Tenaya Ra 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 & 98 users
Pros
- Delightfully comfortable climbing shoe
- Superb precision for smearing
- Sufficiently grippy
- Offers ample sensitivity for edging purpose
- Versatile for several climbing disciplines
- Zero break-in period
Cons
- Spacious heel
- Unaccommodating square toe box
- Offers smells bad after a few uses
62% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Our 1st pick in best Tenaya climbing shoes
- Top 30% in moderate climbing shoes
- Top 13% in climbing shoes for beginners
Comparison to similar climbing shoes
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Who should buy the Tenaya Ra
The Tenaya Ra is capable of helping climbers complete their send projects, granted they find a pair that fits. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a climbing shoe that gives optimal responsiveness, toe power, and comfort for vertical and overhanging routes.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that delivers precision and power.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that supplies sufficient grip on most types of surfaces.
Secure foothold
The Ra uses a Vibram XS Grip to help climbers gain a secure foothold. Its 4mm thickness allows it to endure harsh rocky surfaces.
Excellent grip
The outsole’s sticky rubber composition delivers grip for toe-in hooking and smearing.
Provides a supportive platform for edging, smearing, and pockets
The Tenaya Ra’s 2D PLT 10 midsole gives users a supportive platform for edging, smearing, and pockets. Its medium-stiff construction allows individuals to perform these climbing techniques.
Comfortable underfoot cushioning
A TST multi-layer Stretchtex insole sits on top of the midsole to give added comfort underfoot.
Secure fit
The Tenaya Ra wraps around the foot using a vegan-friendly microfiber upper. It is lined with TXT-treated cotton material. The shoe is equipped with a Draxtor closure system, which consists of double-backed straps, for fit management.
Easy to wear
The shoe’s toe and heel areas are covered with a rubber rand, making it robust. It has a pair of pull tabs at the rear for easy on and off.
Tenaya Ra vs. Masai
The Ra was built to give precision and sensitivity for vertical climbs and overhanging routes. Tenaya also developed the Masai with a number of identical technical advances, albeit for a different purpose. Shown below are some of the similarities shared between these two rock shoes and their corresponding differences.
Application. The Tenaya Masai is engineered to be efficient and extremely precise on micro edges, cracks, and rounded holds. Like the Ra, it can also be used for vertical and moderately overhanging routes.
Closure. While the Ra employs Tenaya’s Draxtor closure technology, the Masai uses a conventional lace-up system. Wearers can get a precise fit by adjusting the shoe’s laces. This type of closure also adapts to a wide assortment of foot widths.
Downturn. Just like the Ra, Tenaya’s Masai is a climbing piece built with a moderate downturn. This design makes the shoe capable to be used for slightly overhung routes.
Outsole. Both the Tenaya Ra and Masai use a 4mm-thick Vibram XS Grip. Its sticky rubber composition renders enough grip to assist climbers to gain a foothold on most surfaces.
Upper. The Tenaya Masai employs the same microfiber upper from the Ra. It is also lined with TXT-treated cotton. A rubber rand wraps around the shoe to make it durable.
Fit. The Masai’s synthetic upper is designed to prevent the shoe from stretching. It is crafted on a narrow and symmetrical last. The rock shoe comes with a low-volume heel design which supplies the user with a snug fit. Meanwhile, the Tenaya Ra, as mentioned above, is built around a mid-width, mid-volume asymmetric last offering comfort. Stretching is also prevented thanks to its synthetic upper.
Nice to know
- Those who wish to explore other vegan-friendly options may take a look at climbing shoes manufactured by Evolv.
- Buyers who need aggressive climbing kicks to overcome boulders and steep sports routes may want to consider the Butora Acro.
Facts / Specs
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Tenaya Ra video reviews
