Optimus Prime

I bought a pair a few days ago and they felt a little tight but bearable. I wear a US 9.5 street shoe and my acopa spectres were 10.5. These I bought in a 9.5 since the 9 was way too tight. I got on the crag and my feet were absolutely killing me halfway up my first route. I anchored into a bolt and had my partner switch them out for the spectres. Worn once with unbearable pain but had great edging..look for these on ebay.

I finally wore through the toes of my Solutions and decided to try a new shoe (despite loving the Solutions). I had difficulty sizing the shoe. I wear a 8.5 or 9 street shoe and ended up buying the 8.5 Optimus Prime. The 9 was too comofortable for a performance shoe. The 8.5 was VERY tight and I would normally not buy shoes that I can't comfortably stand in, but I really felt the 9 was too loose. Once I got these home I was amazed at how well they worked on my overhanging wall, maybe better than the Solutions. Great at the gym. I was concerned about the stiff sole, but it works fine with the high camber. I did try these shoes on some less-than-vertical climbing and found them to be extremely painful and awkward...but very powerful and secure on edges.

I love the shape of the toe for bouldering and short (sport) routes, but I will probably go buy another pair of shoes for longer climbs, maybe another pair of solutions or revert back to my old standard, the Anasazi

The most important thing to do when buying these shoes, is to try them on. I actually up sized. I bought these as an all round shoe. easy on and off, stiff and something with a lot of rubber.(personal preference). So far, these are Great. suits my style and intentions. a worth while buy.

Excellent all around shoe. very comforatable. like these other guys said though.... TRY THEM ON FIRST. i had to size up two and a half sizes. i usually wear a mens 7 1/2 or an 8. well.. i wear a 10 in the optimus prime. The heel is so secure. Great rubber too. Nice job chris!

I agree with the previous reviewer. Try them on first. Unfortunately I bought these from an internet dealer and had to hawk them 2 weeks later since they were killing my feet. Other than that they seem durable but a little too rigid for my liking. Also, the larger toe box doesn't help since it is rock solid and doesn't stretch one iota. I recommend one half size larger than your cross-trainers but I REALLY recommend you try them on first. These didn't work for me but I could see them being a great shoe for others.