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Welcome to our Blog where you will find a large collection of informative articles and videos for new and experienced climbers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

We are particulary proud of our in-depth Product Reviews and associated Buying Guides. We have a series on The Basics, for those new to, or are interested in climbing. We also have a wealth of Product Information and Brand Profiles and much much more.

Welcome to our Blog where you will find a large collection of informative articles and videos for new and experienced climbers, runners and outdoor enthusiasts.

We are particulary proud of our in-depth Product Reviews and associated Buying Guides. We have a series on The Basics, for those new to, or are interested in climbing. We also have a wealth of Product Information and Brand Profiles and much much more.

The Flash: Rock+Run Blog

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. 
  • 3 min read

Precision and power in a refined Pro package, the new Flagship Pro might just be the crowning jewel in Unparallel’s latest lineup, taking American climbing shoe design to lofty new heights. Released alongside the all-new Qubit, these two models mark a new age for Unparallel, leaving us asking, “5.10 who?”. Designed in collaboration with Tomoa Narasaki, the Flagship Pro takes everything great from the original model and cranks it up to 11. So, it’s been built for the best competition boulderer of our age, but how will it fare on my fine feet? Let’s dive in and find out.

  • 4 min read
One of the core strengths of Looking for Wild is its ability to bridge the gap between performance and style. Their apparel is not only designed to withstand the rigors of climbing but is also versatile enough for everyday wear. Their minimalist designs and earthy colour palettes resonate with those who value subtle, functional fashion.
  • 2 min read

We know that there is a vast amount of belay devices available on the market, so we thought it may be helpful to outline the different types of belay devices on offer and give a brief summary of the individual belay devices that we stock. Hopefully this will give you a better understanding when either choosing your first belay device, or deciding you want to try a different type.

  • 5 min read

La Sportiva has blossomed this spring and brought unto the climbing shoe world not just one, two or three new offerings, but a family of four! The freshest of the bunch, the Mandala, promises to grant the wearer support, sensitivity and versatility— a confidence inspiring crescendo of climbing shoecraft. 

  • 4 min read
A shoe for the many, not the few. The V6 is a superb example of the recent strides Evolv have taken with their shoe design, creating a shoe in the V6 that does the impossible - fit, suit and support pretty much everyone. It really is a shoe that can do it all.
  • 4 min read
Versatile training, excellent ergonomics, and the beautiful aesthetic that only a piece of the finest wood can deliver, it’s fair to say the new VerticalBoard range of fingerboards from YY Vertical has it all.
  • 4 min read
Here’s an introduction to all things brushing, the what’s, the why’s and every bristle in-between. 
  • 3 min read
Bigger, bolder, better. The new Evolv Zenist Pro truly earns its name as one of the most cutting edge climbing shoes Evolv has ever made. Locked and loaded with a lot of the same new tech as its more outdoor focussed cousin, the Shaman Pro, the pair spearhead a revitalised Evolv and thrust it firmly in a modern direction. But, is this new look bang or bust for Evolv?
  • 4 min read
Climbing shoes are one of the first purchases made once we start climbing more regularly, and it’s one that can have a massive influence on how we engage with the sport throughout those first few months. Knowing which shoes to buy can prove a minefield of choice (and for some a pretty big investment) so take a look at our top picks. 
  • 4 min read
Purchasing rock shoes online can be a tricky undertaking, the following short article outlines our “suggested” rock shoe fit formula. This system offers the customer between 2 and 4 sizing options – in accordance with their pre-measured foot size – for each of the rock shoe models we stock, with each sizing option offered being appropriate to varying levels of performance.
  • 17 min read
A range of simple tips, tricks and techniques for softening up your fresh pair of performance climbing shoes.
  • 3 min read