May 7, 2021

Climbing Shoes Five Ten Hiangle Review in 2023

by Roger

The Hiangle is a sport route and bouldering specialist, but before we dive into the Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes Review, let’s look at the shoes’ pros and cons and who the shoes are built for.

The shoes are suitable for intermediate sport route and bouldering enthusiasts.

You can also read our full guide about the best intermediate climbing shoes.

If there’s one thing that experienced climbers understand, the type of shoes you use for your climbs can make the most significant difference.

Getting a great pair of climbing shoes could mean the difference between not slipping off holds the size of a dime, securing your hold with a toe hook when you’re on steep terrain, and taking advantage of the wall using a great heel.


Table of Contents
Five Ten Hiangle Review
Climbing Shoes Five Ten Hiangle Review

What we like about Five Ten Hiangle climbing shoes:

  • The climbing shoes are affordable
  • They are great for overhung and vertical bouldering
  • The shoes have super-sensitive C4 rubber
Five Ten Men's Hiangle Climbing Shoe, Turquoise/Grey, 12 M US
  • Stealth C4 rubber outsole (4.2mm)
  • Unlined leather upper û half-size stretch
  • Single-strand Velcro closure system

Last update on 2023-09-28 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

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

  • You may have some trouble getting the perfect fit, but you could go for the street size. Plus, you could send the shoes back for an exchange if they don’t fit you perfectly.

What Do We Feel About the Five Ten Hiangle?

If you want a performance tool that can help you up to your game forever, eliminating the need to make excuses for what shoes you use for your climbs, then you could go for the Five Ten Hiangle.

The Five Ten Hiangle is a high-performance shoe that’s both reliable and relatively inexpensive.

We have included Five Ten Hiangle in our list of the ten best sport climbing shoes.

The Five Ten Hiangle climbing shoe is excellent for a great indoor gym climbing experience; however, it can also work for outdoor bouldering, making it a great single-pitch sports shoe for climbing.

If you consider yourself an intermediate in the bouldering and rappelling niche, then this may be what you’re looking for.

Five Ten Hiangle Feature Highlights

The Five Ten Hiangle velcro comes back in an ultra-technical version for the block or the rooms.

Five Ten Hiangle Feature Toe Box

The Five Ten Hiangle’s toe box doesn’t disappoint when it comes to bouldering and overhung routes.

The climbing makes toeing into small holds when you are on steep terrains effortless with the ample rubber on top and the extended toe rands that lock from both sides.

These two features combine to provide you with a firm grip and keep your toe in place, leaving no room for error.

However, that said, the toe is an average performer in pockets since it has a more rounded, less talon-like point.

The upside of that drawback is that the rounder toe works better when edging than other more pointed shoes.

In addition, the toe has a wide range of qualities that make the shoe great for varying degrees of climbs, like stickiness, sensitivity, and stiffness.

Five Ten Hiangle Toe
Five Ten Hiangle Toe Box
Five Ten Men's Hiangle Climbing Shoe, Turquoise/Grey, 12 M US
  • Stealth C4 rubber outsole (4.2mm)
  • Unlined leather upper û half-size stretch
  • Single-strand Velcro closure system

Last update on 2023-09-28 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

Five Ten Hiangle Feature Heel

The Five Ten Hiangle’s heel fits snuggly and combines with a thinner rubber strip giving the back end a responsive, sensitive feel that you are sure to appreciate when bouldering.

However, we noted that the rubber strip that originates from the midsole and runs to the top of the heel’s back seems a little odd.

Even with the thin strip, there’s still a raised portion that punctuates the design’s goal, increasing precision even when it means providing less friction in certain areas.

However, I have to note that I’ve never felt it slip; therefore, I hold my reservations about the design for the time being.

However, the heel rand does deliver lots of stealth rubber grip, while its insides section’s dotted with holes that provide more friction and help boost the Five Ten Hiangle’s style points simultaneously. 

The heel cap perfectly fits an average size heel, with the rear end providing superb support and simultaneously managing to come off as too stiff.

However, the heel’s internal threading can be less comfortable than it should be, but more on that later.

Five Ten Hiangle Heel
Five Ten Hiangle Heel
Five Ten Men's Hiangle Climbing Shoe, Turquoise/Grey, 12 M US
  • Stealth C4 rubber outsole (4.2mm)
  • Unlined leather upper û half-size stretch
  • Single-strand Velcro closure system

Last update on 2023-09-28 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

Five Ten Hiangle Feature Rubber

The Five Ten Hiangle is known for having excellent rubber; however, most of that can be attributed to its marketing.

