My personal evolution, i.e. the gradual development of my mountaineering activities, always leads me to search and test the most appropriate gear in order to perform better and most of all in full safety.
As described on my previous gear review post, the 5.10 Anasazi VCS, although very famous amongst the climbing scene, were not fitting me well. Therefore, I have searched for an alternative, which came out of Decathlon.
Decathlon is a French sporting goods retailer. With over 1,500 stores in 49 countries, it is the largest sporting goods retailer in the world. Amongst many brands, Decathlon, also offers a line dedicated for rock climbing, alpinism and winter mountaineering.
In the past few months, I have tried several climbing shoes and although I was thinking that climbing shoes should always hurt a bit, the Simond Rock+ Grey climbing shoes were very comfortable since the first moment I slipped my foot inside.
See other climbing shoes review here:
Fit and Comfort
The Simond Rock+ Grey climbing shoes offer great comfort. The last used for the production of these shoes is rather wide and for people with wider feet like me, they will feel very comfortable within them.
There is plenty of padding, and the tongue, but also the feel cap “snug” the foot of the climbers and “lock” it down pleasantly. Foam padding wraps around heel making climbing shoe comfortable when climbing.
There are two burly Velcro straps which cinch Simond Rock+ Grey down. On the longer velcro strap, the logo of Simond is displayed.
The only negative aspect of these pair of climbing shoes, is that on warm weather the feet will sweat more than other climbing shoes I have used. This will not influence the performance, but I have the feeling in the long term will influence the materials used, on the Simond Rock+ Grey climbing shoes.
Performance
The Simond Rock+ Grey perform rather well, especially for the price tag they have (50 euro). The Vibram XS GRIP provides exceptional grip and precision. The last used for the Simond Rock+ Grey is slightly aggressive, but very comfortable to climb.
The greatest thing about these climbing shoes is that I can easily wear them on sport climbing routes or multi-pitch routes (see Mignonette) and I can get the maximum of the performance and yet to be comfortable enough on both types of climbing.
To put on and off the shoes is very easy thanks to the two rip-tab straps let you slip on and adjust fastening with precision.
Design and Materials
Simond has been developing mountaineering equipment for over 150 years and they have enough know-how for the design and development of such products, and the Simond Rock+ is not an exception.
The Simond Rock+ is offered in grey with fluoro green colour. It is not the nicest climbing shoe for sure, but keeping in mind that Decathlon wants to offer great value for money, I fully understand the design of the shoe.
In terms of materials, the Simond Rock+ is using the following ones:
- Outer sole of : 100.0% Rubber
- Synthetic Upper of : 65.0% Polyamide (PA),
- Upper of : 35.0% Polyurethane (PU)
- Lining and sock of : 100.0% Polyester (PES)
Vibram XS GRIP
Introduced in 2006, Vibram XS Grip offers 30% more adherence than their previous compounds. Best for outdoor or indoor freeclimbing, Vibram XS Grip delivers excellent traction on smooth rock surfaces.
Vibram researches worked over a long period of time to develop a compound with an ideal compromise of grip and resistance. Through a number of tests in different climbing situations, XS Grip was born. Even the brand’s logo incision was carefully tested and placed so that it would not affect performance. The result is an outsole compound with heavy duty traction, whether you’re on granite or limestone. XS Grip is also engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, allowing it to function just as well in winter and summer conditions.
Bottom Line
The Simond Rock+ climbing shoes is a great value for money product. I highly recommend it for both beginners and intermediate climbers. These climbing shoes are very comfortable and provide great performance.
The feel and look of the show is decent and the materials used, such as the Vibram Xs Grip are of good quality.
Overall, I can recommend this product.
See other climbing shoes review here:
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