Arc'teryx Konseal FL 2 - Women's Review

A stiff midsole makes these shoes great for scrambling, crack climbing, and precision foot moves in talus, but unfortunately makes for a board-like feel on trails and long approaches.

Performance Comparison

Frictioning it out in the Konseal FL 2 - these shoes have impressive climbing abilities.

Photo: Alexa Flower

'climbing-ability'>

Climbing Ability

These shoes excel in the climbing department. Their stiff midsole, Vibram MegaGrip rubber outsole, and lateral stability make for a great climbing platform. The lacing system is designed such that it can be snugged up all the way from the toes to the ankle — much like a climbing shoe. The ability to fine-tune the fit makes these shoes a great option for scrambling. The tapered toe box makes for a precision climbing machine. Additionally, the stiffness of the midsole and the durable, nylon and mesh uppers make the Konseal FL 2 feel solid in easy cracks.

We used the boulders of Camp 4 in Yosemite to put these shoes to the test. We were impressed with their ability to stand on minuscule edges with ease due to their stiff midsole.

Photo: Alexa Flower

Hiking Comfort

The qualities that make the Konseal FL 2 a great shoe for scrambling and climbing are the same qualities that make these shoes less-than-ideal for hiking. We found the stiff platform and flat midsole to lack the support needed for all-day hiking comfort. The low ankle height also came into play in this metric and didn't provide enough lateral support to feel solid hiking on variable terrain. Additionally, the stiffness mentioned above also meant that the forefoot lacked flexibility and felt like a board against the bottom of the foot. The combination of the low-profile ankle and the stiffness of the midsole give these shoes a unique fit that seems to cater more toward scrambling than to long days on the trail.

Pounding out miles on flat ground can start to feel pretty arduous in these shoes. They are definitely not designed with comfort in mind.

Photo: Alexa Flower

Support

The TPU chassis plus the 4mm Ortholite footbed give the Konseal FL 2 a solid base for heavy loads. The stiffness underfoot on the Konseal makes them a great option for scrambling, heavy loads, and even standing in ladders on a wall. That said, all this stiffness and support makes them fall short in terms of comfort since the design lacks padding or cushion.

Short, talus-filled approaches like those found in Yosemite are great for the Konseal FL 2. Longer missions may require a shoe with more support underfoot and a higher ankle.

Photo: Alexa Flower

Weight and Packability

With a measured weight of 1.22 pounds or 19.6 ounces (size US Women's 7), the Konseal FL 2 is among the lighter shoes in this review. Their narrow profile makes them sleek and packable — easy to clip to a harness. Because these shoes are such great climbers and lack the cushion for long hikes, they work great as an on-route shoe. They will nail tricky down climbs and descents and aren't too heavy when clipped to a harness.

Lightweight and sleek, these shoes are a no-brainer to clip onto a harness.

Photo: Alexa Flower

Value

These unique and techy shoes, like most products from Arc'teryx, are not exactly a steal. The Konseal FL 2 are fairly expensive, but are also well made and thoughtfully designed—which is to be expected of most Arc'teryx products. The uppers, though not leather, are impressively abrasion resistant and the rubber toe cap adds protection and an extra layer of durability to the front of the shoe. Their durability adds to their value, as they seem like they may last longer than some of the flimsier models we've tested.

Psyched on the friction provided by the FL 2. These shoes climb very well, but become pretty uncomfortable on long approaches due to their stiff sole.

Photo: Alexa Flower

Conclusion