February 21, 2018 Maya Friedman

Gear Review: Scarpa Helix Climbing Shoes

Value Rating: 8 Durability Rating: 8 Overall Rating: 8 Location of Test: The Circuit Gym Duration of Test: Several long bouldering sessions Product Name: Helix Climbing Shoes Product Brand: Scarpa Best Use: Gym climbing Size: 35.0 - 42.0

The Full Review: I have been climbing off and on for several years but have never really pushed past the plateau of the beginner-intermediate stage. Because of this, I haven’t purchased new climbing shoes in many years but was finally forced to when duct-tape on the toes of my shoes no longer seemed like a feasible option. I’m so glad that I did and am especially glad that my Next Adventure coworkers over in the climbing department steered me towards the Scarpa Helix. The Helix is a major step up from the softer shoes I had been climbing in previously but are still very well suited to my beginner-intermediate climbing level. The sole is grippy and sensitive, and I felt an immediate difference in my ability to stay on the wall and be precise with my footwork. With a relatively flat and less downturned profile, the Helix doesn’t feel overly aggressive for my level, but I still feel that I will be able to push myself further and grow as a climber with these shoes. Besides affording more precision and strength than my previous shoe, the Helix is extremely comfortable as climbing shoes go. I can boulder in them for around 45 minutes before feeling the need take them off. The padded tongue adds a lot of comfort to the fit, and the lacing running down the length of the shoe allows me to fit it more precisely to the shape of my foot. If you are a beginner-intermediate climber looking for a shoe to push you to the next level of your climbing ability without being overly aggressive, I highly recommend the Helix. I’ve seen quite a number of folks wearing them around the climbing gym who seem to agree. The Good Comfortable in fit, and still a major step up from an intro shoe in performance. The Bad: Some climbers may require a more aggressive shoe, or a shoe more suited for outdoor conditions. The Bottom Line: A solid and comfortable shoe that affords precision and stability without being overly aggressive.