Their C4 stealth rubber is still fantastic, it still feels lovely to touch, and the rubber’s stickiness makes you more confident whenever and wherever you want to plant your foot.

Despite the Five Ten Hiangle’s sole’s 4.2 mm thickness, it still manages to provide you with sensitivity and helps you feel all the contours in every hold, which gives you more precision. 

In addition, the grip provided with the rubber helps you stay calm when you are on edge, and its moderate turn, while it removes some edging ability, gives you more self-confidence and assurance.

Your foot will get more edging support from your midsole’s stiffness, which will help you feel awesome when technical slab climbing or when you’re doing some edgework.

If you want better smearing for technical slab climbing and edge work, then you’d instead go for softer rubber, thus the Five Ten Hiangle.

A minor disclaimer is that the downturn does not aid smearing; however, the rubber can be reliably sticky, providing you with friction when tackling slopers.

If you are worried about the rubber’s wear, you don’t have to worry that much.

Having used this climbing shoe for quite some time, I can confidently state that the shoe’s rubber wear has been relatively negligible.

The rubber’s stiffness helps stand up to various rigorous and frequent bouldering sessions in cases where all parts of the shoe are used.

The overall craftsman can also be commended since these climbing shoes are quite durable, and the performance has been more than expected.

Five Ten Hiangle Rubber
Five Ten Hiangle Rubber
Five Ten Men's Hiangle Climbing Shoe, Turquoise/Grey, 12 M US
  • Stealth C4 rubber outsole (4.2mm)
  • Unlined leather upper û half-size stretch
  • Single-strand Velcro closure system

Last update on 2023-09-28 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

Five Ten Hiangle Feature Comfort and Fit

The Five Ten Hiangle is, surprisingly, quite comfortable for a foot with average volume and width.

So even though the climbing shoe is quite aggressive, you may find yourself looking forward to wearing your bouldering shoes and going for your session because of how comfortable the shoes can be.

However, before the shoes get more comfortable, they can become quite uncomfortable.

The breaking-in period can be too taxing to the point that you may even give up ever using the shoes at all.

You may get a hard time even pulling the shoes on and over your heel, and the foot may cramp every time you put the climbing shoes on.

The break-in period, which can lead to a stretch of about size, is where the shoe’s unlined leather conforms to your foot’s every bend.

The ultimate result is that the foot remains snug, making then two pull tabs necessary if you want to put the shoe on.

Without the closure design, the climbing shoe wraps around your feet snugly, with the Velcro wraps completing the feeling of a second skin.

In addition, the shoe’s moderate asymmetrical bend helps keep the foot in a better and more natural state.

The shoe’s rounded toe also makes it more comfortable; however, while the downturned climbing shoes make the shoe a little less comfortable, their snug fit and molding capability make the shoes highly comfortable for their level of aggressiveness.

When you take the shoes off and run your finger along with the heel tab, you can feel some threads that protrude more than you’d like. 

Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes
Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoe Review
Five Ten Men's Hiangle Climbing Shoe, Turquoise/Grey, 12 M US
  • Stealth C4 rubber outsole (4.2mm)
  • Unlined leather upper û half-size stretch
  • Single-strand Velcro closure system

Last update on 2023-09-28 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

While this feels uncomfortable on your finger, it’s no better when you’re wearing the shoes.

Most often, the uncomfortable feeling disappears once you get immersed in your bouldering session; however, if your session takes too long, then the chances are that the feeling is more likely to come back.

Also, once you take off your bouldering shoes after a session, the chances are that you will feel the indentations left on your feet, which will make you more uncomfortable.

However, this may not be a massive deal-breaker for most people.

While Five Ten Hiangle may be using these threads to help you gain more stability by increasing friction in the shoe’s inside, they could take a look at other types of bouldering shoes and remove the threads or, better yet, make them less pronounced.

Note: Most people on various eCommerce websites have cited claims that the Five Ten Hiangle bleeds to your feet.

If this is not a deal-breaker for you, then you could go ahead and buy them.

However, if you are likely to have an issue with this, then you’d better know in advance before you make your purchase.

Incredibly Versatile High-end Climbing Shoe, Performing in Many Climbing Styles

This hyper asymmetrical climbing shoe has a very precise plunging point combined with a Stealth C4 rubber sole for maximum grip.

Flexible, Hiangle climbing shoes will be an ideal ally for slopes.

The insert has been softened for more sensations.

Finally, the microfiber has been softened for more precision at the tip.

Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes FAQ

How to size Five Ten Hiangle?

