Dial in comfort that lasts—your feet will thank you later.
Evolv Defy vs Black Diamond Momentum: comfort wins
For all-day wear and steady technique-building, the Defy is the safer bet with the details we can verify.
Comfort-first fit for long sessions.
Which is the better comfort pick: Evolv Defy Climbing Shoe or Black Diamond Momentum?
Which shoe is better for performance if I’m still refining technique?
Which one is likely to hold its fit better over time?
If I climb long gym sessions, which is the smarter choice?
Which shoe is better for multi-pitch days and staying comfortable between pitches?
Do either of these help with odor after lots of use?
If I want one shoe to grow with me from beginner into intermediate, which is the better bet?
What’s the most important info to compare if I’m still deciding between Defy and Momentum?
Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoe - Men's
4.43 (229 reviews)
$12995
Color
Black/Anthracite
Lime Green
Moonstone/Black
White/Black
Blue Ash
Slate
Curry
Ash
Size
Details
  • Comfortable climbing shoe for beginner to intermediate use
  • Ideal for gym climbing, top-roping, and moderate outdoor routes
  • Flat last offers all-day wearability and easier footwork learning
  • Breathable knit upper keeps feet cool and comfortable
  • Soft midsole flexes with the foot for better sensitivity
  • Hook-and-loop closures make for quick on-and-off between climbs
  • NeoFriction rubber provides reliable grip and durability
Tech Specs
What is Engineered Knit Technology and how does it benefit my climbing experience?

Engineered Knit Technology is a specialized fabric construction that uses advanced knitting techniques to create a breathable, flexible, and durable material. This technology allows the climbing shoe to fit snugly while promoting airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable during climbs. It enhances your overall performance by providing a better fit and reducing discomfort during extended wear.

How does NeoFriction rubber improve my grip while climbing?
What does a Flat Last mean for the comfort of my climbing shoes?
Why is Asymmetrical Curvature important in climbing shoes?
What advantages does a Soft Flex Midsole offer for beginner climbers?
How do these technologies work together to enhance my climbing performance?

Recent Reviews

First pair of shoes.

These are my first pair of climbing shoes and I love them. They are comfortable and were affordable, would recommend them to anyone for a first pair of shoes. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Aaron B.Verified Buyer

Great beginner shoes

As a beginner rock climber myself I don’t have a lot of experience to make a great review but from what I can tell these shoes are awesome, compared to the rental shoes at my gym these are so much sturdier and grippier, I am not afraid of recommending these to a friend trying to get into the sport. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Gabriel P.Verified Buyer

Shoe

Great shoes, nice and sticky, fit well. As a beginner i like them Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Tommy A.Verified Buyer

Great for my 11 yr old

Bought size 5 for my 11 year old. At first there was a worry that they were too tight, but then it all seemed to work out once an indoor climbing session happened. After that, my son kept giving positive feedback about these. To be fair this is our first purchase of shoes, as up until now we were using the bouldering gym's loaners. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Matt L.Verified Buyer

Comfortable shoes!

Excellent shoes provides comfort and can climb for hours Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Manuel G.Verified Buyer

Great Rock Climbing Shoes

This is my first pair of rock climbing shoes. Amazing. Big difference from the rental shoes I used at my local rock climbing gym. Alot of grip, they look great! I'm able to take on harder climbs with these shoes. Definitely recommend for beginners. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Arturo L.Verified Buyer

Comfiest Shoes I’ve tried

Very comfortable beginner shoes, the toe box is wide enough for my feet without being too cramped- overall 10/10 Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Bobby R.Verified Buyer

Great neutral shoe for the price

Bought second pair and using up first great beginner pair and continues to be effective at higher levels Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Logan R.Verified Buyer

Great Fit & Comfortable…

Love these climbing shoes. Easy on & off, Great fit and work Great. Would definitely buy again. Keep up the Good Work! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Michael B.Verified Buyer

Great all-around/entry shoe

Great shoe if you’ve been away from climbing for a few years and trying to get back in it with a solid shoe that will cover the edging with enough feeling, while allowing flexibility for smearing . Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Jacob P.Verified Buyer

Perfect for light loads and easy days

I only get to go to the climbing gym 1-2x a week, so I had gotten these to finally get some of my own. I didn't want to keep using the gym rentals, this have worked greatly so far and I intent to use them for as long as possible! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Austin B.Verified Buyer

Super comfortable climbing shoe!

