Evolv Rebel Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Stylish, sticky
Cons: Average climbing performance, not very supportive
Manufacturer: Evolv
Our Verdict
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Evolv Rebel | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | |  | |
| Price | $59.37 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $127.20 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $139.95 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Stylish, sticky | Lightweight, comfortable, supportive, climb well | Stiff for edging and standing in aiders, excellent for scambling, good hiking support | Awesome balance of hiking and climbing abilities, great support | Durable, great traction in dirt and mud, excellent value, workhorse approach shoe |
| Cons | Average climbing performance, not very supportive | Synthetic uppers not as durable as leather | More narrow than the rest of the TX line, expensive | Relatively heavy and bulky | Heavy and bulky, especially when carrying on your harness or in a pack |
| Bottom Line | These shoes are just as at home at the crag as they are in town | These are our first recommendation for the majority of climbers due to elite all-around performance | A great shoe for climbing guides or anyone who needs support for hiking but also a precision fit for climbing | This model combines high performance with the ability to handle big loads | These durable shoes are well-equipped for miles of hiking and scrambling at a great price |
| Rating Categories | Evolv Rebel | La Sportiva TX2 | La Sportiva TX Guide | La Sportiva TX4 | La Sportiva Boulder X |
| Climbing Ability (35%) | |||||
| Hiking Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Support (20%) | |||||
| Weight and Packability (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Evolv Rebel | La Sportiva TX2 | La Sportiva TX Guide | La Sportiva TX4 | La Sportiva Boulder X |
| Outsole | Trax Enduro | Vibram Mega-Grip | Vibram Mega-Grip | Vibram Mega-Grip with Trail Bite heel | Vibram Idro-Grip V-Smear dot pattern |
| Upper Material | Leather | Polyester mesh | synthetic TPU, PU | Leather | Leather |
| Weight per Pair (in oz) | 20.5 oz (size 9.5) | 20.3 oz (size 9.5) | 24.8 oz (size 9.5) | 26.2 oz (size 9.5) | 32.8 oz (size 9.5) |
| Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular |
| Mid Height Available? | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Midsole | Compression molded EVA | Mem-lex/C2 Combo Cord | dual-density compressed EVA, TPU Torsion Shank | Traverse injection MEMlex | Micropore EVA |
| Sticky Rubber? Toe Rand? | Yes, Yes | Yes, Yes | Yes, Yes | Yes, Yes | Yes, Yes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Climbing Ability
The Cruzer Psyche climbs very well. The rubber sticks, the forefoot flexes for smearing, and the low profile fits into cracks that burlier shoes can't.
Edging
Compared to the Five Ten Guide Tennie or the Scarpa Crux, the Rebel feels sloppy on the edges. These skater style shoes are soft and comfy, but not stiff and supportive. One anything but the biggest jug-like edges, you're going to want a stiffer shoe.
Smearing
The softness of these kicks helps deliver lots of "rubber to the road." That is, it's relatively easy to hike up low angle slab approaches, but true slab climbing is off-limits.
Crack Climbing
The leather uppers and the rubber rand are suitable for easy chugging on low angle cracks. In our scrambling adventures, we found that the Rebels held up well after getting twisted into cracks.
Hiking Comfort
The heel on this shoe is significantly more stable than other Evolv models we have tested over the years. Our lead tester emphatically dislikes hiking long distances in those shoes, while the Rebel offers comfort and stability for everyday use without compounding his many tweaks and injuries. We've been consistently disappointed with heel stability in the Evolv shoes we tested in the past, and the Rebel's heel is a welcome change. The leather upper and the black color (it goes with everything!) of the model we tested combined for a sweaty experience, so if you've got extra soggy dogs or just need an all-around better hiker, beware.
Support
These aren't the best choice for burly backcountry expeditions. You'll want something with a higher ankle, a stiffer midsole, and a tread with bigger lugs. The Rebel is also not suited to the task of hauling heavy loads and standing in aiders all day. For general hiking to the crag, these provide enough support for most folks.
Weight & Packability
The Rebels aren't as harness friendly as the Evolv Cruzers, which are more compact and lighter than the Rebels. The Rebels do have a clip-in loop, so a least you'll have an easy option to attach them to your harness. At 20.5 oz, they're a lighter load than more supportive models.
Value
For the price, you get a sticky rubber approach shoe you can wear from the crag to the bar, without anyone asking you if you're wearing climbing shoes. The Rebel's casual skate shoe style makes them pretty versatile, and are a good choice for anyone who wants the security of sticky rubber wherever they go.
Conclusion
We don't recommend these shoes for long slogs with heavy loads and we don't think they'd hold up for many El Cap routes, but our friends think they look cool! So, on quick strolls to roads side boulders and crags, or just a night out, we'll be wearing them.
— Matt Bento
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