April 29, 2021

Climbing Shoes Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Review in 2023

by Brad

Our review of the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco climbing shoe will reveal one simple truth; it is a high-performance shoe ideal for technical sport.

This climbing shoe is extremely aggressive, and it’s actually the most aggressive footwear in the Anasazi line.

It is a high-end climbing shoe with superior edging ability.

Additionally, the heel is designed for effortless heel hooking. 

After testing it, we were surprised at how excellently this climbing shoe performed on vertical and steep terrain, regardless of having a moderate downturn.

What’s more, they were comfortable and featured a decent amount of sensitivity.


Table of Contents
Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Review
Climbing Shoes Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Review

What we like about Five Ten Anasazi Blanco climbing shoes:

  • The Blanco excels in technical edging
  • The interior is comfy and soft
  • It has a supportive last
Five Ten Men's Anasazi Lace Climbing Shoe,Blanco/Orange,10.5 M US
  • Cotton textile lined Cowdura polyester upper
  • Stealth C4 outsole
  • Lace up closure for precision fit.

Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

What we don’t like about Five Ten Anasazi Blanco climbing shoes:

  • Reduced sensitivity on steep terrain
  • It takes a lot of time to lace them up.

Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Feature Highlights

The Blanco is incredibly stiff, has a high tension double heel rand, and super sticky C4 rubber.

It excels at standing on tiny edges and torqueing into micro cracks.

Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Feature Toe Box

The toe box of the Blanco shoe is relatively asymmetric, just short of flat, with a somewhat spherical toe box.

This climbing shoe’s supreme edging ability depends on how much weight the user focuses on the toes.

The heel rand is highly tense, and this, combined with the rigid midsole, translates to stiffness and stability.

The latest version of this climbing shoe has a thermoplastic midsole.

This is handy in adding to its well-known rigid platform.

As a result of all these features, this shoe is a beast when it comes to edging. 

The knife precision of the big toe, which is rather pointy, makes it perform impressively on narrow pockets and minor nubbins.

Indeed this is a shoe that specializes in edging engineered for technical sports. 

It’s hard to go for a climbing adventure that only depends on edging; thus, when it’s time to stick a few pockets or cracks, this shoe will have your back.

However, we felt that it was somewhat uncomfortable.

The rubber on the shoe’s front develops a handy minor toe rand when penetrating and maneuvering toe hooks and jams.

Anasazi Blanco Тое
Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Toe Box
Five Ten Men's Anasazi Lace Climbing Shoe,Blanco/Orange,10.5 M US
  • Cotton textile lined Cowdura polyester upper
  • Stealth C4 outsole
  • Lace up closure for precision fit.

Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Feature Heel

The Blanco, just like the other climbing shoes in the Anasazi line, has a heel with a tensioned rand.

What’s more, this climbing shoe features more tension than other Anasazi shoes.

For this reason, the Blanco is a high-performance shoe despite the fact that it is slightly downturned.

While it can, at times, be challenging to put them on, once you’re in, it becomes shockingly comfortable climbing shoes. 

The Blanco performs exceptionally well in small holds, thanks to the rand that focuses your weight inside the toe box.

This rand is quite handy since it makes the shoes perform well even without laces.

We felt that it was a decent bonus. 

The Blanco climbing shoe is quite a handful; it would be best if you tried them out before making a purchase.

Upon the heel being supported in the cup, we found there was minimal motion when utilizing random heel hooks in the tufas.

On the other hand, it can be a bit uncomfortable for frequent heel hooking.

Anasazi Blanco Heel
Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Heel
Five Ten Men's Anasazi Lace Climbing Shoe,Blanco/Orange,10.5 M US
  • Cotton textile lined Cowdura polyester upper
  • Stealth C4 outsole
  • Lace up closure for precision fit.

Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Feature Rubber

The Stealth C4 rubber compound is considered to be Five ten’s most nifty rubber delivering unmatched grip.

For this reason, it is integrated into most of their approach and climbing shoes.