I got these for climbing easier climbs but haven’t had any problems with the harder ones either. Super comfortable and can wear the whole session. Super happy with the purchase Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Colin G.Verified Buyer

Black Diamond is the best!

Fast delivery, fast service when exchanging sizes, products are great quality. Nothing but compliments here. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Shay G.Verified Buyer

Stylish, functional climbing shoes.

Loving them so far. Can’t wait to keep using them! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Tristen D.Verified Buyer

Well Done Shoes

Comfortable, stylish, and durable and for a good price Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Joshua B.Verified Buyer

Radical shoes

These are really nice, really comfortable and non aggressive shoes great for someone who just wants to get up on a wall and have some fun! Built well and perform well. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Matthew E.Verified Buyer

Runs small but works great

I have US men 8. 5 Yonex tennis shoe that fit well. I got 8. 5 of this shoe and it was too small, so I had to get 9. Otherwise the shoe is great. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Yuecheng Z.Verified Buyer

Men’s Momentum Climbing Shoes

Really nice to fit in, good grip, break in easily. Very good for beginning to intermediate climbers. Highly recommended! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Roby P.Verified Buyer

Solid Starter Shoe

Picked these up on sale as I started to get tired of renting and they're an immediate upgrade. Fits well, sticky on the wall, aggressive enough for at least the V4s I occasionally bumble through. A little bit tight on wider feet though. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Jonas W.Verified Buyer

Very good

I was using these shoes at gym and decided to buy a pair. They are very good for gym climbing and a good pair for starters. Buy either a half or a full size above your regular shoe size. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Daniel S.Verified Buyer

Love this climb shoes

If you are a beginner like me, its totally work, love them! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Gerardo C.Verified Buyer

Great shoes for bouldering/ quick turn climbing

These turned out to be a great shoe for my use case. I mostly go bouldering in these and am constantly undoing and putting back on the shoes for quick runs. This is the perfect situation for these. They only show signs of mild wear and tear, (scuffs and scratches) after about 20 bouldering sessions and 4 or so top lead rock faced climbs. These shoes were a little on the small side for my typical size but that can be the case with many brands of climbing shoe. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com

Evan AVerified Buyer

Great all around shoe

This is a great shoe. Super good for a beginner or all around gym or basic shoe. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Jennifer D.Verified Buyer

This is the size that

This is the size that fits well for me. I like the Velcro straps which are stream lined for me and allow me to change quickly Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Blaine H.Verified Buyer

Great shoes

clearly high quality shoes, excited to try them out! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Chay N.Verified Buyer

Great soft shoe

This shoe has been my go to shoe for the best few years Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Andrew L.Verified Buyer

Awesome show!

I got these for my friend who has Size 11 feet in the wide side. After reading lots of reviews, we decided to size up and ultimately the size 13 fit him perfectly. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Kelsey K.Verified Buyer

Great beginner climbing shoe

Cheap, fit well and great shoe for people looking to get into climbing! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Tim S.Verified Buyer

Amazing beginner friendly gear

Getting back into climbing after six years, size was accurate, not to tight and they broke in pretty quick, can’t ask for more. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Joshua T.Verified Buyer

Good Beginner Shoe

I started bouldering a couple months ago and couldn't be happier with how well these have stood up with daily climbing. It doesn't cost as much as other models and helps you figure out what sizing and other components of a climbing shoe you want to invest in. Overall, just a super solid starting shoe. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Adam Z.Verified Buyer

Great shoe

I love it it fits great and is a great shoe all around Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Sam A.Verified Buyer

Comfortable / neutral shoe

Have used this only in the gym, but so far really like the fit and feel of this shoe. I did go up a half size from my standard US shoe size. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Bill S.Verified Buyer

Great shoe!

