I've had the whole gamut of sportiva's, (miuras being the best shoe EVER made) and these shoes do it all, just better for short durations. I sized them a whole size smaller then the Miura thinking i should go even smaller, but i sized them correctly! the flimsy lorica never turned crusty and always snapped back to original size. I have noticed that where the toe knuckle rubber doesn't cover is wearing thin, but it still has a tacky film in those spots!!! the rubber is thick and the rand is still intact after serious abuse for a season of sport climbing @ rumney(sharp rock) and bouldering @ pawtuckaway! $100 well spent and will definately replace when, if ever, they blow out!

I love this shoe, one of the best shoes i have ever tried on. I don't own a pair of these but always use them at demo's and such. The reason I don't own a pair is because it looks to me that they won't last as long as I think they should for $110. several times at the demos after I had climbed in them for a bit they were showing wear on the lorica. I would not reccomend these shoes for trad because the lorica is so thin and i would imagine they would get rather uncomfortable. But, if i had enough money to keep these in a constant supply, these would be my shoe.

I accidently ended up with a pair of these because they didn't have any Cobras in my size (and the shop let me have them for the same price) I swear, cross my fingers, I went up a grade, well at least for the first weekend.
Only thing. Anybody else finding that where the upper is glued to the rand its turning pink?

Having been a long term Katana wearer, I decided to try these for a change.
They are amazingly sensitive yet flexible. I like to use them for bouldering, or tougher sport routes. They fit like a glove, yet due to the flexibility, no performance is lost. Still able to smear and edge. They still haven't stretched that much for me, so i'm glad I didn't downsize aggresively.

I love these shoes. They conform to my feet, provide great friction and edging and are extremely light weight. I've used them for slab and face climbing with excellent results. They are made entirely of lorica, meaning they don't have the problems of leather. The only drawback is that the lower lorica tends to pick up colors from painted surfaces (I also climb indoors on a 'natural face' wall). And, I use them for trad, so its not just sporties that get cool shoes. don't recommend for aid.

The break-in period on these shoes is brutal, but worth it. The lorica requires a slightly longer break in period (don't buy three days before your big trip), but it has rewarded me in the long run.