Preview: Black Diamond's New Climbing Shoe Line

A new player is entering the climbing shoe market. Black Diamond has announced that they will release their own line of climbing shoes starting this October, with more models to follow in early 2018. While Black Diamond, the leading U.S. climbing hardware manufacturer, distributed Scarpa shoes until 2005 and formerly had their own line of ski boots, this is the first time they are producing their own shoes, which will be manufactured in China by Butora (a Korean climbing shoe brand with their own factory). Check out a preview of the line up below.

Note: The below information was provided by Black Diamond.

Momentum

While the Momentum climbing shoe was built with ultimate comfort in mind it excels in performance. With Engineered Knit Technology for exceptional breathability and innovative NeoFriction molded rubber, the Momentum is the perfect entry-level climbing shoe for all day comfort at the gym or crag.

Features

• Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing and all-day comfort
• Engineered Knit Technology upper provides exceptional breathability and comfort
• 4.3mm NeoFriction rubber is built for durability and molded for optimal comfort, consistency and weight
• Soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort
• Two Velcro straps for fit adjustability
• Available in men’s, women’s and kids’ models.

MSRP: $90 (men’s and women’s model), $60 (kids’ model), $80 (lace model)
Launch date: October 1, 2017, exclusively at REI. A global release will follow on January 1, 2018. More colors will become available on March 15, 2018, and a lace model will be released on April 15, 2018

Ed. Climbing’s staff is currently testing the Black Diamond Momentum, and will have a full review soon in our print edition.

Aspect

Built to handle endless splitters of the Creek, cragging days at City of Rocks, and the notorious slabs of Little Cottonwood Canyon, the Aspect is an engineered trad climbing machine. Designed with fine, durable leather, our innovative NeoFriction Force molded rubber and an Engineered Knit Technology tongue, this flat-lasted, slightly asymmetrical lace-up is perfect for plugging gear at the cliff.

Features

• Neutral, flat last for all day cragging comfort
• 4.3mm NeoFriction Edge rubber is purpose-built for edging and molded for optimal comfort, consistency and weight
• Engineered Knit Technology tongue provides exceptional breathability, comfort and extra padding for crack climbing
• Internal Lace Protection System for crack climbing
• Medium-flex midsole adds edging prowess without sacrifcing comfort
• Lateral stabilizer rands increase precision by keeping your foot from rolling over when pressure is applied to the outside or inside edges
• Highest grade European leather upper
• Unisex

MSRP: $140
Launch date: October 1, 2017, exclusively at REI. A global release will follow on January 1, 2018.

Focus

When you’re run out and staring at the crux, it’s time to Focus. Engineered for high-end climbing, the Focus is built for routes and boulder problems that demand precision. Featuring a slightly downturned last with NeoFriction Force rubber, durable leather, and our Engineered Knit Technology, the Focus is a high-performance Velcro shoe ready for the redpoint.

Features

• Moderate, slightly down-turned last for technical climbing on vertical to gently-overhanging terrain
• 4.3mm NeoFriction Force rubber is purpose-built for edging and molded for optimal comfort, consistency and weight
• Engineered Knit Technology tongue provides exceptional breathability and comfort
• Fine, durable leather upper
• High friction rubber is printed on the shoe to minimize bulk and maximize dexterity and grip for toe hooking
• Velcro straps for t adjustability
• Medial and Lateral stabilizer rands increase precision by keeping your foot from rolling when pressure is applied to the outside or inside edges
• Hemp liner reduces odor after extensive use
• Available in men’s and women’s models

MSRP: $175
Launch date: February 15, 2018 

Shadow

The dream shoe for steep, aggressive climbing, the Shadow is a downturned Velcro shoe built for pulling HARD. Featuring our extra-sticky NeoFriction Fuse molded rubber with added friction strips for better toe-hooking, and a durable micro fiber upper combined with our Engineered Knit Technology tongue, the Shadow is ready to send your project.

Features

• Aggressive, downturned last for steep routes and bouldering
• 4.3mm NeoFriction Fuse rubber is printed and molded for superior grip, optimal comfort, consistency, and weight
• Engineered Knit Technology tongue provides exceptional breathability and comfort
• Minimalist midsole for extra sensitivity on steep terrain
• A combination of printed and molded high friction rubber maximizes durability, dexterity and grip for toe-hooking
• Velcro strap for fit adjustability
• Unisex

MSRP: $180
Launch date: February 15, 2018