How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes

The competition-style, low-volume evolv Zenist Pro LV climbing shoes include EvoWrap technology for powerful sensitivity so you can climb steep, challenging routes without pain.
Imported.
View all evolv Women's Climbing ShoesBest Use | Rock Climbing |
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Climbing Shoe Type | Aggressive |
Last | Slip-lasted |
Upper | Synthetic microsuede |
Lining | None |
Outsole | 4.2 mm TRAX high-friction rubber |
Footwear Closure | Strap |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Vegan | Yes |
Gender | Women's |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4 oz. |
Climbing Shoe Volume | Low |
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 | 5 Womens/4 Mens | 5.5 Womens/4.5 Mens | 6 Womens/5 Mens | 6.5 Womens/5.5 Mens | 7 Womens/6 Mens | 7.5 Womens/6.5 Mens | 8 Womens/7 Mens | 8.5 Womens/7.5 Mens | 9 Womens/8 Mens | 9.5 Womens/8.5 Mens | 10 Womens/9 Mens | 10.5 Womens/9.5 Mens | 11 Womens/10 Mens | 11.5 Womens/10.5 Mens | 12 Womens/11 Mens | 12.5 Womens/11.5 Mens | 13 Womens/12 Mens | 13.5 Womens/12.5 Mens | |
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U.S. Women's | 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 | 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. Men's | 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 | 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 |
EU | 35.5 | 36 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 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 |
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.
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I enjoyed the performance of these- the extra rubber for toe hooks and strip for heel hooks felt great, better edging than I expected on some tiny toe chips. Rubber felt sticky and supportive. However, the fit was really uncomfortable. Most of the discomfort might be the Zenists just not being the right shape for my foot. However, the back of the shoe, especially the binding (white strip with the evolv logo) is really stiff and comes up pretty high which felt abrasive on the backs of my ankles. It started to chafe there and was irritated for a couple days after climbing. Sizing: They run small. My street shoe size is normally 6.5-7. I tried the Zenists in women's size 8.5 and 9s. The 9's had extra room around the middle of my foot even when the straps were tightened (tough with a lot of rubber on top of the shoe), but 8.5's hurt a bit too much on my heel and toes- I noticed small red marks on 4/5 toes that would likely callus with continued use. Some other shoes that fit me for reference: evolv Kira: EU 38 / USW 7.5 (a bit large on me) La Sportiva Miura VS: EU 37.5 / USW 6.5 La Sportiva Katana Lace: EU 37 / USW 6
I bought this shoe to exclusively climb indoors. I went up 0.5 EU size (42 EU -> 42.5 EU) and fit was snug but not painful, and heel fit was perfect. The velcro & lace hybrid system felt better than normal velcro from me coming from a Drago LV. It is slightly stiffer than Drago LV but still competent for indoor volume smearing. Toe patch works wonders for toe hooking and heel hooking was great as well. Highly recommend this shoe if you are looking for a excellent indoor bouldering shoe.