A whole new style of climbing shoe, Scarpa introduces the Maestro range of climbing shoes. Scarpa really went back to the drawing board with these shoes, producing a high performance flat-profile design, with all-day performance and comfort. Replacing the Techno-X, the Maestro has big shoes to fill (pun intended). I would not consider this a remake for the Techno-X but more a totally new shoe … Continue reading Review: Scarpa Maestro
The Scarpa Mescalito Mid GTX, which I’m now calling my mountain hoppers, are part of the new Summer 2018 line. A mid-top version of the Mescalito approach shoe they make a great mountain scrambler that’ll get you up and down some serious mountains. Comfortable right out of the box the Mescalito’s feature a Gore-Tex liner that makes them great for crossing short snow fields or … Continue reading First Look Review: Scarpa Mescalito Mid GTX
Black Diamond has been a dominant player in the climbing gear industry for years, so it was only a matter of time before they decided to start making climbing shoes as well. Of course the climbing shoe market is a hard nut to crack considering the fact that this crowded market is dominated by brands hand-making high quality shoes in Europe. Regardless of the potential … Continue reading Review: Black Diamond Shadow Climbing Shoe
The new Konseal FL shoes from Arc’teryx are designed as a lightweight scrambling and climbing approach/hiking shoe. And while they feature a more traditional design (with a tongue) and sport a sleek look don’t be fooled, these are cutting edge technical shoes. Arc’teryx has put a lot of thought into the the new Konseal FL and created a versatile high performance shoe that is sure … Continue reading Review: Arc’teryx Konseal FL Approach Shoes
Scarpa recently released the new Maestro rock shoe in both a mid and a low version. These new flat lasted shoes are designed for all-day comfort without sacrificing performance and they definitely didn’t disappoint. This review will focus on the Maestro Mid, the high-top version of the shoe. I haven’t tested the low-cut version but have been told that they’re slightly more aggressive as the … Continue reading First Look Review: Scarpa Maestro Mid Rock Shoe
Five-Ten’s new Access Knit approach shoe expands upon their line of “Urban Approach” shoes. Other models currently available include the Access Leather and Access Mesh. The new Access Knit features the same versatility as its predecessors but with a slightly different design which I really like. The “Urban Approach” moniker given the Access Knit really suites the shoes well. They’re solid technical everyday shoe that’s … Continue reading Review: Five Ten Access Knit Approach Shoe
The Five Ten Quantum VCS The Quantum VCS are new to the Five Ten shoe line as of spring 2018 (In Canada). Developed with the help of the Huber Brothers, they’re supposedly a velcro version of the Quantum Lace which was released in Spring of ’17. The overall build is not like your standard Five Ten shoe, this new line might be a game changer … Continue reading First Look Review – Five Ten Quantum VCS
Arc’teryx followed up the popular Acrux SL approach shoe with an urban looking leather version. But don’t let the sleek appearance fool you, this is a very technical shoe that’s equally at home on the rock or in the alpine as it is on the sidewalk. The leather may add weight and reduce breathability but it also increases durability. When combined with technical soles and … Continue reading Review: Arc’teryx Acrux SL Leather Approach Shoe
The newest addition to La Sportiva’s Trango line is the Trango Tower. A 3-season mountaineering boot that replaces the aging Trango S Evo, a long-time favorite of alpinists and mountaineers worldwide. This new generation boot improves on the Evo by shedding weight while providing better grip and water resistance. However, as it’s built on the same Trango last the fit is similar and should be … Continue reading Review: La Sportiva Trango Tower Boots
La Sportiva’s Trango lineup has undergone a progressive renewal over the past few years and at the time of this post includes the Trango Cube GTX, Ice Cube GTX (light ice climbing boot), Trek (hiking boot) and the new Tower GTX (basically an updated Evo). This lineup of boots is really focused on lightweight performance. Now the Trango Cube GTX fits squarely in the middle between the winter focused Ice Cube and … Continue reading Review: La Sportiva Trango Cube GTX