I sized up 1 size so I could wear them for longer periods, I was able to get outside and on the rock in no time with them! They look great and feel great too, I'm glad I picked them up as a good moderate shoe. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Samuel H.Verified Buyer

Great shoes

They run true to size. A little tight the first time using them but they will give a little. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Albert D.Verified Buyer

Awesome shoes

I have a wide foot and it's difficult finding a climbing shoe that works. These are great Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

PATRICK V.Verified Buyer

Really like these shoes.

They were a little tighter than i thought they would be at first, but after a few climbs, they fit better and work very well. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Tim B.Verified Buyer

Great fit!

I ordered the same size as my everyday shoes and they're a great fit! Like others have said, there is a little dead space at the heel but nothing to be worried about. I'm happy with these shoes. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Craig H.Verified Buyer

Happy grandson

My grandson had climbing shoes on his wish list. I knew nothing about climbing shoes or that there they even existed. Searched the web and luckily found your site. Shopping was a snap. Delivery was quick and accurate. Needless to say I have one very happy young man enjoying the rock walls and I am feeling he is safer with the correct equipment. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Pam R.Verified Buyer

grateful shoe for beginners! Comfortable

grateful shoe for beginners! Comfortable and stylish Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Alyssa G.Verified Buyer

Great shoes

Excellent climbing shoes, shipped on time and delivered as stated. Will buy more products again Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Kenneth T.Verified Buyer

Great shoes

These fit so well. I had a pair of BD Focus shoes that seemed way too small. They were more of an aggressive style, so I get it, but I like these Momentums so much better. They fit great, are comfortable, and have been great for all-around climbing. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Michael K.Verified Buyer

Great shoes

Love these shoes they're super comfy and still has good grip on the rock just wish I got a half size smaller Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

malachi s.Verified Buyer

Never wore them, but seems good

This was a bday gift for me, I normally wear 12.5 US, but keeping in mind that climbing shoes should feel snug, downsized 0.5 and regret now. Build quality seems nice, overall rubber seems to be very sticky. Will now order another pair, but now size 13.5

Vadim KVerified Buyer

Good shoes good price

I took the advice of sizing up others recommended, I am a11.5 and purchased a 12.5 and they fit snug. They are fairly comfortable for an hour long indoor climbing session. And they gip holds good enough for my skill level. Glad I made the purchase

DaveVerified Buyer

Momentum

Got these for the gym and they perform well. Only question is how long the rubber will last. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

eric f.Verified Buyer

A little too big

I purchased these shoes for my son who outgrew his Momentum in childrens size 4. The next size up was an adult 5. The shoes are great, but are just a little too big. It would be great if there was a 4.5 available. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Matthew S.Verified Buyer

Exactly as described

I ordered my street shoe size (vans slip-on 11. 5 is perfect), out of the box they were a little tight in the toes and there was dead space in the heel, but once I climbed a few routes in the gym they started to shape up better. They are definitely more sensitive than other beginner shoes I have tried which I like Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Jason R.Verified Buyer

Beginner Shoe

As a beginner in rock climbing it has worked out great as starting shoe. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Marco C.Verified Buyer

A solid shoe

This is a great shoe for a rock gym. It is reasonably priced and works for intermediate climbers like me, as well as friends of mine who are doing harder climbs. It’s not as sensitive underfoot as I’m used too but it fits well, even with my wide toes. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Christopher S.Verified Buyer

Good for outside

I love these shoes for climbing outdoors because they’re so comfortable for all day use Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com

Jacob R.Verified Buyer