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Evolv Cruiser Vs Patagonia Splice

Original Post
GhaMby Eagan · · Heaven · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 385

I was wanting to get a lightweight descent shoe, both the cruiser and splice look good, and I can get them for the same price. Any experience with either or both?

Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118

Evolv Cruzers are my favorite approach shoe ever. I have no experience with the Patagonia Splice, but over the years I have had several other Evolv, 5.10 and Sportiva shoes.

I like the Cruzers because of how dang lightweight and minimalistic they are. It's the only shoe that I want to clip to my harness for a long route with a longer walk-off. Other shoes are too heavy and bulky to bother carrying. That said, if it's a long approach with heavy bivy gear (like in RMNP, for example) I'll usually take my Scarpa Crux because I appreciate the extra cushioning on the sole. I find that after 3-4 miles in the Cruzers (while wearing a pack) my feet get very fatigued.

Regarding sizing, the Cruzers are pretty much dead on. I have an exact 11.5 foot on the Brannock device and wear my Cruzers in 11.5 as well. They are just snug enough to climb up to about 5.9ish. You could go down a 1/2 size for a bit of extra precision, but then your toes would be jammed up against the front and they would be uncomfortable for any real walking.

saltlick · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 475

Destroyed cruzers in very few trips. Split seams, de-lammed sole, thrashed upper. I am not hard on gear.

Favorite clip-to-harness walk-off shoe has been one of the merrell barefoot trail shoes.

Gilman Coryell · · Mount Vernon, ME · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 65

Killing my cruzers very quickly also. Split seams, delamination, etc. Very comfy shoe and climbs well but won't get them again. eyeing the Patagonia rover but haven't tried them yet.

Zach Kling · · Indianapolis, Indiana · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 40

I had similar problems with the cruzers. They were very comfortable and great to climb in, but I destroyed them quickly. If you're going to pay full retail, I would get something else.

GhaMby Eagan · · Heaven · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 385
Gilman Coryell wrote:Killing my cruzers very quickly also. Split seams, delamination, etc. Very comfy shoe and climbs well but won't get them again. eyeing the Patagonia rover but haven't tried them yet.
I've seen a few reviews for the splice and rovers, they sound like they have a big toe box, which doesn't sound very helpful for climbing in them.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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