REASONS TO BUY
Precise edging
Sensitive
REASONS TO AVOID
Rubber not that durable
Evolv Predator Review
Evolve Predator
Credit: Evolvesports.com
Our Verdict
If you're looking for a shoe that will allow you to cling to the underside of that bouldering cave like the spider climbing the V100 next to you, or will allow you dance through those single crystal foothold sport routes, these are the shoes for you. But take note that you'll likely be replacing or resoling them in about four months. If you want a more budget shoe, the Evolv Defy or Mad Rock Flash is hard to beat for the money. If you want and ever higher performance shoe, we would look the Five Ten Anasazi VCS or the La Sportiva Solution.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Likes
The Predator is a performance sport/bouldering shoe with easy on/off Velcro straps. The radically down-turned profile and super pointy toe allow this shoe to excel at overhanging problems and routes. It also excels where you need super precise footwork. With these shoes you can feel, grip, and stand on all the tiny holds.
Predators are super sensitive, allowing you to feel the details of the rock through the shoe. The unlined synthetic upper keeps the shoe true to its size from day one (little stretch) and you can size them in your street shoe size.
Dislikes
The synthetic upper, however, is far less breathable than a leather upper, which leads to sweeping, incurable, you-can-taste-it-on-the-air shoe stink. While the rubber on the shoe is super sticky and sensitive it also wears out quickly. I burned through two pairs in about eight months (climbing - day per week outside).
Value
It is priced between a budget shoe and a ultra high performance shoe. It climbs more like a high-performance shoe and is a good value in that respect.
—
Chris McNamara and Robert Beno
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