All around Solid performer

By aharadir2345519 Ranked #94 - Climbing Shoes August 7, 2008

I just retired my year-old bandit just this weekend as i can no longer tolerate the 2 gaping holes on the toes. For a year this shoe has taught me how to climb and proved more than its worth. This shoe is perfect for micro edges, like some magic they just stick to the tiniest hold/crystal/shelf on slab problems. Many times when i'm desperate i'd just jam the sole to the wall and voila....it sticks. Incredible rubber. The shoe molds really well to your feet. Arch support is excellent, it makes a difference on a long route.

When I first bought it I suffered for about 3 mos breaking it. I wear street size 9.5 and I got the bandit also at 9.5, but feels like they're size 9. My toes were curled downward and extremely jammed up together. The pressure from using those toes when climbing routes longer than 5 mins plus the heat forces me to take it off - very often - in the beginning, so it wasnt'a comfortable beginner's shoe. Now I value the support, though. I used this 3 x a week at gym and 1 x / wk on outdoor big wall. The rand (toe) blew at around 11th month. Worth the $$. If you're beginner buy 1/2 size larger. For performance stick with your street size. This shoe does NOT stretch. Although after enough sweating they mold to your feet.

View Details: Evolv Bandit Climbing Shoe

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