ProView – Evolv Women’s Kira

As a new climber, (by new I mean I’ve never climbed before in my life), I was at a loss for what kind of shoes to start with. I jumped at the opportunity to review the Kiras by Evolv, a beginner shoe that I will be able to use for a while as my climbing strengthens. They have a reputation for being a beginner-moderate level and an all-around technical shoe. Knowing that these were the shoes I would be learning on, I wanted to try something versatile and secure. After taking them for a spin, I was not disappointed. 

Right off the bat, I learned that sizing can be tricky with any climbing shoe. My street shoe size is a 9.5. Reviews from former purchasers advised me to go bigger, so I went for the 10.5s. With zero dead space between my toes, they were snug and secure. If I could go back, I would even go a little smaller and get the 10s. 

Evolv Women's Kira

Product Description: Anatomically engineered parts and design provide the Kira with a comfortable fit without sacrificing performance. It uses a single hook and loop strap plus adjustable finish-pull strap closure for convenience and a customizable fit for the modern climber, making it one of the best technical all around shoes on the market.

Offer price: MSRP: $130.00

• Quality
  (5)
• Features
  (5)
• Fit
  (4)
• Durability
  (5)

Summary

All in all, this was a perfect shoe for my intro to the climbing world. I am so stoked to push my Kiras to the limit as I improve my skill. Whether you’re starting from zero prior knowledge (like myself) or already know what you’re doing, give the Evolv Kiras a shot! 

Overall

4.8

Pros

• Awesome grip
• Adjustable fit
• Vegan friendly!
• Great color

Cons

• Runs a bit small

• Shop on Outdoor Prolink
• Shop on Evolv

Fit

Evolv has recently worked to solve some of their sizing issues from the past and I can comfortably say they seem to run about a half size small. That being said, sizing for climbing shoes is very relative to each individual. Some prefer a very tight fit, but being a beginner climber, I didn’t want to absolutely crush my toes when I’m just starting out. I know every climber has their own preference when it comes to fit, so I’d advise going to a retail location and working with an employee to find the best fit. 

Features

My first day with the Kiras was spent bouldering at Three Sisters Park in Jefferson County. The Kira’s velcro straps made it quick and easy to take the shoes on and off as I moved from one boulder problem to the next. They also allowed me to make adjustments in size and pressure, improving the fit, especially so I could warm up with looser straps, and then tighten them before harder boulder problems. 

I was thankful for the strong grip on these shoes for my first time out. The firm and sticky soles instantly made me feel more confident — knowing that my inevitable crash landing result from my lack of upper body strength and not a slip of my foot. The same could be said for round two at the bouldering gym. The Kiras have a great edge, allowing me to use my feet very well on even the tiniest footholds — something that’s very important when you first start climbing – or so my climber friends tell me. 

Size/Weight

This unlined non-leather climbing shoe won’t stretch very much, so make sure you’re happy with the fit from the beginning. The sizing is available as small as 4 and as large as an 11, with half sizes available. They weigh 6.8oz per shoe, with a 1.0mm midsole and 4.2mm outsole. Best of all, I’m in love with the teal color. There’s something great about knowing you don’t have to sacrifice performance for style. 

The Final Word

All in all, this was a perfect shoe for my intro to the climbing world. I am so stoked to push my Kiras to the limit as I improve my skill. Whether you’re starting from zero prior knowledge (like myself) or already know what you’re doing, give the Evolv Kiras a shot! 

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