unless using them right on the limits of coefficient of friction, with all other factors being equal mortals and even climbing gods often won't notice a difference. May 12, 2012 · I was looking at climbing shoes on the web and got to thinking which is actually the best rubber as there are some very different ones available From my own experience I have used the Vibram of Scarpa which I didn't get on with felt it didn't suit my technically rubbish climbing style (ha) I then went with Evolv and found them to be 'stickier' the zenith of all the rubbers seem to be the Jul 22, 2020 · With climbing becoming Olympic and all that involves, I see a future with short life very sticky shoes geared towards comps. Jul 13, 2020 · Clearing up some misconceptions about climbing shoe rubber and talk about why it’s important to pay attention in choosing hard rubber or soft rubber climbing shoes. In comparison to other performance rock shoes the toe rand is pretty underwhelming, meaning you do have to place your foot accurately and deliberately to the toe hook. Include visual indicators pointing out key signs to look for when determining if shoes need resoling. Does your statement in regard to Science Friction being not the stickiest rubber also apply to XF as well? Jun 19, 2018 · A side-by-side comparison of the La Sportiva Solution and Scarpa Instinct VS, including similarities, differences, sizing, stretch, and more. Size 0. Despite La Sportiva’s S Heel, a rubber strip that aims to give the heel cup greater structural integrity Mar 12, 2025 · A sturdy pair of sticky rubber approach shoes can help you get to the crag while saving your feet for the real climbing; (Photo/Miya Tsudome) Support us! Scarpa Shoe Tech Scarpa’s R&D department is responsible for some of the most interesting shoe developments we have seen in recent years. Feb 22, 2020 · A complete guide to how to choose climbing shoes, designed to help you understand all of the jargon and find the perfect fit rock climbing shoes. Before choosing a rubber, we […] Jan 11, 2022 · Discover the best climbing shoes in 2025 with our analysis to pick the most suitable model. Engineered for precision and support, these shoes provide a snug fit that maximizes sensitivity and control. Here’s a overview of the different types of rubber used in climbing shoes. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, the Mar 17, 2025 · Read our guide to find the top budget-friendly rock climbing shoes that provide good comfort and support without breaking the bank. A stiff shoe typically has a harder, thicker rubber (at least 4mm), while a soft shoe will have thinner rubber (less than 4mm). From their proprietary rubber formula, known as Trax rubber, to their Dark Spine and VTR (variable thickness rands), the R&D team at Evolv HQ rarely disappoints when it comes to cool climbing tech. May 16, 2025 · EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and Rubber soles are among the most prominent choices in the footwear industry worldwide. Basics still apply, harder rubber will edge better, softer compounds smear, so it's often impossible to compare anyway, because a shoes Jan 11, 2022 · Discover the best climbing shoes in 2025 with our analysis to pick the most suitable model. THEORY - VERSATILITY Dynamic Technology™ and edge performance creates a versatile shoe for competition and high performance climbing. . Has anyone here ever had a resole done with different rubber than the manufacturer? I'd like to add, I am also hoping to resole a pair of Mad Rock Sharks which use R2 rand rubber. Understanding their differences and similarities is essential for selecting the right footwear for various activities, from casual walking to intense Features THEORY - TOE CAP Rubber coated toe cap promotes confidence on toe hooks, toe scums, or heel-toe cam techniques. Its sensitivity and versatility, coupled with the soft rubber, make it a valuable asset for climbers seeking a high-performance climbing shoe. Click below to learn more about each rubber compound. Mar 17, 2025 · Read our guide to find the top budget-friendly rock climbing shoes that provide good comfort and support without breaking the bank. While we’re reviewing the High Volume (HV) model here, a Low Volume (LV) model is now also Overall, the Scarpa Drago is an excellent choice for shorter sport-climbing routes and overhanging bouldering problems. Nov 11, 2023 · There are virtually endless types of climbing shoes available, and with over 500 different shoes currently on the market, it can be a pretty daunting experience trying to decide on your next pair of climbing shoes. Get the best deal on climbing shoes but make sure that Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. The solution is still my favorite sport climbing shoe that I have tried, precise and makes me feel confident on even the smallest feet. The right pair can make the difference between sticking the crux or potentially taking a whipper. Stored in an oven at the correct temperature, wiped down with alcohol by a lackey before the climber starts. This affords you great precision in footwork and heel placement, but it does come at a price. Offers a good compromise between grip, edging, and durability on large typology of surfaces. Jan 2, 2024 · Both the bottom and top of the shoe are coated in sticky rubber, which makes these beasts best suited for steep climbing, gymnastic bouldering with toe and heel hooks, or enduro limestone routes with tufa pinches and sneaky kneebars. Apr 24, 2025 · There is growing concern about rubber-derived compounds (RDCs), predominantly originating from tire and road wear particles. 