REVIEWS
56 Reviews
mat222
My first pair of aggressive/more downturned shoes and they were pretty much what I expected. Went down a full EU size from street, matching my Scarpa Helix and they were uncomfortably tight at first. After a few sessions they broke in nicely though and now they're stiff enough to feel good on all those tiny edges without completely destroying my feet. The heel is still a bit wide for me though.
bkor
I was a die-hard Solution fan. Wore several pair of the old Solution and a pair of the new. I had the Solutions straps keep breaking on me, so I switched to this shoe, the Scarpa Instinct VS and I'm very happy. Feel very similar to the Solution. Straps much better. This is my new go-to shoe. I use it for Bouldering and Sport. Old solution: 43 New solution: 42.5 Instinct VS: 43.5 These loosen up quite a bit after just a session or 2. So I may try size 43 next time, but these are great, even if not super tight.
Kevin
These shoes hurt pretty badly right out of the box, and the break-in wasn't quick. A month later though, they are exactly what I was looking for, upgrading to my first big boy shoes. I had a tough time choosing between Instinct VSR and Instinct VS, but decided to go with VS for more support as a heavier climber, and I'm glad I did.
Zakkkk
I already had some mega-aggressive shoes for the steeps, but picked these up as more of an all-arounder that would work better smearing, etc. Perfect. Very comfy and still perform fine on steep stuff. Not particularly specialized or optimal for edging, but if you just want one shoe to do it all relatively well, these are a good choice.
Wesley on the Rocks
These are the best climbing shoes on the market today. Awesome fit and feel. The aggressiveness is perfect. These are my go to sending shoe. Only downfall would be the Velcro gives up a little too quick for my taste BUT I also take off my shoes often. Still completely worth it!
Mark64
Just bought my second pair. Had laces before, got velcro this time. Love both. Only weird thing is your feet turn orange if you are barefoot. If you dont mind chee-toes, these shoes are a must have. The toe is thick tho so narrow cracks prob wont be your best friend
MikeY
Been climbing 8 years, and this is one of my favorite climbing shoes. Great toe rubber and great heel. I have the scarpa instinct lace as well, but the toe on that shoe is not as good. Would recommend scarpa instinct vs.
fishtank
I love these shoes. I find they are true to size and fit well. I boulder every other day and the shoes last probably about 9 months. They tend to take about 2 sessions to break in and stop rubbing. I can wear the shoes comfortably for a long climbing session.
MSMS
I tried to go budget when my first pair was finally spent, but quickly came back to these. Firm, supportive, and comfortable. ………………………………..
amyh
I upgraded to these from wearing la sportiva because I wanted something with better toeing and heel hooking as my climbing has become more intermediate. I've worn them about 5-6 times bouldering indoor and they are honestly more comfortable compared to what reviews had said to break in. These are the mens versions, but I'm a girl and just chose these over the girls version for convenience and they seem fine. I have not climbed in these outdoors so I can't speak on that. Overall pretty comfortable shoe that you will notice makes a difference in sending those more difficult problems you can't in more beginner shoes. A con I noticed is that my big toe seems to stab/bulge the top of the shoe, which hearing from someone else said the same. I sized down a half size.
Steve
Yea little tough to break in but it is pretty flat around the toes making it easier to mold. Overall great shoe for a intermediate climbers. The textured rand makes it feel really nice to do toe hooks and the rubber is hard and feels like it will last.
sumopunk
My wife bought these to try out and said they are solid shoes, but didn't feel right for her feet. Her's are a little wider. She ended up trying out the women's Instinct and they are perfect for her. 4 stars b/c these are solid shoes, just not the right fit for her!
Jessie
As a woman with a wider foot, I’ve been trying out shoes for years to find the right fit. These are absolutely it! The break-ins a little rough, but they’re my go-tos now. I’ll likely order these forever.
brkfsttco
I'm a woman with wider hobbit-feet and these are my perfect shoes. There is a little bit of a break in process but by the third or fourth session I'm feeling great. I wear a size 9 in womens shoes and purchased a 39.5.
b_gold
These are my go to pair for everything but pure slab climbing. I wear a 44 for performance fit on overhanging routes/boulders and typically wear a street shoe size 11.5.
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