Steep-ifying
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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