I got these as my first pair of climbing shoes several months ago. So far I love them!

-True to size
-Quick to break in!
-Huge difference in performance from the rentals I'd been using.

for someone with (very) wide feet, especially in the toe/i have bunions area, these are very comfortable, and feel like they really hug my feet.

however, this is the absolute worst rock shoe rubber ive ever felt! i had a pair of 5.10 lace ups before this, and love the upgrade to velcro with these, but didnt realize how un-sticky rock shoe rubber can be! i totally took the awesome 5.10 grip for granted...

so, these shoes (last year's model) are pretty great for your first pair of climbing shoes. i'm guessing that's what their main use is, since they have two flaws i have noticed: 1. they smell really bad after about two months of wear. i cannot handle it so i try not to take them off...which has led to the second issue. 2. they stretch out significantly. they no longer hurt my feet at all. this is a problem. the reason i gave them four stars? find 'em cheap (you can), the color : ), good beginner quality.

I only started climbing a month before I invested in my own gear. I knew I would be using the shoe primarily for gym climbing, and as a beginner I figured it would be wise to go with a less agressive shoe.

I've now owned these Evolvs for over a month, and I climb in them about three days a week. Though they are generally a good shoe (better than the rentals I was using), I have a few problems with them.

First, the shoes put a lot of stress on my big toes. I often find that my toes are so sore that I cannot fully bend them, something that I've never experienced before. The shoe fits me appropriately, so I don't think this is a fit issue but maybe a style issue. I have a fairly flat foot that isn't particularly wide, but I don't think the shoe is suited to my foot type.

Secondly, the shoes are completely flat. I thought that this would be appropriate for a beginner shoe, but there have been several times when I have wished I had a more aggressive shoe to be able to balance on tiny holds or provide some extra leverage. I will say that the only good part of having a flat shoe is the ability to smear.

I'm rating the Elektra 4 stars because I think it's a good shoe--comfortable enough, made well, etc. I just don't think it is all that effective if you are trying to really challenge yourself on new, difficult climbs.

I've been bouldering indoors with these shoes almost every day for 2 weeks now. I am usually a 7.5 to 8 in women's and ordered both 7&8 and the 7's were tiny and the 8s were also really snug I almost considered a bigger size. Initially with the 8's my toes were curled at the top of the shoe. Now they have certainly stretched even though the box claims they won't. Maybe the shoes are a little looser than I would like now, I have some extra room behind my heel and can wiggle my toes a bit but overall it is a very comfortable shoe that I can get a good grip with. I didn't get any blisters wearing these shoes. I have narrow feet and high arches and the velcro straps really help get the shoe on just right. It's great having a smaller toe to wedge into spaces and I have been using my feet a lot more with climbing now!

Relatively new to climbing. Have used these outside and in, they are holding up great, fit well, couldn't ask for a better climbing shoe!

I'm a first time climber and these shoes work great. I have yet to try them outside, but love them in the gym so far. They don't smell as bad as people say (yet). I also love the color!

I have super narrow feet and these shoes rock! I can crank the velcro super tight and not worry. A really great beginners shoe and not too bad on the pocket book. I have not noticed that the shoes stink as some others have said, but maybe they will after a few more climbs. Also love the purple color.