Team Geared Up

NOWRA, NSW, AUSTRALIA (Team Geared Up) - I posted an initial review of FiveTen’s Dragons, their shoe specifically designed for steep terrain on my own blog in late February after my first month’s experience with them. Maybe it’ll be of use to someone now.

To update, they’re performing just as well as before but on very specific terrain, i.e. very steep. I’m astounded that a shoe can show a noticeable difference but these show it. My doubts over the ‘vague’ heel have evaporated also, giving as much grip as expected from FiveTen’s rubber.
The only bad part: one of the tongues pulled straight off the stitching which isn’t a good sign for the durability of the shoe. Thankfully, it hasn’t caused any discomfort (you don’t need to pull the laces tight) and I can’t find any more reports of similar issues on the internet. The sole’s durability has been as good as ever for FiveTen so hopefully to date this is the only issue that occurs.

See initial summarised review below:
“…bought these as the extreme shoe, basically, something I’d wear purely for steep routes. You WILL NOT wear these for a full day, although I must say they’ve been more comfortable than expected.”

Sizing: “…..I was recommended a half-size bigger than my usual Velcros…..they’ve been perfect. The first route or two were pretty tight, but they’ve loosened (only a teeny bit) into a perfect fit. Yes, they’re a tight, but amazing fit.

Peformance: “Wow. That’s all I can say. On steep routes (which is they’re designed for), they are stunning. Since they pull your toes down, it means you litterally are ‘grabbing’ with your feet onto edges. I’m in awe to be honest, and it almost feels like cheating sometimes ;) The heel suprisingly doesn’t feel as good as I expected….considering there’s no ‘dead-air’ around my foot…something to get used to?”

Verdict: “Outstanding, as long as it’s steep. Very aggressive fit, but if you’re climbing on steep ground on little edges, you won’t regret having shelled out for them.”

-Neal-

Image Credit: My Dragons after a hard days work on a 7c+ in Thailand, February 2007. Taken by Author