Scarpa  Force V Climbing Shoes - Men's

This is my first climbing shoe - after trying on every other climbing shoe REI had in stock, this was best fitted and most comfortable. Most of other shoes I tried had a very loose fitting heel, toes were getting completely and unnecessarily smashed, toe knucles being cramped to point of severe pain when flexing. The shoe fits snug but not overtight, just like it should. The rubber on the outsole is excellent and does not slide. It is a lie in the community that the climbing shoe needs to make your feet bleed and hurt. This shoe fits me snug - but not to the point of pain that distracts you from climbing. I have heard the same flawed advice for soccer and dance shoes - and it does not hold up here either. I used it over last 5 months and it didn't really stretch - so get the actual size that fits you (ignore the silly advice of buying 1 size down from your street shoe... measure your foot and then use Scarpa's chart to get the closest match... and then try surrounding ones to be sure it's a good fit). If you are used to have lots of space around your toes (likely wearing shoes that are way too big) then this would be a change for you - but they should not hurt. The only gripe I have is that there is a seam on the inside of the toebox that will rub against your big toe. I get around it by trimming my callouses and toenail. It sounds like Scarpa moved that seam out of that area in 2018; but this shoe still have it. This is rather minor considering all the issues with every other shoe I tried. Velcro is solid and I really like being able to adjust the front strap how it straddles the toes/forefoot. Rear loops are super helpful. I also like the visual aesthethic/design of the shoe - none of that random vomit splatter material and colors that other shoe manufacturers come up with. Highly recommended for beginners and beginner to intermediate.

I cant and will not talk about the leather uppers than this doesnt make sense? Are there better climbing shoes for less money and as much function? Yes. This shoe fits nicely in the toe box for me where as evolve shoes never seem to fit that well. Flaws: The straps. Very thick and hard to operate within a gym context of taking them off between climbs. That they oppose each other makes for a complication that isnt worth what ever gain. Heel: It feels snug when you first try it on but Im not impressed with it. Toebox: has a slight upturn. Meaning you have to really control your toe to make good contact with holds. I feel like the shoe is fighting me to stay on the wall..... Pluses: Fitted toe box for my foot. There really isnt more going for this.