The Flash: Rock+Run Blog

Cutting edge performance in a sublimely designed package - Scarpa’s new Instinct S is a real weapon of the vertical world, transcending any preconceived notions about the effectiveness of a climbing slipper with an example of excellence that truly changes the climbing shoe game. But how have they done it and what makes Scarpa’s latest Instinct slipper so special?

The Mystix was a superb 2020 addition to Red Chili’s high performance lineup, packed full of impressive new features and sporting a whole new last but, with most of their time on sale spent during a pandemic, is 2022 the year when the Mystix finally comes of age? 

The Balboa has already done it all. From 9c sport routes to bouldering World Cup finals, but, can this latest offering from EB mix it with the very best?

Classically EB in features and profile, the Django’s third iteration has been refined into a very recognisable EB shoe that embodies the brand but, whilst it shares many similarities with the other shoes in the range, the Django is a unique beast. Find out why here.

Coming in as the stiffest (and most eye-catching) model in the EB range, the Strange has been engineered to perform tremendously on real rock with a fast lace-up system that further enhances its suitability for a day at the crag. But, aren’t laces, as the name suggests, a strange choice? Although they might take longer to tie than the Velcro alternative, the lace-up closure on the Strange provides unrivalled adjustability that a Velcro system simply can’t match.

A serious step up in climbing skincare, Climbskin’s Hand Cream comes packed full of superb, natural ingredients which combine to provide the handiest healing solution on the market.

Sensitive and efficient performance in a versatile, comfortable package – the latest iteration of EB’s famous Guardian is an impressive addition to a range of shoes that already pack a serious punch. The previous version of the Guardian was an iconic model for EB and was certainly the most common EB shoe seen in my local gyms, so, the 3^rd generation has big boots to fill. Can they live up to the name?

The Scarpa Spin Ultra was a real blessing on this type of terrain and I ended up wearing them from Keld right through to the finish at Robin Hood’s Bay (some 100miles). I’m lucky in that I don’t seem to have to break in new shoes as my feet are probably hardened from the years of rock climbing and mountaineering, that being said I probably wouldn’t recommend running 100 miles in new shoes straight form the box but for me the Spin Ultra’s were perfect.

For a bit of context most of my fell running is in the Lake District, and my go to shoe for years has been the classic La Sportiva Mutant. My only issue with these shoes is that during the colder months my feet get absolutely freezing, making winter running extremely uncomfortable. So when I got the chance to try a pair of the new La Sportiva Tempesta GTX I absolutely jumped at the chance! So let’s see how they have squared up over a few hundred frozen winter miles. 

Nailing the essentials, the EB Red weaves uncompromising performance into one of the most accessible and superbly comfortable climbing shoe packages I’ve ever experienced. In today’s market of soft, floppy slippers, the Red stands out with a rather traditional set of features, prioritising classic edging performance and precision over the volume jumping status quo. Being a bit of a small edge enthusiast, I immediately felt right at home in the Red with its stiff, full length sole and asymmetrical profile providing a solid foundation of technical abilities.

Lightweight, compact and extremely versatile – the Rock + Run AT2 rings are the ultimate portable performance training tools, proving to be the perfect device for training on the go and warming up at the crag. Ticking every finger training fundamental at a competition killing price, the AT2 rings have to be the best portable climbing option on the market – here’s why.

Looking for a bad weather beast to take control on the hill? Thanks to a deep, studded tread pattern, reinforced upper and Gore liner, the La Sportiva Lycan GTX is the quintessential winter off-road shoe.

Soft, sensitive and oh so French – the Nebula is the ultimate homage to EB’s climbing shoe heritage, nailing the same fundamentals that made their very first climbing shoe so successful whilst epitomising the modern climbing shoe’s evolution into an expertly engineered sending weapon.

Rock+Run have called upon over 40 years of climbing, training and industry experience to develop the most comprehensive and complete fingerboard we have seen to date.

Comfy, robust and the best underfoot experience I’ve ever had in an approach shoe – the Scarpa Gecko is a superb shoe, impeccably suited to Britain’s mountain conditions and rugged terrain. 

The build quality of the pads is terrific. Hand made by local Lake District company, Dirt Bags, there isn’t a seam out of place.

Technical and versatile, yet comfortable and with a good edge, the 2021 Evolv Geshido receives a full and detailed review of its overall fit, features, usability and sizing.

Intricately, efficiently and seamlessly designed, the Blockbuster Chalk Bag is everything you might want from a chalk bucket and more. 

Simple, stylish and efficient, everything you’d want from a running bag, right? The Rock+Run Hipsac not only nails these fundamentals but boasts a pioneering pedigree that no other kit carrying sack can challenge.  

Soft, sensitive precision is the name of the game when it comes to designing an effective indoor competition shoe and Evolv have got it spot on with the Zenist.

The Black Diamond Circuit is not your ordinary approach shoe. With great style and unbelievable comfort, they’re the kind of shoe you’ll actually look forward to putting on in the morning. 

Accomplished North Lancashire based fell runner and sports therapist Rowan Wood provides a detailed review of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ  trail and running pole.

I have been climbing with my pair of Unparallel Lace UP for quite some time now and have given them a good run for their money. I’ve taken them on various adventures such a crack climbing in Tasmania...