Bouldering is a climbing discipline that can become highly technical on vertical and slabby walls or more dynamic with jumps and dynos on overhangs or roofs. This is why intermediate and advanced boulderers often opt for soft and unstructured climbing shoes. These shoes enable them to fully unleash their power when pushing off holds and provide complete freedom of movement when tackling "parkour-style" boulders.
Major climbing brands offer a variety of solutions tailored to different climbing styles encountered at higher levels. When we're pushing our climbing limits, every detail matters. That's why many climbing shoe models come in both men's and women's versions or in the classic and low-volume edition (the latter designed for smaller feet). Low-volume climbing shoes typically offer greater flexibility compared to their "standard" counterparts, featuring a narrower sole and reduced volumes in both the heel and instep areas.
If you've ever wondered how much the right climbing shoes can impact your climbing performance, SCARPA Ambassador Sean McColl has the answer you've been seeking: "With Drago shoes on my feet, I feel like a better climber" (quoted from a SCARPA advertisement dating back to 2010).
La Sportiva Solution Comp (man and wmn version)
The Solution Comp is La Sportiva's top-of-the-line climbing shoe, specially designed for high-level bouldering. As we discussed in our recent blog post about the climbing shoes featured at the Bern World Championships, the Solution Comp is the must-have choice for La Sportiva's strongest athletes competing in Boulder World Cups or Championships. However, at the same time, they are incredibly comfortable in terms of fit, and the inner materials are so soft that many intermediate climbers also choose to wear them for their indoor or outdoor projects.
The Solution WMN comes in vibrant colors and lower volumes, making them suitable for narrower feet and a broader audience. They are sensitive yet precise, serving as your secret weapon to give your all on the most challenging boulders in your climbing gym.
The SCARPA Drago boasts an even more aggressive design when compared to the Solution Comp, and they appear to have a natural inclination for heel and toe-hooking. SCARPA's patented tensioning system allows you to shift the weight from the toe to the back of the foot while exerting pressure on small edges. Like many climbing shoes designed for advanced climbers, the SCARPA Drago is constructed with a midsole that provides greater freedom of movement, particularly when smearing and jumping on large volumes.
The Drago LV is the latest version designed to accommodate smaller and narrower feet, and it has become the "must-have" competition climbing shoe by SCARPA, especially favored by female climbers. This version features reduced volumes both in the toe and the heel box, offering a better fit for a broader range of climbers.
The SCARPA Instinct VSR strikes a unique balance between high performance and exceptional comfort, thanks to its slightly less asymmetrical shape and a more relaxed positioning of the toes compared to the other models we are presenting here. This is the reason why we often find them on the feet of top athletes at international climbing competitions, as well as proudly worn by intermediate climbers tackling their projects on the rock.
The Instinct VSR features a synthetic upper and a single Velcro closure with two adjustable buckles that securely wrap around your foot. The split sole flexibility is effectively complemented by the Bi-Tension system, which helps distribute weight towards the front part of the foot, providing excellent support to the arch. This is why you'll get the most out of them even on vertical walls, slabs, and technical climbs.
When designing the Indalo climbing shoes, the Tenaya team had high-level boulderers in mind. Chris Sharma, Alex Megos, Jimmy Webb, and Drew Ruana are among the strongest climbers who have chosen the Tenaya brand and the Indalo shoes as their secret weapon. The upper is crafted from very soft cotton with a TXT liner; this feature, combined with the elastic tongue, makes these shoes some of the most comfortable ones you'll ever wear.
The Indalo climbing shoes are remarkably versatile and will impress you on vertical walls as well as on those flat holds typical of bouldering. They provide sensitivity and explosive responsiveness for dynamic moves like dynos, jumps, and running on volumes. The SXR Dynamics technology enhances the shoe's dynamic response, allowing you to move freely across various climbing styles required by different types of rock. This results in a unique blend of precision and comfort.
The Evolv Phantom is one of the most aggressive climbing shoes ever created! Its black appearance adds to its fierceness, making it the ideal choice for tackling the most extreme bouldering challenges, especially on overhanging walls and roofs. Daniel Woods has made them truly special by combining two highly technical midsoles, seamlessly integrated into the TPS+ tensioning system to create a pronounced downturn in the sole, channeling all the force to the toe area.
Evolv Phantom is also exceptionally durable, thanks to its synthetic and vegan-friendly materials and the 4.2mm Trax SAS sole. The closure system is equally innovative, featuring a single strap linked to six tension points for a perfect fit. Trust us, these shoes deliver outstanding performance, sensitivity, and longevity!
