Evolv Shaman Trance vs Shaman, Shaman 2S, Phantom Pro and Zenist: Which Evolv Should You Buy?
Short answer: the new Evolv Shaman Trance sits in the middle of Evolv's range. It is more sensitive than the Phantom Pro, more powerful than the Zenist, and built as a one-shoe option for climbers who want a single performance shoe for boards, steep bouldering and overhanging sport routes. If your feet are narrow or low-volume, the Trance LV gives you the same design on a lower-volume fit.
- Shaman Trance (PSR 6): the new all-rounder. Shaman shape with EVOWRAP tension and EVO 74 rubber, for climbers who want one shoe for most steep climbing.
- Shaman Trance LV: the same shoe for narrower, lower-volume feet.
- Shaman (PSR 6): the proven classic, with a stiffer feel and thicker TRAX SAS rubber. Built for long sessions and outdoor edging.
- Shaman 2S (PSR 5): a slightly softer, more sensitive Shaman with a sock-style fit.
- Phantom Pro (PSR 9): Evolv's most powerful shoe, for small edges on steep ground.
- Zenist (PSR 1): the softest, for comp-style volumes, smears and coordination moves.
First, what is PSR?
Evolv rates every performance shoe on its Power Sensitivity Rating (PSR), a scale from 1 to 10. Low numbers are soft and sensitive, built for smearing and volumes. High numbers are stiff and powerful, built for standing on small edges. Evolv groups 1 to 3 as sensitive, 4 to 7 as versatile and 8 to 10 as powerful. It is the quickest way to compare the range, so we have used it throughout this guide.
At a glance
| Shoe | PSR | Character | Outsole | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaman Trance / Trance LV | 6 | Versatile, tensioned, sensitive | 3.5mm EVO 74 | One shoe for boards, steep bouldering and sport |
| Shaman | 6 | Supportive, durable classic | 4.2mm TRAX SAS | Long sessions, outdoor edging, multi-pitch |
| Shaman 2S | 5 | Most sensitive Shaman, sock fit | 3.5mm EVO 74 | Coordination and high-tension movement |
| Phantom Pro | 9 | Stiff, powerful, EVOWRAP | 3.5mm EVO 74 | Small edges on steep ground, hard projects |
| Zenist | 1 | Very soft, minimal midsole | 3.5mm EVO 74 | Comp-style volumes, smears, indoor bouldering |
The new one: Evolv Shaman Trance and Trance LV
The Shaman Trance is Evolv's 2026 addition to the Shaman family. It takes ideas from the Phantom Pro and builds them onto the Shaman last. The result is a downturned shoe that sits at PSR 6: powerful enough to stand on small holds, but sensitive enough for high smears, toe hooks and heel catches.
Underneath, a 1mm EVOWRAP tensioned rubber midsole works with the Shaman Love Bump to keep the shoe's downturned shape. The front outsole is 3.5mm of Evolv's EVO 74 rubber, with a 1.2mm EVO 74 toe patch for hooking. A hybrid sock upper with a multi-strap closure wraps the foot closely. It weighs 276g per shoe, it's vegan, and it can be resoled.
The Shaman Trance LV is the low-volume version, made for narrower feet and a lower instep. Choose it if standard shoes leave dead space around your heel or over the top of your foot.
Choose the Trance if: you want one performance shoe for the board, the bouldering wall and steep sport routes, and you don't want to switch between a stiff shoe and a soft one.
Shaman Trance vs Evolv Shaman
The original Evolv Shaman shares the Trance's PSR 6 rating, but it feels different on the foot. It uses a 1.6mm half-length Love Bump midsole, three straps and a thicker 4.2mm TRAX SAS outsole. Evolv places it in its Performance line, built for long sessions and multi-pitch routes rather than the hardest projects.
