Introduction
Climbing shoes are widely considered to be the most important piece of gear for any climber. They have the ability to make or break your climbing experience, which is why it is so important to find the right pair for your needs. The Scarpa Vapor V and Evolv Shaman are two of the most popular climbing shoes available on the market. Both are well-known for their comfort, performance, and durability. Both shoes have been tested and proven to be reliable and efficient. So, which one is the best? Let’s compare the Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman and see which one comes out on top.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Scarpa Vapor V | Evolv Shaman |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Aggressive | Aggressive |
| Type of Climbing | Sport, Bouldering, All-Round | Sport, Bouldering, All-Round |
| Sole Stiffness | Medium | Medium |
| Shape | Asymmetrical | Symmetrical |
| Closure System | Lace | Velcro |
| Materials | Vibram XS Edge | Trax SAS |
| Price | $140 | $180 |
| Personal Preference | Comfort focused | Performance focused |
| Toe Box Shape | Curved | Downturned |
| Heel Cup | Slingshot | Slingshot |
| Weight | 330 grams | 305 grams |
| Level of Ventilation | Medium | High |
Fit
The fit of the Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman are both considered to be aggressive. The Vapor V has an asymmetrical shape, which gives it a slightly tighter fit than the Shaman. The Shaman’s symmetrical shape provides a more consistent fit throughout the shoe.
The Vapor V has a slightly curved toe box shape, which is more comfortable than the Shaman’s downturned shape. The Vapor V also has a slingshot heel cup that is designed to provide more support and stability while the Shaman’s slingshot heel cup is designed to provide an aggressive fit without sacrificing comfort.
The Vapor V is slightly heavier than the Shaman, which may lead to some feeling of fatigue after long climbing sessions. But this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re not doing long climbs.
Type of Climbing
Both the Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman are designed for sport, bouldering, and all-around climbing. They both feature a medium sole stiffness, which makes them well-suited for all types of climbing. The Vapor V’s asymmetrical shape gives it an advantage for steep routes, while the Shaman’s symmetrical shape is better for slab climbing.
The Vapor V is also well-suited for technical climbing due to its slightly curved toe box and slingshot heel cup. The Shaman’s downturned toe box and slingshot heel cup provide more aggressive performance and more control in technical climbing.
Sole Stiffness
Both the Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman have a medium sole stiffness. The Vapor V’s medium stiffness gives it more support and stability, while the Shaman’s medium stiffness provides more sensitivity and grip.
The Vapor V’s sole stiffness is also slightly more durable, making it better suited for long climbing sessions. The Shaman’s sole stiffness is slightly less durable, so it may not last as long in tougher conditions.
Shape
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman have different shapes. The Vapor V has an asymmetrical shape while the Shaman has a symmetrical shape. The Vapor V’s asymmetrical shape gives it a slightly tighter fit, while the Shaman’s symmetrical shape provides a more consistent fit throughout the shoe.
The Vapor V also has a slightly curved toe box shape, which is more comfortable than the Shaman’s downturned shape. The Vapor V’s slingshot heel cup is designed to provide more support and stability, while the Shaman’s slingshot heel cup provides an aggressive fit without sacrificing comfort.
Closure System
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman have different closure systems. The Vapor V has a lace closure system, which provides a secure and customizable fit. The Shaman has a velcro closure system, which provides a quick and easy on/off.
The Vapor V’s lace closure system is slightly heavier than the Shaman’s velcro closure system, but this shouldn’t be a problem for most climbers.
Materials
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman have different materials. The Vapor V has Vibram XS Edge rubber, which is designed to provide superior grip and durability. The Shaman has Trax SAS rubber, which is designed to provide superior sensitivity and edging power.
The Vapor V’s Vibram XS Edge rubber is slightly more durable than the Shaman’s Trax SAS rubber, making it better suited for long climbing sessions. The Shaman’s Trax SAS rubber is slightly better suited for technical climbing, as it provides better grip and edging power.
Price
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman have different price points. The Vapor V is priced at $140, while the Shaman is priced at $180. The Vapor V is slightly more affordable, but both shoes provide a great value for the price.Personal Preference
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman are both great options for climbers. The Vapor V is slightly more comfort focused, while the Shaman is slightly more performance focused.
The Vapor V’s asymmetrical shape provides a slightly tighter fit, while the Shaman’s symmetrical shape provides a more consistent fit throughout the shoe. The Vapor V also has a slightly curved toe box shape, which is more comfortable than the Shaman’s downturned shape. The Vapor V’s slingshot heel cup is designed to provide more support and stability, while the Shaman’s slingshot heel cup provides an aggressive fit without sacrificing comfort.
The Vapor V has Vibram XS Edge rubber, which is designed to provide superior grip and durability. The Shaman has Trax SAS rubber, which provides superior sensitivity and edging power. The Vapor V is priced at $140, while the Shaman is priced at $180.
Toe Box Shape
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman have different toe box shapes. The Vapor V has a slightly curved toe box shape, which is more comfortable than the Shaman’s downturned shape. The Vapor V’s curved toe box shape provides a slightly tighter fit, which is ideal for technical climbing.
The Shaman’s downturned shape gives it an aggressive fit and provides more control in technical climbing. The Shaman’s downturned shape also makes it slightly less comfortable than the Vapor V, but this shouldn’t be a problem for most climbers.
Heel Cup
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman both have a slingshot heel cup. The Vapor V’s slingshot heel cup is designed to provide more support and stability, while the Shaman’s slingshot heel cup provides an aggressive fit without sacrificing comfort.
The Vapor V’s slingshot heel cup is slightly more durable than the Shaman’s slingshot heel cup, making it better suited for long climbing sessions. The Shaman’s slingshot heel cup is slightly better suited for technical climbing, as it provides more control and grip.
Weight
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman have different weights. The Vapor V is 330 grams, while the Shaman is 305 grams. The Vapor V is slightly heavier than the Shaman, which may lead to some feeling of fatigue after long climbing sessions. But this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re not doing long climbs.
Level of Ventilation
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman have different levels of ventilation. The Vapor V has a medium level of ventilation, while the Shaman has a high level of ventilation. The Vapor V’s medium level of ventilation provides enough airflow to keep your feet cool and comfortable, while the Shaman’s high level of ventilation keeps your feet cooler in hot conditions.
The Shaman’s high level of ventilation also makes it slightly more breathable than the Vapor V. This can be beneficial for climbers who tend to get sweaty feet easily.
Conclusion
The Scarpa Vapor V and the Evolv Shaman are both great options for climbers. The Vapor V is slightly more comfort focused, while the Shaman is slightly more performance focused. The Vapor V has an asymmetrical shape, a slightly curved toe box shape, Vibram XS Edge rubber, and a slingshot heel cup that provide more support and stability. The Shaman has a symmetrical shape, a downturned toe box shape, Trax SAS rubber, and a slingshot heel cup that provide an aggressive fit without sacrificing comfort.
In terms of price, the Vapor V is slightly more affordable than the Shaman. But both shoes provide a great value for the price. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a shoe that is more comfort focused, the Scarpa Vapor V is the right choice