Rock Pillars Wall, $89
Summary: The Wall is an all-around, canvas-lined entry-level shoe with an edging bent. The board lasting and canvas lining provide excellent support for
day-long adventures and will take all the abuse you can dish out. Currently utilizing Vibram rubber, U.S. importer ClimbAxe says that Mad Rock rubber will be used on Rock Pillars starting early this summer.
Pros: Solid edging. All-day comfort. Inexpensive.
Cons: Poor smearing.
Overall grade: B

Rock Pillars/Climb Axe: (503) 236-9552,
www.climbaxe.com

Rock Pillars Zeal, $89
Summary: If you’re a fan of climbing at Smith Rock, Tuolumne Meadows, or Shelf Road, check out the Zeal. With its cupped sole and stiff forefoot, this shoe lives for standing on small edges. The low-profile toe — liberally covered in rubber — also performed quite well in thin cracks. On the downside, the
stiffness does cut into the shoe’s smearing capability. As with the Wall, U.S. importer ClimbAxe says that Mad Rock rubber will be used on Rock Pillars starting early this summer.
Pros: Superb edging. Inexpensive.
Cons: Poor smearing.
Overall grade: B+

Rock Pillars/Climb Axe: (503) 236-9552,
www.climbaxe.com

The test results
Click on the manufacturers listed below for the review

Boreal
FiveTen
La Sportiva
Mad Rock
Mammut
Red Chili
Roc’terra
Rock Pillars
Saltic
Scarpa
Triop