Buy evolv Mens Cruzer Approach Shoe
For the last few months I have been converting from a traditional heal-strike runner to a minimalist/barefoot running forefoot-strike technique. I came to the conclusion that I no longer needed any footwear which extended the heal and interfered with my natural stride. Needless to say, I could not wear minimalist running shoes everywhere - especially to work.
So I purchased these Merrell Radius Glove zero-drop shoes for when I am not running. They are fantastic and very comfortable. The sole is made by Vibram and very rugged. The upper is made of a full-grain leather and the area between the sole and the top of the shoe is cow suede. I purchased the black color, which also has a grayish two-tone accent color.
PROS: The shoes are very comfortable and can be worn with dress/casual styles of clothing. The zero-drop allows you to keep a neutral stride all day. That is primary reason I bought these shoes - to go zero-drop at work. I am college instructor and these fit with my business casual dress style. These shoes also have really nice ground-feel - not as good as Vibram Five Fingers or New Balance Minimus Trail - but for a dress/casual shoe it's great! I could feel almost everything under my feet while still be protected.
CONS: The sizing was a little off. I wear a size 10.5 in the Merrell Trail Glove running shoe and I am almost always a size 10.5 in minimalist running shoes. However, the 10.5 felt a little loose with the Radius Glove. Nevertheless, although they do feel slightly big, they do not slip in any way. One thing I am very worried about is the salt in the Winter. I live in a snowy winter climate and I know that the suede will be destroyed if I wear these in the Winter - so they are probably relegated to Spring, Summer, and Fall for me. Finally, the picture does not actually represent the style - they are far more two-toned than the picture leads on, as the lower part of the shoe is really a gun-metal gray.
I definitely recommend these shoes for people who want to maintain zero-drop all day but need a more dress/casual shoe. And of course Merrell makes a great product with great craftsmanship.
{ 7 comments ... Views All / Send Comment! }
Lightweight, clips to your harness and the folding heel is great. It may fit some folks narrow, but this improves it's climbing performance. Soft and sticky so good for short approaches and general loafing, but if you have sensitive feet, you'll feel every pebble on a long rough trail. Also kicks on and off easy for airport security. Took a pair to Australia for two months and they were perfect for approaches at Arapiles, rolling up and down Alis, soloing Tiptoe Ridge in the rain, etc. They held up well. My girlfriend is in love with her sexy red pair - works for me.
Given their simple appearance, I thought these would be much flimsier than they are; however, though these shoes have a very casual look, they're much sturdier than simple canvas shoes. The shoe has a leather lining that makes it quite sturdy - yet flexible - feeling. And while the construction is solid, the shoe has very neutral/ minimal support... which I like, because I also like barefoot-style running, hiking, etc... Finally, the sole is very sticky. In general, I'd say the best word for this shoe is "nice" - nice feeling, nice to wear, nice looking, etc...
the cruzer has been amazing. i routeset in these 5 days a week and i have been in the same pair for 6 months. i thought they would last a month. the really are amazing. great feel, good edging. very comfortable. great looking shoe.
If you are a professional or recreational route-setter you must own these shoes - you know that wearing climbing shoes for 4+ hours is miserable, and yet setting in your tennis shoes doesn't work either because the moves feel waay harder than they are. The Cruzers are the perfect balance. They are comfortable all day but have the same toe as a climbing shoe (ok you're not doing too many heel hooks in them but let's be real, you're route-setting here with buckets strapped to your harness). You will be able to climb almost at your limit in them but be comfortable all day. 5 stars
Best pair of routesetting approach shoes I've worn. To give some context, I've been climbing for 10+ years and worked as a professional routesetter and rock climbing coach for the past 5, and have used shoes from Five Ten and La Sportiva to work in - until these.
PROS
- comfortable; feel like wearing barefoot running shoes and are easy to wear without socks.
- very "climbable," meaning that they climb very well for something that is not a high-performance climbing shoe. Feel confident working on most movements unless they are very, very small edges - I would feel confident climbing 5.11+ sport routes in these shoes.
- Heel purposely folds down; clog mode.
CON
- split tongue and single pull tab can make these slightly annoying to put on for climbing
I love the cruzer. The sole is sticky and flexible so I am aware of how I'm standing and walking, and the sides are light and breathable yet somehow sturdy. I have used them from sidewalks in the city to trail walks in Yosemite Valley.
It was a challenge finding the right size for me since they didn't follow the normal street-shoe sizing; now, however, I love this shoe and recommend it.
I just ordered my 3rd pair of Cruzers. Not because I needed to... I wanted to. I now have a pair to work in, a pair to crag in, and a pair to keep clean that I can hit the town in. By far the most comfortable pair of shoes I own, and they get the nod for just about everything now. The light weight is great for carrying up long routes, but the canvas upper is sturdy enough to take plenty of abuse. Might need a 4th pair now that new colors are coming!
Post a Comment