Verdict from 8 experts and 20 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Many among Tenaya Ra users say that it is a delightfully comfortable climbing shoe.
- This rock climbing shoe has superb precision for smearing, numerous buyers claim.
- In a considerable percentage of consumer reviews, it is mentioned that the Ra’s outsole is sufficiently grippy.
- This Tenaya product offers ample sensitivity for edging purposes, according to a couple of critics.
- Bloggers and purchasers alike confirm that this rock shoe is versatile for several climbing disciplines.
- It virtually has no break-in period, say a handful of climbers.
3 reasons not to buy
- Several owners feel disappointed with the extra space in the bottom back of the Tenaya Ra’s heel.
- A few individuals claim that the rock shoe’s square toe box is not helpful when tackling pockets.
- According to some buyers, this climbing-centric Tenaya offering smells bad after a few uses.
Bottom line
It can be said that the Ra is a Tenaya rock climbing shoe that oozes with comfort and stuns with precision. It can also be considered a highly responsive pair that sticks like a champ, particularly on edges.
Unfortunately, the shoe has a few misfires, most notable of which is its too-spacious heel cup. All in all, the Tenaya Ra is capable of helping climbers complete their send projects, granted they find a pair that fits.
Tip: see the best climbing shoes.
Good to know
-The Tenaya Ra is a rock climbing shoe designed to give optimal responsiveness, toe power, and comfort for vertical and overhanging routes. It comes with the brand’s SXR Dynamics, a technology that allows the shoe’s overall structure and sole to deliver precision and power.
-Its slip-lasted construction offers sensitivity during a send. The shoe’s 2D PLT 10 midsole renders support to help wearers deal with edges and pockets. A 4mm-thick Vibram XS Grip supplies sufficient grip on most types of surfaces.
Downturn. The Ra from Tenaya is a moderately downturned piece with an asymmetric profile. This design is primarily used for technical climbs, such as slightly overhanging routes.
Applications. Tenaya engineered the Ra for vertical climbs and moderately overhanging routes. It is also equally suitable for those who plan to go bouldering. Moreover, the Ra can be used for both indoor and outdoor send attempts.
The Ra is a low-top Tenaya shoe for both male and female climbers. Wearers may gain a personalized and secure lockdown by using a patented Draxtor velcro closure system.
The Tenay Ra’s synthetic upper is lined with TXT-treated cotton and has a formed tongue. It uses a mid-volume and mid-width asymmetric last. This design gives a comfortable fit without excessively pulling the toes downwards. The upper’s construction also prevents it from stretching beyond tolerable.
Midsole. 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. A TST multi-layer Stretchtex insole sits on top of the midsole to give added comfort underfoot.
Outsole. The Ra uses a Vibram XS Grip to help climbers gain a secure foothold. Its 4mm thickness allows it to endure against harsh rocky surfaces. The outsole’s sticky rubber composition delivers grip for toe-in hooking and smearing.
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. 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.
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 in 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 gain a foothold on most surfaces.
Upper. The Tenaya Masai employs the same microfiber upper from the Ra. It 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.
-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 sport routes may want to consider the Butora Acro.