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Evolv climbing shoes: Their history and best products

Currently one of the leading climbing shoe companies in the world, Evolv was founded in 2003 by Brian Chung and his brother Mike. It started out like most American stories – in a 500-square-foot garage and thanks to their products that provide optimal precision, comfort, and durability, Evolv quickly gained recognition worldwide. Synonymous with innovation and performance in the climbing world, Evolv is an internationally trusted company that makes shoes fit for bouldering, sport climbing and traditional climbing.

Something for everyone

From beginner-friendly models to advanced designs for elite climbing, Evolv offers models tailored to meet the demands of every climber at every level.

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned climber, you can find a shoe that fits your feet, climbing style, and skill level. Their collection includes models that are suitable for all levels of climbers, ranging from basic designs to advanced models.

Professional climbers such as Daniel Woods and Anna Hazelnutt have sent some of the world’s hardest boulders such as Return of the Sleepwalker (America’s first V17) or Once Upon a Time in the Southwest (one of the world’s most challenging E9’s), all while wearing Evolv climbing shoes! Check out their sends below.

YouTube video

YouTube video

Now, if you need a further introduction to who these exceptional climbers are, let me tell you more about them!

Daniel Woods

Daniel Woods (born in 1989) is a US climber that is one of the most talented and influential climbers of his generation. He is one of the world’s top boulderers, as well as one of the first to ever complete a proposed V17 boulder.

Introduced to climbing at the age of 5 he started as a competition climber and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Throughout his career, Daniel laid down more than thirty bouldering problems graded 8C (V15) and higher as well as redpointing five 5.15a (9a+) in sport climbing routes.

Woods’s top pick shoe? The Phantom – his signature shoe made in collaboration with the Evolv American brand.

Some of his hardest boulder problems such as the FA of the Return of the Sleepwalker, Off the Wagon, Blade Runner, Box Therapy, and Empath have been crushed wearing the Phantoms.

A bouldering weapon, the Phantoms were built for extremely steep climbing therefore they come with a very unique camber shape that focuses on the big toe for maximum power and precision on steep edging, as well as more sensitivity in the heel (2 mm outsole). Not to mention these aggressive shoes offer a comfy snug fit considering they’re almost entirely made from rubber.

Did you know that when Daniel Woods doesn’t wear his Phantoms, he climbs in the Shaman Pro?

Built for smearing and competition, these babies sound like the perfect choice for any climber looking to step up their game on the wall!

Do you want to climb a V6?

Evolv climbing shoes: Their history and best products

Here’s the latest shoe in the Evolv range for beginners: The V6. It is is made especially for those who want to become experts quickly on any terrain and progress to climbing V6 without crushing their feet!

With its easy adjustments and snug fit, you can now transition smoothly between climbs and grades. Thanks to its TRAX SAS rubber and a downturned toe, the V6 has excellent grip and stickiness and provides precision on steep small holds thus making it ideal for climbing. Moreover, it is 100% vegan, which is a great choice also for those who follow a vegan lifestyle.

To ensure the best fit for everyone, there is also a low volume (LV) version available, just like with all other Evolv shoes.

Here is a great video from Evolv explaining how it will help you progress to V6:

YouTube video

Looking for the perfect indoor climbing shoe?

Ultimately, are you an indoor lover who’s been searching for the perfect gym shoe? Look no further!

Here’s your weapon – the Zenist Pro, a shoe exclusively designed for indoor lovers. But here’s the exciting part – there’s more to this rookie than just being perfect for indoor climbing.

Not only perfect for modern competition-style bouldering problems, the Evolv Zenist Pro fits in the sensitive-shoe range and performs in outdoor bouldering as well, on any type of rock!

A lot of love for the Evolv Shamans

Writing this article got me thinking…the Shamans were one of my go-to climbing shoes when I first started climbing! Looking back I’m not quite sure why I switched to another brand – probably out of curiosity.

As a beginner, I vividly remember how comfortable and precise my feet felt in them, and that’s why I fell in love with them instantly. I believe I will give Evolv bouldering shoes another try!

And since I wanted to be close to sure about what the sizing is with Evolv, I figured I could double-check with Anna Hazelnutt, a professional US rock climber who went from being terrified by heights and fear of falling to sending bold trad lines and becoming a Trad Warrior!

Anna Hazelnutt’s thoughts on Evolv shoes

Anna, rightfully known also as the ‘Slab Queen’, is more than a climber: she is an amazing person who is not afraid to speak up, has bold opinions, and strives to make the climbing community a more inclusive space!

I could go on and on but if I made you curious make sure you check out her YouTube Channel. Her videos are a wild ride, both hilarious and educational, as well as being full of adventure!

Q. Anna, what is your first choice for steep bouldering?

A. I don’t often do this so I just use my shamans (my go-to shoe) for everything haha.

Q. What about slabs?

A. The Shaman VS Men’s!

Q. If you should choose just one Evolv climbing shoe what would that be?

A. Shamans lol.

Q. Pain tolerance is very personal when it comes to climbing shoes and how tight these should feel. However, I’d like to get a better idea of what the sizing is with Evolv. For example, do you usually go down in size, and if so, by how much?

A. I go pretty true to size with Evolv shoes, maybe half a size down if I want it extra snug. They’re super comfortable, it’s part of why I like Evolv shoes so much.

Q. “No pain no gain:” I often hear people using this expression in climbing and not only. When it comes to shoes, does climbing footwear need to be (very) tight to perform?

I think the shoes should be snug but I’m not a fan of painful downsizing. Lots of my climbs, being slab and vert, are very feet heavy, often requiring me to spend hours on tiny foot chips. Because of this, I tend to opt for a snug fit but nothing downturned or painful.

Curious about Evolv?

Have I made you curious about Evolv climbing shoes and their magic powers? If so, explore their models in our shop below and improve your climbing experience by choosing the one that suits best your climbing style!

Once you’ve found your match, feel free to share your feedback by dropping a review. We would love to hear your thoughts!

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