I bought these as my first climbing shoes in 2002 and they took me from beginning at 5.9, up to about a 5.10b in the 6 months that I used them. I started climbing again in 2006 and in the past 6 months, these shoes have taken me from a 5.10b to a 5.11c. I see that most people recommend this as a beginner's shoes, and now that I've reach my current skill level, I can agree, as I am now regularly encountering problems where the shoe is the limiting factor, so I've been trying new shoes. First off, these are the best smearing shoes I've ever tried; instant stick and fantastic feel. This is also their downfall. While the rubber sticks very well, the shoe flexes so much on toepoints and inside edging that it is quite painful to perform either one of these moves for any more than a few seconds. These shoes are very comfortable; I bought mine 1 1/2 sizes down and there is ample room and so much comfort that I can wear them all day, and I even use them as approach shoes, sometimes. There are better solutions for heel and toe hooks, so I don't boulder with them, but for moderate face climbing up to 5.10b and bouldering up to V3, they will get you by.

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La Sportiva Miura
La Sportiva Mythos

I bought these shoes after trying a pair that a friend had and have been very happy with them so far. They are a great all around shoe and have nice, thick rubber for long lasting durability. I am not an experienced climber, and from what I see, they are recommended for beginners. I would say that anyone looking for a shoe to beat up on gnarly granite should give these a shot. They have a great fit and have taken me up to the 5.10 range.

Customer Service

Nice small company with great service

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Sportiva

These were my first shoes I have tried and they are excellent for beginners. They really help you boost your performance and are comfy after they stretch. I would not advise getting them if you are an advanced climber though. Five Ten Stealth rubber is unreal. My only problem with the shoe is the rubber that wraps around on top of the shoe by the laces is starting to peel off and I have only had them for four months. I am looking to pick up a new pair because I am looking to do a lot more difficult climbing and I will definitely stick with FiveTens. I was thinking of picking up the Southwests from the Anazi line but would like to see some review on them. If you own them and read this....Please write a review for them

Customer Service

decent shipping time

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first pair

The Five Ten spire was my first climbing shoe. It's great for beginners because its comfortable while still getting you up the route. The stealth rubber really sticks!!! I got them a little big so I started having trouble sticking to the smaller holds. This is a beginner shoe so I would not reccomend it to an advanced person.

Customer Service

Since this is a beginner shoe it is really easy to find anywhere and test them out.

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I'm on my second pair of shoes now the La Sportiva katanas and have found a slip-lasted shoe works best for me because you get the glove feel a board lasted shoe could never have.

Sucky shoes. Turn your feet purple. OK for gym rentals, but don't buy them! Get Sportiva Cliffs instead.

Customer Service

Great CS

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Cliffs Spiders

I just returned to climbing after a 15 year layoff. Back then there were only 2 choices in shoes, EBs and Boreal Fires. I wore fires and they were extremely painful. I was a solid 5.9 climber and could lead some 5.10s, finger and hand cracks, some face. These Spires are great! I have climbed indoors and outdoors with them. I'm a trad climber that uses the indoor walls to stay in shape. I downsized these shoes 1/2 a size and they have stetched to fit very comfortably. They're all the shoe I will ever need, but then I'm into long routes mainly and am not interested in short, difficult problems or bouldering. Great shoes!!!

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EBs, Fires

These are my first pair of shoes. They are a great price and really comfy. After using the gym shoes for a long time and saving my cashola, I got a pair of shoes. I have pushed them to the 5.10-5.11 range and they hold up just as good as any other shoe I have used.

These are the first pair of climbing shoes I got. They are great for beginners. But I think they lack feeling in the toes.

Customer Service

Great!!

Let me tell you about these little purplie nurplies. I've worn these guys for almost 3 years now and they have done so well. Buy them about 1/2-1 size smaller than a well fitted street shoe, and you'll have a great fit that stretches minimally. I'd have to agree that the amount of rubber on these is great, especially for the beginner, as they are forgiving on poor footwork. I'd also have to say to the poor old fellas who believe that the more aggressive climbs cannot be dominated by these shoes, I believe they just say such things cause they like to buy a lot of other shoes for fun. Climbing shoes can do whatever you push them to do, maybe some disagree, but these little guys have suprised me often at their good performance, lately, having seen all of the rock on routes up to 5.11c. It'll be a day of rain when these shoes will have to be retired, which may be soon, but, they'll climb the walls of my heart forever. Cheesy but true. Go ahead and get them, plus there are a lot of good deals out there now that I was not aware of then, so be patient and you'll save about 30 bucks or so. Happy climbing.

I got a pair for all day multie pitch stuff and I love them. there are so comfy i can climb for days in them and still not have sore feet. To every one that says you cant do any thing over 5.10 in them your stupid. you can climb hard in any thing. however on overhanging stuff there not great but for faces and slabs they cant be beat for the price.

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diablos, cobras, stingers,