5.10 Grandstone Prototype

So I was never able to use these for testing when I received them years ago, too tight for the intended use. I wish I would have had a chance to use these in my size. 

Extremely stiff, lined leather mid tops with stealth c4. IMO this was the pinnacle of R&D in the brands pursuit to make a “TC Pro killer” (laSpo definitely showed there was a strong market for an all-day “trad” shoe, and/or tight fitting single pitch granite slaying boot). I think these shoes, on the right feet, would be amazing! 

I’ve got a pair of the prototypes also.   I save them for routes that require a really good edging shoe.   IMO this is the shoe 5.10 should have made or should still make.  Edges way better than the Blanco.

Five Ten also only passes them out to people named Kevin. 

Are you selling? What size are they?

I have the production model and like them a lot, but wish they were stiffer. The prototype sounds amazing. I'd buy them if available and the right size.

What Size are they, and do they line up with the sizing of the production Grandstones?

Sorry, at the moment these are not for sale…they are hard to let go of because I might actually break them in and use them for what they are designed for… after trying them on again, they might actually work for single pitch micro edging, and on a personal level they represent a bygone era… they are size 11

I think we’d all wanna get our hands on a pair of those prototypes. I just bought the NIAD laces, they feel pretty good out of the box. But, a Grandstone type TC pro killer would be a pretty good seller. I don’t know how it wouldn’t sell, there’s plenty of crack climbers out there. Those prototypes look very similar to a TC pro. And, if your climbing outside 2-3 days a week, you would probably want at least 2-3 pairs of fresh shoes on hand. I’d get them for sure, that’s all I know. 

I really wanted to like the production version of the 2019 Grandstones but: 1) they got too soft too fast - they really needed a full length mid sole, and 2) the last was strange - if they went with an Anasazi (can I type that anymore?) last, it could have been great 

The quality and the comfort were excellent, but in typical 5.10 fashion, they took forever to come out and then were quickly discontinued. Anyone remember the Anasazi high top? There still is plenty of room for a TC Pro competitor, but it appears both 5.10 and Unparalleled are not willing to play in that space. 

I hear you Rex, I have a few pairs of the Ana high tops, and loved the simplicity of a leather version of the VCS with C4 and ankle protection. I ended up removing the upper strap and modifying the split tongue. I think there’s still a chance to see UP make a mid top all day/ power edging shoe the likes of the TCP… certainly the market is there and that shoe, as wildly and widely popular as it’s been, can surely be improved upon. Time will tell. 

Kevin N.wrote:

So I was never able to use these for testing when I received them years ago, too tight for the intended use. I wish I would have had a chance to use these in my size. 

Extremely stiff, lined leather mid tops with stealth c4. IMO this was the pinnacle of R&D in the brands pursuit to make a “TC Pro killer” (laSpo definitely showed there was a strong market for an all-day “trad” shoe, and/or tight fitting single pitch granite slaying boot). I think these shoes, on the right feet, would be amazing! 

I’ve reconsidered, and would sell these shoes if folks want to make an offer. Size 11. Worn for <10 minutes on one boulder problem. Holler you need more info or images. Serious inquiries only please. Thanks