Evolv

Phantom Climbing Shoe

Same evolv sizing as always

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Size Bought:

25mm

Weight:

170

I had a gift certificate so didn't get these here but reviewing to save people the pain of buying ones too small. Pretty much calling BS on the other review's sizing suggestions. Like other evolv's, you literally cannot get your foot in the shoe at street shoe size, let alone smaller. I've been climbing for basically 30 years now and have tried everything but evolv has been my go to for about the past 15 or so. My foot is more than 1/2in longer than +1 size over my street shoe, maybe people just like wearing big shoes or their toes do things mine can't..., IDK. I would start at +1 US sizing and go down if you have to. I wear a 9.5 in almost all brands of street shoes, I thought I might have to cut a size 10 off my foot after wrestling it for 5 or 6 minutes to get it on, it didn't want to come back off. Shoes are awesome once broken in, way better lacing and heel than Shamans, which is what I was coming from. They are slightly more narrow up front as well, they do seem to relax a bit, but if you have a wide foot on either the front or the heel, I don't think you'll like these. I would also anticipate a good 5 - 10 decent sessions to get them to break in much, there's just so much rubber and their length doesn't stretch at all. I did not try the shower or other method, so can't comment if that helps. They are intense out of the box and for the first 2 or 3 days with them. They are not sensitive, they're not going to smear especially well, again similar to shamans and agros and oracles. There's just so much rubber, which I don't consider to be a bad thing, you just need to already have good technique for these. And, I find these to be an upgrade over other aggressive Evolv shoes in performance and way more comfortable than agros. They can stand on almost anything, and have a better heel and toe top rubber.

I bought these and now I can climb v17

All jokes aside, I have been on a journey to find the best bouldering shoe. After experimenting with Scarpa Dragos and Soill New Zero Pros, I have begun to understand what I want in a shoe. My favorite elements of the Dragos are the sock-like comfortable fit. Also, the sticky rubber that came on them. However, thinking that I would like the soft and sensitive rubber, I've noticed that it was hard to be precise, and staying on small footholds was a hassle (and that also may just be my weaknesses showing). That brings me to the So ill New Zero Pros. Which are also great shoes, I love the medium stiffness to them as well as the cushioned heel that allows for sick heel hooks. But those shoes also do not have that sock-like fit I craved. That brings me to the Evolv Phantoms, finally, the review you wanted to actually read about. These shoes fit wonderfully and give that snug fit I had been looking for. Also, it has a stiff, sharp toe that is great for precise footwork. As a boulderer, this is what a shoe should be like. Now let's talk about sizing. I am a size 10 street shoe and I had purchased the 9.5, and may I say do NOT go any lower than half a size down. Unless you like torturing your poor toes. Half a size is a perfect "performance" fit for those searching for a snug fit. Snag these shoes because they are perfect for the serious boulderers out there.

Love um!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

They are stifffffff In the toe, but these suckers are the best bouldering shoes this side of the Mississippi (which ever side of the Mississippi you’re on). Not your everyday climbing shoe/ training shoe ,but they do what they are supposed to do and they do it very well. I use them when I go bouldering outside and that’s it. I wear a 9.5-10 in regular shoes and got these in a 9 for the sung fit. They broke in well even with the stiff toe.