BUTORA Unisex Acro Rock/Indoor Climbing Shoes

Product Information

The Skwama shares the Solution’s P3 platform, but the midsole is softer, granting a little more sensitivity. It doesn’t hurt the performance on overhangs — these shoes are beasts in the steeps. I scored shoes on various aspects of performance (edging, toe/heel hooks, smears, etc). Because these shoes are aimed at bouldering, my testing was biased toward steeper terrain, although I did try all shoes on faces and slabs. For budget-conscious climbers, the Butora Endeavor Moss is a solid choice. These purpose-built wide-fit shoes offer enough space for high-volume feet that just don’t feel comfortable in most other alternatives. The soft middle portion of the shoe also doesn’t provide much support for long climbs where you’re standing on small edges consistently for long periods so that the Skwama may be better suited for single-pitch routes and boulder problems. A new and improved high-tensioned heel rand brings all the power to the front toe for superior edging, improving comfort and fit.

While it may seem that a non-stretchy material is the better choice, we recommend leather as the tradeoff between inconvenience in the breaking-in period and the ultimate fit achieved is justified.Finally, advanced climbing shoes often come with specific features that are specific to a particular type of climbing. Intermediate shoes follow this climbing specific design. However, all-around shoes are available that provide more performance than a beginner shoe. The Shaman’s padded tongue and three-strap velcro closure make for a more customizable fit than many high-performance bouldering shoes. Evolv adds a “Love Bump” just past the ball of the foot, which helps support the toes and eliminate dead space. Last year saw a new generation of Solution, but the upgrades were largely cosmetic. The shoe is as good as ever. But by the end, these were some of my favorite shoes. They’re a top performer on overhanging terrain and a capable all-around bouldering shoe. The slight downturn and wide toe box make this a comfortable shoe suitable for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced climbers.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find the right pair to take you further on your climbing journey! Our Method VII. Summary of the Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes Our Favorites for the Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes The NIAD VCS isn’t great at anything, but it’s good at everything. And if you can get the sizing right, you can wear the shoes all day and still climb at a relatively high level on any terrain. You also get high-performing soft rubber with Five Ten Stealth C4. It all works. The Shamans felt tight without creating pain or pressure points. The heel is well designed, and there’s enough toe-top rubber for most toe hooks.In my opinion, the 4mm rubber delivers a good balance between durability and friction. While these are semi-soft shoes, they don’t deliver the complete sensitivity of other bouldering shoes like the Instinct VSR. Lined up right, these shoes would perform well, but I found it harder to nail foot positioning, and harder to know when I had. I forgive its flaws for the value the Flash brings to the table. If you’re looking for the best bouldering shoe you can get at beginner-shoe prices, this is it. Climbing shoes are generally categorized based on their “aggressiveness,” or how flat they are. With climbing shoes for wide feet, you have three main profiles or “types” to choose from: Neutral

The Flash isn’t particularly comfortable, but it’s no worse than most of the climbing shoes in this test. It was a little baggy on my low-volume feet and would create pressure points over long sessions. But as a bouldering shoe, it’s more than functional. A relative new omer to the climbing scene, this Korean climbing company has steadily been gaining fans. Starting with a few models, their shoes now encompass every style of shoe for every style of climbing. Known for their attention to detail, quality shoes, and the relative affordability of their products, the Butora Acro is no exception. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!In 2014, Butora Inc was started by Nam Hee Do, who combined with his team, has more than 20 years of climbing shoe manufacturing, design, and industry experience. The focus at Butora is the design and quality of materials. They have made a conscious choice to maintain that quality whatever the cost, without bowing to profit margins. The heel uses Sportiva’s S-Heel design, which some prefer to the Solution’s stiff ball. I found that my heel slid around slightly more in the Skwama, but my narrow feet may be to blame. A “beginner” bouldering shoe might be viewed as a contradiction in terms. When bouldering started outdoors, there were no bouldering gyms, and most of the routes were definitely not designed for beginners.