These shoes have worked great for me for the short time that I have had them. After a few days of hard climbing they break in perfectly, just enough to keep their tight fit, but soften up enough to climb in comfortably all day. I'm not going to put and sizing info up here because YOU SHOULD NOT BUY A CLIMBING SHOE FOR THE FIRST TIME ONLINE!!!!!!! Don't be lazy, find the perfect fit, then buy them online. The katana represents the next step up in all around shoes, perfect for switching back and forth between bouldering and wall climbing. The rubber is great as everybody says, but honestly, rubber isn't that different from high end shoe to high end shoe. Mostly this shoe is great for me because of it's perfect blend of flexibility and stiffness, and a great narrower fit. Despite how much I have enjoyed this shoe thus far, I'm pretty cautious because of all the bad reviews on durability that I've heard so far. Mine have been holding up terrifically, but on those days when I'm feeling sloppy and impatient or especially for jagged outdoor, I bring out my sturdy old lace ups (not only because of durability, but I don't always need everything the katana has to offer). When you opt for a less durable shoe, it CAN mean that you get a better feel and softer fit, if you want that. Obviously this is not a beginner shoe to be clunking around on rock and dragging your feet, and it shouldn't be the first shoe you buy (you will destroy them in no time at all). If you're just starting out, go for a different, more sturdy lace up. Not only will getting your footwork down in a more solid shoe help your climbing, but those shoes will stay with you for awhile and will by no means become obsolete when you do decide to move up to something like the katana. |