It is sticky and soft with a lot of friction and still maintains its durability over a long time.

Additionally, the Blanco holds its edging ability for a long.

This rubber is functional on all rocks and almost all textured walls.

So how does the Blanco remain so versatile?

By blending the tacky C4 rubber with a rigid midsole.

This leads to an excellent edging platform that does not sacrifice tackiness.

The shoe is also made utilizing polyester, meaning it is durable but not as much as other materials.

It does deliver an above-average resistance to wear, and the fibers don’t wear quickly.

Furthermore, the material is resistant to shrinking and wrinkles and is easily washable. 

Since polyester is not quite breathable, the Blanco has tiny perforated holes to increase the shoe’s breathability, which helps to keep the feet from sweating and smelling after long climbing experiences.

The lining is made of synthetic material, which helps maintain this climbing shoe’s shape and fit.

However, it does stretch slightly

Additionally, the lining also restricts the shoe’s breathability the same way the polyester in the upper does.

However, the lining adds to the softness and comfort of wearing this climbing shoe.

Anasazi Blanco Rubber-2
Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Rubber
Five Ten Men's Anasazi Lace Climbing Shoe,Blanco/Orange,10.5 M US
  • Cotton textile lined Cowdura polyester upper
  • Stealth C4 outsole
  • Lace up closure for precision fit.

Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Feature Comfort and Fit

The Blanco climbing shoe features plenty of rigidity and tension, which comes at a price; less comfort when new.

A bit of sensitivity and comfort is sacrificed to achieve the distinguished edging capability.

We would, at times, remove them between pitches, boulders, and routes.

The Five Ten Anasazi Blanco is a narrow shoe, but the toe box is spacious enough to accommodate various foot shapes.

This is thanks to the soft tongue and interior fabric. 

Even though the break-in period was uncomfortable, it was worth it.

The closure mechanism of the Blanco climbing shoe is laced, which allows you to adjust as much as possible to the shape and fit of your liking.

This adds to precision when climbing.

The Blanco has a sleek appearance due to the welded build, which keeps the shoes and the laces in perfect condition. 

Furthermore, Five Ten have also placed all the appropriate stitching far from possible hot spots, which is impressive.

In summary, this is a comfy shoe compared to more high-performance shoes like the La Sportiva Miura.

Nevertheless, they are performance climbing shoes and thus must be fitted correctly.

Downsize them by half or one shoe size from your usual street shoe size.

Excels at Standing on Tiny Edges and Torqueing into Micro Cracks

The new Blanco has a thermoplastic midsole that is stronger and stiffer, increasing edging stability and control whilst also helping to prevent deformation, allowing the shoe to retain its shape and performance characteristics after hard, intensive use.

Precise and powerful, this shoe is like no other when it comes to micro holds and edges and the most insecure, untrustworthy, fickle footholds.

Five Ten Anasazi Blanco FAQ

Five Ten Anasazi Pink vs. Five Ten Anasazi Blanco

The Five Ten Anasazi Pink and Five Ten Anasazi Blanco are two different versions of the popular climbing shoe.

The main difference between the two is the color and slight variations in design.

The Anasazi Pink features a bright pink colorway with a slightly stiffer sole and a narrower toe box, while the Anasazi Blanco has a white and black colorway, a softer sole, and a wider toe box.

Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the type of climbing being done.

What makes the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco unique compared to other climbing shoes?

The Five Ten Anasazi Blanco is unique compared to other climbing shoes because it has a stiff sole and a high-tension heel that provides excellent support and stability on small edges and pockets.

It also has a lace-up closure system that allows for a more customizable and secure fit.

Additionally, the shoe is made with Stealth C4 rubber, which offers exceptional grip and sensitivity on both indoor and outdoor climbing surfaces.

How does the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco perform on different types of rock surfaces?

The Five Ten Anasazi Blanco is designed to perform well on a variety of rock surfaces, including limestone, sandstone, and granite.

The shoe features a Stealth C4 rubber sole that provides excellent friction and sensitivity, allowing for precise footwork on both slabby and steep terrain.

