Summary
We spent 9 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what climbers think:
6 reasons to buy
- A majority of Tenaya Ra users say that it is a delightfully comfortable climbing piece.
- This rock climbing shoe has superb precision for smearing, numerous buyers have claimed.
- 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, a minority of climbers have declared.
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
The Ra from Tenaya manages to garner a lot of approval from buyers by delivering comfort and precision for their send attempts. Those who have used it also applaud its sticky sole and ample sensitivity for edging pursuits. Unfortunately, the shoe has a few misfires, most notable is its spacious heel cup. All in all, the Tenaya Ra is still capable of helping climbers complete their send projects, granted they find a pair that fits.
Facts
| Construction: | Slip lasted |
|---|---|
| Closure: | Velcro |
| Fit: | Performance fit |
| Downturn: | Moderate |
| Environment: | Indoor, Outdoor |
| Material: | Synthetic, Vegan, Vibram sole |
| Lining: | Lined |
| Last Shape: | Asymmetric |
| Stiffness: | Medium stiff |
| Thickness: | 4mm |
| Use: | Bouldering, Face, Overhang, Sport |
| Features: | Lightweight |
| Price: | $150 |
| Weight: | Men: 6oz |
| Brand: | Tenaya |
Expert Reviews
Experts are climbers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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89 / 100 based on 6 expert reviews
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The Tenaya Ra is an elegant Spanish shoe representing a solid marriage of precision and comfort for trad, face, and sport climbing.
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If you’re really looking for a do-it-all shoe, particularly one that errs on the side of crack climbing competency, this is about as good an option as currently exists.
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Trying these Tenayas has really opened my mind, and I wouldn't hesitate to get another pair or suggest them to a friend or client.
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If you are looking for one multi-purpose shoe, this is it.
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If you’re looking for a precise shoe that supports you well on small edges and if you’re tired of performance shoes that hurt your feet a lot, I’d take a look at the Tenaya Ra.
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After two months in the Women’s Ra—adapted (slimmed down) specifically for the female foot—I’m convinced they’re an all-around performance shoe that doesn’t sacrifice comfort.
-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.
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.
- 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.
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.