How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes

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Take on steep climbs with power and friction. Boasting aggressive downturn and asymmetrical toe boxes, the Five Ten Dragon VCS climbing shoes maximize power for routes with demanding edging.
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View all Five Ten Men's Climbing ShoesBest Use | Rock Climbing |
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Climbing Shoe Type | Aggressive |
Last | Slip-lasted |
Upper | Microfiber textile |
Lining | Textile |
Outsole | Stealth HF rubber |
Footwear Closure | Strap |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
Weight (Pair) | 15.2 ounces |
Climbing Shoe Volume | Low |
3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 15 | |
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U.S. Men's | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 15 | ||||||
U.S. Women's | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | |||||||||
UK | 2 | 2.5 | 3 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 |
EU | 34.5 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 | 49 |
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I went a size up, know that my friends who went to same as the shoes size struggled to break them in. Even a size up it was work to break them in. Would if you want comfort maybe two sizes up would be for you.
As a fan of the original Dragon BITD, I was super keen to see it make another round in velcro and lace. Fit is outstanding and comfortable, and the camber is just right for steep ground. Easy on and off. Strong heel hooker. For an aggressive shoe, it feels really cozy thanks to the lining.
Sizing is right, maybe a little loose. The velcro straps are pretty long. The most important thing that I wasn't very satisfied with was the rubber. It was nowhere near as sticky as my old Team 5.10s or Miuras. They also wore down very quickly, right through the shoe to expose my toes. I've owned many pairs of Team 5.10s in the past and these didn't not hold up as long, even though they're apparently thicker rubber. I owned the Aleons prior and they were the same. Would recommend another shoe instead.
Upgraded from Scarpa Helix to these when I got more serious about bouldering. These are great for edging and overhang--they broke in nicely and fit my feet really well. The velcro is a blessing, because they're not comfortable, so they're easy to take on and off in between climbs when I need to, and even though I have really narrow feet, if I adjust the velcro all the way it still fits just fine. I love these -- they were the best of 4 aggressive shoes I tried and I might be buying 5.10 for a LONG time.
I love this product, note that it is a quite type of shoe and that you might need to have 1 or 2 sizes bigger than your usual shoes size. I used to wear 43.5 and I was feeling it was way too tight in a 45 1/3, i could barely pass the shoe, 45 2/3 could be okay but I prefer a bit of comfort, so I went for the size 46 !! So just get the size you like the most and you will love it.
The top strap is a little close to the skin so the buckle digs sometimes and the toe box is ultra tight but I don’t think comfort was the aim here. Climbing wise it’s a pretty good shoes but for tiny pockets - not the best on flatter surfaces and don’t inspire much confidence.
Great climbing shoes, trusty sticky c4, been out a few times outdoor bouldering with these - definitely too tight for all day wear. Had to keep taking these off between climbs to give my toes a reprieve. Size up at least 1/2 size.
Great shoe really grippy. I sized up which meant they are a little wide as my feet are narrow but easily adjusted with the 2 Velcro straps which helps a lot compared to other style with just one.
Second pair, love them. Great grip on the toe. Heels spot on and.they are lasting