Evolv Shaman Laces 2022 Climbing Shoes Review

On December 6, 2023August 22, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review1 Comment

In my recent years of dedicated climbing improvement, I’ve delved into the fascinating world of climbing shoes, constantly experimenting to find the perfect fit for my climbing adventures. Starting my climbing journey with the reliable La Sportiva Tarantula as a beginner, I took my initial “baby steps” with confidence. However, the quest for the ideal climbing shoe led me to explore diverse models like the Anasazi VCS by 5.10, the Simond Rock+, and the La Sportiva Otaki.

After rigorous testing, I’ve settled into a harmonious partnership with the Simond Rock+, finding satisfaction in its performance and mostly with the VFM proposition. Unfortunately, the La Sportiva Otaki didn’t quite meet my expectations after an extensive trial period. Determined to make an informed decision, I conducted thorough research, tapping into the insights of my fellow climbers within my network.

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La Sportiva Katana Laces 2022 Climbing Shoes Review

On January 13, 2023 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review8 Comments

During the past few years, while I have been constantly getting better in climbing, I have been tempted to try and test different kind of climbing shoes. My first pair as a beginner was La Sportiva Tarantula, which was a great pair of shoes for my first “baby steps” in the climbing activities. Upon that, I have tried various other models, such as the Anasazi VCS by 5.10 and the Simond Rock+ and the La Sportiva Otaki. Till this day, most of the times I use the Simond Rock+ and I have been extremely happy, though after a long testing period, I can not say the same about La Sportiva Otaki. Therefore, once again, I did an extensive research, mainly via my network of fellow climbers. My choices where the following two, the La Sportiva Katana Laces (2022 model) or the La Sportiva TC Pro.

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La Sportiva Otaki Climbing Shoes Review

On February 14, 2021September 1, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review11 Comments

During the past few years, while I have been constantly getting better in climbing, I have been tempted to try and test different kind of climbing shoes. My first pair as a beginner was La Sportiva Tarantula, which was a great pair of shoes for my first “baby steps” in the climbing activities. Upon that, I have tried various other models, such as the Anasazi VCS by 5.10 and the Simond Rock+. While I have been extremely happy and satisfied with the Simond Rock+ i wanted to try a pair of shoes a bit more aggressive and upon several months of research, I have decided to get my feet on the Otaki, by La Sportiva.

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Black Diamond Zone Climbing Shoes Review

On December 24, 2020August 23, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn Gear Review7 Comments

In the last few years, the market has been flooded with many new climbing shoes models, and actually many new brands too. In fact, Black Diamond, in the last year developed new series of climbing shoes and amongst others, also developed the Black Diamond Zone.

The Black Diamond Zone are climbing shoes that combine the strengths of the Momentum, comfortable shoes for beginners, to those of the Shadow, the most aggressive shoes of the entire Black Diamond line.

It is therefore an excellent intermediate shoe, with the upper made with Engineered Knit technology: a highly breathable fabric and coated in the places where it is needed. You will therefore have a perfect shoe for prolonged use in the gym but also excellent for the crag: thanks to this technology, in fact, the shirt is thicker in certain points and less in others. In this way, its shape will be very long lasting.

Black_Diamond_Zone_Climbing_Shoe_Review_165747_297 — Black Diamond Zone Climbing Shoes

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Simond Rock+ Climbing Shoes Review

On September 29, 2019August 31, 2025 By Olympus MountaineeringIn footwear, Gear Review16 Comments

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.