Thanks to its design makeover, the new version of the Evolv Agro is a perfect shoe for any overhang excursion.
It is Evolv’s flagship performance shoe and will quickly be your favorite option for bouldering and climbing steeps.
It does have a couple of setbacks, though, including the bulky feel and the tendency to wear out quickly.
It will also not be the shoe of choice if you are planning any trad expedition, but beyond this, it is surprisingly fresh and effective in its functions.
If you are looking around for a specialist bouldering shoe, it will serve you well to take a look at the Evolv Agro.
It may not be the first pair that comes to mind, but this Evolv Agro climbing shoes review will show you there is plenty of reason to check them out.
Any serious steep sports enthusiast knows the big names of performance, especially the offerings from the Solutions brand.
You also have the Instinct SR, Butora Acro, and the Five Ten Hiangle and Blanco as favorites.
What we like about Evolv Agro Review climbing shoes:
- It has an excellent heel design and toe hook
- It comes with a Velcro closure with an adjustable strap
- Very sensitive and responsive
Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
What we don’t like about Evolv Agro Review climbing shoes:
- The soft rubber sole wears out fast
- It can be painful to break in
Yet, thanks to the various tinkering by Evolv of a shoe series that debuted in 2010, the Agro is in a position to be a favorite for many rappelling and sport climbers.
This Evolve Agro review is not a direct comparison to these brands but a look at how this 2018 version of the shoe performs in crucial aspects.
The 2018 edition is indeed the latest version, but some of its features emerged in 2015, including its defining colossal toe rand.
The shoe may not be well known as its competitors from other brands, but it has always had a loyal following.
Its fans even played a part in getting the shoe back to the market after the company discontinued it briefly in 2013.
In this Evolv Agro climbing shoes review, we look at four significant aspects of the shoe.
These four attributes influence its performance and structure and are also excellent comparison points to use when assessing it against your other options.
Evolv Agro Feature Highlights
Evolv Agro climbing shoes are built for climbing activities, especially for steep climbing and bouldering.
Evolv Agro Feature Toe Box
The toe box comes with a toe rand so massive that, in your face, it may even feel a bit of an overkill.
It takes up most of Evolv’s variable thickness rand.
Trax SAS rubber covers the whole shoe, but many micro-independent lattices are on top of the rubber for the toe rand.
This approach then gives you plenty of rubber in high-contact areas that help extend the shoes’ lifespan.
You also get less rubber in the low-contact areas, which reduces the pressure spots.
The design also gives the shoe enough technical hooking and scumming ability, whether at the gym or on a boulder ground.
The toe rand creates a slightly asymmetric shape on the show, which comes in handy when pulling pockets in overhung paths.
However, the aggressive downturn structure combined with the soft rubber takes away part of the shoe’s edging ability.
Another point of concern is the fairly wide size of the toe box, making the shoe a poor fit for individuals with narrow feet.
Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Evolv Agro Feature Heel
Unlike the apparent differences of the toe box, the heel has a more subtle approach.
The most significant design aspect is the Dark Spine.
It refers to the rubber running up at the back of the heel.
This addition provides a solid heel hook and, at the same time, offers protection to your calcaneus bone.
The Dark Spine further firms up the heel’s cap and alleviates the compression, which is an issue that tends to afflict soft-soled shoes.
The heel also contrasts the box in size since it is much narrower, which leaves the tension relatively high on your heel.
This aspect may cause a few issues initially, but the rand secures your heel well, and you get better comfort once you break the shoes in.
Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Evolv Agro Feature Rubber
In making the soles for the Agro, Evolv uses Trax SAS rubber which is 4.2mm thick.
The thickness does feel heavy for this type of shoe, but it is necessary, given the kind of rubber in place.
Trax SAS rubber is one of the softest and stickiest rubber types for the soles of this type of shoe.
Even at 4.2mm thickness, it still retains a high level of sensitivity.
These characteristics give you excellent friction, which you need when battling against gravity.
Unfortunately, you lose out on the sole’s durability.
That’s because the soft nature drives up wear action even with a few uses.
As a consolation, combining soft rubber and split sole lend the shoes added smearing ability.
However, you will want to keep this shoe off any slab climbing activities.
An interesting addition to the sole is the use of the Tension Power System, one of Evolv’s innovations.
This system adds tension to the midsole, which allows the shoe to retain excellent sensitivity while maintaining an aggressive downturn profile.
Even after regular use for a couple of months, the shoe does not lose these two aspects.
Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Evolv Agro Feature Comfort and Fit
Comfort is integral when choosing a shoe for bouldering, but then you also want a snug fit.
Surprisingly, when buying an Evolv Agro shoe, you should not go for your size but instead, upsize it.
By how much you should do – it varies.
However, most sources from online research suggest a bigger margin, some even suggesting two whole sizes up.
The best boulderer in the world – Daniel Woods, uses Evolv Agro.
A good range would be 1 to 1.5 US sizes up, but one size up is perfect from our experience.
The shoes will still feel tight on your feet, but they will be the right balance between comfort and fitness after breaking them in.
For example, if you usually use an 8.5 US size with your other climbing shoes, you should ideally get a size 10 US for your Evolv Agro.
