Evo Ascent

The Evo Ascent is built for winter travelers who value sheer durability over cushy trail comfort. Rather than relying on a tensioned fabric deck or tubular aluminum frame, this shoe uses a rigid, injection-molded plastic platform that easily withstands encounters with hidden granite, dense scrub oak, and jagged river ice. It is a workhorse engineered for alpine ascents, technical approaches, and rugged backcountry routes where gear failure is not an option.

On steep, refrozen pitches, the traction system delivers exceptional confidence. Full-length steel perimeter rails run along the bottom of the molded deck to prevent sidehill slippage, while the aggressive forward crampon digs hard into wind-crusted slabs. Flipping up the wire Televator heel lift immediately takes the strain off calves during extended climbing. The trade-off for this uncompromising grip is rigidity; on packed trails, the deck lacks flex and produces a loud, hollow clatter with every stride.

At 22 inches, the footprint is compact and lashes flat against a pack, making it a favorite for backcountry snowboarders and technical peak baggers. However, that smaller surface area means baseline flotation suffers in deep, unconsolidated powder. Carrying the optional modular flotation tails solves this, but adds weight. Compared to the lighter, full-perimeter Lightning Ascent, the Evo offers superior rock-strike resilience at a lower price point, sacrificing some suppleness for near-indestructible construction.