There appears to be something for everyone with the Butora Acro.
Its biggest attraction, however, is the excellent value for money they offer with its budget shoes with performance nous to rival premium options.
It ranks well in comfort, and the performance side is boosted by top-notch edging ability.
Its durability also means it can handle any intense use without much fuss.
It is possible you haven’t heard of Butora, a Korean company that burst onto the climbing shoe scene in 2014.
However, after reading this Butora Acro Climbing Shoes Review, you will grant them respect, if only for their commitment to creating excellent bouldering gear at an affordable price. One of the jewels in their crown is the Butora Acro.
What we like about Butora Acro climbing shoes:
- Performance shoes for budget shoppers
- Excellent edging ability
- Super durability
- OUTSOLE - Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber
- CLOSURE - Adjustable, signature triple fork closure system for quick on off and the perfect fit
- TOE - Large thin sticky rubber toe patch for excellent sensitivity and grip while toe hooking
Last update on 2023-09-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
What we don’t like about Butora Acro climbing shoes:
- A bit stiff for a performance shoe
- Lacks sensitivity
The Butora Acro launched in 2015 and quickly built a reputation as a high-pedigree performance shoe for bouldering that could rival well-known brand names.
It helps that the person behind the company is Nam Hee Do, who has worked at other top climbing shoe-making companies like Five Ten and Evolv.
With decades of experience, he has helped Butora create a following thanks to the thorough build quality.
You cannot even spot any glue on the outer side of the shoe, which is impressive.
The general consensus is that the Acro is perfect as an introductory shoe, and we agree with that.
However, that description does take away the performance chops this shoe has, as it practically can handle anything you put it through.
Such is its versatility that it feels pretty much at home, whether at the gym or tackling a limestone crag.
It does have an uncommon toe box design, and the stiffness is also unusual, and most will need time to get used to the shoe.
This Butora Acro review looks at how the shoe performs at the primary metrics to establish why you may want to consider this climbing shoe for your first or next purchase.
Butora Acro Feature Highlights
Butora’s signature triple fork hook and loop strap provide the convenience of a slipper with the extra security and custom fit of a lace-up shoe.
Butora Acro Feature Toe Box
A good part of Acro’s performance starts from its design.
It has an asymmetric shape, with the design centralizing the toe box.
As a result, weight shifts the midsole to your big toes.
This feature, along with the downturn sole, makes the Acro one of the best shoes for pocket climbing.
The toe box also features heavy rubber on top. It gives the shoe a great ability to hook securely while maintaining your comfort.
In fact, the company claims it is the largest rubber surface on the toe box of any downturn shoe.
All the extra rubber on top ends up trapping plenty of heat under the toe box.
To mitigate this effect, the company uses pinpoint vents.
These spread around the toe box surface, heel cup, and rand and provide a means of escape from the air.
They also offer extra friction, which improves your climbing points.
- OUTSOLE - Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber
- CLOSURE - Adjustable, signature triple fork closure system for quick on off and the perfect fit
- TOE - Large thin sticky rubber toe patch for excellent sensitivity and grip while toe hooking
Last update on 2023-09-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Butora Acro Feature Heel
Acro’s heel has a surprising knack for doing things pretty well with no or minimum downsides we have become accustomed to as necessary trade-offs.
The heel of the Acro also has a plentiful coating of Butora’s own Neo Fuse rubber.
The effect is an increase in the technical ability to hook at the heel.
An even more attractive aspect is the fact that it can do this without lacking sensitivity or feeling bulky, as most premium heels tend to feel.
There is a high-tension heel rand which maintains the heel cup’s shape and minimizes heel movement.
You experience no pain in the heel, which is another downside for most climbing shoes.
The rubber does not cover all the heels, which allows your foot to fully fill the heel cup, which eliminates any dead space.
The heel adopts a minimalist design which achieves an excellent balance between sensitivity and performance.
- OUTSOLE - Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber
- CLOSURE - Adjustable, signature triple fork closure system for quick on off and the perfect fit
- TOE - Large thin sticky rubber toe patch for excellent sensitivity and grip while toe hooking
Last update on 2023-09-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Butora Acro Feature Rubber
The Neo Fuse is Butora’s proprietary rubber compound.
The company uses it only for its specialist performance climbing shoes.
Of all the rubber options in the company, this is the stickiest.
The coating is 4mm thick, which is enough to give you excellent friction and still stay durable.
Where the Acro fails is lacking sensitivity of other top bouldering shoes despite being a semi-soft shoe.
Part of losing this sensitivity is what lends the shoe its super durable quality.
You can take this shoe through months of intense sport climbing, and you will not suffer any delamination.
- OUTSOLE - Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber
- CLOSURE - Adjustable, signature triple fork closure system for quick on off and the perfect fit
- TOE - Large thin sticky rubber toe patch for excellent sensitivity and grip while toe hooking
Last update on 2023-09-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Butora Acro Feature Comfort and Fit
In comparison to most other performance climbing shoes, finding your right Acro fit is quite straightforward.
First, the shoes are not divided by gender. Instead, you have narrow and wide versions of these climbing shoes, which makes it easier to pick the right fit.