5 down if you’re Uber performance or like really tight shoes. Nov 11, 2023 · Shoe Materials Let’s start this head-to-head comparison by looking at the materials both companies use to make their climbing shoes. After all, nobody wants to struggle with discomfort when tackling a new route, feeling secure and confident in one’s footwear can make all the difference. Finding Your Sole Rubber matters!Stack the odds in your favour by choosing a sole that suits your style of climbing. Mar 23, 2023 · Top Considerations When Buying Rock Climbing Shoes Rubber Type and Thickness The type of rubber on your climbing shoe will determine both how sticky the shoe is on the rock (or plastic) and how much flex the shoe has. It’s got a single Velcro closure system, a neoprene upper, and Mad Rock’s latest “Xtreme Fiction” rubber compound. Looking forward to your rubber comparison post! Other than Stealth C4, I’ve used and owned all the rubber you mentioned at one point. Is there anything in particular that you think the tarantulaces can’t do for you? For example do you need a stiffer shoe for support on tiny holds? A smaller toe box for pockets? A stickier heel for heel hooks? More rubber on top for toe hooks? This’ll help narrow down what type of show might be a good next shoe for you. So which rubber is best? Well… all of them, but for different situations. Other consumer products, including sports equipment, also contain RDCs, and human exposure to these compounds is of particular interest due to demonstrated toxicity to animal species. Now replaced by the equally impressive next-generation Shaman upgrade. But ngl, Tarantulaces are solid. The rubber we use to resole your climbing shoes is either the exact same, or better, than original rubber your shoes came with. Renowned for their unique properties, these soles influence the comfort, durability, and performance of shoes significantly. It is an extremely high-performance shoe, ideally for hard sport climbing, bouldering, and pushing your limits to the max. This study investigates the mechanical and wear characteristics of climbing shoe rubbers by employing a high-precision modular mechanical testing environment (Bruker UMT TriboLab) and representative granite counter Oct 6, 2023 · Looking to up your climbing game? In this article, we’ll be exploring the impact of high-quality shoe rubber on climbing performance. Discover Davos’ climbing rubber range—Technostick compounds that deliver top grip, durability, and versatility for indoor and outdoor climbers. They’re a classic for a reason. EVOLV SHOE TECH Evolv is continuously refining its line of clever shoe technology. When to Resole Your Climbing Shoes Image prompt: "Close-up comparison of climbing shoe soles in various states of wear - showing perfect condition, ideal timing for resole, too worn for standard resole, and damaged beyond repair. A high performance range of climbing shoes built on an aggressively curved last, making them perfect for overhanging routes, without sacrificing any efficiency on tiny edges or friction holds. The Scarpa Helix is a more versatile shoe than the La Sportiva Finale. 1 Introduction Climbing shoe compounds are engineered using proprietary blends of synthetic vulcanized rubber and fillers, colloqui-ally referred to as ‘sticky rubber’ [1]. Each company used all three of the Vibram climbing compounds available ( X Grip, XS Grip 2, and XS Edge). And that could mean not just stickier scrambling shoes, but also humbler hiking boots that simply feel more connected and less likely to slip on wet rock in particular. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Building the first version of this list was simple: we simply asked ourselves which shoes we wanted included, then pulled from the reviews we’ve written over the years. We offer a large selection of compounds and thicknesses. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. " La sportiva solution and butora gomis are my go to right now. Understanding climbing shoe rubber and its impact on performance is essential for choosing the right shoe. For each group of climbing shoes, the degree of softness/stiffness and a comparison of last volumes is indicated by the legend at the bottom of the image. Our collection features high-friction rubber that enhances grip and durability, ensuring you can tackle challenging climbs with confidence. Learn which rubber suits your style. Feb 11, 2025 · We put 11 men's climbing approach shoes to the test from La Sportiva, Salewa, and Scarpa to find the best models. Jun 12, 2025 · We put 23 pairs of climbing shoes to the test on boulder problems, sport climbs, and traditional routes. The Boreal Dharma does not disappoint. Size at street shoe for really comfy shoes or your first pair. THEORY - HEEL Narrow Precision Heel allows for confidence while committing to the worst Nov 11, 2023 · La Sportiva has some amazing climbing shoes, but with over 38 different models available, it’s not always easy to work out which shoe is best suited to you. In this head-to-head, I will pit two of their most popular models against one another. Discover Davos’ climbing rubber range—Technostick compounds that deliver top grip, durability, and versatility for indoor and outdoor climbers. These were our favorites. oikhzk phpofphtz lmjog scv lsf stfs qrgkv jfjbdlv bwvghe swzdcy