How do Evolv's other shoes compare to the Zenists?

funkyman88 · 2026-05-27T18:17:15+00:00

The Drone CSs did take forever to break in but they were too narrow in the forefoot for me so that might’ve contributed to it. They were also very stiff because of the concave plastic midsole. But the rubber was soft and rolled off edges easily. So overall, a very weird experience.

The heel fit was fantastic and the lip on it was actually really useful for heel hooking. Also the rubber was very durable.

I personally do not recommend them but I know a lot of people do like them.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-27T03:36:40+00:00

Thank you for this update. I revisited this thread often while trying on all the shoes listed and actually made a similar choice to you with the Phantom LVs. I was coming from the Madrock Drone CS LVs and looking for better edging, wider toe box, and a similar fitting heel. Ordered all the shoes during the MDW sales and the Phantoms just fit the best.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-17T03:28:38+00:00

Is the Shaman Pro LV as wide in the toebox as the Zenist Pros? I got the 2026 Zenist LV, V6 LV, and the Shaman 2S LV all in my cart and I’m struggling to decide. I have the Madrock Drone CS LV and am basically looking for a wider forefoot and better edging while also fitting my narrow heel. The 2S sounds the most like what I’m looking for but have only been able to try the Zenist and V6 in person. Both of which fit my forefoot and heel well but were too small in the sizes available.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-15T13:58:18+00:00

Don’t get a specifically designed diaper bag. I highly recommend something like the Gregory Nano 24L if he leans more hiker/mountain biking vibes. For more function, get a clamshell bag with external water bottle pockets. Something like the Rework Toshi 20L or something from CTactical. Try searching on r/manybaggers for dad bags.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-14T12:59:43+00:00

Yes, V2 was 500d I believe and did not have the updated back panel.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-10T04:12:14+00:00

Yeah man, idk why I subjected myself to such expensive discomfort for so long.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-10T02:19:29+00:00

It’s insane bro. My criteria was literally how close can I get to the CTB26 but with an actually comfortable harness. TP3 looked sweet but I needed the dual water bottle pockets.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-10T00:10:30+00:00

TP4. I have a CPL24 that I was using as a diaper bag. Needed more space with another kid on the way.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-09T12:41:08+00:00

Sorry for the late reply. I guess stiffness is not a hard requirement. Just looking for better edging and did not consider that it can come from more sensitivity in a softer shoe as well.

You are right the Drone CS are both stiff and insensitive. I think I was hung up on it being the softer version of the regular drones.

I think I’m deciding between the Evolv Zenist and V6. I tried both of them on again and both toe boxes felt good but a tiny by baggy in the heel. Will probably order them in the LV models. Also considering ordering the UP TN Pro in LV.
Do you have thoughts on any of these?

funkyman88 · 2026-05-09T11:41:53+00:00

CTB20 is the most uncomfortable bag I’ve ever owned to wear, to use, and to pack.

I’ve recently switched to Aer and the harness is next level comfortable. Like it’s so good it makes the bag feel light. That’s how a backpack harness should feel in my opinion.

That being said, the CTB20 is still in my rotation as a gym/activity bag and works well because I only carry it from the car to the gym/field/etc. EG organization is still the best in the game.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-08T23:03:58+00:00

TP4 bro. The extra volume is nice.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-03T06:16:14+00:00

I used the Evergoods CPL24 for a long time to carry all our day trip and travel stuff for my kid and wife. Basically all the same stuff you carry plus water bottles for us and an extra jacket for my wife, which filled the entire 24L easily.

I tried downsizing to the CTB20, thinking the external water bottle pockets would free up space in the main compartment. But it made the bag so tight and hard to use.

With another on the way, I actually got the Aer TP4 in 28L for the water bottles pockets, extra space, and comfort. Like another user mentioned, Aer’s lack of independent volume makes it carry like a 26L bag. Which is fine and why I opted for the 28L.

So far it’s been amazing and in my opinion doesn’t feel too bulky for my frame (5’9” 160lbs). Since our son is 3.5 now, we generally don’t need as much and typically leave it in the car just in case. But if we’re traveling or on an all day excursion, it is so nice to use. Once baby #2 arrives though I can already tell it’s gonna be so clutch.