The shoe’s stiff midsole and downturned toe also make it effective for edging and precise placement on small holds.

Overall, the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco is a versatile shoe that performs well on a variety of rock surfaces.

What is the fit and sizing like for the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco?

The fit and sizing for the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco are typically described as being true to size with a snug and precise fit.

However, some users have reported that the shoes may stretch slightly over time, so it is recommended to consider this when selecting a size.

It is also worth noting that the Anasazi Blanco is a high-performance climbing shoe and may feel tighter and more aggressive than some other models.

How does the stiffness of the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco affect its performance for different types of climbing?

The stiffness of the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco makes it a good choice for edging and technical footwork on vertical to slightly overhanging terrain, as it provides a precise and supportive platform for the climber’s foot.

However, the stiffness may make it less comfortable for all-day climbing or for more smearing-oriented routes where a softer shoe may be preferred.

What is the recommended fit for the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco, and how does it affect performance?

The recommended fit for the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco is a snug, performance-oriented fit that provides maximum sensitivity and precision on small footholds.

This means that the shoes should fit tightly to your feet and feel snug around your toes.

A proper fit is crucial for performance as it allows for better control and power transfer between your feet and the rock or climbing surface.

A loose or ill-fitting shoe can lead to slipping, discomfort, and decreased performance.

What are the most notable features of the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco that make it a top choice for climbers?

The most notable features of the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco that make it a top choice for climbers are its excellent sensitivity, precision, and support.

Its Stealth C4 rubber outsole provides exceptional grip and edging ability, while the stiff midsole and asymmetrical shape help with power and stability on vertical and overhanging routes.

The lace-up closure allows for a customized fit, and the synthetic upper material is durable and breathable.

Overall, the Anasazi Blanco is a high-performance climbing shoe that excels in a variety of climbing styles and conditions.

How durable is the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco, and how often does it need to be resolved?

Based on customer reviews and feedback, the shoe’s durability varies depending on usage and care.

Some climbers have reported that the shoe lasts for several months or even a year, while others have experienced wear and tear after just a few weeks.

Likewise, the resoling frequency depends on how often the shoe is used and the intensity of the climbing.

It is recommended that climbers keep an eye on the wear of the sole and resole the shoe when necessary to maintain performance and safety.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco for different types of climbing, such as bouldering, sport climbing, or trad climbing?

According to reviews and feedback from climbers, the strengths and weaknesses of the Five Ten Anasazi Blanco for different types of climbing are:

Strengths:

  • Excellent edging ability on small holds
  • Comfortable and durable, making them suitable for long climbs
  • Maintains its shape well over time
  • The sticky rubber sole provides a good grip on the rock
  • Suitable for technical and precision climbing

Weaknesses:

  • Lacks sensitivity, which can make it challenging for climbers to feel their footing on smaller holds
  • Not suitable for smearing or slab climbing due to its stiff sole
  • It can be too narrow for climbers with wider feet

Tho Summarize: Five Ten Anasazi Blanco Review

The Anasazi Blanco climbing shoe is ideal for trad or climbing on all rock types.

It is designed as a highly aggressive climbing shoe that offers plenty of comfort with its thick sole and slightly downturned toe.

This makes it good enough for vertical routes or adventures with edging or slabs. 

Also, it is handy for technical climbing issues like footholds, minor edges, and crack climbing.

The Five Ten Anasazi Blanco climbing is for intermediate or professional climbers searching for a high-performance, flexible climbing shoe.

Five Ten Men's Anasazi Lace Climbing Shoe,Blanco/Orange,10.5 M US
  • Cotton textile lined Cowdura polyester upper
  • Stealth C4 outsole
  • Lace up closure for precision fit.

Last update on 2023-09-26 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

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Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Roger

About the author

Brad

Brad is a professional climber in the discipline of traditional climbing. He often jokes that he can get a book to read during the long climbs. Of course, it always goes well with a good cup of coffee. Drinking coffee is his safer hobby.

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