Saltic Bara, $105
Summary: The second of two new women’s-specific shoes on the 2003 market, the unlined Bara has a relatively wide forefoot in comparison to its narrow heel. The shoe performs quite well on vertical terrain, but testers noted that they were fairly stiff. One nice addition is the outlet holes built into the heel, which allow air to be expelled as you slide your foot in, and make for a smoother entry into the shoe.
Pros: Solid all-around sport shoe. Air outlet in heel.
Cons: Heel pull-tabs sewn on inside. Needs more lacing on toe.
Overall grade: B

Saltic/Bear Adventure: (866) 472-5842,
www.salticshoes.com

Saltic Guru, $105
Summary: The Guru is a well-built, high-performing yet comfortable shoe, well suited to intermediate sport climbing. The tongue is connected to the shoe with comfortable, form-fitting elastic for a precise fit, and the Velcro straps cinch down tight without cramping your foot. Like the Bara, the Guru has Saltic’s air-outlet system, which makes it smoother to put on.
Pros: Solid all-around sport shoe. Air outlet in heel.
Cons: Heel pull-tabs sewn on inside.
Overall grade: B+

Saltic/Bear Adventure: (866) 472-5842,
www.salticshoes.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

Saltic Bara, $105
Summary: The second of two new women’s-specific shoes on the 2003 market, the unlined Bara has a relatively wide forefoot in comparison to its narrow heel. The shoe performs quite well on vertical terrain, but testers noted that they were fairly stiff. One nice addition is the outlet holes built into the heel, which allow air to be expelled as you slide your foot in, and make for a smoother entry into the shoe.
Pros: Solid all-around sport shoe. Air outlet in heel.
Cons: Heel pull-tabs sewn on inside. Needs more lacing on toe.
Overall grade: B

Saltic/Bear Adventure: (866) 472-5842,
www.salticshoes.com

Saltic Guru, $105
Summary: The Guru is a well-built, high-performing yet comfortable shoe, well suited to intermediate sport climbing. The tongue is connected to the shoe with comfortable, form-fitting elastic for a precise fit, and the Velcro straps cinch down tight without cramping your foot. Like the Bara, the Guru has Saltic’s air-outlet system, which makes it smoother to put on.
Pros: Solid all-around sport shoe. Air outlet in heel.
Cons: Heel pull-tabs sewn on inside.
Overall grade: B+

Saltic/Bear Adventure: (866) 472-5842,
www.salticshoes.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