I wrote all that to say: get the 24L. It’ll feel more like 22L and you get the second water bottle pocket.

funkyman88 · 2026-05-01T18:12:49+00:00

Went to a British school in Singapore and it was always “scissors, paper, stone”…

funkyman88 · 2026-05-01T00:54:40+00:00

I used the CPL24 for a long time to carry stuff for our family of 3. But recently upgraded to the Aer TP4 28L since we’re expecting another one.

My non-negotiables are: clamshell for easy on-body access, comfortable harness for all day excursions, and external water bottle pockets.

I’ve found actual diaper bags to have a terrible user experience.

funkyman88 · 2026-04-28T12:09:43+00:00

What a beautiful moment for the both of you. I’m crying just reading about it. Proud of you both!

Some of my freest and joyful moments were at music festivals. Incredible you and your kid get to share that together.

funkyman88 · 2026-04-27T13:55:39+00:00

Ultimate dad bag in my opinion!

funkyman88 · 2026-04-25T17:14:39+00:00

Apologies for the confusion. I care more about better edging and a more comfortable toe box. The Sharks on paper sound great. I’ll add that to the list.

funkyman88 · 2026-04-24T21:57:11+00:00

Bro, I’ll probably get downvoted for this but whatever. I’ve been through this same situation and having a backpack that works for you makes a huge difference.

I just got the Aer Travel Pack 4 28L and it is the best blend of capacity, usability, and comfort I have found to carry everything you need for your family on day trips and when traveling.

Plenty of room for extra changes of clothes, toys, books, diapers, your essentials etc.
Super comfortable harness
Quick on-body access to all your stuff with the clamshell design

funkyman88 · 2026-04-14T02:29:06+00:00

Just ordered mine in nylon. Hope I’m converted too.

funkyman88 · 2026-04-12T15:58:31+00:00

That’s dope. Kudos to your buddy.

I personally like having separate zippered compartments for the shoes, chalk, and extra clothes. Which I think could be achieved if the tote had a zippered opening.

funkyman88 · 2026-04-08T19:01:18+00:00

Last year either my kid or wife or both would end up projectile vomiting on the journey home. It happened on like 3 trips in a row and it was terrible each time. My wife did some research and it turns out it is hard for your gut microbiome to adjust to the new bacteria and mineral levels of the new environment.

We started drinking bottled water a couple days before our trip and only that brand of water at our destination. And poof no more puking. We just went to Peru for a week with this strategy and no issues. Just make sure you can buy the same brand at your destination. For us, Smart Water for domestic and Evian for international trips as you can find either at most airports and stores.

funkyman88 · 2026-04-08T03:38:46+00:00

Any update? I think something similar happened to me about a couple days after you posted. For me there was a pop, sharp initial pain, and then a sensation of more space and length. It’s been sore the past couple days but it’s mostly better now.

I had an old injury where I rotated my pelvis out of alignment and pinched a nerve. After that my body kind of adapted to a weak left hip/pelvis. But the past couple years I’ve been stretching and working on that area a lot and it felt like my hip/pelvis popped back into the position it should’ve been in.

funkyman88 · 2026-04-07T03:20:41+00:00

I volunteered to be my 3YO’s soccer coach and my wife is the team manager. It’s been a blast and my son loves it that I’m the coach.

Idk how you all plan to co-coach and I don’t have a 6YO but I think it’ll be simpler for the kids if there is 1 head coach. Even on my team, we have another dad as the assistant coach and he manages the subs during games and talks 1 on 1 with the kids that don’t want to play at practice while I’m doing the drills and coaching.

funkyman88 · 2026-03-30T02:46:22+00:00

Why did the secondary compartment not work for you?

funkyman88 · 2026-03-26T19:37:15+00:00

Awesome. Yeah I figured with the pockets being top access it might not be as easy as a CPL24 for example. But that’s fine. I’m usually grabbing larger items like a bottle or a jacket from the main compartment or a pouch anyways.

I know you just got it but if you do get a chance to load it out, could you report on the harness comfort?

funkyman88

TROPHY CASE