Should You UPGRADE Climbing Shoes to the Evolv Phantom PRO?

Summary

The review of the Evolve Phantom Pros climbing shoes highlights their aggressive fit, comfort, and performance for serious climbers. Despite their high price of $239, the shoes excel in precision, with sticky rubber, solid stiffness, and a comfortable break-in process. The reviewer notes their success across various climbing styles, from slab to overhang, and praises the fit, especially for those with narrow feet. While the shoes are an investment, they are recommended for climbers seeking premium performance. For those on a budget, more affordable options like the Tarantulas are also worth considering.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Evolve Phantom Pros are a premium, high-performance climbing shoe, retailing for $239.
• 😀 These shoes are designed with a new, sticky rubber recipe called Evo 74, intended for excellent traction and grip.
• 😀 The Phantom Pros are aggressive, which makes them ideal for precise footwork, tiny chips, and strong heel and toe hooks.
• 😀 Evolve recommends going with your street shoe size for the Phantoms, which is different from the common advice to downsize for climbing shoes.
• 😀 The shoes have a neoprene-like insert that helps with comfort and ensures a good fit, preventing foot movement inside the shoe during climbs.
• 😀 Despite the aggressive design, the Phantom Pros are described as comfortable and have a relatively short break-in period compared to previous Phantom models.
• 😀 The shoes maintain tension in the heel during climbs, providing good support for small footholds and overhangs.
• 😀 The Phantom Pros are built to last, with reinforced straps that are thicker than previous models, addressing a common durability issue.
• 😀 While the shoe's rubber is not dramatically different from the previous Phantoms, it still performs well on all climbing angles, including slab and overhangs.
• 😀 The Phantom Pros are more expensive than entry-level climbing shoes like the Tarantula or Tarantula Aces, but they offer a high-end, versatile option for climbers with a bigger budget.
• 😀 Despite the high price tag, the shoes are highly recommended for those looking for comfort, performance, and durability, though they might not be the best choice for climbers on a budget.

Q & A

What makes the Evolve Phantom Pros different from regular Evolve Phantoms?

The Phantom Pros are more aggressive, with a new rubber recipe (Evo 74) that is claimed to be the stickiest. They are also designed for better heel and toe hook performance and have a slightly stiffer construction compared to regular Phantoms.

How does the fit of the Evolve Phantom Pros compare to previous Phantom models?

The fit is very similar to previous Phantoms, with the same street shoe size providing a snug, sock-like fit. The toe box is asymmetric and well-suited to the reviewer’s foot anatomy, which includes a shallow heel.

What is the main advantage of the new rubber design in the Phantom Pros?

The new Evo 74 rubber is designed to provide superior traction, especially on tiny chips and footholds. While the reviewer didn’t notice a huge difference in rubber performance, they found it sufficient for various climbing styles.

Was the break-in process for the Phantom Pros easier compared to regular Phantoms?

Yes, the break-in process for the Phantom Pros was significantly quicker and less painful. The shoes fit well right from the start and morphed to the reviewer’s foot with minimal discomfort, thanks to additional padding and a neoprene-like insert.

How does the Phantom Pro perform in different climbing conditions, such as slab and overhangs?

The Phantom Pros perform excellently on both slab and overhang climbs. They handle smearing and stepping on volumes effectively, providing good traction and stability on a variety of surfaces.

Are the Phantom Pros considered comfortable climbing shoes?

Yes, the Phantom Pros are described as extremely comfortable, with a neoprene insole that feels soft, tight, and well-fitting. This comfort contributes to longer climbing sessions without foot fatigue.

How does the stiffness of the Phantom Pros affect climbing performance?

The Phantom Pros are stiffer than other models, which helps maintain tension and prevent heel collapse when stepping on small footholds. This stiffness aids in providing better control and precision during climbs.

What concerns does the reviewer have about recommending the Phantom Pros to others?

The primary concern is the high price of the Phantom Pros ($239), which might be considered too expensive for climbers on a budget. The reviewer suggests that for the price of one pair of Phantom Pros, a climber could buy two or three pairs of more affordable models like the Tarantulas.

How does the reviewer feel about the Phantom Pro's performance in terms of rubber grip?

While the reviewer didn’t notice a dramatic difference in rubber performance compared to other shoes, they didn’t dislike the new rubber either. It provided solid performance on different types of climbing holds, but the reviewer did not find it significantly better or worse.

What is the key takeaway regarding the Evolve Phantom Pro for potential buyers?

The Evolve Phantom Pro is an excellent shoe for those willing to invest in a premium product, offering comfort, performance, and a good fit. However, for climbers on a budget, it may not be the best option, and a more affordable shoe like the Tarantula might be a better choice.