WINNER: Master Chief
The Boreal Ace has been around for a long time but for 2020 the classic is reborn! Featuring a stiffer midsole and rubber protection over the toe, Ace has been optimised for traditional climbing and cracks.
Check out what UKC made of the Ace in their recent review here.
UPPERS Split leather with lace closure for optimum fit. Extra rubber toe patch for crack climbing
LINING No
CONSTRUCTION Slip-Lasted
MIDSOLE Special anti deformation midsole
SOLE BOREAL® Zenith Pro™ outsole. 4-4.5mm thickness depending on size
CHARACTERISTICS Comfortable and supportive. Ideal for long days at the crag and pushing your grade; whether torquing into cracks, edging or making delicate friction moves
USAGE Multi-pitch and traditional climbing in every kind of rock
For your chance to win a pair of Ace, simply answer the question below.
Comments
Video won't play for me.
In fact, video won't even put in an appearance for me.
Wonder why Boreal chose to use a video of a problem where the feet are a bit irrelevant, or at least not exactly demonstrating what the boot can do.
One of the things that the Ace is particularly good at is cracks, and this is a crack - albeit a very steep/overhanging one! I would also argue (and I'm sure Andi would too) that the feet are indeed relevant, not least because I wouldn't fancy my chances at campussing through it...
When it comes to why the Ace are particularly good at this sort of thing, it all comes down to their supportive, full-length midsole, which means that rather than fold in two like a softer shoe might, it actually gives something back.
Also, I suspect they included it because it's a bit of a laugh. Just fun to see these things getting done, horrific though they might be!
The video is on Facebook. Your browser is probably hiding it to protect your privacy - mine has a little 'error' box with a message saying "This video is blocked because you have disabled Social Media cookies"
You can see the video here (open it in a separate browser window/tab/private window/whatever):https://www.facebook.com/Boreal.official/videos/293633278152653/
Fair enough, it is a bit of a laugh. I will naughtily quote your own review back at you though, Rob ;-)
"The vast majority of climbers never venture onto such steep ground either, as most - myself included - tend to operate in the angles between slab and wall. It is for these people that the Ace is designed, "