Steep-ifying
Mad Rock has long had an innovative approach to shoe design — think of the 3D Molded Heel Cup, with its aggressive ribbing, and the Power Upper, adding a sticky patch atop the toe box. The flagship of the company’s new concave-soled series, the new MAD ROCK CON-FLICT ($99.95, madrockclimbing.com) incorporates these steepclimbing staples but adds new, techtastic twists: Science Friction 2.2 sticky rubber, an extreme Concave Sole that bends your forefoot into a mega-downturn, and an odor-resistant hemp lining . . . all in a three-strap Velcro rock shoe.
—Justin Roth
