The Spire's are very comfortable because of the wide width and volume of the shoe. I have used these shoes both outside and for gym climbing. The very reason that they are comfortable makes them less effective. They are just too wide for my foot. Also, the bubble at the heel of the shoe prevents my foot from from pressing into the heel of the shoe. There is always space between my heel and the heel of the shoe. For this reason I climb a level below what I can do with a narrower shoe without the bubble in the heel. I have fallen on several climbs using these shoes that I can do easily with a narrower shoe of the same length. I'd rate these as a good starter shoe, particularly if you have a wide foot. You may then have to move on to a narrower shoe to reach your potential.

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boreal
sportiva

I love the Spire. It's pretty much the only shoe that fits my foot perfectly, so I feel free to climb in daring and capable ways. The rubber sticks really competently, though over time I've worn down the rand quite a bit so edging is a chore. Smearing is great. When I'm confident with a placement and I stand on it, I always stick. I have never felt that the shoe was keeping me from performing, just my attitude that day has kept me from reaching great heights. And I've come to appreciate that all climbing is possible with or without good shoes. The quality that makes a shoe great is invisibility. Does it get in my way? Not at all. Great shoe.

I love Five Ten in general, their "dare to give the people what they want" attitude and their quality is fantastic. I know they have a very small portion of the market, because everywhere I climb people ask me how I can stand Five Ten. It's obvious they are not popular everywhere.

I'm so glad that it's time to get a new pair of shoes so I can try another Five Ten model and see what's new. I've had the Spires for a couple of years and I'm excited to see what's available. Plus, after time they've streched so they're great summer shoes, now I need some smaller winter treads.

Who should buy: They seem to fit people with really narrow feet the best.

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I've other shoes, none of which I have noted because they simply did not work for me. I felt like a bull in a china shop, crazy all over the place and no control or freedom.

These shoes are great for all-around climbing (indoor or out). The stretch and are very comfortable. The soles outlasted my partner's Boreal's. Great beginner/intermediate shoe.

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None

Who says you have to pay $150 for a good pair of climbing shoes. The Spires are a great all around shoe. I wear them in the gym, on all long multi-pitch climbs, and at the sport crags when I just don't feel like squeezing into my less than comfortable Boreal Aces. They are unlined and will stretch, but for wide-foot guys like me that ain't such a bad thing. I once wore these shoes for 22 hours straight on an epic alpine climb and descent and received nary a sore spot. They're probably not the shoe you'll want to wear for 150 feet of overhung 5.12 edging, but for a comfy all-around shoe at a reasonable price, they fit the bill.

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The Boreal Ace is also a great all around shoe. The rubber is thick and they are board lasted so they are great for edging and will last forever. They don't stretch much, and if your foot is wide like mine you may have to stack your toes. Ouch! For the narrow footed amongst you, an excellent shoe.

For the money these shoes do everything I want when I'm on the rock, but I feel like they are lacking in precise performance. I plan on wearing them till they die and buying a different brand/model. Also, try on a size that you think fits and then buy a full size smaller. These kicks really stretch.

These shoe are very comfortable. You can get excellent grip on indoor gym holds. They fit a little tight at first but don't send them back cause they will fit to your foot after you have worn them a few times.

A great value for an all around shoe. It doesn't seem to last as long as other shoes. It edges, it smears, etc. If you climb a lot, you will soon grow out of these shoes, so keep that in mind.

Great shoe for the money! This is my first pair of shoes, but I love them. I'm already hitting 5.11s in them and never yet had a complaint, well maybe the purple, but the shoes climb great. Very versatile and great rubber. Best shoe for the money ,as far as I'm concerned.

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First pair of shoes but extremely comfortable and perfect for my level which is intermediate. Great product for the cost.

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Great fitting shoe for the money. The rubber is nice and sticky, great for smearing. Great all-around shoe.

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