The shoes I previously climbed in were very rigid and the heel was quite aggressive, so I'd been having some pain in my toes. For those reasons I wanted to try a softer shoe. After trying about ten different pairs I landed on these because they were just so comfortable! Now I've done several long sessions in them and they are still exceptionally comfy. I'm not feeling any pain even if I don't take them off for an hour or two. My slab climbing has definitely improved because of how flexible these are.
Additional info, I'm a V4-5 indoor climber, mainly boulders and some top rope.
I was recommended these shoes by a buddy of mine that has the other slip ons. Coming from a scarpa with Velcro straps, these are night and day. Excellent toe edge on inside and outside. Great rubber and hold very tight to your feet. I normally wear a 10.5 shoe and that’s the size I ordered. VERY snug, but after even breaking in for like 2 sessions, they are already becoming more comfortable. The elastic that wraps around the back of your heal can wear your skin a little at first, but again, after 2 sessions that’s also getting better. Your feet will not slip out of these things. If you’re interested in a slightly aggressive slip on these are definitely worth it!
I've always wanted a pair of slipper climbing shoes, and now I have them!! Not only do So iLL shoes fit my feet like no other brand, leaving no dead space and hugging foot comfortably for my favorite move, the heel hook. But as a vegan I have choices with this wonderful company. The ROAM SOFT shoe, after a brief break-in period, is perfect for my feet and my climbing.
Great shoes, I’m really impressed! Very comfortable from the first time I wore them and really felt an immediate improvement in my climbing.
Very great small Slipper.
Designed and built on a hand-shaped, downturned last by Fred Nicole, ROAM Soft is a soft slipper (no midsole) developed with Jason Momoa as part of the So iLL x On The Roam collection. ROAM Soft features a three-way stretch knit entry with an elastic band stitched to a durable, comfortable, unlined vegan microsuede upper. This shoe is tensioned from under the toe to the back of the heel while the laser etched rand generates tension as well. The outsole is split and outfitted with Vibram XS Grip Rubber which extends in a wide band to the top of the heel. ROAM Soft is ideal for aggressive overhanging bouldering or sport climbing where toe power and sensitivity are crucial. The combination of a soft toe box combined with a split outsole allows for precision placement and power transfer on small foot holds and pockets. The heel hooking capabilities of this shoe are unmatched, which presents climbers with a slipper style shoe like no other currently available on the market - essentially a talon (in shoe form) for the human foot.
BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE CLIMBERS: Order one full size larger than your regular US shoe size.
ADVANCED CLIMBERS: Order your regular US shoe size.
"Best True Slip-On" - Backcountry
We’ve spent the last two years (and maybe a little longer) concepting, designing, and sampling with Fred Nicole – a true climbing hero and expert in the field.
High performance Vibram XS GRIP climbing rubber is great for long wearing grip, good shape stability, edging, durability, and excellent performance in all around climbing conditions.
Fred and Jason construct a pair of Roam Soft.
Jason tries on Roam Soft at So iLL HQ.
Jason and Fred in the So iLL Design LAB.
Fred Nicole hand crafting the single piece rand.
Jason sees Roam Soft at So iLL HQ for the first time.
Fred Nicole prepares to cut a new rand for Roam Soft.
