You'd be forgiven for thinking that rock shoe technology doesn't vary much between brands... but you'd be wrong. Garra have re-invented the wheel (rock shoe) with some pretty nifty innovations. Each shoe across the range features a selection of these tools to help make even the most difficult route that bit more achievable.

Garra Mascun with SAI interior, SCARPEX heel and VIBRAM sole.

About 350 UK climbers (names and addresses supplied) recently took part in a series of open climbing competitions hosted by (well-known) climbing walls around the country. The feedback was overwhelingly positive with comments about the improved toe fit and lack of baggy heels being top-most on climbers comments. Allowing for the fact that these brand spanking new shoes were far from 'broken-in' and indeed those with the SCARPEX rubber will perform even better outdoors than indoors these are undoubtedly great shoes whether you climb indoors or out.

SGB, the leading trade magazine ...also raves about them: see the SGB review