How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes

An advanced entry-level option with slight camber and a more asymmetric fit, the men's evolv Defy Lace climbing shoes create a more precise connection between climber and hold.
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Imported.
Best Use | Rock Climbing |
---|---|
Climbing Shoe Type | Neutral |
Last | Slip-lasted |
Upper | Synthetic microsuede |
Outsole | 4.2 mm TRAX high-friction rubber |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Vegan | Yes |
Gender | Men's |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
Climbing Shoe Volume | High |
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 | |
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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 | 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 |
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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Thanks! Here's the updated review with your corrected sizing info: --- **Evolv Defy Lace Climbing Shoes – Field Review** *Evolv gave me this free product to try.* I’ve been climbing for years, primarily bouldering and sport climbing in California and Colorado, with the occasional alpine or glacier climb (including a memorable one in Austria). I tested the **Evolv Defy Lace** shoes over the past few weeks during indoor bouldering sessions and roped routes at local gyms in Colorado. Here’s how they performed: **Comfort:** The Defy Lace shoes were surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. No painful break-in period and no hot spots. The slightly padded tongue adds a bit of cushion, and the lace-up design makes it easy to dial in tension and support exactly where I need it. **Fit & Sizing:** I wear a US men's **size 10 street shoe**, and I went with the same size in the Defy Lace. The fit is snug without being painful, and the lace system allows for great adjustability across the top of the foot. This sizing felt perfect for an all-around training and climbing shoe with enough precision to perform on technical routes while staying comfortable for extended sessions. **Performance:** These shoes offered solid edging support and decent smearing capability for their class. I noticed how the slight camber and asymmetric shape gave me just enough precision to toe in confidently on smaller holds. While they are not aggressive shoes, they perform above expectations for the entry-level category. **Durability:** So far, the rubber has held up well across multiple indoor sessions. The TRAX® rubber grips reliably on both textured walls and plastic holds. There are no signs of delamination or premature wear. These feel like they will go the distance, especially for new to intermediate climbers or as a dependable training shoe. **Who They’re For:** I would recommend the Defy Lace to newer climbers looking to move beyond rental shoes, or more experienced climbers who want a comfortable, durable pair for training sessions and long days on the wall. The comfort, adjustability, and subtle performance features make these a solid go-to option for a wide range of climbers. Evolv gave me this free product to try.
Super comfortable shoe! I'm surprised that such great comfort can come with such impressive precision. It's perfect for long routes, and thanks to the lace-up closure, it fits perfectly. It's lightweight and comfortable, and the rubber is suuuuper sticky. Love them!
I normally wear a 8.5 womens street shoe but these run very small. I had to buy eu43 or womens 11. I felt the LV version were way too narrow and I have a medium width foot. Quality seems good. I needed a shoe with less heel bite as I have an achilles injury.