This is my first climbing shoe. Was going to purchase the Spires, but got these shoes in a package deal with harness, chalk bag, atc and biner for $110! Thats how much I would have paid for the spires alone with tax. The shoes are excellent; well built, sticky rubber, comfortable. The only thing is that they are built on a relatively small last, so I would not downsize at all from sneaker size. I wear a 13 running shoe and got the Phoenix in the same size. They are very snug. My toes curl in them, and initially I could not keep them on for longer than one climb. They have stretched a very small amount, but not in length. Overall a great performing shoe for the price, and even if they were as expensive as the spires, would still have chosen these.

I bought there right before my second climb, and I love them. awesome with cracks, soft rubber making for good holds. all around good shoe (especially for the price).

Great beginners shoe....I love mine. Very comfortable. Wore them first time climbing...NO BLISTERS!!!! Very soft rubber...great for climbing, but do tend to wear down quicker than harder rubbers. Overall great shoe!

Not bad. I had to actually go up 1 size from my street shoe. Sticky, good edging. I wish I had gotten the velcro though.