Hi, I was just wondering what shoe size you recommend for the Merlin, the shoe i'm looking to buy. I wear an 11 in street shoes. Thanks!

Colby,

I would go down a half size from street for a snug fit and a full size for a tight fit. they will stretch out about a half size after they break in.

I hope this helps!

Good climbing, JB read more...
Colby Briggs: Rigby, Idaho

I just got a pair of Legends in 9 1/2. They are pretty snug and on my 1st long route in them they were a bit painful. I figure they just need to stretch a bit since I am a perfect 9 1/2 in street shoes. Any tips on speeding up the stretching/break-in process? In spite of the little pain, these things edged and smeared in places my old shoes (mythos) would have blown for sure. Great shoe!

Tim,

Yes, breaking in the Legend takes a little longer than a lot of other unlined leather shoes. Keep in mind that the uppers of many shoes are unlined 1.8 mm split-hide leather. read more...
Tim: Wheat Ridge, CO

What does Acopa mean? Where'd you get the name and what's the story behind this company that makes some sickly great shoes amigo?

Ron,

Thanks for the question.

Acopa is an Aztec (Nahuatl) word which means "up" or "upwards" !

Interesting, eh?

Good climbing, John read more...
ron gomez: fallbrook,ca

Hi John, I've been in mythos forever (gone through 3 pairs). I climb mostly trad, though some sport & gym climbing too. I have a wide foot, a pretty mellow arch. It seems like the Aztec would be the best all around model, though the JBs and Spectres have also been recommended. What would you suggest?

Jenn, I think I would agree with you - try out the Aztec. It is a little bit stiffer than the other shoe you mentioned and will last a lot longer. It is a great shoe for all that you have mentioned - from trad to sport to gym even. read more...
Jenn: Berkeley, CA

What would you suggest for over hanging sport climbs, finger and hand cracks, slab and edging. A stiff all day shoe is what I'm looking for. I have Mortons Foot also. Thanks.

Freddy,

I would get the Legend. It can handle all types of moves from the dreaded "dime edge" to off width. If you're gonna climb hand and fist all day the Legend will save your feet compared to softer shoes. read more...
Freddy: Charlotte

John, I'm looking for a shoe that is stiffer than the Barracudas (which I have in a size 43.5) but still precise. I recently developed a joint problem in my right big toe, which is the reason I need to switch. I will be using these shoes on long 5.10/5.11 climbs in the Black Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, and at Lumpy Ridge. I'm leaning towards the Legend, but was wondering if there might be a shoe better suited in your line-up? Thanks! Doug

Doug, Yes indeed, the Legend would be my suggestion. They edge great and they will save your feet on long hand and fist cracks. Very comfortable and precise as well. read more...
Doug: Fort Collins, CO

john, Long time Mythos user on trad up to gentlemen 5.11. Climb mostly colorado: Eldorado canyon, South platte, Lumpy ridge. cracks, face slabs, its all good. I like shoes to be comfortable. Is the Aztec the best all round choice ? I am not very strong and rely on foot work. jg

jg,

Yes indeed, I would have to recommend the Aztec for what you are doing. They are a wee bit stiffer than the other shoe but they will break in very nicely and will work well for all the climbing you mentioned.

I hope this helps out - email me direct if you have more questions. read more...
jg: denver colorado

hey there JB, not sure if you got my question so i'll try again. i own 2 pairs of spectre's; one pair size(10.5) which are snug,comfy and fit like a glove are on the way to the rubber room and the other pair size (10) which are new, tight and a bit painful are being used now. i want to try the merlin, what are your thoughts on sizing for these shoes for me? oh yeah i think the acopa brand is the best!!!! keep on keep'n on John.......

Steve,

Thanks for the compliments.

Merlin eh?  Good choice. I'd say the Merlin will feel a quarter size bigger per size than the Spectre. read more...
steve:

Hi John, I was looking at your crack/trad shoes; the Aztec, Legend, and JB. I'm having trouble telling the differences between them. They all seem to be described as excellent at jamming AND on thin edges. Obviously the JB will be the most useful of the 3 in OW, but could you elaborate on some of the other differnces, or in what situations one shoe would be preferable over the others? Thanks a ton, you rock!

Cory,
Thanks for the inquiry.

Let's start with what is stiffest. The JB is the stiffest for sure followed by the Legend in a close second. read more...
Cory: LA, CA, USA

John, I'm looking at the Aztecs for a good all-around shoe. I climb mostly sport but I also boulder from time to time and climb on a tiny bouldering wall at the campus rec center. I'm not a great climber and unfortunately, being in school, don't get out to the crag as often as I would like (see: Location) Would the Aztecs do the trick and do you have any other suggestions? Also, how do these size? I like snug shoes but not painful (except maybe while they are breaking in). I've worn unlined, lace-up Sportivas in a 10.5 and my street shoes is a 12. Thanks a bunch.

Ryan,
Good questions, thanks. Ryan, I think you should get some Aztecs. The things are gonna' seem stiff at first, like most shoes, but they will break in and get softer and more sensitive, and more precise. read more...
Ryan Wilson: Memphis, TN, USA

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