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Climbing equipment review: Boreal Joker climbing shoes

Climbing equipment | | August 3, 2009 9:09 pm

Boreal joker climbing shoes

I bought my Boreal Joker Climbing shoes when I first started climbing, early 2008. They have been used for a few hours every Friday night at Rock City, indoor climbing wall in Hull, though they have seen me through quite a few outdoor expeditions.

They’re pretty comfortable for me. I wear a size 8 (42), which is the same as my regular shoe size. I have a broad foot, but these fit me perfectly, my big toe touches the end without being squashed. They’re not the edgiest of climbing shoes, but they have served me well on the tiniest of foot holds.

I can definitely recommend these as a good starter rock shoe, or a comfortable ‘all day’ climbing shoe. Here’s a link to buy Boreal climbing shoes, if you fancy a pair. As with all my reviews, I would really like to hear how you get on with them.

It's good to share!

Written by

Gareth Hanson is a hugely enthusiastic climber and the editor of Rock Climbing UK (this very website!), an online rock climbing magazine for UK climbers. Check out RCUK's Twitter account here.

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  • CHSpider

    I got a pair (size 4) for Christmas two years ago, and I’ve been really pleased with them using them both indoors intermittently and outdoors on trad routes. I can wear them all day without getting sweaty, and they’re not too bad for descents if you can’t take up trainers for some reason.

    I’ve just worn through the toe where it meets the rand, probably due to my climbing style, so I’m looking to buy a new pair, hopefully cheaply!

  • Gareth Hanson

    I must admit that mine have just started to go through in the same place actually. I believe you can send them for repair. I’m going to send mine off, I’ll let you know how they come back and how much it costs etc.
    I recently bought some Red Chilli Spirit VCRs which I’m finding really easy to get along with. They’re probably not quite as comfy as the Jokers but they have sharper edges for tiny footholds. I’ll post a full review once I have had them a couple more months.
    Thanks for commenting… :-)

  • Gareth Hanson

    Oh, I forgot to mention…. The picture and the link in the post both go to some pretty cheap deals on ebay, if you decide to go for more Jokers.

  • Peter Everett

    Hello Gareth,

    I’m really interested to know how you got on with the Red Chilli Spirit VCR stickies!! These are EVERYWHERE on offer at the moment, but I’m reading mixed User Reviews. Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated!

  • http://rockclimbinguk.co.uk Gareth Hanson

    Hi Peter,

    I loved the Red Chilli’s. Here’s my full review of Red Chilli Impact Zone

    I would be most interested to hear how you get on with them.

    Cheers, Gareth

  • http://knotforclimbing.com Mr Bootle

    Hi Gareth,
    I got a pair of these after having a well loved pair of La Sportiva’s. I don’t know if I just got a size too small but I find my big toe suffers greatly, sure I get a good feel for the wall/rock but doing a long stretch I can really feel the pain in my feet. Sadly, nowhere near as comfortable as my old pair (which I’m going to get re-soled).
    Cheers
    Mr Bootle

  • http://rockclimbinguk.co.uk Gareth Hanson

    Hi Mr Bootle,
    I think for me they were the most comfortable pair of shoes I have had, plus they lasted well. My Sportiva Katanas have just gone through at the toe. I’ve only had them about 4 months :(
    Just goes to show, it’s all about the fit.
    Love your t-shirts BTW. Anyone reading this post, click Mr Bootles link – great climbing t-shirts!
    Thanks for the comment, Gareth