Evolv Defy 2025 Climbing Shoes - Beginner Performance Shoe (Vegan)

A beginner shoe that teaches you to climb better. The Evolv Defy 2025 Climbing Shoes are one of the most advanced entry-level climbing shoes available: slightly downturned and more asymmetric than a traditional beginner shoe, so you get a more precise connection to the wall from your first sessions, without the pain.

The soft, sensitive build lets you feel the hold rather than just stand on it, which is great for smearing and volume climbing. Evolv rates it PSR 4, in the balanced 4–7 band of its Performance Scale Rating, between very soft smearing shoes at 1–3 and stiff, aggressive shoes at 8–10. A 1.6mm full-length plastic midsole gives enough structure for edges, 3.5mm of TRAX® SAS rubber handles the grip, and the split tongue, soft heel and single strap make it quick and comfortable to get on and off. At 215g per shoe it is light too.

Sizing: Evolv shoes are not designed to be aggressively downsized. Your street shoe size gives an ultra-snug max performance fit, +0.5 to +1 size a performance fit, and +1 to +1.5 sizes a comfort fit. Most beginners should go for the performance or comfort fit.

Still deciding? Read our beginner climbing shoe guide.

Why you'll love it

• Beginner-friendly performance – slight camber and asymmetry for precision on footholds
• Soft and sensitive – PSR 4 build for feedback, smearing and volumes
• Comfortable – soft heel and split tongue, designed for longer sessions
• Easy on and off – single strap closure
• Breathable – perforated upper
• Vegan – 100% synthetic materials

Good to know

• Weight: 215g per shoe
• Midsole: 1.6mm full-length plastic; outsole: 3.5mm TRAX® SAS rubber
• Medium volume; sizes UK 4–12 in this listing, including half sizes
• Where it sits in the Evolv range: Defy for comfort and learning, Kronos for progression, Shaman for aggressive performance

Who it's for

Beginners and progressing climbers doing indoor bouldering, sport climbing and training who want a shoe that rewards good footwork rather than punishing it. Step up to the Evolv Kronos when you are ready for an intermediate all-rounder.