LA SPORTIVA FINALE
The Finales were my very first pair of climbing shoes. They were a huge upgrade from the gym’s rental shoes. I did not downsize for these, since they were my first pair of climbing shoes (and I also did not know downsizing was a thing). They allowed me to do many basic movements very well. For the skill level I was at, I did not feel as though these shoes limited me in any movements or techniques. However, I started to feel like that once my climbing improved over time. Other than that, they are probably the best “first shoe” for climbers. I see everyone starting off in them, and I can see why! I highly recommend these if you are looking for your first shoe.
7/10
MAD ROCK REDLINE STRAP
These were my second pairs of climbing shoes. However, these were my first pairs of “real,” serious shoes. I’ve worn them for a little over a year, and I really enjoyed them. Since these were my first serious shoes, I sized down quite a bit. With that, they were VERY tight and a bit painful at first. It took me at least a month or two to really break them in. They are very soft, which I personally like. The aggressiveness allowed me to take advantage of the form to do toe and heel hooks. Compared to my very first shoe, this shoe had features on the opposite side of the spectrum. It honestly had everything the Finales didn’t. For that reason, this shoe has no bad features to me. These shoes hold great sentimental value to me because of how much I progressed and accomplished in them.
I still wear them as a secondary shoe, since the Zenists are my main shoes. I truly believe I wore these well and got the most out of them.
9/10
EVOLV ZENIST
This is my newest shoe. I’ve had it for about a month, and I really like them. The toe is a lot more sturdy, compared to the RedLine Straps. It allowed precise foot placements and delicate heel & toe hooks. I was very used to the way the RedLine Straps fit my foot, especially my heel, so the heel on the Zenist almost felt loose. It took a few sessions for my foot to get used to it. Turns out, I just needed to tighten the strap more for the heel cup to wrap around my heel. The shoe it tight for accuracy, but it remains very comfortable to wear for most of the session. The Zenist is also very aesthetically pleasing with its black and white color way.
9/10