Solid starter shoe, however I wouldn't place these solely in a beginner category. They have excellent grip, quality construction, and a great heel. A great all-around climbing shoe from Mad Rock. The price is pretty hard to beat too.

Great for first time buyers looking to get into the sport. These will not cause excruciating amounts of pain and are more than adequate for aiding you in your entry level climbs. By the time they wear out it will be time to get a more technical shoe. Can't be beat for the price you pay.

I decided a long time ago that there were more factors than the tightness of my shoes keeping me from performing on rock. The most glaring example is between my ears. So rather than experience numbness in my toes as I did with my first pair, I have tried to size my shoes so that there is not a noticeable performance deficit while maintaining relative comfort.
That said, it wouldn't make since for me to buy highly cambered, toe crunching, expensive shoes (designed for a style and grade of climbing I find as foreign as falafel). So if I can get a smokin' price on some sticky rubber that does what I need on sport and plastic (saving my Mythos for hopefully one more weekend of trad), I've got to be happy.

I've been climbing for a couple of years now and these are great shoes for gym climbing.

got a size too small and had too return. got the new size and found out that my left foot is slightly bigger then my right. wore it around to stretch it out with no luck and didn't want to go a size up cause then my right wouldn't fit. asked around and was told to wet the shoe with hot water for a few and then wear it. worked like a charm.

i've climbed in Five-Tens for years, but picked up some Flashes over a year ago to have a convenient velcro shoe. i bought mine so i had a snug fit, toes slightly curled. the shoe has broken in and now my toes lay mostly flat when my weight is on the ball of my foot -just how I like it for an all-day shoe. i wear a 10.5-11 in street shoe, and the 10.5 Flash is perfect. the shoe is pretty soft and slipper-ish, and i think this has been good for developing foot strength, which i hadn't thought about.
the traction/smearing is more than adequate for my level -i climb 11c/d in these with no problem. for hard bouldering and overhangs, a more aggressive toe might be useful (like the Con-Flict), but for MOST climbers in the 5.9-5.12 range, i would think this shoe is plenty capable, very comfortable, and a stellar deal for the money. i've seen guys climbing really hard stuff, way above my sorry level, so i know the shoe can do it all.. food for thought, you can buy a pair of these AND a pair of the sick new Con-Flicts for about the same price as ONE pair of high-end Sportivas.

I've been using these shoes for some time now and I'm very happy with their performance. They work great on sport routes, I've been using them mostly on higher end trad climbs. They are comfortable enough to wear for a multiple pitches and offer the performance I need for harder cracks. This is an awesome shoe and an incredible value. They stretch a little so size accordingly.

love the velcro, love the grip, comfortable. been using them in the gym for a few months now and they have been great.

My first climbing shoe. Three months or so I've had them. Been climbing at least three times a week in the gym and outside every week or two now that it's been a bit warmer here. Not for those wanting total comfort but this shoe isn't designed for that. I found them personally true to size, and really do most things well. I rounded out the edges pretty fast but your first shoes get rubbed down quick. I rated them at four because of modifications I had to make - I had to cut the super long velcro straps down so they didn't hang off (they still hang some, I didn't want to go past the last groove provided to cut them down and have the straps unstitch) and remove the inside pull loop (it actually rubbed holes in my ankles when doing heel hooks or foot jams). Other than that I felt they were worth the purchase and live up to the love people give these things.

If you can get a good deal on these go ahead and get them. I got mine on sale for $35 bucks at a climbing comp. They fit small and also they seem to have very little grip compared to other shoes i've tried. I've tried roughing them up with sandpaper and it still doesn't help, I slip off the holds on the wall all the time. So if you can getem cheap then get them, but i would not recommend them at regular price.

This is a great all around shoe. I've used this shoe both on sport and trad routes and it also a great choice for multipitch climbs. The construction is solid and the rubber is sticky. Beware that the shoe will stretch so size accordingly. For the price this is a hard shoe to beat.

I got these a little while back and have used them a few times. great performance. really a great shoe for the value. it took me three pairs to finally get the right size( i ended up needing a size larger than my street shoe) but with the great customer service of backcountry i was out climbing in the right size shoe in no time.

These are the best shoes for a beginning climber looking to beef up their strength and technique in a gym before head out to their local crag. Science friction rubber is super-sticky, but a bit soft, so while they will last you a long time indoors (I've had mine 15 months and they are still going strong), they will get destroyed during outdoor climbing. If you buy them a bit tight so that your big toe is forced into a slight angle, the leather will strength out nicely to give you good solid toes. However, be very careful and err on the side of looseness, because it's not worth getting overly tight shoes if it gives you permanent nerve damage in your feet.