The difference: the Shaman's thicker rubber lasts longer and gives a more supportive platform for edging outdoors. The Trance's thinner EVO 74 rubber, sock upper and EVOWRAP tension give you more feel and a closer fit for modern board and indoor climbing. If you already love your Shaman for outdoor sport routes, you may not need to change. If you want more sensitivity without losing power, the Trance is the upgrade.
Shaman Trance vs Shaman 2S
The Shaman 2S (PSR 5) is the most sensitive Shaman. It pairs a hybrid sock closure and two straps with the Evolab heel from the Phantom Pro, a 1.6mm Shaman plastic midsole, and the same 3.5mm EVO 74 outsole and toe patch.
The difference: the 2S leans slightly further towards sensitivity. The Trance adds EVOWRAP tension, so it holds its downturn and drives more power through the toe on steep ground. Pick the 2S if you mostly climb coordination-heavy indoor problems. Pick the Trance if you also want to stand on small holds on steep boards and sport routes.
Shaman Trance vs Phantom Pro
The Phantom Pro is Evolv's most technically advanced shoe and sits right at the powerful end of the scale, at PSR 9. It combines an EVOWRAP tensioned midsole with a 1.2mm downturned front midsole and Love Bump, a 3.5mm EVO 74 outsole and Evolv's Power Lock Heel.
The difference: the Phantom Pro is a specialist for tiny edges on steep rock and hard projects. The Trance borrows some of its technology but is much softer, so it smears and hooks better and is easier to wear for a whole session. If you are projecting at your limit on small crimps outdoors, the Phantom Pro is the tool. For everything else, the Trance is the more versatile choice.
Shaman Trance vs Zenist
The Zenist is at the opposite end of the range: PSR 1, Evolv's softest shoe. It is built for competition-style bouldering, with a minimal 1.0mm forefoot midsole, a 3.5mm EVO 74 outsole and a sock-style upper with a single strap. If you want a little more support, the Zenist Pro (PSR 3) adds EVOWRAP.
The difference: the Zenist is brilliant on big volumes, smears and running starts, but it gives little support on small edges. The Trance trades some of that softness for power, so it works on the board and on rock as well as on comp-style setting.
Sizing: go up, not down
If you've worn Evolv before, you'll know your size. If not, Evolv can be a bit tricky: they're the exception among climbing shoe brands, and you'll usually need to size up rather than down. Evolv itself says its shoes are not designed to be downsized.
We generally recommend going half to a full size above your normal trainer size. Evolv sizing runs small, unlike brands such as Scarpa and La Sportiva, which climbers commonly downsize. As an example, our founder is a 9.5 in trainers, a 10.5 in a performance Evolv fit (Shaman, Zenist and Kronos) and a comfortable 8.5 in the Scarpa Drago.
Which Evolv should you choose?
For most intermediate and advanced climbers who want one shoe for steep indoor and outdoor climbing, the Shaman Trance is the one to start with, or the Trance LV if your feet are narrow. Choose the Shaman for durability and long outdoor days, the Shaman 2S for maximum sensitivity in the Shaman shape, the Phantom Pro for small edges on hard projects, and the Zenist for comp-style indoor bouldering.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Shaman Trance and the Shaman Trance LV?
They share the same design and technology. The LV is built on a lower-volume fit for narrower feet and a lower instep.
Is the Shaman Trance better than the Shaman?
Both are rated PSR 6, but they suit different climbing. The Trance is more sensitive and closer-fitting, which suits boards and modern indoor climbing. The Shaman's thicker rubber is more durable and supportive for long outdoor days.
Is the Shaman Trance a beginner shoe?
No. It is a downturned performance shoe for intermediate and advanced climbers. Newer climbers will get on better with a flatter, more comfortable shoe such as the Evolv Defy or Kronos.
What size Shaman Trance should I buy?
Evolv shoes are not designed to be downsized. We generally recommend half to a full size above your normal trainer size for a performance fit.
Can the Shaman Trance be resoled?
Yes. Evolv designs the Trance to be resoleable, so you can extend its life once the rubber wears.
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