Editors' Choice 2019: Five Ten Aleon Review
Our top climbing gear picks of 2019
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Flossing into pockets and pressing against the limestone colonettes of Cayman Brac was tough in the island’s heat and humidity, which made my feet swell into small canoes. However, the light (15oz for M’s size 9), fleet Aleons still fit well. The shoe’s sculpted toebox provided mad power and precision for toeing in and thin edging, without the shoe needing a radical downturn, and the microfiber upper—with its breathable Primeknit closure—molded to my foot well. Bouldering guru Fred Nicole designed these semi-stiff shoes with a split rand: This two-part rand pulls in the shoe at the arch, creating a better fit without the need to size aggressively. With a combo of comfort and performance, these shoes became a favorite on the trip, and have since become a go-to at the boulders.
$190, adidasoutdoor.com
See more of our top climbing gear picks in the Gear Guide 2019: Editors’ Choice Awards, and listen to our latest podcast for an interview with Black Diamond’s climbing category director Kolin Powick.