OutdoorGearLab updates its climbing shoe review for 2014, complete with Editors' Choice, Top Pick and Best Buy award winners.
PRLog - Oct. 2, 2014 - CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- OutdoorGearLab, the world's finest outdoor gear review website, recently published the results of the 2014 Editors' Choice awards for its top climbing shoe review, determining this year's best product overall and best value. The OutdoorGearLab Review Team awarded the following winners after thoroughly assessing over twenty products while crag climbing from California to Washington and taking into consideration the input from veteran climbers, outdoor retailers and professional guides. The products were scored based on how well they performed while edging, climbing cracks and pockets and also how sensitive and comfortable they were. In addition to this best in class review, a related buying advice article is also offered to interested readers.
The award winners:
Editors' Choice award - La Sportiva Katana Lace
The Katana Lace won Editors' Choice award for being the best all-around shoe tested. Comfortable, versatile and sensitive, the Lace didn't disappoint reviewers when used for a variety of different climbing styles. Gear review Editor Thomas Greene explains, "The Katana Lace is surprisingly comfortable and its Vibram XS Edge sole and turned down toe allows climbers to hold edges, hook pockets and climb cracks easily. It handled steep sport terrain well and since it is so versatile it eliminates the need for an entire arsenal of shoes and because of this, we think it is a great shoe and worthy of resoling."
Top Pick award - La Sportiva Futura
Earning Top Pick award for being exceptionally sensitive and durable, the La Sportiva Futura was the best product tested at edging. According to gear Editor Greene, "The Futura's are so sensitive they force you to climb with extremely precise foot placement. On rocks with no features they will allow you to find something to crank on regardless. The sticky XS Grip 3 rubber allows for effortless smearing and edging by redirecting the power of your feet into your toes and onto the rock. We recommend them for bouldering and high end sport climbing."
Top Pick award - La Sportiva TC Pro
Also winner of the Top Pick award, the La Sportiva TC Pro's performed exceptionally well at crack climbing and edging and make a great all-around shoe. The soles are semi-stiff and perfect for climbing cracks without squishing your toes. Greene reports, "The TC Pro's are Tommy Caldwell's brainchild and in a class by themselves for high end traditional climbs. They're constructed with a slightly stiff sole, a flat toe box and they cover the ankle and protect it from abrasion while crack climbing. In addition to being a great product for climbing cracks, they also smear pretty well too and are good for climbing just about anything."
Best Buy award - Mad Rock Flash 2.0
The classic Mad Rock Flash 2.0 wins Best Buy award for being a comfortable and versatile shoe at a great price. Gear review Editor Greene explains, "The Flash 2.0's are extremely comfortable, durable and versatile and they are the first of their kind to offer a Shock Gel heel designed to provide the wearer protection from the impact of landing. We recommend them for beginning climbers, long climbing days and gym climbing. Greene warns that this shoe doesn't have a lot of arch support and can flare under the arch when climbing and that the fit is very roomy and therefore not incredibly secure, but extremely comfortable.
Headquartered in Cheyenne Wyoming, OutdoorGearLab LLC strives to create world’s best outdoor gear reviews. The company’s website is a free resource for people who are passionate about activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, and camping, or who simply love the outdoors. OutdoorGearLab Gear Editors across the country test outdoor equipment side-by-side and publish the results in comparative reviews. Products receive scores across a range of weighted categories, competitors are ranked, and awards are given to top-performing products. See more at www.outdoorgearlab.com.
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The Best Climbing Shoe Selections for 2014 Issued by OutdoorGearLab
October 02, 2014 at 11:00 AM EDT