The break-in duration for the Agro primarily depends on what you intend to use the shoe for.
If your focus is purely on performance, then you will need more time to stretch it out perfectly.
On the other hand, you need less than ten climbing sessions to break into the shoes if you want to have both comfort and performance.
Another excellent addition for your comfort and fit is the provision of a single Velcro strap in the closure system.
Unlike other competing brands, Agro’s strap features a unique adjustable capability that allows you to customize the right fit ridding all dead spots.
We also liked the inclusion of a padded split tongue that gives you extra comfort, which is handy when bouldering for long durations.
Built to be More Sensitive and More Locked onto Your Foot Than any Other Shoe
The Agro is the all-new Ultra Performance Climbing Shoe, designed with Paul Robinson and Dai Koyomada.
It’s built to be more sensitive and more locked onto your foot than any other shoe giving you the perfect balance of feel and support to send any project.
Evolv Agro Climbing Shoes FAQ
How Evolv Agro climbing shoes should fit?
Evolv Agro climbing shoes should fit snugly but not uncomfortably tight.
They should offer a precise fit with minimal dead space, allowing for precise footwork during climbing.
The shoes should also have a downturned shape, providing a lot of support and grip on small footholds.
It is recommended to try on multiple sizes and styles to find the best fit for individual foot shape and climbing style.
Evolv Agro climbing shoes, how to size?
When it comes to sizing Evolv Agro climbing shoes, it is recommended to go down one full size from your street shoe size.
This is because the shoes are designed to fit tightly to provide better performance and precision while climbing.
However, it is also important to consider the shape of your foot and the intended use of the shoes when selecting the size.
It is recommended to try on multiple sizes and brands to find the best fit for your individual foot shape and climbing style.
How do the Agro Evolv climbing shoes compare to Scarpa Instinct VS?
Based on technical specifications and user reviews, the Agro Evolv climbing shoes are known for their aggressive downturned shape and high performance on steep and challenging routes.
At the same time, the Scarpa Instinct VS has a more moderate downturn and excels in edging and precision on vertical to slightly overhanging terrain.
The choice between the two depends on the individual’s climbing style and preferences.
What makes Evolv Agro Climbing Shoes different from other climbing shoes in the market?
Evolv Agro Climbing Shoes are different from other climbing shoes in the market because they have a unique “knuckle box” design that allows the toes to lay flat and spread out in a natural position, providing increased power and precision for difficult climbs.
They also have a downturned shape and a highly tensioned heel that provides exceptional performance on steep and technical routes.
Additionally, they are made with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, ensuring durability and longevity.
Can Evolv Agro climbing shoes be used for both indoor and outdoor climbing?
Yes, Evolv Agro climbing shoes can be used for both indoor and outdoor climbing.
How does the fit of Evolv Agro climbing shoes compare to other shoes in the Evolv line?
The Evolv Agro climbing shoes have a more aggressive and downturned fit compared to other shoes in the Evolv line, such as the Elektra and Defy models, which have a flatter and more neutral fit.
What type of climbing are Evolv Agro climbing shoes best suited for?
Evolv Agro climbing shoes are best suited for steep and overhanging sport climbing and bouldering.
Are the Evolv Agro climbing shoes durable enough for frequent use and rough terrain?
According to customer reviews and product descriptions, the Evolv Agro climbing shoes are designed with durable materials such as a thick rubber sole and sturdy upper.
They are intended for advanced climbers and can easily handle rough and technical terrain.
However, the durability of any climbing shoe ultimately depends on how frequently and intensely it is used, as well as the care and maintenance provided by the user.
How do the Evolv Agro climbing shoes fit compared to other Evolv climbing shoe models?
According to customer reviews and feedback, the Evolv Agro climbing shoes tend to fit tighter and have a more aggressive and downturned shape compared to other Evolv climbing shoe models.
It is recommended to try on the shoes in person or order multiple sizes to find the best fit for individual foot shapes and preferences.
To Summarize: Evolv Agro Review
At first glance, the Evolv Agro looks more style than function, especially for bouldering trips.
Yet, once you get past the breaking-in phase, they are extremely comfortable and surprisingly adept as aggressive performance shoes.
The sensitivity is higher than most of the favorite shoe models from competing brands, and it does bear some ingenious solutions.
The heel design, for instance, ensures a comfortable and secure heel fit while minimizing compression.
For the proper purpose, it is a shoe that performs as best as any in the market, and it will be a pleasant surprise for bouldering enthusiasts anywhere.
Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Related Articles:
- Sebastien Bouin Net Wort
- What Is Bouldering?
- Suchi Purja
- Nirmal Purja Net Worth
- Best Climbing Shoes Rubber
- How to Break in Climbing Shoes
- Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Review
- Black Diamond Shadow Review
- How to Break in Climbing Shoes?
- How Should Climbing Shoes Fit?
- Name Something You Can Climb
- Name Something You Can Hang
- Best Bouldering Shoes for Beginners
- Best Climbing Shoes for Narrow Feet
- What Are Rocks Below and Above a Fault Called?
The rankings on rappellingequipment.com are curated to save you time by aggregating the best reviewed products from the most reputable companies. We may receive a commission if you buy something using a link on this page.
Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Roger
