Would not recommend

Bought these 2 months ago and have been climbing with them quite frequently (4-5 times per week). The rubber hasn't lasted very long and is already starting to fade, not surprising given the fact that it had a lot less to begin with compared to other shoes I've had in the past. The stitching/material in and around the toe box have been like sand paper and constantly irritate the tops of my toes. So much so that I have had blisters and needed to tape my toes (seriously). The heel doesn't really fit well (air pocket), unless you really tighten the straps, and the rubber is sub par and does not fair well for smearing. For the given price, these shoes under perform compared to others on the market, thus, Id recommend buying another shoe if your looking for something similar.

Denis Klocek

Just Okay

After seeing these, I was excited to check them out. After checking them out in the gym for a few hours I decided that they probably aren't the best option for me. The fit just didn't work for my feet and I wasn't too stoked on the rubber. They were decent for edging, but just not tacky enough for me. Had they worked for my feet, they probably would have performed a little better.

Keiton Jones

Not quite what I expected

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I bought these shoes probably a month ago. When I got them, I was surprised that the rubber stripes on the synthetic part are not real rubber or if they are, they are not sticky at all which makes these shoes not ideal for toe hooks. Also, a spot right where the knuckle of my big toe on both shoes touches is starting to wear out a bit after only a month or so which is concerning. I like a lot of other things about this shoe however. Minus toe hooking it performs well for an intermediate shoe but I fear it may not last super long even if I get it resoled when the rubber on the toe gives way.

John

Decent Gym Shoe

The Zone, I found to be good enough to climb around in. I wasn't particularly impressed with its comfort or fit the same way I have been with other shoes. The edges are nice for being able to accurately place your toe where you want on edges, and with the bit of downturn, you can keep that toe locked on while on an overhung problem. I used these shoes specifically for bouldering and didn't take them out on any sport routes. While the toebox was wide and let my toes breathe, the heel wasn't very snug. I found that even with the proper fit, my heel had too much playtime while climbing. The fact that the shoe has the synthetic upper that won't stretch, the two flaps that meet half-way weren't as comfortable when you need to get a bit of a tighter fit with that upper strap. I think that the pricepoint matches the ability of these shoes, in that I wasn't upset with the cost for the performance that I was able to get out of these shoes. The did their job when I worked an overhung problem in little cottonwood, and the sole seemed to do a solid job at gripping onto the cold granite in october/november. Overall a solid purchase for a moderate shoe that will spend most of its life inside the gym.

Zachary

Good for edging and precise footwork

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

A great option for wide-footed climbers looking for a durable, responsive shoe for subtle edges and the gym. My foot is quite wide and I found the toe box on these to fit me well, although I do agree that the sizing is a bit larger than the rest of BD's shoes. I wear a US size 9, men's, and had to size down to a M7.5 in these to get a comfortable fit. The knit upper was comfortable and helped keep odor minimal although I did find myself wishing there was some rubber on the toe patch to help with toe hooks. The heel cup was better for heel hooking, although felt a little large for my heel. Overall, these shoes felt like great choice for someone looking for a step up from their first pair of shoes and wanting to break into the world of aggressive shoes, while still retaining a comfortable fit.

Dylan Alvarez

Great shoe, not for me...

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I bought these shoes as my first almost aggressive shoe... Great shoes, very sticky, but the sizing is not for people with narrow feet... If you want a pair of black diamond zones but have a narrow foot, make sure to get the Zone LVs... Besides the sizing, fantastic shoe.

Nick Rau

Does the job

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

This a a good climbing shoe for someone thinking about trying something a little more aggressive but the structure did not match my foot shape for a little while in to the climb the soles of my feet started to burn. I would try them out around in a climbing gym before trying a actual rock wall in all the elements first. Runs small like most black diamond shoes.

Jennifer Perales

Lots of pain, good amount of gain

After using these regularly for weeks they still feel fairly uncomfortable, kind of painful in fact. The performance I get out of them is fantastic, I just don't think I can handle a shoe this aggressive. I also went up a full size. It's a well constructed shoe with lots of potential, I just can't keep it on for long.

Ben Wilson

Solid Shoe. Not for Me

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This is a solid shoe. It is very aggressive. I was blown away with the sort of holds I was able to throw my toes onto and feel fully confident in the hold. I was able to boulder and sport climb at levels I often struggle with because they really do give an added level of aggression with the toe. However, I tried these in my street size and a full size up and was not able to break them in. I have pretty wide toe splay but a narrow foot through my arch and heel. The street size was perfect for my foot, but even when I sized up the toe pain was a level beyond what's typical for breaking in shoes - even after a number of days climbing in them and trying to get them to start breaking in. Overall, I liked the performance of this shoe. It is not ideal for my foot type, but that doesn't mean it isn't for you!

Victor Chilson

Perfecto!

This is a great rock climbing shoe overall. I definitely like wearing these indoors. Have tried them outdoor and maybe the fact that I was near a waterfall made them hard to use. Definitely would recommend for beginner climbers!

Erica Okada

Stiff and Hard

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I wear size 10.5 street shoe and went with the size 10 in these and they fit well, however they had a little bit of dead space in the heels that I wasnt able to get rid of in switching sizes. I'm sure it takes time to break them in but they felt very stiff and walking around in them sure made my feet ache. Absolute monsters at edging, but I could only wear them for a good 3 minutes until I had to take them off. Work the shoe, don't let it work you!

Ethan

Aggressive Bouldering and Gym Shoe

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Sweet debut from BD. I'm excited to see more evolve now that they are jumping into the climbing shoe industry. They climb very aggressively, and I feel they are perfect for bouldering at the gym. I will note, due to the construction, I wouldn't use them frequently outside. Do also note they run VERY small, at least by a full size.

Caleb Rio-Anderson

Awesome Sport / Bouldering shoe

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I have only used these shoes inside so far. They are a more aggressive version of the Momentum. They perform well on steep sport routes and boulder problems. I would go true to size or size up a half size if you like a more comfortable fit from the get-go.

Tyler Mifflin

Stiff and Sensitive

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

When these dropped on the BD site I was stoked out of my mind! I used the Momentum's and the Aspects before so I was ready for whatever they threw at me next. Boy was it a curve-ball. These things are stiff! I was walking on the pads on the sides of my feet. I could edge really well and feel whatever I was trying to project with ease, but I had to take them off after each problem. Another thing I should mention is the dead space. I'm not against velcro but if you're going to do it, please make it adjustable for a wide range. I put these on and cinched them down as best as I could but there was still dead space around my heel, and the top of my foot. It needs a tad more work but then these will be excellent!

Sam Robbins