Gear Review: Boreal Design Joker Plus Climbing Shoes
Value Rating: 10
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 10
Location of Test: Portland Rock gym/Smith Rock State Park
Duration of Test: A few climbing sessions in the gym and two trips climbing outside
Product Name: Joker Plus
Product Brand: Boreal Design
Best Use: Climbing inside and outside, project climbs where your on the wall a long time, multi pitch
The Full Review:
Every climbing shoe I have ever tried hurt my feet until these bad boys came into my life! I have owned three different pairs of climbing shoes in the last year and none of them have felt as comfortable as the Joker Plus from Boreal Design. I have a wide foot and climbing shoes have always been extremely uncomfortable for me, to the point where I have had to give up on climbs because of the pain. I know what you're thinking, "all climbing shoes are uncomfortable!" Yes, this is true, but these magical unicorns give you that extra padding you need for your little piggies to make it all the way to the top with minimal pain.
My first few times trying these shoes out was at Portland Rock Gym where I was immediately impressed by the amount of cushion I felt on my heel and toe knuckles (aka proximal interphalangeal joints) When projecting on the crux of a climb I was able to hang back on the shoes with hardly any discomfort and climb for much longer than usual before feeling like my dogs were barkin. Woof! I put them to the real test when I went climbing at the beautiful and majestic Smith Rock State Park (known for its difficult starts and ridiculously tiny foot/hand holds) and they did not disappoint. I was able to lead a route and take on some of the highest climbs I've done yet with minimal discomfort or pain. These shoes give you the cushion your feet need to take on the crag!
The Good:
Comfort, Affordability, Easy Velcro straps, Cushion that cradles your heel like a newborn bb
The Bad:
Not very aggressive, a little stiff
The Bottom Line:
A fantastic shoe for anyone with sensitive feet or issues with climbing shoe comfort. Great for long climbs, multi-pitch or projecting new and harder routes where you are hanging on the wall thinking "How in the heck do I get up there!?"
The Full Review:
Every climbing shoe I have ever tried hurt my feet until these bad boys came into my life! I have owned three different pairs of climbing shoes in the last year and none of them have felt as comfortable as the Joker Plus from Boreal Design. I have a wide foot and climbing shoes have always been extremely uncomfortable for me, to the point where I have had to give up on climbs because of the pain. I know what you're thinking, "all climbing shoes are uncomfortable!" Yes, this is true, but these magical unicorns give you that extra padding you need for your little piggies to make it all the way to the top with minimal pain.
My first few times trying these shoes out was at Portland Rock Gym where I was immediately impressed by the amount of cushion I felt on my heel and toe knuckles (aka proximal interphalangeal joints) When projecting on the crux of a climb I was able to hang back on the shoes with hardly any discomfort and climb for much longer than usual before feeling like my dogs were barkin. Woof! I put them to the real test when I went climbing at the beautiful and majestic Smith Rock State Park (known for its difficult starts and ridiculously tiny foot/hand holds) and they did not disappoint. I was able to lead a route and take on some of the highest climbs I've done yet with minimal discomfort or pain. These shoes give you the cushion your feet need to take on the crag!
The Good:
Comfort, Affordability, Easy Velcro straps, Cushion that cradles your heel like a newborn bb
The Bad:
Not very aggressive, a little stiff
The Bottom Line:
A fantastic shoe for anyone with sensitive feet or issues with climbing shoe comfort. Great for long climbs, multi-pitch or projecting new and harder routes where you are hanging on the wall thinking "How in the heck do I get up there!?"