Picking the best pair of climbing shoes is undoubtedly a challenging undertaking, especially if it’s your first time. Not only are there quite a few specifications that you have to be well aware of, but you also have to go through a tremendous abundance of different brands and models to pick up the one that’s best for your needs.
With this in mind, we’ve taken the liberty to provide you with one of the best options on the market, should you be looking for an entry-level neutral shoe with a lot of capabilities in hand. The Evolv Men’s Defy is without a doubt a solid pick for beginner climbers as well as for boulder enthusiasts of the kind.
The shoe performs perfectly when it comes to the majority of the climbing functions, excluding edging. Of course, this is very convenient for beginners as they are unlikely to need the highest performance level just yet.
You need a comfortable shoe which will enable you to explore the sport and enjoy it while doing so.
Another thing that you might want to take into account is that it’s fairly affordable in terms of price which is always something advantageous, especially when it comes to climbing shoes for beginners. Now, let’s have a closer look into the specifications of the pair and the things that you can expect.
Specifications of the product
- Rand: VTR Rand
- Lining: Nylon
- Midsole: 1mm half-length and very sensitive midsole
- Closure style: Velcro
- Profile: rather asymmetrical
- Sole: 4.2 mm
As you can see, the specifications describe a neutral climbing shoe entirely. The flat foot rest in combination with the thicker rubber sole provide enhanced friction and grip for mild to semi-challenging climbing routes.
These are perfect for longer multi-pitch undertakings as well.
Performance
The shoes edge rather poorly which reduces the performance. The softness of the material is something which could actually cause your foot to slip off the foot rest, especially if you fail to get the proper sizing. This is something that you need to take into proper consideration when it comes to it as it’s actually a hazard.
However, should you choose the proper fit, you shouldn’t really be worried about it. The bluntness of the box for your toes is going to make it rather hard to get a proper hold on micro holes, which is also an important thing. This is the main reason for which these shoes are not suggested for hard and overhung climbs.
Pockets
When it comes to pockets, the Evolv Men’s Defy is going to perform above average, which is definitely impressive, given the affordable and rather insignificant price tag. The toe box is rounded up which is going to prevent you from fitting your toes in small pockets.
However, the thing that you need to consider here is that when there is a narrow pocket, you are likely to find your foot in a rather uncomfortable position. Be careful not to slip out.
Heel and Toe Hooking
When it comes to heel and toe hooking, this is one of the best shoes on the market. You will never experience any issues with the heel hooks and you will never get to experience that unpleasant sensation that the hook is about to slip out.
You won’t ever have any issues with the hooking itself, which is definitely a strong advantage.
Sensitivity
This is a soft shoe and that’s why the sole as well as the toe box are particularly sensitive. This is something great, especially if you are used to feel the rock under your feet.
However, make sure that this could also cause significant pain if you slam your toes against the border. That’s why you might want to be careful, especially when you are swinging from one foot hole to another.
Precision
Being a neutral climbing shoe, the Evolv Defy isn’t exactly intended to be particularly precise. This is something that you shouldn’t be expecting. It’s a nice and comfortable shoe which will offer significant comfort on long multi-pitch courses.
However, if precision is what you are looking for, you should expect nothing better than average.
Sizing and Fit
Now, one of the main characteristic of climbing shoes is that they tend to stretch quite a bit, especially when they are made out of real leather. However, that’s not exactly the case when it comes to the Defy model.
They don’t tend to stretch in length as much as other climbing shoes do. This is mainly due to the nylon upper. However, this is the main reason for which you need to choose the right size.
This shoe is unlikely to stretch considerably so you need to make sure that you purchase a pair which fits perfectly on the first try. Maybe you can expect half a size of an increase but that’s the most of it.
Choosing the right size is very important as it’s going to prevent you from slipping out and it’s going to ensure comfort and precision beyond comprehension.
In any kind, there are quite a lot of different things that you might want to take into account when it comes to the Evolv Men’s Defy. If you are an experienced climber and are looking for a new pair of neutral climbing shoes, this is a very cost-friendly and efficient option.
Even though you can’t expect the performance of high-end climbing shoes, this pair is far from aiming to fall within that category.
The Defy type is designated for entry-level climbers who are unlikely to have to climb overhung and challenging routes. Providing a comfortable foot rest as well as enhanced convenience, you can expect nothing short of excellence for multi-pitch and longer routes.
Of course, you might want to look the other way if you are searching for something with enhanced performance for tighter footholds or bouldering. Coming from a reliable manufacturer at an affordable price, this is one of the most convenient options currently on the market.