To size Five Ten Hiangle climbing shoes, it is recommended to try them on in person and follow the brand’s sizing chart.

Generally, climbers prefer a snug fit for better performance, but not so tight that it causes discomfort or pain.

It is also important to consider the type of climbing you will be doing and the shape of your foot to ensure the best fit.

What makes the Five Ten Hiangle climbing shoe different from other climbing shoes on the market?

The Five Ten Hiangle climbing shoe is known for its unique balance between comfort and performance.

It has a downturned toe and sticky rubber sole, making it ideal for steep, technical climbs.

Additionally, it features a synthetic upper that provides a snug fit and breathability and a single strap closure system for easy adjustments.

These features make it a popular choice among climbers who prioritize both comfort and precision in their footwear.

How does the Five Ten Hiangle perform on steep overhanging routes compared to vertical or slab climbs?

The Five Ten Hiangle is known to perform exceptionally well on steep overhanging routes due to its downturned shape and sticky rubber sole.

However, it may not perform as well on vertical or slab climbs as it is designed for steep, aggressive climbing.

How does the Five Ten Hiangle perform on overhanging routes or boulder problems?

The Five Ten Hiangle performs very well on overhanging routes or boulder problems due to its aggressive downturned shape and sticky rubber sole, which provides excellent grip and precision on small holds.

The shoe also has a snug fit and a stiff midsole, allowing for efficient power transfer and support on steep terrain.

Can the Five Ten Hiangle be used for both indoor and outdoor climbing, or is it better suited for one over the other?

The Five Ten Hiangle can be used for both indoor and outdoor climbing.

Its features, such as the downturned toe and sticky rubber sole, make it suitable for technical climbing on a variety of surfaces.

However, it may be ideal for outdoor climbing due to its durability and ability to handle rough terrain.

What types of foot shapes or sizes does the Five Ten Hiangle accommodate well, and are there any common fit issues to be aware of?

The Five Ten Hiangle climbing shoe is designed with a narrow and asymmetric shape that is best suited for those with a low-volume foot and narrow heel.

It is also ideal for climbers with a high arch and a strong toe.

However, this type of sizing may not be suitable for climbers with wide or flat feet.

Some common fit issues to be aware of include a tight fit around the toes, heel slippage, and discomfort in the arch area.

It is recommended to try on the shoes and walk around in them to ensure a proper fit before purchasing.

Are there any specific techniques or tips for breaking in a new pair of Five Ten Hiangles, or is it just a matter of wearing them regularly?

There are a few techniques and tips for breaking in a new pair of Five Ten Hiangles:

  1. Wear them around the house: Before you start using them for climbing, wear them around the house or your office for a few hours a day. This will help the shoes mold to your feet and soften the rubber.
  2. Use a shoe stretcher: You can use a shoe stretcher to stretch the shoes out if they are too tight. This can be especially helpful if you have wider feet.
  3. Climb in them gradually: Start using the shoes for easier climbs and gradually work up to more challenging routes. This will give your feet time to adjust to the shoes.
  4. Wear them snugly: Five Ten Hiangles are designed to fit snugly, so make sure you get the right size and lace them tightly to get the best performance. However, don’t over-tighten them, which can cause discomfort and pain.

To Summarize: Five Ten Hiangle Review

If you want the best climbing experience, you’ll have to invest in the right bouldering shoes.

While you may have a hard time picking the right shoes, one thing is for sure; the Five Ten Hiangle is perhaps the most professional, slightly inexpensive climbing shoe available.

These shoes could mean the difference between being stuck on the wall for twenty more minutes and thinking whether spending that extra money to purchase the Five Ten Hiangle could have been worth it.

But why the Hiangle, though?

The Hiangle has a rounded toe, moderate downturn, and medium asymmetry.

Plus, they don’t do any funny things to your feet.

If this suggests that the shoes are not the ultimate climbing gear, then it’s true.

However, the joy that comes with conquering steep terrains is not about having the best bouldering shoes.

It’s about having comfortable shoes that fit snugly and can help you have the best bouldering experience.

This is what the Five Ten Hiangle offers.

Five Ten Men's Hiangle Climbing Shoe, Turquoise/Grey, 12 M US
  • Stealth C4 rubber outsole (4.2mm)
  • Unlined leather upper û half-size stretch
  • Single-strand Velcro closure system

Last update on 2023-09-28 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

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Last Updated on March 26, 2023 by Roger

About the author

Roger

Roger was born into a family of climbers. As the youngest of his siblings, he was also the most ardent climber of them. Small and agile, he practiced climbing all day. Today, Roger teaches children how to climb the large rock walls safely.

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