The Evolv Shaman is the most advanced, highest-performance climbing shoe that Evolv has ever released, designed from scratch by Chris Sharma. It fits like a glove, and is the most comfortable down-turned climbing shoe we've ever tried. Imagine: a no-compromises, aggressive, technical climbing shoe that doesn't feel like a torture device!
Built on a new last, with a strong downward camber and asymmetrical profile, the Evolv Shaman is perfect for hardcore sport climbing and bouldering steep terrain. The “knuckle box” distributes weight across your big toe, and the "love bump" midsole keeps that toe in a position of power for edging while also helping these shoes retain their downturned shape. The tensioned heel and arch rand eliminate dead space in the arch, transferring even more power to the toes, and a heel counter provides additional tension for secure heel hooks. Triple velcro straps keep the arch from flattening out on you.
The guys at Evolv have worked tirelessly with Chris Sharma on this shoe, tweaking and modifying prototypes repeatedly until they were absolutely perfect, and the Evolv Shaman is a worthy result. Even Sharma's girlfriend is impressed!
The Evolv Shaman is flat out one of the best rock climbing shoes you’re going to find, you guys. This Evolv climbing shoe features a microfiber lining in the forefoot, a “love bump” that puts the forefoot in a comfy position and helps fill the space behind the toes, and a “knuckle box” that allows the big toe knuckle to stay in a position of power while you climb. These design technologies are combined with unique materials to make the Shaman one of the most comfortable climbing shoes ever, and recognized as award-winning climbing gear.
The ultimate performance climbing shoe developed from the ground up by Chris Sharma ideal for hard sport climbing and bouldering on steep terrain.
The Shaman incorporates several key design elements that work synergistically to perform at the highest level: The big toe “knuckle box” and “love bump” midsole keeps the big toe in a position of power to obtain maximum strength for edging and grabbing; the tensioned heel and arch rand eliminates dead space in the arch for secure heel hooks and transfers power to the toes; the multi pattern lining (leather forefoot liner for increased sensitivity and feel, cotton heel for non-stretch performance), give the best feel and function for demanding climbs.
Designed by Chris Sharma, Evolv’s Shaman is intended for the highest level of sport climbing and bouldering on steep terrain. Down-turned camber, down-turned asymmetrical toe, and an arch-tensioning middle strap enhance the fit and provide optimum performance for your next project.
Developed from the ground up by Chris Sharma, the evolv Shaman rock shoes incorporate an aggressive downturned shape and high-quality materials to meet your needs on steep routes.
Made in USA.
| Activity: | Climbing |
|---|---|
| Asymmetrical Curvature: | aggressive |
| Average footwear weight (pair): | 1 lb. 6 oz. |
| Awards: | 2012 Award Winner |
| Can be resoled: | Yes |
| Footwear closure: | Rip-and-stick |
| Lacing: | hook-and-loop |
| Last: | Slip-lasted |
| Liner: | Leather forefoot and foot bed, cotton heel |
| Lining: | Microfiber forefoot, cotton heel, leather foot bed |
| Material: | [lining] pigskin, [upper] synthetic |
| Midsole: | MX-P: 1.5 mm half-length |
| Outsole: | TRAX XT-5 rubber |
| Profile: | Downturned asymmetric with the "Knuckle Box" (SHM-1 last) |
| Rand: | VTR rand (thicker in front toe area) |
| Recommended Use: | rock climbing, bouldering |
| Shape of last: | Cambered |
| Shoe Profile: | Aggressive Profile |
| Sole: | Two piece 4.2 mm TRAX® High Friction Rubber |
| Style: | Velcro |
| Upper: | Synthetic (perforated Synthratek upper) |
| Warranty: | limited lifetime |
| Weight: | Weight-284 g. 100oz ¿ pair size 9 |
| Evolv Rasta Shaman | $91.99 |
The shamans feel amazing! The knuckle box and love bump features really allow for a snug yet comfortable fit. The heel can feel baggy at times, but the full-coverage rubber allows you to hook pretty much any feature you can find. The velcro is pretty quick to get on and off (I tend to not care how much time it takes, but the shamans are quick, for what it's worth) and it's easy to get your foot into, even if you downsize a bit (I went with my street shoe size, which seemed to fit perfectly!). The edging power of this shoe is above and beyond every shoe I've ever worn, but the edge does round out somewhat quickly.
Now for the cons. My biggest issue with this shoe is the durability. I've climbed in it a few times a week for about six months now, and it's almost time to retire the pair I'm using. The velcro has been fraying for a long time now, and the toe cap is peeling off. The edges are completely rounded out, and the toe has lost some of its precision. The second biggest issue I have with this shoe is the stench. I have pretty smelly feet to begin with, and across the board, Evolv shoes make this problem 20 times worse. I'm not sure what it is about Evolv, but they always smell. Bad.
Overall, I would highly recommend this shoe for people looking for an aggressive sport-climbing shoe with powerful edging and hooking capabilities. Just don't expect it to last you forever.
My problem with most climbing shoes is the fit. I have a very wide toe box and squared-off toe profile. This is the only aggressive shoe I have ever tried that fit me. I have not climbed with them much yet, but I can vouch that they made some bouldering problems laughably easier than my old shoes. I actually had to go UP a half-size from my street shoes and my La Sportiva Mythoses and my toes are still curled plenty, whereas they are not really curled at all in the Mythos. The tongue gusset is split nearly to the toes, which makes these shoes very easy to get on and off. That's a good thing for an aggressive shoe that you don't want to walk around in. Also the velcro straps go closer to the toe than in other shoes, and there are 3 of them that go all the way across the shoe. This lets you control the volume of the shoe a lot more than with other designs (i.e. La Sportiva Solution). Overall, the versatile fit and edging/hooking performance are the biggest reasons to buy this shoe. I cannot comment on durability yet.
have climbed in these shoes twice and so far I LOVE THEM! I can edge on anything, my heel stays put, the three velcro straps enable a perfect, snug fit on all areas of the foot. I cannot testify to the stretch of the shoe as I have not worn it long enough.
If it helps, I am a women's size 8.5 always. I bought these in a 8.0 us, which is men's sizing (39.5 Euro) and they were a little uncomfortable (for about 3 minutes) and after, felt great. If there is any stretch to them, which I presume will be minimal since they are synthetic, you may wanna take my sizing selection advice and go a half size down. I will most certainly be following up if they do stretch. In addition, I have a slightly wider foot than most women's so Evolv definitely caters to this.
Over all, I recommend theses shoes more than any I have tried (La Sportiva - Miura XS, Five Ten - Anasazi, Millet - D. Dulac Pro Model)
First thing is first
-out of the box these look sweet.
-newer version has a wider middle strap which makes a world of difference in the security of the fit
-sized aggressively for best fit i wear an 10.5-11 street shoe and got a 9.5 and after 2 months they have stretched to perfect. the first few weeks are a bit rough but once they stretch out you will be glad you downsized
-heel hooks are BOMBER, nuff said
- edging is solid after the rubber breaks in you can stand on dimes confidently
-toe hooks are also pretty good but take some practice with the toe box design
-only down side of these shoes is that they may encourage bad foot work because you can stand on such little stuff