Evolv Elektra VTR

I'm writing this review for other men who are interested in buying these shoes and are wondering about sizing. I bought these shoes because a friend of mine who is a good climber and owns 5 pairs of climbing shoes (mostly Evolv) suggested I look at women shoes -- because I have narrow lower volume feet. When I did a search trying to figure out suggestions on sizing these shoes for men I found very little information. I talked to one person who suggested that they run about a half size smaller so I tried ordering a 10.5. I normally wear around a size 10 or maybe 10.5 in running shoes. I found that these shoes were too small for my feet. I think that these shoes run at least 1 size different (so if I wear a size 10 in mens I'd want a size 11). Another way to look at sizing is to find the correct European sizing since those are the same for men or women (since sizing is so exact and tricky with climbing shoes I wish Zappos would have the manufactures chart here). So for my size 10.5 women shoes they are a 42 (270cm [Japanese sizing]). A 42 in Evolvs mens chart is a US size 9. A womens size 11 is a EU 42.5 (275cm) and mens size 9.5. There seems to be a factor of 1.5 size difference between the mens size and womens size. So I think I could probably use a size 11.5. My previous shoes are Scarppa Feroce. They are a more aggressive climbing shoe with down turned toes. In those shoes I have a mens size 9.5 which is a womens 10.5 and EU 42.5 (so different sizing conversion here). The Scarppa shoes fit very good but because they are more aggressive I don't like wearing them more than 20 minute. For these evolv shoes I wanted a more comfortable fit for mostly gym climbing. When you size climbing shoes you want them to fit tight around your foot so that your shoes become part of your feet -- more like a sock then a shoe. It's good to have your toes touching the end of the shoe and a tight heel. With these shoes they have a small heel which fits my feet well. They are also more narrow which fits my feet well. I wish they had 1 more strap to tighten the front of the shoe more and I'm surprised how much I can tighten them considering these are for womens more narrow feet. I will add that I love that these shoes are American made and with an eye on the environment. Just for reference sake, I've been climbing for 3 years and I normally climb about once a week -- outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter. I climb around a 5.10 range (in Wisconsin).

These shoes are great for beginners or someone who wants a nice pair of gym shoes that will last. I bought some Elektras years ago when I first started climbing and only in the last 6 months did they get their first hole. I liked them a lot because I have a sort of wide foot and these weren't too narrow in the heel. They last a long time and are perfect if you are just starting or don't want the harsh holds at the gym to ruin your shoes that are meant for harder climbs outdoors.

I just bought a second pair of these shoes after my first developed a hole in the toe after almost 9 months of wear (2-3x weekly at a gym, outdoor more rarely than I'd like). Good price, comfortable fit at half a size down from street shoe size. My only complaint is that the shoes get more than a bit smelly--glad that they are using a non-leather material, but make sure you leave them out to air well to avoid rankness.

I bought this shoe with nothing but risk. i was living in Ireland and had started climbing pretty regularly and realized I needed proper shoes. One of my friends had a pair of evolvs and as luck would have it they were just a size bigger than what I normally wear. I found these and ordered a 1/2 size smaller (cause you're supposed to) and they are great! they hold up great and make all the difference in my climbing!

Had them about a month and so far I love them. I climb in a gym about 4 times a week for hours at a time and they're never uncomfortable. I haven't been outside with them yet but I tend to be pretty rough on my equipment and they've been holding up great! I usually take about an eight in any shoe, but I think these run small I own a nine. Defiantly a good product, happy climbing!

My feet are normally a size 7.5 so I bought the 8 and then had to return it for an 8.5. The 8.5 is still a bit snug, but workable. I had tried climbing shoes on at the climbing gym I go to, as well as athletic stores, so I had originally thought I would be fine buying online. Rock Creek had a great return policy, so no hassle getting a size bigger.

I use these shoes in the gym, bouldering, and on various sandstone walls. I love them because they are easy to put on and take off, are very comfortable, and nice and simple design. I was really amazed at how much the rubber actually made a difference in how well I climb. Super durable for smearing and edging. I trust these shoes more and more every time I use them.

I just started climbing last year and have become extremely addicted to the sport. These shoes are awesome! I use them outside bouldering and in the gym. They are absolutely great. They run a little large, I would suggest going down a half size or full size than what you usually would wear.

I've used them for the past two weeks at the gym. They've treated me right so far. I ordered a 6 1/2 and they are tight. I usually wear a 5 1/2 shoe. My left big toe gets really crammed in their. I would still recommend them though.

The climbing gym I go to has evolv shoes as their rentals so I already knew a full size down would be a perfect fit. I use these mainly for bouldering. They work well for this, I have not had any problems.