Scarpa Force V

Our take Climbing testers reviewed the original Force X a few years ago and praised its padded heel and chiseled toe that struck a good balance between all-day comfort and climbing precision. The new Force V maintains the same cush but ratchets up performance. Designers reduced the padding in the heel and increased the active randing (rubber heel system that pushes power to the front of the foot). Testers say it doesn’t reduce comfort, and in fact, it creates a shoe that let us “wear it all day but still crank out 5.10 moves” and “stand on tiny little nubbins with confidence.” The suede upper will stretch slightly, so consider sizing down.

Crag cred “I can tick 5.12 single-pitch routes as well as 1,000-foot trad moderates with the same shoe,” says one tester of the Force V’s versatility.