By recognising that climbers have been making compromises on their strategy footwear selections for years, Arc’teryx has constructed the Kragg, a shoe that provides the perfect of every little thing out there, from boxy strategy boots to flimsy flip-flops. And it rapidly turned our new favorite shoe to put on to the crag and between climbs.
Strolling to the crag in bedroom-slipper-like footwear was one thing I’d by no means skilled earlier than. As I neared the crag, somebody requested me, “What are these?” To which I replied, “They’re plush new footwear,” earlier than explaining that they’re the brand new Kragg. We then talked concerning the evolution of Arc’teryx over the previous 30-plus years, and we have been pleasantly shocked that we each as soon as owned the primary harness ever launched by Arc’teryx, which hit the cabinets in 1991.
In all seriousness although, the Kragg is the right shoe for post-climb occasions. I prefer to climb in tight climbing footwear, which leaves my toes begging for freedom after every pitch. I began to sit up for getting again to the bottom in order that I may slide my careworn toes out of my climbing footwear and into the Kraggs. The moment reduction introduced rest to my cramped toes.
The Kragg harmonises final consolation with safety and elegance, putting an equilibrium between help and mobility. The higher is manufactured from breathable mesh, which stretches to evolve to your foot and supply a personalised match. Whereas the fabric within the heel space snugged the shoe completely round my foot, a key function for maximising pain-free motion. Not solely is the Kragg sturdy and protecting, nevertheless it’s impressively breathable, which makes lengthy approaches a pleasing expertise.
Among the best options is the collapsible heel, which allowed me to effortlessly slide them on and off between climbs. It was like having the comfort of a flip-flop with the safety of a sturdy strategy shoe.
And surprisingly, I couldn’t actually really feel the pull pull tab underneath my foot when carrying the shoe in slipper mode. And whereas the stretch higher had a bent to squeeze my foot out of the again of the shoe with the heels down, over time the Kragg broke in completely.
My toes have been protected in opposition to rubble, falling stones and sticks because of the stylishly designed molded toe cap and rubber sidewalls. And whereas the Kragg isn’t as sturdy as a heavy responsibility hiker, they’re greater than rugged sufficient to deal with the terrain round any sport climbing space.
The Vibram Megagrip, a tried and examined outsole fashionable on high path trainers, is designed as an all-surface shallow-lugged sole. So, regardless of the comfy match, the Kragg labored surprisingly nicely for shifting round uneven floor on the base of the crag, on slippery surfaces and on muddy sections of the path.
As anticipated from Arc’teryx, the Kragg’s meticulous consideration to element extends to the internal. The sock liner, crafted from a bio-based poured PU compound with an open-cell foam high layer, is each comfy with or with out socks, and has antimicrobial properties to cut back odours even after extended use.
In conclusion, the Kragg epitomises considerate design and distinctive craftsmanship. Whether or not on steep, rocky approaches or stress-free across the campsite, it supplies consolation, help, efficiency and safety.
Now, each time I head to the crag, I depart my technical strategy footwear and flip-flops at house and select the Kragg.
