When it comes to climbing, the right shoes can make all the difference. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Saltic’s newest innovation—the Eliot, their first barefoot climbing shoes. Saltic is a well-established brand known for its exceptional classic climbing shoes, and they’ve leveraged their extensive experience to create these groundbreaking barefoot climbing shoes.
To ensure these shoes are truly exceptional, we put them to the test by handing them over to two professional climbers who also have a passion for barefoot shoes. Since we don’t have as much climbing experience, we wanted insights from someone who climbs at a more professional level and can truly appreciate the nuances of barefoot footwear. Here’s what they had to say about their experience.
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Meet Our Testers
Before diving into the review, let’s get to know our climbers Jana and Aljoša a bit. They reached out to us with enthusiasm:
“Ooo the best! I’m applying for myself and my partner (he doesn’t use Facebook), if either of us is suitable :D”
“We both started climbing 7 years ago. Before becoming parents, we climbed three times a week. I mix it up, while Aljoša mainly focuses on indoor bouldering. Last year, we switched to barefoot shoes exclusively and stopped wearing traditional footwear.
Now, we maintain climbing in our schedule 1-2 times a week. Unfortunately, climbing comes with some grumbling as Aljoša has nerve issues in his feet. His feet hurt a lot, and he’s looking for ways to solve this. So far, climbing barefoot has been the most effective, although it’s not a perfect solution. I think he’d be an excellent candidate, and I’ll take care of the photos. My feet aren’t as sensitive, so I can still wear regular climbing shoes without issues, but I’m curious how it would go with barefoot ones. I love routes with precise footwork.”
In the end, both of them thoroughly tested the shoes and provided us with their detailed feedback.
First Impressions and Fit
After testing the shoes, our climbers shared their detailed review:
“Hey! Finally checking in after testing the climbing shoes. This month, we mostly climbed on artificial walls; we didn’t have much chance for outdoor climbing except for the Roman Wall.”
“After a size mix-up and exchanging for smaller sizes, we found the perfect fit. Aljoša’s ideal size is 41, usually wearing barefoot shoes in size 43, and he says they feel just right. I have a bit of extra space in size 38, perhaps due to the shoe shape and my habit of wearing the smallest possible climbing shoes despite the pain. Normally, I wear 39.5 or 40 in barefoot shoes, so I’d recommend going two sizes down, not just one as stated on the website.”
Comfort and Convenience
One of the standout features of the Eliot climbing shoes is their comfort:
“These shoes are really comfortable! We can easily walk around in them, which is great when we have our little one with us and need to chase after him. Another huge advantage is not needing to take them off while climbing indoors. Aljoša finds this comfort a massive relief as he can finally climb without the pain that usually lingers for hours after training.
The material is incredibly soft and comfortable, though it does have a downside. It’s not very breathable, so our feet get quite sweaty in warmer conditions. Wearing socks helps a bit, but unfortunately, it reduces the sensitivity of foot placement.”
Performance on the Wall
When it comes to performance, our testers noted:
“The rubber on these shoes is fantastic; it sticks to the surface beautifully. They perform really well on friction-based footholds due to their flexibility and comfortable fit, making it easier to step with a larger surface area on holds. However, they struggle with minimal footholds, where a stiffer sole and crammed toes are more beneficial. The shoes hug the heel nicely and perform well in heel-hooking techniques.
These shoes are excellent for routes with good footholds, making them perfect for warm-ups, easier routes, and routes where friction stepping is crucial. Unfortunately, the comfort comes at the cost of performance, so for tougher routes, I prefer traditional climbing shoes. Aljoša, on the other hand, enjoys easier routes more now as his feet don’t hurt afterward. I think these shoes would also do well on via ferratas and longer mountain routes, though we haven’t tested them there yet.”
Final Thoughts on the Saltic Barefoot Climbing Shoes
Saltic’s Eliot barefoot climbing shoes offer a unique blend of comfort and functionality. They’re ideal for climbers who prioritize comfort over extreme performance, making them perfect for easier climbs and long climbing sessions. If you’re curious about barefoot climbing shoes or need a pair that won’t leave your feet aching, the Eliot is definitely worth a try.
Special thanks to our dedicated testers for sharing their insights and photos. We hope their experience helps you decide if the Saltic Eliot is the right shoe for your climbing adventures!
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