SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes Review | Best Outdoor Climbing Shoes
Introduction
Welcome to our in-depth review of the SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes. If you're a passionate rock climber looking for a high-performance shoe that delivers both comfort and versatility, then you've come to the right place. These shoes are designed to excel in sport climbing and bouldering, offering a combination of sensitivity and support that will enhance your climbing experience. With features like the Vibram XS Edge sole, suede upper, and Flexan Dynamic midsole, the Vapor V is packed with innovative technology to help you tackle any terrain. Join us as we dive into the details and explore what makes these shoes a top choice for climbers.
Product Description
The SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are designed to provide the ultimate performance and comfort for sport climbing and bouldering. With their versatile design and high-quality materials, these shoes are a favorite among climbers of all levels.
One of the standout features of these shoes is the Vibram XS Edge (3.5mm) sole. This sole is stiff enough to allow you to confidently stand on the thinnest edges, providing excellent traction and grip. The XS Edge outsole pairs nicely with the softer M70 rubber in the heel, making these shoes suitable for a wide range of climbing styles and terrains.
The Vapor V is built with a moderate downturn and slightly asymmetric profile, offering a perfect blend of performance in steep terrain and comfort when the angle eases off. The microsuede upper with reduced tongue volume keeps the shoe supple, while the suede foot base conforms to the shape of your foot, ensuring all-day comfort during your climbing sessions.
The Flexan Dynamic Midsole is slightly stiffer than the upper, providing ample support and reducing foot fatigue on multi-pitch routes. This midsole design allows for a balance between support and sensitivity, making the Vapor V suitable for various climbing techniques.
One of the unique features of these shoes is the Bi-Tension Rand. This system connects your heel to your toe using a reverse slingshot design, resulting in less foot discomfort and more power being driven towards your primary edging surface. This innovative design enhances precision and performance, giving you an edge during challenging climbs.
With a solid rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 127 customer reviews, the SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes have gained popularity among climbers for their outstanding performance, comfort, and durability. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, these shoes are a reliable choice for conquering various climbing challenges.
Pros and Cons
After analyzing customer feedback and reviews, here are the pros and cons of the SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes for Sport Climbing and Bouldering:
Pros:
Good shoe for beginners: The SCARPA Vapor V is highly recommended for strong beginners. It offers excellent performance across various climbing styles, making it a versatile choice for those starting out in the sport.
Comfortable and durable: Once broken in, these shoes provide great comfort, allowing climbers to focus on their technique without any discomfort. Additionally, customers have praised the durability of these shoes, making them a long-lasting investment.
Excellent grip: The Vapor V is known for its outstanding grip, even on small steps. Climbers have reported that it holds onto grips securely, providing confidence and stability during climbs of all grades.
Cons:
Heel design limitations: Some users have found the heel design of the Vapor V to be a bit problematic for heel hooks. This may require climbers to adjust their technique or find alternative shoe options if heel hooks are an essential part of their climbing style.
Sizing inconsistency: While the sizing of the Vapor V has generally been accurate, a few customers have experienced discrepancies between the old and new versions of the shoe. It is recommended to thoroughly check the sizing chart and reviews before making a purchase to ensure the perfect fit.
Lack of breathability: A few climbers have mentioned that the Vapor V can be a bit lacking in breathability, leading to sweaty feet during long climbs. This issue may be more noticeable in warmer climates or during intense climbing sessions.
Overall, the SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes offer a great balance of performance, comfort, and durability, making them an excellent choice for strong beginner climbers. However,
Customer Reviews
The SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes have received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 127 customer ratings. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about these climbing shoes.
One customer described the Vapor V as a good shoe for strong beginners, with good performance overall. They mentioned that it lasted well and held grips even on small steps.
Another customer mentioned that after the shoes were broken in, they found them to be comfortable and durable. However, they did have a complaint about the weird heel design, which made it difficult to do heel hooks.
A first-time climbing shoe buyer mentioned that they chose the Vapor V after reading through the reviews. They were pleased with their purchase and found the shoes to be a good fit for their needs.
Overall, customers seem to be satisfied with the SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes. They appreciate the performance and durability of the shoes, although some have mentioned minor issues with the heel design. With a majority of positive reviews, these climbing shoes are worth considering for your next climbing adventure.
Conclusion
The SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are an excellent choice for both sport climbing and bouldering. With their versatile design, these shoes offer the perfect balance between performance and comfort. The moderate downturn and slightly asymmetric profile make them ideal for steep terrain, while still providing the sensitivity and support needed for less challenging climbs.
One of the standout features of these shoes is the microsuede upper and reduced tongue volume, which ensures a supple fit and all-day comfort. The suede foot base also conforms to the shape of your foot, further enhancing the overall comfort.
The Vibram XS Edge rubber sole is stiff enough to provide excellent grip on even the thinnest edges, while the softer M70 rubber in the heel adds additional traction. This combination allows the Vapor V to tackle a wide range of climbing challenges, from technical boulders to vertical headwalls.
The redesigned Flexan Dynamic Midsole offers ample support and reduces foot fatigue, making these shoes suitable for longer multi-pitch routes. Additionally, the Bi-Tension Rand system connects your heel to your toe, resulting in increased power and less foot discomfort.
Overall, the SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are a top-notch choice for climbers of all levels. The positive feedback from buyers and the high customer rating further solidify their quality and performance. If you're looking for a reliable and versatile climbing shoe, the Vapor V is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the SCARPA Men's Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes:
Q: Are these shoes suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the SCARPA Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are often recommended for beginners. They provide a good balance between comfort and performance, making them a great choice for those who are just starting out in rock climbing.
Q: What is the sizing like for these shoes?
A: The sizing for the SCARPA Vapor V can be a bit tricky. Some buyers have mentioned that they had to size down compared to their regular shoe size, while others found that the shoes fit true to size. It is recommended to refer to SCARPA's sizing chart and customer reviews to determine the best size for you.
Q: How is the durability of these shoes?
A: Many buyers have commented on the durability of the SCARPA Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes. They are generally seen as quite durable and able to withstand regular use. However, it's important to note that the lifespan of climbing shoes can vary depending on factors such as frequency of use and climbing style.
Q: Are these shoes suitable for sport climbing and bouldering?
A: Yes, the SCARPA Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are designed for both sport climbing and bouldering. They offer a good balance of sensitivity and support, making them versatile for different types of climbing.
Q: How is the grip of these shoes?
A: The SCARPA Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are praised for their grip by many buyers. They provide good traction on various surfaces, including small steps and holds. This can enhance your performance and confidence while climbing.
Q: Are these shoes comfortable?
A: Comfort is subjective and can vary from person to person. However, many buyers have found the SCARPA Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes to be comfortable, especially after they have been broken in. It's important to note that climbing shoes typically have a snug fit for better performance, so it may take some time for your feet to adjust to them.
Q: Can these shoes be used for all grades of climbs?
A: Yes, the SCARPA Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are suitable for a wide range of climbing grades. They offer a good balance of sensitivity and stiffness, which can be beneficial for tackling different types of climbs.
Q: Are these shoes suitable for heel hooks?
A: Some buyers have mentioned that the heel of the SCARPA Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes can feel a bit weird and make it challenging to perform heel hooks. However, this can vary depending on individual foot shape and climbing technique. It is recommended to try on the shoes and assess their suitability for your specific needs.
Q: Are these shoes worth the price?
A: The SCARPA Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are priced on the higher
