The Shaman incorporates several key design elements that work synergistically to perform at the highest level: The big toe “knuckle box” and “love bump” midsole keeps the big toe in a position of power to obtain maximum strength for edging and grabbing; the tensioned heel and arch rand eliminates dead space in the arch for secure heel hooks and transfers power to the toes; the multi pattern lining (leather forefoot liner for increased sensitivity and feel, cotton heel for non-stretch performance), give the best feel and function for demanding climbs.

You can watch Chris Sharma and Matt on the Shaman here:

Technical details:

• Profile: downturned asymmetric with "knuckle box"
• Upper: synthetic
• Lining: leather forefoot and foot bed, cotton heel
• Closure: three opposing velcro straps
• Sole: 2 piece 4.2mm Trax high friction rubber
• Rand: VTR 3D
• Midsole: MX-P 1.5mm half length "love bump" midsole
• Feature: high friction toe patch

Chris Sharma says, "I'm really excited about my new shoe, the Shaman. With all the new technical features that I incorporated into it, it feels like the perfect shoe and has a really powerful yet comfortable fit. It is by far the best shoe that I've ever used! It was so good to finally send 'First Round' the other day. It's definitely one of my hardest, if not my hardest route to date. I needed a lot of patience to finally nail the redpoint crux after falling over 50 times. Call it a coincidence, but I finally sent it using the new Shamans once I received them. Maybe that was the little extra something that I needed."

Exclusive to a small range of dedicated climbing stores in the UK, find your pair of Shamans here:

www.bananafingers.co.uk
www.bouldersclimbingcentre.co.uk/shop
www.climbingworks.com/shop/
www.theclimbingdepot.com/shop
www.dicksclimbing.com
www.v12outdoor.com
www.theepicentre.co.uk