My advice is to buy a pair of these to start off your climbing career and then buying a second pair of La Sportivas or FiveTens for their more durable rubber when you move to outdoor climbing. That way you can still get plenty of use out of your Mad Rocks in the gym.

Sexy time. I like FRICTION

I wear La Sportiva Solution 43,5 and Mad ROck flash 11 size is equivalent for me. I use it as indoor shoes but it feels a bit shallow on the bone of the ankle!

With a slightly pointed toe and the firm sole this shoe offers you the ability to put full body weight on the the smallest crystals pebbles and dime sized edges as well as being one of the best smearing shoes on the market. Since the shoe is made without a lining they are highly sensitive and let you feel whats going on, knowing just how well your on any given hold will increase confidence make you go bigger and send harder.

Okay, I'm relatively new to the sport of climbing, and these are my first pair of shoes I have purchased so I cannot claim that much expertise. However, I have been bouldering with them indoors (at local rock gym in NJ) and also on a trip outdoors (Black Hills, SD & Cody, WY & Utah). In both cases they have performed well and I have absolutely no complaints. Again, I don't have much compare them to besides rentals they give you at gym, but I must say that getting your own pair makes a difference. I read other reviews that insisted you buy one size smaller than your regular shoe size. I wear a 12 in Nike running shoes, so I went with the 11. It was so bad I had to send them back. I couldn't even get them on, it wasn't a matter of waiting for them to stretch. I exchanged them for a 12 which were admittedly tight and quite uncomfortable the first time, but I stuck with it and I am glad I did. They continued to be uncomfortable, but kept getting better each time. By the 5th or so session, they were perfect. Now they are like they were especially made to fit my foot and I feel great every time I put them on. Another huge plus to these shoes is that they never smell. I have worn them and sweated in them many times over, and they continue to be funk free, just the smell of rubber. When you do sweat in them they leave your feet orange in spots, which I'll list as a plus, but you can make your own decision on the merits of this "bonus feature."

The shoe runs about a size smaller than street shoes, and even then it is a tight (more than usual) fit. But they break in easily and they fit pretty comfortably. I am a newbie/intermediate climber, all indoors, and the shoes do really well on the climbs I do. The rubber is sticky and seems really durable for the amount of climbing I do. I definitely recommend these. Be forewarned, they do turn your feet orange for the first few times you were them.

Not the best, not the cheapest, certainly a standard. Sometimes referred to as a climbing slipper they usually last about 3-5 months of hard climbing. I've gone through several pairs but think a more aggressive toe is helpful on harder boulder problems. These shoes are, however, very durable and worth the money.

i just finished an around the world trip and i climbed in these bad boys, in south africa, madagascar, india, and thailand and they rock... on rock. they performed well on sand stone, quartzite, granite, and lime stone. they worked great in te super heat in SA (+48 c in the shade) and the super humidity in madagascar. and at home in the -10c the stick like velcro.

This shoe is a great all around shoe. Edging smearing, heel hooks, this shoe will do it. One thing though, the rubber although super sticky, is not really durable. The sand stone at Red River Gorge will put the hurt on these guys. However, I have been really happy with the purchase. If I fall it has never been the shoe slippying that caused it. These thing stick like glue.

This is simply preference, but I am pretty sure my next shoe will be a lace up.

Sticky sole, very good for limestone, good fit on foot too

For the money, these are great shoes. They are great for bouldering sessions, they are pretty comfy, and they have a decent amount of sensitivity. They aren't as sensitive as my Stingers, but they cost half as much. Great gym shoe, good all-around shoe.

These shoes have incredible traction. Cannot imagine a better shoe for the price.

These shoes work well for a first set of shoes. I would get them a full size down if I could have a "do over" but the 1/2 size down is okay, they are just getting a bit lose. These feel similar to 5-10 ascents, but are a bit easier on the budget. Decent shoes.

I loved this shoe. I have climbed really well in this shoe but they died on me after only a few times in the gym and three times outdoors.

These shoes Rip. They are some of the best all around shoes i have used. This proves to me that Mad Rock can hang with 5/10 and Sportiva. I am really happy with them and own two pair.

Money! Count it! Whatever you say to describe something that is solid, comfortable, reliable, and decently priced, it is that word and more. I love the velcro, so quick and easy. The shoes just make sense. As my second pair of shoes ever, and I am very happy. Run a little small though. I actually had to get my street shoe size. I think a half size smaller than street shoe would be perfect.

I've had these shoes for almost three years, so I've had some time to study them pretty well! I have a medium-wide foot, and the shape of the Flash fits me perfectly in the same size as street shoes (big toe lies almost flat pushed against the end of the shoe, and the rest of my toes are slightly curled). The rubber and glue have been very durable, and I use the shoes for both gym and outdoor climbing. The velcro has also held up very well and still grips tightly. The only noticeable flaw in the shoes is the shape of the heel. The air gap at the back of the shoe makes any heel work very difficult, as there is no sensitivity and the shoe feels like it could slip off.

