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Acopa Shot / Aztec / JB?

Original Post
Ben E · · San Diego · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 155

Anyone have experience with these shoes? Would the Aztec be the best allrounder, or should I just try the JB? The Shot seems similar to the Aztec but it’s considerably cheaper. I’m looking for a new shoe for lower angle bouldering, sport climbs, some trad, and the occasional Multipitch. My foot is wider so La Sportivas generally don’t fit me well so I wanted to potentially try one of these. Lots of granite climbing on small edges/crystals, and some smearing. For steep stuff I have a different shoe. Apart from the JB’s being the high top version I cant really tell the big differences between the shoes. The Acopa site has limited descriptions and I haven’t got a reply from them yet. Any insight here is greatly appreciated. 

mitchy B · · nunya gotdamn business. · Joined Aug 2009 · Points: 0

I can’t speak for the JB, but the Spectre, and Merlin edge VERY WELL. I believe the Aztec will be a little softer than the JB, seems to be softer than the Spectre, and Merlin. The Aztec for me is a good all around shoe, can rock it all day without pain. I wear a 9 street shoe and all three of my Acopa shoes are size 9’s and fit well.
the Shot sounds like the synthetic version of the Aztec. 

Paul Morrison · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 55

Out for a stroll in my Aztecs. Extremely soft and comfortable, easy to wear all day. But if you're more interested in "small edges/crystals" and less interested in "occasional" multipitch, you're probably better off with a stiffer shoe.

Steve Williams · · The state of confusion · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 235

I've been climbing in JB's for years.  Awesome shoe, great fit.  Awesome on rock.

Dario Piana · · Guadalajara, Jalisco · Joined Aug 2019 · Points: 10
Ben E wrote:

Anyone have experience with these shoes? Would the Aztec be the best allrounder, or should I just try the JB? The Shot seems similar to the Aztec but it’s considerably cheaper. I’m looking for a new shoe for lower angle bouldering, sport climbs, some trad, and the occasional Multipitch. My foot is wider so La Sportivas generally don’t fit me well so I wanted to potentially try one of these. Lots of granite climbing on small edges/crystals, and some smearing. For steep stuff I have a different shoe. Apart from the JB’s being the high top version I cant really tell the big differences between the shoes. The Acopa site has limited descriptions and I haven’t got a reply from them yet. Any insight here is greatly appreciated. 

Hi Ben! We got question and replied the next day (May 21), perhaps we got spammed. Anyway, the Aztec is a bit more of a relaxed fit than the Spectre, JB or Shot. The Shot and Spectre are more closely comparable and both would be a great choice for the steeper stuff, with your choice of either leather or synthetic uppers. The JB is similar in fit to the Shot and Spectre, but offers the full ankle protection you might want when doing offwidth. From your description of what you intend to climb in them, I think the Aztec would be a great choice!

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions or if there's anything else we can help with. Happy climbing!

Ben E · · San Diego · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 155
Dario Piana wrote:

Hi Ben! We got question and replied the next day (May 21), perhaps we got spammed. Anyway, the Aztec is a bit more of a relaxed fit than the Spectre, JB or Shot. The Shot and Spectre are more closely comparable and both would be a great choice for the steeper stuff, with your choice of either leather or synthetic uppers. The JB is similar in fit to the Shot and Spectre, but offers the full ankle protection you might want when doing offwidth. From your description of what you intend to climb in them, I think the Aztec would be a great choice!

Please let me know if I can answer any other questions or if there's anything else we can help with. Happy climbing!

Hey Dario. Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. Super weird that I didn't get the email. Thanks for all the info as well. It does sound like the Aztec would be a good fit for me. My last question would be about the legend. Where do those fit into the spectrum with the other mentioned shoes? Thanks a bunch 

Kailin Carangelo · · Bellingham, WA · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 20

Just gonna chime in to say my Aztecs are amazing. They are very, very comfortable broken in. Super thick, durable leather. Currently rocking my regular street size.

RJNakata · · SoCal · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 460

I'll add that my JB' and Merlins are the only shoes I can comfortably fit.  All 510's and LS's smash my toes in a hurtful way that is not present with the Acopas.  These are just a great shoe. 

The JB's do all day trad beautifully.  I wish I had another pair of the Aztecs I used to have for all-around. I believe the Legend is similar to a low JB. 

Ben E · · San Diego · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 155
RJNakata wrote:

I'll add that my JB' and Merlins are the only shoes I can comfortably fit.  All 510's and LS's smash my toes in a hurtful way that is not present with the Acopas.  These are just a great shoe. 

