Mad Rock Lotus Climbing Shoes - Women's 4 Aqua Review
The Mad Rock Lotus Climbing Shoes are designed specifically for women who are serious about climbing. With a unique blend of comfort and high-performance features, these shoes are built to help you conquer both competition walls and challenging overhangs. The convenience of a two- or three-strap system combined with a tight slipper fit means you can spend more time climbing and less time struggling to get your shoes on and off.
One of the standout aspects of the Lotus shoes is their innovative closure system, which incorporates a split tongue design. This allows for an exceptional fit while making it easier to put the shoes on, giving you that snug feel without the hassle. This makes them the ideal choice for climbers looking for quick transitions between routes.
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Features
- Sole Material: Leather, Rubber
- Closure Type: Pull On
- Arch Flex System for enhanced comfort
- 1.8mm R2 Rand Rubber for durability
Pros
- Exceptional comfort without sacrificing performance
- Innovative split tongue design for easy wear
- Aggressive fit ideal for overhanging terrain
- Diverse usability suitable for competitions
Cons
- May require a break-in period for maximum comfort
- Fit may be too tight for those preferring a looser shoe
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Features | Mad Rock Lotus | La Sportiva Theory | Scarpa Drago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Material | Leather, Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
| Closure Type | Pull On | Lace | Velcro |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderately Heavy | Lightweight |
| Best For | Overhangs, Competitions | Sport Climbing | Bouldering |
Detailed Review
When it comes to climbing shoes, the Mad Rock Lotus stands out thanks to its remarkable Arch Flex system, which provides an aggressive yet comfortable fit. This feature ensures that you have the support needed for difficult climbs while avoiding the common discomfort associated with tightly fitting footwear. The use of 1.8mm R2 rand rubber enhances the shoe's responsiveness, allowing for precise foot placements and optimal grip on varied terrains.
The split tongue design is a game-changer, offering ease in putting on the shoes while ensuring they stay securely in place. This means you can focus on your ascent rather than worrying about your gear. While the shoes shine in performance, they might take some getting used to if you're transitioning from a more relaxed fitting shoe. However, the benefits you gain from the snug fit will quickly outweigh any minor discomfort during the initial break-in period.
In conclusion, the Mad Rock Lotus Climbing Shoes are an excellent investment for female climbers who prioritize performance, comfort, and innovative design. Whether tackling a challenging route in a competition or enjoying a day at the crag, these shoes are sure to enhance your climbing experience.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Excellent comfort level with minimal pressure points. |
| Performance | 5/5 | Outstanding grip and flexibility for all climbing styles. |
| Value | 4/5 | Good value considering the quality and performance offered. |
User Reviews
Shoes are great, as much as you can say just looking at them. They run very small. I wear size 6, very rear that something like 6.5 fits. These shoes supposed to be quite tight. My size for climbing shoes always been 5.5, but these in 5.5 I was not even able to even try, they were so small. So I ordered 6.5 even though I never buy this size even for tennis shoes. And it’s too small again. At least the second time I was able to put foot inside, but still, most probably I will have to order 7.5 . They are soooo little. It drives me crazy.Sorry for 3 stars, but until I get right size I can’t give more.
These were the second pair of climbing shoes I got (la sportiva tarantulace first), and the first aggressive pair. I can only last 1.5 hours in these shoes, but that's to be expected with the downturned toe. The rubber is quite thick--you won't have as much sensitivity as a softer shoe/rubber, but they lasted 6 months so far and might go for another 3 before any resoling; the tarantulace were comfy but only lasted 3 months.The rubber wasn't very sticky in the beginning, but after a few climbs, they were great for edging and not slipping. The heel is a little strange, but i've found them really useful for heel hooks and it's designed for using the toe to edge anyways rather than standing on the heel at all. I have narrow heels and the heels were too wide for me; they twist when i heel hook, but not enough for me to slip.I struggled with the size; i needed one size larger than expected form their size chart (http://store.madrockclimbing.com/sizing.aspx).
In live in South America, so I ordered these when a friend went to the US. Before ordering, I wrote Mad Rock about the sizing AND read every available online review. While Mad Rock suggested I order the same size as my street shoe (I'm a 6 US Woman) everyone online suggested I sized up two full sizes because the fit was waaay too tight. It has to be a very meditated desicion, as I cannot return them once received.So I listened to the people and ordered a US size 8.They were right. All the way. Two full sizes up my street size is the perfect size for me. My heel freels protected, my toes are crammed but are not in excruciating pain, and I can made through smal steeps. So great shoes, great value, but watch out for the sizing!Note: my feet are quite wide, in no way they are narrow :(
I love the new Lotus shoes from Madrock! Ive previously worn the Mad Rock sharks and they compare in similar ways. The arch hugs comfortably, and I feel like it helps the comfort level feeling that the entire shoe hugs my foot so there are no air gaps when I am on the wall. The Lotus IS aggressive and tight, works for its purpose. This is my go-to sending shoe, its downturn toe is perfect for edging the small holds. I really like the velcro strap design, its easy on and easy off. Toe hooks way better than the Lyra. Love this shoe!