Mad Rock Flash Climbing Shoe - Men's. Bought these as a gift for my brother for a beginner climbing shoe and they seem to be working awesome. Comfortable enough but work great on the rock. He said they run a little small but it was his first shoe. Great price and will be good for entry to intermediate climbing!

I love my Flashes and wouldn't grab another shoe out there... For my first pair... They are great for wearing all day but if you are looking for a great pair of bouldering shoes I would suggest something more aggressive... Fit is amazing and comfort is for the record books. Only complaint I have is I feel my climbing now has surpassed their aggressiveness and thats after spending 6 months of climbing at least 5 times a week in a gym not including outdoor climbing trips

I found that the shoe runs at least one full size smaller that street shoes.

Awesome beginner shoe. I needed something other than the laced shoes the gym rents out and these exceeded my expectations. I actually got my street shoe size since I am a novice. Perhaps in a few years I will get one that is a size smaller than my street shoes but for now these are perfect.

If you go through as many shoes as I do price is an issue and these are the best bang for the buck. I'm on my fifth pair now and the only complaint I have is I think they changed the sizing. In my previous pairs I took a 10.5 but on the more recent pair the 10.5 are a little big.

Great deal these shoes! The Rubber grabs very well and they fit good. I usually wear a size 11-11.5 in Nike running shoes and the size 10.5 fits perfectly...nice and snug with a slight curl in my toes. It's nice to be able to just undo the velcro straps and get out (especially at the gym). I would definitely recommend these shoes!

The Flashes are a phenomenal all around shoe. For hard sport climbs I size them snugly and they will edge on a dime or toe in two finger pockets. I've climbed hard 5.13 in these bad boys. For trad and long routes I wear them a half size larger and they conform well to cracks of all sizes and are comfortable all day long.

This is a great show for the new climber or someone wanting a comfortable all day shoe. It works well on all types of climbs and fits great. If you want comfort size it right at your street shoe, if you want a little more performance go a half size smaller.

I just started Bouldering and I got these shoes I like them They work great for me. I have not had any problems with them yet, and I hope it stays that way. They are really cumfy once I got them stretched out and fitting good.

I just started climbing a couple of months ago and these are my first shoes. Ordering them online I was unable to size them but I ordered a size 11, and wear a street shoe size 11. They were snug at first but have stretched out a little bit. I would say go with a 1/2 size smaller than you typically wear.

They are the only shoe I have owned but they seem great so far. They are easy to smear in and great for edging. I haven't really run into anything that I feel could be solved with a different/better shoe.

They are easy to get in and out of, but it seems like the Velcro will wear out rather quickly.

One annoying thing is that the orange color of the shoes comes off on your feet after you get sweaty and climb for a while. Not a huge deal...

Overall I am very satisfied. I can't really testify as to how well they hold up, but I will update as soon as I know!

For the how simple the shoe looks and the great price you can pick these up for the Flash has to be one of the better shoes out on the market today. Sticky , durable Mad Rubber and a snug fitting heel these are one of my favorite all around shoes. From the gym to multipitch trad routes these have to be my favorite climb anything shoe.

It's fast, easy, and the price is right. When you are just starting this shoe can be just what you need. If you keep with the sport you'll probably want to upgrade. The shoe does what it is designed to do. You can't ask much more then that.

The shoe is a good deal and it has about everything you need to get started. They do the job. I have used them primarily for bouldering and they work fine. They do stretch out considerably within the first few hours of use.

I’ve climbed in all-brands of shoes in my years, and I figured I’d finally give MadRock a try. I chose the Flash because of their easy velcro closure, and not overly-aggressive rand, I’m glad I did. They fit really well and true to street shoe size (9.5). It’s also nice that they’re unlined (definitely keeps odors down), and the padded overlapping toungue is really comfortable so you can really pull the velcro down snug.

The rubber is great. It’s a little softer than what I’m used to, so I’d stay away from climbing trad and edging, but I found it to be really great for higher friction climbs. Great shoes for bouldering and sport. It worked perfectly on sandstone, and gritty conglomerate rock. The heel-cup is really the best part. I believe last time I was out, a bystanding climber accused me of having the “cheater heel” because it works so well. (Turn that foot out—it works everytime!) So anyway, for $75, you really can’t beat the price and performance. Way to go MadRock!

I never got a chance to use these out climbing because they fit way to small for me. I ordered my street shoe size and could not get my foot in without destroying the shoe. You might want to try them on at a store before ordering because rock climbing shoe are all different when it comes to sizing.