Hopeful idea, Unfortunate reality

By Andy Patterson Ranked #519 - Climbing Shoes May 25, 2011

With a desert climbing trip approaching, and the prospect of endless toe-crushing crack pitches looming, I purchased these shoes with the hope that I could combine the best of the slipper world with the best of the lace-up world. On initial inspection, they fit comfortably—like a slipper—and secured snugly around the arch, thanks to the side-lacing system. I was stoked—at first.

Then I went climbing.

On almost every other route, I accidentally stepped on the laces, completely untying them. It seems that the orientation of the laces on the side of the foot makes the laces more likely to come in adverse contact with the opposing foot. This has been proven time and time again. It's so frustrating that I've actually taken the laces OFF the shoe, and contemplated sewing on elastic. Seriously, this is a complete design flaw.

Should've just bought normal slippers. Or normal lace-ups.

View Details: Five Ten Copperhead Climbing Shoe

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