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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
The Optimus Prime are great shoes for bouldering, sport (vertical/overhanging), and pretty much everything else so long as the shoe fits you. I've never had too many problems finding shoes that fit, but these shoes fit exceptionally well. Here's my sizing to give you an idea; I'm a 9.5 street shoe. 9.5 in Optimus Prime, 9.0 in Pontas, 8.5 in Fiveten Anazasi VCS, 40.5 in Sportiva Testarosa, 40.0 in Muiras. Some break-in time is required in these; however, they almost mold to your feet and are great on small holds as well as pulling on overhanging routes. Haven't noticed a lack in performance due to the symmetrical toe-box. Precision is dead on. The slight down-turn adds a good performance aspect to this shoe, while still being very comfortable. Toe-hooking is super easy as well given the trax oval rand. Typically, if you can fit into other evolv shoes, these should work. Hope this helps.
from Hillsborough, NJ on 10/17/2008
The first thing that turned me on to this shoe was the symmetrical toe box. After trying many different shoes in several sizes each, I could not get a comfortable fit because my second toe is longer than my first. Shoes that have asymmetrical toes created painful hotspots that prevented me from putting all my weight on my feet. When I first tried the Optimus Primes, I pulled off moves and successfully climbed routes and problems that I couldn't do before. I'm not saying it's all in the shoes, but it is a little bit. The Trax rubber holds very well on both rock and gym surfaces. Edging, smearing, and hooking ability is awesome. Another great thing about them is how well they fit while still being very snug. I don't have to take them off between climbs like I did with other shoes. Evolv's sizing chart is dead-on, so you're sure to get a perfect fit!
from The big NJ on 9/10/2008
I use these shoes 5 days a week Monday through Friday and they are phenomenal. They ARE down turned even though they are not advertised as being so, but they only stay that way for like 48 hours so it's no biggie. This shoe has failed to let me fall off the tiniest holds so far i hope it doesn't start to.
from grand junction, CO on 8/17/2008
Some how I ended up with a pair of these. It's a long story. I've never been a fan of Evolv shoes or Trax rubber. I got these while I was waiting for a pair of shoes from another company that were being warrantied. Also not a huge fan of the rounded toe box. They edge well don't get me wrong, but trying to get in to those little pockets where a more pronounced toe point would help isn't as confidence inspiring. I slipped off a few things that I've never slipped on before, but as I wore them I sort of honed in on how they perform best. I got to liking them. I would have to say though that if agree that Vibram xs grip is outstanding than you won't be as excited about Trax rubber. It does have a great solid heel though and the rubber over the toes is well placed as well. I think overall they are good shoes. If I had a choice I would have went for something else comparable (solutions, jet 7, booster) but when you're handed shoes you shouldn't complain. All and all it is another option in the steeps type shoe.