Best shoes to replace TC Pros?

I love my TC Pros. They're stiff but comfortable, to sum it up. However, I had an achilles issue recently and I'm recently recovered... but the hard fact is that the heel of the TC's is just too extreme and really digs into my achilles. So what's a good alternative? Something I can wear at the gym or crag for quite a while w/o taking them off, but also gives some good stiffness for edging? 

Thanks!

How dare you speak ill of the Thomas Caldwell Professionals, the Air Tommys, the holy boots!

Kidding. The 5.10 grindstone is similar. Evolv Yosemite Bum also. If you want something that isn't high top, the Sportiva Mythos is a popular choice that's pretty neutral. The 5.10 NIAD is another one to look at

I find the scarpa generators to have a looser heel cup. Could be what you're looking for.

Cosmic Hotdog wrote:

The 5.10 grindstone is similar. Evolv Yosemite Bum also. If you want something that isn't high top, the Sportiva Mythos is a popular choice that's pretty neutral. The 5.10 NIAD is another one to look at

The latest version of the Grandstone only resembled the TC Pro in that both are high tops. Otherwise it is (was?) a very different shoe; much much softer. Not the supportive edging machine that the TC is. Comfortable, and a nice smearing and jamming shoe, but OP said they want stiffness.

Same issue with the Mythos.

Yosemite Bum is a valid option to look at, but still not quite as stiff as the TC.

Scarpa Generator seems like the best first place to look.

There's a few other lesser known hightops from Acopa, Butora, etc. 

RIP Grandstones 

I've found the Scarpa Maestro to be a decent alternative.  Ankle protection isn't quite as good as the TC Pro, and has a bit of a downturn, but is super comfortable and no achilles torture.

Not sure if you’re looking for another high top or another stiff shoe, but if you like the TC and are finding the high top pushes on your ankle and want something similar but low top you might consider the katana lace. It’s the same last (PD55) and super stiff. 

The black diamond aspect pro's are considered to be a very good equivalent, a little less stiff but a little more sensitive. There is a good thread on them with a good indepth review from someone climbing pretty hard in them and makes some direct comparisons between them and the tc pro. 

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/123884118/bd-aspect-pro-1st-impressions-initial-performance-review-long-term#ForumMessage-123899086

Acopa fits me better than TC's. I have the Legend (low top) and JB (high top).  No durability issues for me.

You could try and cut some of the heel Rand if they have too much heel tension, and there are a lot of threads on that here. I remember the scarpa maestros not having a whole lot of heel tension, but I only wore them once a while ago, and I think that that was the old version. 

I fit TC pros perfectly, and find the Scarpa Vapor Lace to be a good match fit-wise. Supposed to be Scarpa's stiffest shoe and also pretty gentle on the achilles area. 

Brandon R wrote:

I fit TC pros perfectly, and find the Scarpa Vapor Lace to be a good match fit-wise. Supposed to be Scarpa's stiffest shoe and also pretty gentle on the achilles area. 

This is a good suggestion.

OP here... thanks for all these suggestions. I'm researching them all.

What do you all think of the Tenaya Masai?... in terms of comfort / edging combo?

I have worn the Butora Altura in the past as a TC clone and liked them.  They're too stiff for me in most cases (just preference) but the construction quality is high and the use case is more or less the same as with the TC pro. But the real move is to just switch to the Katana lace. I haven't tried the new one but the old one was the best all around shoe ever IMO

Eric Metzgar wrote:

OP here... thanks for all these suggestions. I'm researching them all.

What do you all think of the Tenaya Masai?... in terms of comfort / edging combo?

They're relatively soft, quite similar to the anasazi Verde, not super soft but mid stiffness and pretty narrow. 

Eric Metzgar wrote:

OP here... thanks for all these suggestions. I'm researching them all.

What do you all think of the Tenaya Masai?... in terms of comfort / edging combo?

The Masai is a great shoe and worth checking out. It is different from the TC Pro in various ways, so don't expect a TC Pro clone. But in general should be comfortable (if it fits you) and edge well. A good option for what you're looking for.

Hi,

I also had achilles problem a two years a go and my TC Pro was tad too uncomfortable to my right feet.

A solution I found once from MP was, cut a tension rand rubber to reduce the pressure from achille area. I made two cuts both sides of my right shoe and it worked very well.

BD Aspect Pros work for me way better than TCs, Grandstones (RIP), Astromans (RIP).

Don't waste time cutting the rand to relieve pressure on your Achilles, it helps a little bit but ultimately TC Pros are going to really mess up your heels if they don't work for you now.

Kevin Mokracek wrote:

RIP Grandstones 

Alive and well at Neptune, with more on order. 

https://neptunemountaineering.com/products/grandstone

Tim FromMaine wrote:

Alive and well at Neptune, with more on order. 

https://neptunemountaineering.com/products/grandstone

Thats good.  When I contacted Five Ten over a year ago they told me they are no longer making the Grandstone and its not featured on their website.  

Generators