2020 Comp Climbing Shoe Review: Butora Acro Comp
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On-Sale Date
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Comp-Specific Features
The ABS midsole has been removed and replaced with a stretch-preventing fabric so the shoe is more pliable while still retaining form; rubber decreased by 50 percent in 3D-molded heelcup (the regular Acros have this same new heel, too) for increased sensitivity; triple-fork Velcro closure lets you tweak fit to jam toes forward for precision footwork; massive, perforated, thin-rubber toe-hooking patch.
The Low-down
Butora’s athlete team will still likely be rocking two pairs of shoes at comps: the Acro for steeper or edging problems, and the Acro Comp for volumes. However, having tested the Acro Comp, I found more than ample support for basic edging and jib standing—which is great in these very sensitive shoes, if you can take a little pain and/or have strong feet. And their performance on heel hooks and toe scums is nearly perfect—the toe-scumming patch is one of the biggest I’ve seen and is über-grippy. Meanwhile, Butora has also positioned their new Gomi as somewhat of a comp shoe—it has a tension rubber insole that softens up in heat, meaning if you need more smearing properties versus edging, you can knead the shoe for 30 seconds to soften it up.