Secondly, the shoes tend to follow a street shoe size.
If you want a more aggressive fit, the company suggests you downsize half a size.
For example, if your street size is 42.5 US, then an Acro shoe of the same size will still serve you well.
If you are looking for a more snug fit, then you should pick a size 42 US.
The Acro shoe feels comfortable even on first wear.
However, because much of the shoe is rubber, it will take time to break in the shoe and have it mold to your foot shape.
On the other hand, those who prefer aggressive fits will enjoy this fact since it may take up to two months to get your size stretched.
Acro Brings Its Power to the Front Toe for Superior Edging
The Acro is an aggressively down-cambered shoe designed for steep sport climbing and bouldering.
The combination of soft synthetic and natural leather in the upper construction allows for even greater performance and a surprisingly comfortable fit.
Butora Acro Climbing Shoes FAQ
How to size Butora Acro climbing shoes?
To size Butora Acro climbing shoes, it is recommended to try them on in person, as sizing can vary based on individual foot shape and preference.
However, the general guideline is to select a size that is snug but not painfully tight, with your toes touching the end of the shoe but not curled.
It is also important to consider the width and volume of the shoe, as Butora Acro shoes come in both narrow and wide versions.
It may be helpful to try on both versions to determine which fits best for your foot.
Butora Acro, what type of rubber is used?
The Butora Acro climbing shoes use Butora’s own proprietary NEO Fuse sticky rubber.
How much do Butora Acro climbing shoes stretch?
The amount of stretch in Butora Acro climbing shoes can vary depending on the specific model and individual fit.
However, as they are made with synthetic materials, they typically stretch very little compared to leather climbing shoes.
It is recommended to choose a snug fit when purchasing Butora Acro shoes, as they will not stretch much with use.
What sets Butora Acro climbing shoes apart from other brands on the market?
Butora Acro climbing shoes are known for their unique and aggressive design, which provides exceptional sensitivity and precision for technical climbing.
They also feature a proprietary rubber compound known as NEO Fuse, which offers superior friction and durability on all types of rock surfaces.
Additionally, Butora Acro shoes are known for their comfortable fit and customizable features, such as the ability to adjust the tension of the heel and toe areas.
These features make Butora Acro climbing shoes stand out from other brands.
How do Butora Acro shoes perform on steep and technical routes?
According to reviews and feedback from climbers, Butora Acro shoes perform extremely well on steep and technical routes.
They provide good sensitivity, precision, and edging ability, allowing climbers to have better control and confidence on difficult terrain.
The downturned shape and sticky rubber sole also help with grip and support on overhangs and small footholds.
Overall, Butora Acro shoes are considered a top choice for climbers looking for high-performance shoes for steep and technical routes.
What is the sizing and fit like for Butora Acro shoes compared to other climbing shoe brands?
According to reviews and feedback from climbers, Butora Acro shoes are said to have a similar sizing and fit to other high-performance climbing shoes such as the La Sportiva Solution or Scarpa Instinct.
However, it is recommended to try on the shoes before purchasing as sizing and fit can vary depending on individual foot shape and preferences.
Can the rubber on Butora Acro shoes hold up to extended use and abuse on rough surfaces?
According to the manufacturer’s website, Butora Acro shoes are designed with a sticky rubber compound that provides excellent grip and durability on rough surfaces, making them ideal for extended use and abuse.
The rubber on these shoes is also said to maintain its performance over time, allowing for consistent performance even after prolonged use.
Are Butora Acro shoes suitable for both indoor and outdoor climbing, or are they designed for a specific type of climbing?
According to the Butora website, the Acro shoes are designed for “overhanging sport routes, bouldering, gym climbing, and technical face climbing.”
This suggests that they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor climbing as long as the climbing style matches the shoe’s intended use.
What materials are used in the construction of Butora Acro Climbing Shoes, and how do they affect performance and durability?
The Butora Acro climbing shoes are constructed from a variety of materials, including synthetic microfiber, natural leather, and rubber.
Synthetic microfiber and leather are used in the upper portion of the shoe to provide a snug and comfortable fit, while rubber is used in the sole to provide traction and grip.
The use of high-quality materials in the construction of the shoe ensures that it is both durable and long-lasting while also providing excellent performance on a variety of climbing surfaces.
The combination of materials used in the construction of the Butora Acro climbing shoe helps to improve the overall performance of the shoe, allowing climbers to achieve greater precision, control, and comfort while climbing.
Tho Summarize: Butora Acro Review
There is plenty to like about the shoe, as this Butora Acro climbing shoe review demonstrates.
The manufacturer has hit all the right spots in a specialized shoe for bouldering and sport climbing.
It serves as an excellent introductory pair, and the meticulous design has a premium feel to it.
Ultimately, any climber looking for a reliable shoe at a budget price will be hard-pressed to find a better shoe.
And that’s the winning aspect of the Butora Acro.
- OUTSOLE - Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber
- CLOSURE - Adjustable, signature triple fork closure system for quick on off and the perfect fit
- TOE - Large thin sticky rubber toe patch for excellent sensitivity and grip while toe hooking
Last update on 2023-09-25 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
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Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Roger
