I’ve become slightly dedicated to rock climbing. I usually go once a week and would like to start going more often when my schedule permit this.

So I’ve started collecting some gear. I bought my own Black Diamond harness, carabineer and repelling device. I even found a pretty sweet Evolv chalk bag…The one thing that I was missing was the rock shoes. These are probably the most important item of gear that would improve your climbing.

Shopping Challenge Accepted

After lots of research I finally bought a pair. I probably tried on a dozen pairs of rock shoes and did extensive perusing of both the Evolv and the La Sportiva websites, as well as general online shoe retailers, like Zappos (who by the way tracked my tuchas as evidenced by the subsequent display ads).

I wanted a good pair of beginner rock shoes that wouldn’t fall apart or desperately need to be replaced in three months. I understand that I’m going to beat them up and abuse them. Since I’m just starting out, even $89 is an investment. I wasn’t willing to forego the $130 for some performance pairs. After all, these are my first pair of rock shoes and are bound to get beat up.

Here’s some things I learned though my research:

• You get what you pay for.
• You want to make sure the shoes are snug but don’t hurt your feet. You’ll want to be able to grip the holds.
• There are deals to be had online, but you need to know what fit you are looking for and what size that correlates to for your foot.

I found my shoes!

It was easy to choose the Evolv Elektra. My local indoor gym Triangle Rock Club held an Evolv event where I had the opportunity to try out a variety of styles from their line. Originally turned off by the girly purple color and the possibility that the Velcro wasn’t going to provide the same customized fit as the laces,  I found that I was able to get a nice custom fit with these. Plus, I could get them off easier between climbs. While I got to test-drive these shoes at the climbing gym event, it was really this review of the Evolv Elektra that helped me love me these rock shoes.

Bottom Line

The Evolv Elektra is an excellent beginner shoe. They’re comfortable and don’t stretch. It’s worth noting that the shoe is specifically designed to fit ladies’ narrower foot, so I ended up sizing up ½ size.

I’ve use them as my indoor climbing shoe at the gym and have also taken them outside on an all-day climbing adventure with no regrets. I couldn’t be happier with my new kicks.

Just,

G

Author’s note: The following weekend I went to the local REI member’s only garage sale and picked up an extra pair of the exact same shoe in super-duper condition for under $4. What a deal!