LOWA Rocket: 2019 Climbing Shoe Review

Climbing on the Flatirons’ 30-degree overhang, which requires precise toeing into small sandstone divots and credit-card edges, our tester’s foot “felt like a dart flying toward the bullseye of every hold.”

The LOWA Rocket, with its aggressive fit and stiff, predominantly rubber build, went gangbusters on micro-holds (though was only middling for smearing). As for hooking and scumming, our tester noted “rubber in all the right places”—though maybe too much of it—and a well-fitting heel that, once he got used to the ridge along the spine, hooked well and helped him redpoint the climb, with its notably heel-intensive opening crux.

With its sock-like fit and narrow foot opening, the Rocket stayed firmly anchored and had killer arch support, which makes it a great choice for gymnastic sport, bouldering, and gym climbing.

- 2019 Climbing Shoes Review, Climbing Magazine