The JB's do all day trad beautifully.  I wish I had another pair of the Aztecs I used to have for all-around. I believe the Legend is similar to a low JB. 

This is reassuring to hear. I really wanted to like the Anasazis but I experienced the same thing. They smashed big toe inwards unbelievably and made it painful to even stand in, let alone climb. Really hoping these Acopas fit my foot well.  Thanks for the insight. 

Ben E · · San Diego · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 155
Kailin Carangelo wrote:

Just gonna chime in to say my Aztecs are amazing. They are very, very comfortable broken in. Super thick, durable leather. Currently rocking my regular street size.

Glad to hear! I’m leaning towards the Aztecs as of now. What type of climbing/rock do you usually use them for? 

Kailin Carangelo · · Bellingham, WA · Joined Mar 2014 · Points: 20

I use em on NH granite. Multipitch slab, cracks, dirty corner groveling and the likes. They're soft and sensitive on the small crystal footholds, but surprisingly not painful in a toe jam.

Arin F · · Las Vegas · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 64

For me, the new Acopa JB's and Aztecs are both great shoes and I like to go with my street shoe size in them for trad. Fit a wide foot really well.The other Acopa shoes might work for you as well. Spectres and legends look good.

Ben E · · San Diego · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 155
Arin F wrote:

For me, the new Acopa JB's and Aztecs are both great shoes and I like to go with my street shoe size in them for trad. Fit a wide foot really well.The other Acopa shoes might work for you as well. Spectres and legends look good.

Thanks for the reply Arin. I got lucky and was able to try on all the Acopa shoes as they are located right near me. Great company and really nice shoes all around. I ended up getting the Shots as they fit my foot like a glove. Probably gonna get a pair of Legends of JBs next. 

RJNakata · · SoCal · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 460
Ben E wrote:

Thanks for the reply Arin. I got lucky and was able to try on all the Acopa shoes as they are located right near me. Great company and really nice shoes all around. I ended up getting the Shots as they fit my foot like a glove. Probably gonna get a pair of Legends of JBs next. 

Acopa's fit me right too.  What did you find about sizing?  I have to upsize at least 1 full size from street 

Ben E · · San Diego · Joined Sep 2018 · Points: 155
RJNakata wrote:

Acopa's fit me right too.  What did you find about sizing?  I have to upsize at least 1 full size from street 

The Shots which I ended up getting actually fit my street shoe size, though the other models fit a bit differently. 

Isaac Mann-Silverman · · Oakland Ca · Joined Nov 2020 · Points: 0

I have the legends in a full size up from street, though if my second toe were a little shorter I could probably do a half size. Love the construction, clearly a well put together shoe that is extremely comfortable.

They are definitely stiff soled and edge beautifully, but even so I find them very sensitive and secure. I don't know what it is about their rubber that makes it so special but it sure as hell is.  

The only downside is that while they are very good in hand and larger cracks, the higher toe volume and tough rand mean I am not as sure about them in think cracks.  Honestly though, given that I almost never climb thinner cracks, I don't mind that at all.

Arin F · · Las Vegas · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 64

Good info. On another note, anyone know what Acopa shoe is best for thin/finger cracks? I'm guessing maybe the Enzo for a slipper.

Bernardo Fanti · · Denver, CO · Joined May 2014 · Points: 0

Just piling on the love - been in my JBs since early June, true street shoe size fit 12, they fit perfectly in my medium wide feet with big toes, they edge well, high quality. Love them a lot over my now retired TC Pros.

Arin F · · Las Vegas · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 64
Bernardo Fanti wrote:

Just piling on the love - been in my JBs since early June, true street shoe size fit 12, they fit perfectly in my medium wide feet with big toes, they edge well, high quality. Love them a lot over my now retired TC Pros.

Yup, got my JB's in street shoe size as well. Great shoes for sure. 

Jon Rhoderick · · Redmond, OR · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 966

Hi I ran a demo for Acopa yesterday, and I have all 11 models briefly. Does anyone have any questions/specific pictures or comparisons etc?

Jon Browher · · Wolfeboro, NH · Joined Jul 2018 · Points: 370

Have been enjoying my JBs in street shoe size, which fit perfectly, since I received them recently. Probably my go-to trad shoe now. Great at edging but also relatively sensitive. Combines the best qualities of the Anasazi pink and TC Pro together if I had to think of an apt characterization.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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