We last reviewed the Satori back in 2019 and whilst the model featured here shares the same name, and still sits at the top of Boreal's performance climbing collection, it feels like a definite step up from its predecessor in every other way - and features a completely re-worked fit too.

To see what we thought of the previous Satori, see here:

In Use

The Satori is designed primarily for bouldering and sport climbing, which is exactly what we've been using it for over the last few months. Within these two categories it's impressively versatile too. Whereas some models feel like they're an outright edging shoe and others are better suited for smearing, the Satori manages to do both. This does come with some caveats.

This is certainly not a stiff shoe, but it does have enough support for you to push a lot of power through the toe. It's also got enough flex for you to get plenty of rubber to rock when you need as much friction as possible. It's a shoe that can perform on edgier rock like limestone or rhyolite just as well as it can softer, smearier rock types such as gritstone and sandstone. It's maybe not the best at sustained vertical edging, where you'd benefit from that extra support, but it's brilliant at smearing on vertical terrain. One shoe can't be good at everything but the Satori is good at quite a lot!

The final thing worth mentioning, which anyone using them will notice, is the quality - and stickiness - of their Zenith Ultra 2.0 rubber, which has really impressed us. It easily feels equivalent to Vibram XS Grip, and is quite possibly stickier still. Of course stickier doesn't always mean better, as firmer rubber will tend to perform better on edges, but Zenith Ultra 2.0 hasn't felt like it's let us down on small edges yet.

Fit

The Satori has a fairly neutral width across the forefoot, with a high volume throughout the toe box. The reason for that volume is because the Satori is definitely a shoe that's designed to be worn tight, with your toes knocked up against the end, as this is what's going to give you that extra power throughout the toe. Above the toe there is a lot of rubber, which is great for gaining extra purchase whilst toe hooking, or getting purchase out of more marginal scums; however, the quantity and thickness of the rubber means that it can feel a little uncompromising on first acquaintance. It does soften and bed in after a few outings.

Boreal also produce a women's model, which features a lower volume fit and a reduced amount of rubber around the sole, to give it a slightly softer feel.

Features

Boreal have really upped the ante with their rubber compounds recently. The Zenith Pro 2.0 featured on the Crux has really impressed us. The Satori features Zenith Ultra 2.0, Boreal's softest compound, and it really is impressively sticky stuff. The men's shoe features 4mm of this rubber, which is a bit more than your average these days. I quite like this for several reasons: the first is that it gives a bit better edging power out of the box. They'll soften up a bit in time and as you wear them in and wear out the rubber they'll naturally begin to feel more sensitive, which is a nice lifespan/cycle. And that bit more rubber thickness should offer decent longevity.

The toe is also encased in rubber, a lot of rubber. If there was something we might change on the shoe it would be this, as upon first acquaintance the amount of rubber over that toe box can feel quite uncompromising, making those first few outings uncomfortable. In time it does soften, but it definitely feels like a shoe you need to break in before spending too much time in them.

The Satori features two straps: one large strap across the top, then a smaller one further down. The large strap is really effective in locking your foot into the shoe, whereas we struggle to feel the benefit of the second strap, which seems more cosmetic than functional.

Summary

The latest version of the Satori represents a massive step up from its predecessor. We really rate the super-sticky rubber, and the all-round versatility. If you're after a performance shoe that can do a bit of everything, and manages the difficult balancing act between secure edging and sensitive/sticky smearing, it would be well worth a look.