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Evolv Cruzer Product Review

Original Post
Pablo-Roberts · · Prescott, AZ · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 1,165
Jeremy K · · Evergreen, CO · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 0

I am surprised the review doesn't mention weight and bulk (maybe it is too obvious?). Compared to a traditional approach shoe like the Guide Tennie the Cruzer is much lighter and less bulky - 15.5 oz vs. 29 oz and way more packable. The downside is that they have very little padding for long approaches.

The sizing is weird. I tried them in my street shoe size and they felt as tight as climbing shoes. A half size up they felt like tight shoes, and still climb well. A full size up felt like a casual shoe.

Ben Gordon · · La Canada, CA · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 0

Thanks for the review Paul. I have a pair of 5.10's that are more rugged approach shoes. These would be perfect to slip in my bag for walkoffs and such- 15.5 is a much more manageable weight to have on my harness than my big honking approach boots. Summit hut has them for 50$, which aint bad.

Pablo-Roberts · · Prescott, AZ · Joined Feb 2010 · Points: 1,165

Jeremy is right I forgot to mention that these shoes are very light. Evolv went for a minimalist type shoe with the Cruzer. Its light and easy to pack and perfect for day cragging, I wouldn't recommend the Cruzers for long approaches because of the lightness of them.

mspjoe · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 0

My half ass 5 minute review.

Testing: 1 week in Yosemite and additional time near Donners with the major approaches being Conness and Cathedral.

  • These are not the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. Do long non technical approaches in something more comfortable.
  • These will not last as long as camp 4s. I blew out a grommet after a few days. Not a big deal as it appears to be decorative.
  • Scree is a bitch in these. Unless it's grade A golfball or smaller scree, prepare to enter a level of hell populated by smurfs with sledgehammers. Your ankles will bruise and bleed.
  • Sizing... well... these are evolv so it's not really any more effed up than any other evolv shoe but be warned these run small. I use running socks with mine and they are tight despite getting my normal street size.


That said, I will be buying a pair of these or something like them when they die. Why? It's so damn easy to clip them to my haul loop or throw them in a pack. I can't imagine not bringing them on anything with more than a quarter mile descent. I probably just don't climb hard enough to care but they weigh almost nothing and fold flat. Additionally, these are fantastic on slab, hard 4th / easy 5th. Honestly, they feel better than my climbing shoes on dirty slab.
Rajiv Ayyangar · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 220

I'd add that there is zero ventilation to the toe-box. Even wearing them as slippers, it's stifling and hot in the toes. My solution was to cut a bunch of holes in the canvas, which alleviated this problem but of course sacrifices any semblance of stylishness.

Steven Randolph · · Portland, OR · Joined May 2012 · Points: 5

I really love these shoes. Don't like them sockless nearly as much as a sanuk. They seem to run a bit small and ill go up a half size on my next pair. Not a lot of heel cushion for long approaches but a few miles are no problem. I really like the rubber enough that I'd do some easy climbs in these. Really light so u can clip them to your harness to drag along with you. Had them for a few months now and durability hasn't been an issue so far. Overall I'm a big fan.

B Owens · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 60

Has anyone compared these to the Vibram FiveFingers Trek line of shoes?

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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