How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes
evolv Defy Lace Climbing Shoes - Men's
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Built to be the ultimate all-arounders, the men's evolv Defy Lace climbing shoes are a high-performance and comfortable choice for climbers of all levels, in the gym or outdoors.
Shop newer versionKey Details
Climbing Shoe Type
Neutral
Last
Slip-lasted
Can Be Resoled
Yes
Upper
Leather
- Unlined, semiperforated leather uppers allow the shoes to mold to your feet for a custom fit with breathability
- Slightly asymmetrical shape keeps the power comfortably focused on the big toe
- Lace holes in the front and speed lacing allow you to cinch up quickly while ensuring a snug fit throughout
- Full-length plastic midsoles give a great balance of structured support while letting you feel what you're standing on
- Durable, high-friction rubber outsoles grip rock and gym holds
- Split tongues allow for easy entry/exit without moving around
- Can be resoled by evolv
Imported.
View all evolv Men's Climbing Shoes| Best Use | Rock Climbing |
|---|---|
| Climbing Shoe Type | Neutral |
| Last | Slip-lasted |
| Upper | Leather |
| Outsole | 4.2 mm TRAX high-friction rubber |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Can Be Resoled | Yes |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4 oz. |
| Climbing Shoe Volume | High |
evolv Footwear - Men's (various styles)
| 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 | 5 Mens/6 Womens | 5.5 Mens/6.5 Womens | 6 Mens/7 Womens | 6.5 Mens/7.5 Womens | 7 Mens/8 Womens | 7.5 Mens/8.5 Womens | 8 Mens/9 Womens | 8.5 Mens/9.5 Womens | 9 Mens/10 Womens | 9.5 Mens/10.5 Womens | 10 Mens/11 Womens | 10.5 Mens/11.5 Womens | 11 Mens/12 Womens | 11.5 Mens/12.5 Womens | 12 Mens/13 Womens | 12.5 Mens/13.5 Womens | 13 Mens/14 Womens | 13.5 Mens/14.5 Womens | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
| U.S. Women's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 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 | 14.5 |
| EU | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 48.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 |
Sizing Notes
Evolv shoes are not designed to be downsized.
Evolv sizing uses three categories of fit: Max Performance, Performance, and Comfort.
Max Performance : Choose street shoe size. Ultra-snug fit to deliver the maximum possible performance.
Performance : Choose street shoe size and add .5 to 1.0 size. Snug fit for longer sessions.
Comfort : Choose street shoe size and add 1.0 to 1.5 sizes. Comfortable fit for multi-pitch or entry level.
VOLUME
All Evolv climbing shoes come in Low Volume and Medium Volume models.
Low Volume : Designed for a maximum performance fit and lower volume foot shapes.
Medium Volume : Designed for a performance fit and average volume foot shapes.
Buying Advice
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Customer Images
Marco
Arizona
Too tight - size up!
2 months ago
I bought these(EU 43) and a pair of the Evolve Defy Lace (10.5). The La Sportiva fit perfectly - that is quite snug but not painfully so. I normally wear dress shoes in a size 9.5-10 and running shoes more often in 10.5. I read reviews on the Evolves being hyper snug so went with 10.5. Side-by-side the Evolves are a fraction smaller than the La Sportiva 43. Both are very comfortable in the heel and tongue and tolerable in width (very snug but good for climbing). I like that both came with the double heel straps to help pull on!
Age:45–54
Experience Level:Casual
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10
Used for::Gym Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
willgatt
Boise
Nice all-day shoe
1 year ago
This shoe isn't high-performance, but at the price it is certainly good enough. I bought this shoe as an affordable gym shoe, but find myself wearing it on multi-pitch routes as well due to the comfort. It has enough edging and smearing power that I find myself comfortable wearing them on fairly serious outdoor routes, as long as the footwork isn't too technical. Side note: I have a very wide fore-foot (doesn't fit in any Sportiva, Scarpa, and most 5.10), but these fit me great. I hope Evolv keeps this model around.
Age:18–24
Experience Level:Experienced
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10
Used for::Trad Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
BlackKat333
Buford, GA
I love the split tongue and the wider toe area.
1 year ago
I wear a size 9.5/10/10.5 street shoe for the most part, so I ordered both a size 10 and a size 10.5 Evolv. The 10 felt too short of an arch for my foot, but the 10.5 was just right. The toes have more room and no rubber over the big toe, so you can stretch much more comfortably. The tongue split is so great for getting the shoes on and off, the heel is the perfect height for me. I look forward to wearing them at the gym for bouldering. (Also, for climbing when I can) Again, most my street shoes are 10 or 10.5. (I only have one pair of 9.5) I also tend to wear thin socks in my climbing shoes for added comfort for routes. I have bought in the past a size 10 La Sportiva, and a size 11 Scarpa. All brands have different sizing, but these seem pretty true to street size. I recommend getting two sizes to try, just to make sure you get the best fit and returning the other one to the store. Again, I wear mainly a 10/10.5 street shoe, so I ordered both a 10 and 10.5 climbing shoe to try. I kept the 10.5. Good luck and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Age:25–34
Experience Level:Experienced
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10.5
Used for::Bouldering
Yes , I recommend this product
Sicass
Wildomar
best fit for climbing up any boulder
3 years ago
These are my first pair of shoes and I love them. was able to flash so many boulders with ease and comfort. the best for any kind of bouldering, spending hrs in these shoes is not a problem no discomfort at all.. Love the split tongue on the shoe because it gives more coverage across the top of the foot. really glad I bought this pair.
