Scarpa Instinct VS
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$169; scarpa.com
From a V9 slab to a steep 5.13c in Red Rock, Nevada, the Instinct VS earned our commendation: an amazing shoe that masters all angles. “I’m just gonna say it: This is one of the best shoes I’ve ever worn,” said our experienced tester, who has almost 100 shoes in his personal collection. “They’re versatile, comfortable, and outperform almost any other shoe on every kind of terrain.” This slipper version of the successful Instinct line has unbeatable performance, super-glue-sticky Vibram XS Edge rubber, and a successful fit that tops the shoe with an elastic sock that locks the foot into place. Add a high Velcro strap on top for an even more dialed fit, which proves its worth on powerful heel-hooks and jams where you’re twisting your foot as much as your tendons and ligaments will allow. Perfect for the wider forefoot that can’t get a vacuum fit on other high-performance kicks.