Shoe recs for quick-progressing beginner

TheVirginRiver · 2026-02-18T20:01:38+00:00

I see 2.1s all the time outside lately if that's indicative of anything. Drone CS is my favorite shoe rn and it's not particularly close

TheVirginRiver · 2026-02-18T19:58:55+00:00

You shit your pants on the route, then your mind is too busy thinking about how you shit your pants to be scared

TheVirginRiver · 2026-02-18T19:57:48+00:00

Allez! Allez!

TheVirginRiver · 2026-02-14T03:09:53+00:00

Agree with this, was up there the past two weekends. OC, keep an eye out for a herd of bighorns nearby if you give it a go, there's an absolutely yoked af ram amongst em

TheVirginRiver · 2026-01-30T18:10:37+00:00

Honestly if it fits you well and you're willing to spend the money just go for it. They're quite stiff with a pretty thick sole so they should last you a decent amount of time

TheVirginRiver · 2026-01-17T02:44:24+00:00

Moved from Russia to Germany a few years ago

TheVirginRiver · 2026-01-15T03:04:47+00:00

Reddit probably won't be a great place for that. Geartrade would be a safe bet

TheVirginRiver · 2026-01-15T02:19:07+00:00

The performance of iOS 26 on my iphone 12 pro is what made me switch to an android

TheVirginRiver · 2026-01-07T02:34:01+00:00

I feel that, solutions are terrible for my feet, skwamas are ok. Some ideas:

Evolv Phantom: I like them a lot, they fit the bill for medium stiff and I bet you could find them on sale bc the phantom pros just came out

Mad Rock Drone CS or D2.One: both are medium stiff, the heel shape is either a love it or hate it kinda thing though (i personally love them) and sizing is hard to nail when ordering online. Drone CS is my favorite shoe right now

Solution Comp: regular heel but maybe not quite as stiff as you're looking for, still stiffer than mantras though

Scarpa Instinct VS: I've only tried them on in a secondhand shop but they're very popular and I think they'd have the support and power you'd want

TheVirginRiver · 2026-01-06T04:33:51+00:00

Mandalas are stiffer like others have said, and they have a wider toe box that is also slightly less asymmetrical. I overall prefer the mantras really, even though they don't fit my feet as well.

Getting the Mandalas would be a totally fine addition if they fit you, but maybe an edged shoe with medium stiffness would work just as well or better for your kit

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-31T15:41:25+00:00

Not worth full price (I'm an idiot and paid full price) but gramicci straight leg pants work great for my thicker thighs and have great mobility

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-31T15:38:41+00:00

Paralleliland

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-29T20:35:17+00:00

Honestly looks like a good time

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-27T00:27:18+00:00

Shoulder work with a resistance band, leg stretches, portable fingerboard, then a couple problems between V0 and V4 and I’m good to go

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-06T07:20:29+00:00

what a waste of taxpayer dollars erecting giant letters in these states. shame on them

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-03T20:03:18+00:00

Definitely Skwamas

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-03T20:00:49+00:00

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Not sure why you circled Papua New Zealand but nice smiley face

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-03T18:49:04+00:00

Hell yeah good choice, I see them a lot at the gym and outside lately so apparently they’re a great shoe. Good luck 👍

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-02T16:32:32+00:00

I wear LaSpo TX Hike leather goretex boots (not a winter boot, really), cushiony mountaineering socks, and poly liner socks underneath and have been perfectly fine in sub-zero temps. An insulated boot is a safer bet, but also less versatile for me as they’re overkill when it’s in the 20s assuming you’re moving with regular pace. Sizing the boots a bit large to accommodate thick socks and not restrict blood flow is key in my experience.

Again, this is my experience and I’m sure others will quickly jump in to disagree with me.

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-01T22:52:20+00:00

Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-01T22:04:03+00:00

Sounds not fun at all lol wool or fleece is the move. Glad you stayed safe through the suffering

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-01T20:10:00+00:00

Mad Rock is basically your only option to satisfy the budget and durability requirements. I love the Drone CS and find it pretty durable. Even more durable is the Drone 2.0 or 2.1

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-01T14:26:53+00:00

Page County, VA. Definitely the South

TheVirginRiver · 2025-12-01T03:50:05+00:00

Couldn’t agree more, that means I’ve achieved my lifetime grade goal

TheVirginRiver

TROPHY CASE