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In conclusion, the Hiangle shoes are well-thought-out climbing shoes that could serve an experienced climber quite well. Their unlined leather uppers may offer a snug, personalized fit, but as they age, the leather might stretch, affecting the fit’s consistency. The aggressive downturned toe design, Stealth C4 rubber outsoles, and extended toe rands are features that might favor seasoned climbers over beginners. The shoes’ elastic slipper closures and ability to be resoled add practicality, while the stiff thermoplastic midsole adds structure and support. However, they’re a bit heavy, so if you prefer lightweight gear, you might want to consider other options. With a regular fit and a design intended for men, you might want to try them on first to ensure they fit well. The Hiangle shoes are not for everyone, but for the right user, they might be a valuable addition to their climbing gear. This is just my humble opinion though, and I’d recommend doing some more research or trying them on before making a decision.
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Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes Men’s Review: Who is it for?
The Hiangle shoes seem to have a very specific type of user in mind. Based on my observations, I’d say these shoes are best suited for passionate rock climbers who have a bit of experience under their belts. They have this aggressive downturned toe design that gives you an edge when tackling narrow overhangs. This design though, is not something that beginners might find comfortable or easy to manage. Therefore, if you’re into climbing but just starting off, these might not be the best pick for you.
One thing that stood out to me about the Hiangle shoes is the unlined leather uppers. This feature should give the shoes a snug fit as it conforms to your feet. But here’s the catch – leather stretches out over time. So, if you’re the kind of climber who likes their shoes to have a very consistent fit, you might need to keep in mind that these shoes will become a bit looser as you use them.
The Stealth C4 rubber outsoles are a nice touch as well. This should provide excellent grip, a feature that’s essential in any climbing shoe. Again, this is a point in favor of experienced climbers who would know how to make full use of this grip on challenging climbs.
Now, let’s talk about the closures – elastic slipper closures. This should make getting the shoes on and off super easy. Personally, I think this is a great feature for climbers who might need to quickly change their shoes between climbs.
The shoes also feature a stiff thermoplastic midsole. This should add some much-needed structure and support, especially for those long sessions. However, if you prefer a softer midsole for whatever reason, you might want to look at other options.
Another feature that I appreciate in the Hiangle shoes is the extended toe rands. These should provide maximum friction. Again, perfect for experienced climbers who are tackling more challenging climbs.
Now, the Hiangle shoes are a bit on the heavier side with a pair weighing 15.8 ounces. So if you prefer lightweight shoes, these might not be your first pick. But many climbers might find that the added weight is worth it for the features the Hiangle shoes offer.
Additionally, the shoes come in a regular fit and are designed for men. So if you have particularly narrow or wide feet, you might want to try them on first to see if they fit well.
Now, one thing that I think is very important in a climbing shoe is the ability to get it resoled. This means that you don’t have to buy a new pair of shoes when the sole wears out, you can just get it replaced. The Hiangle shoes can be resoled, which is a significant point in their favor.
To sum up, the Hiangle shoes are well-equipped with features that would serve an experienced climber well. They might not be the best fit (literally and figuratively) for everyone, but for the right user, they could be a valuable asset in their climbing gear.
Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes Men’s Review: Who isn’t it for?
Now, let’s flip the script and talk about who the Hiangle shoes might not be for. As I’ve mentioned, these shoes are packed with features that cater to experienced climbers. However, I think it’s safe to say there are some individuals who might not find these to be the perfect fit for their climbing needs.
Firstly, I’d like to draw attention back to the fact that these shoes have unlined leather uppers. Now, while this feature does promise a snug fit that conforms to your feet, it also means that the shoes will stretch over time. If you’re someone who values a consistent fit from a climbing shoe, this might be a point of concern. The stretching could lead to a looser fit over time, and that might not be ideal for everyone.
Then there’s the aggressive downturned toe design. I think it’s worth reiterating that this design is not beginner-friendly. If you’re just starting out in rock climbing, the Hiangle might not be the most comfortable or easy-to-use option out there. The design is aimed at giving an edge with narrow overhangs, which is something more common in challenging climbs that beginners might not be tackling just yet.
The shoes’ Stealth C4 rubber outsoles are designed for excellent grip, but the effectiveness of this feature also heavily depends on the user’s experience and skill. If you’re new to rock climbing or not very confident about your footwork, you may not be able to fully utilize the benefits of this feature.
Additionally, the shoes are a bit on the heavier side. If you’re someone who values lightweight gear, the Hiangle shoes might feel a bit bulky. The shoes weigh 15.8 ounces a pair, so if you prefer a more lightweight shoe for your climbs, you might want to look elsewhere.
The stiff thermoplastic midsole might not appeal to everyone either. If you’re someone who prefers a softer midsole for your climbs, these shoes might not be the best option for you. The stiff midsole is designed for structure and support, but it’s definitely a matter of personal preference here.
The Hiangle shoes come in a regular fit, which might not be suitable for everyone. If you have particularly narrow or wide feet, you might find the fit to be less than ideal. It’s definitely something to consider before deciding to invest in a pair.
Lastly, the shoes are designed for men, and while I don’t think that necessarily limits who can wear them, it’s something to bear in mind. If you’re someone who typically struggles to find a good fit in men’s shoes, you might find the same to be true with the Hiangle.
So, in conclusion, while the Hiangle shoes have a lot to offer, they’re not for everyone. They’re geared more towards experienced climbers, and some of their features might not be ideal for beginners or those who prefer certain traits in their climbing shoes. It’s always important to consider your own needs and preferences when choosing a climbing shoe, and hopefully, this has given you some food for thought regarding the Hiangle.
Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes Men’s Review: Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hiangle shoes are well-thought-out climbing shoes that could serve an experienced climber quite well. Their unlined leather uppers may offer a snug, personalized fit, but as they age, the leather might stretch, affecting the fit’s consistency. The aggressive downturned toe design, Stealth C4 rubber outsoles, and extended toe rands are features that might favor seasoned climbers over beginners. The shoes’ elastic slipper closures and ability to be resoled add practicality, while the stiff thermoplastic midsole adds structure and support. However, they’re a bit heavy, so if you prefer lightweight gear, you might want to consider other options. With a regular fit and a design intended for men, you might want to try them on first to ensure they fit well. The Hiangle shoes are not for everyone, but for the right user, they might be a valuable addition to their climbing gear. This is just my humble opinion though, and I’d recommend doing some more research or trying them on before making a decision.