Evolv Defy review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all climbing shoes.
Verdict from 8 experts & 100+ users
Pros
- Extremely comfortable
- Excellent surface grip
- Highly recommended for entry-level climbers
- Super-affordable
- Zero break-in period
Cons
- Unable to combat odor properly
- Weak edging


39% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Top 22% most popular climbing shoes
Comparison to similar climbing shoes
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Who should buy the Evolv Defy
The Evolv Defy is a remarkable Evolv piece—one that delivers climbing goodness without breaking the bank. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a climbing shoe that is designed to respond to the various demands of climbers, regardless of skill level.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that is built completely free of any animal substance.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that has the technology that lessens hotspots and pressure points.
Slip and skid resistance
With the Evolv Defy’s Trax-SAS outsole, climbing enthusiasts can mount on virtually all sorts of surfaces with as much slip and skid resistance as possible. Just like the shoe’s supportive midsole, this sticky layer also has a full-length construction. Its thickness is 4.4 millimeters. Evolv engineers extended its rear end to the back of the shoe, providing users with enough adhesive power for pursuits requiring heel hooking.
Excellent underfoot support
The Defy’s supply of underfoot support comes from its full-length midsole, called MX-P. 1.4 millimeters is its overall thickness.
Excellent ventilation
The Defy from Evolv houses the foot in its Synthratek VX (all-synthetic) upper. It is lined with mesh imbued with Agion’s anti-microbial technology for odor management. Its designers wrapped its lower perimeter with a protective rubber rand—the main ingredient of the molded VTR technology. The non-randed parts of the upper have generous perforations to improve the shoe’s overall breathability.
Easy to wear
Stitched securely to its heel are two pull loops. They work hand in hand with the split tongue in making on and off a relatively simple affair. Also coming in twos is Defy’s adjustable straps, both of which are furnished with Velcro fasteners.