Anonymous
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I'm trying to decide between the Mad Rock Flash velcro's and these Pontas. I've been climbing for about three months straight and am tired of the rental shoes. At this point, given the weather, I do mostly indoor climbing (bouldering and top roping). My street shoe size is a 13ish (depends on the brand). I like different parts of each shoe, and now after reading about both extensively, can't decide between the two. Any advice or thoughts would be much appreciated.
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justinadmin
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I've tried both, but I much prefer the pontas. Even though these are really comfortable shoes, they'll probably feel wierd at first because your feet aren't used to being forced into that shape (rental shoes are usually pretty round). I wear the same size as my street shoe (for sportiva I have to size down 1- 1.5 sizes). The heel cup doesn't have as many gimicks, but it works well and fits great.
If price is weighing on your mind, the Flash is way cheaper. Most people destroy their first pair of rock shoes because of poor footwork (I know I did), so that may be a good reason to go inexpensive.
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Anonymous
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I do like the Flash because of the lower price, but from some research I've read (including the rubber tests on this site) the rubber used in the Flash pales in comparison to the Pontas. I guess it comes down to does the rubber used on the Pontas merit the higher price tag? Or would the rubber on the Flashes work just fine? I'm asking you this because you've used both shoes. Thanks again!
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Anonymous
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I'm being so picky because I'm a student and want to get the best bang for my buck, and I'm relatively new to the climbing world.
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blackfriday
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Just a few thos, I have the pontas and older mad rock flash, my favorite shoes, but Evolv shoes smell really really bad. MadRock rubber will last much longer than Evolv's Trax rubber, as well as the rand. However, Evolv shoes climb much better than madrock. I want to point out that since you are a beginner, I don't think the shoes will make or break your training. Also, take a look at Evolv Defy, a model down from Pontas, I constantly see them on sale at steepandcheap.com for $50.
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justinadmin
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blackfriday said:
Just a few thos, I have the pontas and older mad rock flash, my favorite shoes, but Evolv shoes smell really really bad. MadRock rubber will last much longer than Evolv's Trax rubber, as well as the rand. However, Evolv shoes climb much better than madrock. I want to point out that since you are a beginner, I don't think the shoes will make or break your training. Also, take a look at Evolv Defy, a model down from Pontas, I constantly see them on sale at steepandcheap.com for $50. |
I'll agree with just about everything above. My Pontas didn't smell (probably because they are lined) but you can smell a set of Defy's from accross the gym. The defy and Flash climb about the same. If you want to spend the extra cash, the pontas is worth it, but still fairly inexpensive for a high end rock shoe.
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pengshi
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Another vote for Pontas from me. :)
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LimestoneCowboy
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Go with the Flash man, for sure. I used Evolv shoes exclusively for a long time and they just aren't worth it. I now only wear Mad Rock's (Flash for gym and cragging, conflict or concept for competition or technical routes) and they are far superior. Mad Rock just gets negative reviews because they're cheaper (notice they don't advertise much or have any high profile climbers) The Evolv's simply wear out WAY too quickly! I don't know how much you climb, but I can say you will wear a hole in a pair of Pontas easily within three months if you are frequent. Hope this helps, climb on!
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Anonymous
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Awesome, thanks for all of the advice. I climb at least three times a week so I think I am going to try the flashes and see how they work out.
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