SHOE SHAPE
Arch shape, asymmetrical and significant tension in the heel (moderate level). This shape is combined with a midsole to provide significantly greater precision and power during your movements on small holds.
Please note: this shape, suited to highly technical climbing, may reduce foot comfort slightly (especially on Greek-shaped feet). This is why we have chosen a moderate level to combine comfort and performance.
WHAT DOES "ENGINEERED FOR WOMEN'S FEET" MEAN?
Thanks to our biomechanists who have analysed scans of hundreds of female climbers' feet, we have taken into account the morphological specificities of women's feet to improve comfort and precision.
This shoe consequently has a smaller metatarsal circumference and heel volume than the Men's Vertika to better fit women's feet.
That's not to say that it wouldn't also be perfectly suitable for men with narrow feet.
SOLE
XS GRIP Vibram® 4 mm rubber
XS Grip is a soft, very grippy rubber for good traction, especially on flat or rounded holds.We used a soft rubber on the heel to conform to holds and to grip well when you plant your heel.
We reinforced the sole with a midsole to provide support and power.
UPPER
We chose to develop the shoe's upper with synthetic leather lining (thickness= 2.5 mm) to prevent the shoe from loosening over time. We designed the tongue component to be highly breathable and provide foot comfort.
WEAR-AND-TEAR OF THE SOLE
Did you know? The better a rubber’s grip, the more it wears out, especially in indoor climbing.
This is why we have chosen to work with a specialist recognised in the market since 1937, Vibram, and have carefully selected the rubber offering the best balance between strength and grip.
Our tests show that on average, rubber wears away in 6 months, on the front and/or top of the shoes. This can be more or less fast, depending on how you place your feet.
SIZING RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are an intermediate climber, we recommend selecting a shoe size a little tighter than your everyday shoes (e.g. 1/2-1 size smaller) but it's important they don't hurt, so that your foot can develop mobility, proprioception, and strength.
If you are an advanced climber, we suggest you take the time to try different sizes (1 to 2 sizes below normal) to find the best compromise between comfort and compression for more force when pushing off.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Our first piece of advice is to never (under any circumstance) machine wash your shoes. Thermal and mechanical stress could damage them. We recommend that you wash them by hand, either with a sponge soaked in clean water or with a sponge soaked in soapy water (Marseilles soap), being sure to air-dry them at a stable temperate and avoid drying them on a radiator or in direct sunlight.