Age:45–54
Experience Level:Beginner
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 8
Used for::Bouldering
Yes , I recommend this product
RMB
Most Comfortable Shoe for Bunions
9 months ago
After trying so many shoes on, this shoe is the only one that is comfortable on my bunion. The leather breaks in and conforms to your feet, and there is no stiff rubber where the bunion presses into the shoe. They feel quite durable even after lots of outdoor use! Though it obviously not a performance bouldering shoe, I have been able to climb harder in these shoes then my previous more downturned Evolv Shamans. Hoping to save time for other folks with bunions looking for a comfortable shoe.
Experience Level:Experienced
Used for::Bouldering
Yes , I recommend this product
ROBrien
Pennsylvania
Great First Shoe
4 months ago
Review: Evolv Men's Defy Lace Climbing Shoes These were my first climbing shoes, and they turned out to be a great choice for starting out. As I got more experienced, I really appreciated being able to adjust the tightness easily with the laces and fold-over tongue. They also have a good starting price point, making them very beginner-friendly. I mostly used them for sport climbing and bouldering and put a lot of mileage on them. After a long period of use, the fabric on the side of one shoe tore a few millimeters above the rubber. It was a bit of an unusual place for them to wear out, but considering how heavily they were used, it wasn't a major surprise. Overall, they were a solid and comfortable first pair that held up well through a lot of climbing.
Age:35–44
Experience Level:Beginner
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10
Used for::Bouldering
Yes , I recommend this product
henry
dallas,tx
perfect first pair!
3 years ago
this is THE SHOE for beginner to intermediate climbers, very comfortable fit after break-in period(couple hours of wear)i can wear them for hours on end during a long gym session. the toe, inside edge, and outside edge of the shoe are very good and sharp, bottom of shoe provides more than enough friction for any smear situations that you might come across, and the front half of the shoe is rigid enough to where you foot wont slip off tiny holds. I've been using these shoes for about 1.5 months and climb in them 3-4 times a week so they've seen their fair share of use, and as far as wear and tear goes these shoes are pretty bomber, the only wear I've noticed is on the toe/inside edge/outside edge, but it really only negligibly effects the performance and still provides more than enough bite on small holds, and the bottom of the shoe is still as grippy as new. in conclusion, whether you're a beginner climber, or been climbing for years, these are excellent climbing shoes!
Age:Under 18
Experience Level:Beginner
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 9.5
Used for::Gym Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
incognico
Bay Area
perfect gym shoe for not sending too hard
1 year ago
I wear size 10 street shoes. These in size 10 are great for wearing for a few hours at the gym, so long as you trim your nails. Not high performance, but the rubber toe has lasted me at least a year now, or 100+ gym sessions
Age:25–34
Experience Level:Experienced
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10
Used for::Gym Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
Tucker L
Super comfortable casual shoes
2 months ago
The Evolv Defy is a fantastic entry-level climbing shoe that doesn't break the bank. These shoes offer a comfortable, neutral fit, perfect for beginners spending time on the wall. The flat sole and durable rubber provide good grip without being overly aggressive. For the best fit, order your true street shoe size. Main complaint is they’re pretty ugly and are not nearly as advanced as a more expensive shoe.
Originally posted on ExpertVoice.com
Bonesaw
NJ
wide flat toes fit perfect
2 years ago
First pair of shoes I ever purchased and I couldn't be happier. I have a slightly wide but VERY flat toe shape, as in most of my toes are all the same length giving it a paddle appearance and not a pointed toe/foot shape, which opened me up to the idea of lace up shoes, and after just a couple days they fit AMAZING! Seriously, I cant give these shoes enough praise! I can wear these the entire time im at the gym without taking them off while at the same time they are SNUG. The rubber grips great and the sole/toe is pretty firm giving me plenty of confidence on climbs. I think the leather upper is part of the magic, because it was able to break in to the shape of my foot, whereas more advanced shoes are rubber all around meaning I cant even wear most of them let alone climb in them due to the pain they cause. I'm sure ill keep looking for a more advance shoe to try that fits because I'm curious to compare the styles, but I can honestly see me keeping a pair of these in my bag for as long as I'm still climbing. FYI I wear a size 11.5 normal shoes and that's what I went with here as well. Rounding up and down half sizes when renting led to shoes too big or too small and that inconsistency wasn't doing me any favors.
Age:35–44
Experience Level:Beginner
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11.5
Used for::Gym Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
1 - 10 of 21 Reviews