Review on Evolv Phantom Climbing Shoe Black by Francisco Holmes

Rating will be updated as soon as used, but would like to comment on dimensions. I thought they might be more like other brands compared to the usual crazy small size developments, but they aren't. If you have shamans, acros, oracles, etc. just make them the same. I tried half a size up first, it took me about 5 minutes to put a foot in, and I almost couldn't take off the shoes, not even joking for a few minutes, I thought I might have to cut them off my foot . . Changed 1 size up and they're still terribly tight and I've been using aggressive shoes for years, 1 size up they're just tolerable is all I can say. Unless you have very arched feet I can't imagine using shoes smaller than 1/2 size, let alone a street shoe size. I can say without a doubt that I have no chance of getting my foot into this 9.5, my foot is literally about 3/4 inch longer than any size +1 10.5 shoes, but my feet are relatively flat, so that could be a factor. Otherwise, they're basically shamans with a much better heel and lacing system. I've always preferred lace and it's basically a velcro closure with the benefit of being fully laced. Adjusting the straps is a little tedious, but when you do, they fit perfectly. The heel is much better than the IMO shamans, deep enough but narrower to eliminate dead space. If you have a wide heel this may not work. Also, it doesn't cut my ankle like many other shoes like the Anasazi and most athletic shoes. I don't feel much Not a beginner's shoe by any means, smearing isn't that much fun either, but for edges and steep overhangs, heel hooks, toe hooks they are the absolute killer. Thanks to the shape, tightness and stiffness, you get tremendous power transfer. Another issue I'm concerned about is the heel straps which don't seem very durable and as difficult as they are to put on this can be an issue. I've tried putting them on without the straps to hopefully save them and see how they move with the times. Will update as I wear them more. So far I've expected that, except that the size is only typical of development, meaning growth, not decrease. They're also almost entirely rubber so I'm curious to see how and where they will soften over time, definitely the rubberiest shoe I've seen, there's almost no fabric anywhere.