Simond Rock Review

The Simond Rock is an approach shoe designed to combine walking comfort with precision on the most technical terrain. The fit is snug yet sufficiently flexible, while the cushioning, stability, and sole construction allow you to tackle both extended approaches and sections where precise footing is essential. Rounding out the package is a waterproof construction (HDry membrane), which expands its range of use even in inclement weather.

Overall, it stands out as a versatile and well-rounded approach shoe, offering a particularly attractive balance between technical features and price.

Technical features of Simond Rock

• Vibram MegaGrip outsole with climbing zones
• Dual-density EVA midsole
• 1.8 mm suede upper
• All-around shock-absorbing band
• Waterproof and breathable HDry membrane
• Weight: 450 g, per shoe (size 41)
• Country of manufacture: China
• List price: €119,99

Test mode

I tested the Simond Rock boots from May through August in various settings and activities: approaches to crags and climbing routes in the Sarca Valley and surrounding areas, via ferratas around Lake Garda and in the Little Dolomites, and classic mountaineering trips in the Aurina Valley, where I also had the chance to use them on some snowfields.

To evaluate their performance during extended walks, I also used them on a five-day trek, averaging about 15 km per day. This was a deliberately more intense test on terrain less suited to the product’s intended use, designed to assess its comfort, cushioning, and performance over long distances.

Simond Rock on-site test

First Impressions

At first glance, the Simond Rock almost resembles a climbing shoe, especially because of its tapered shape around the big toe. When you pick it up, however, you immediately notice its solid, sturdy construction, which is well-protected all around the perimeter.

The fit around the foot is snug yet sufficiently soft, thanks in part to the suede leather upper. It only takes a few steps to notice one of the shoe’s most interesting features: the EVA insert in the heel area provides a good level of cushioning, which is particularly noticeable during approaches and especially on long descents after a climb.

Construction

The outer upper is made of 1.8 mm suede. The waterproof and breathable HDry® membrane is laminated to the inner side, applied in such a way as to eliminate any spaces where water can accumulate between the upper and the membrane.

The collar, tongue, and instep area forma continuous structure made of stretch fabric, which wraps around the foot like a sock and helps protect against the entry of water and debris.

Two loops, located on the collar and tongue, respectively, make it easier to slip your foot into the shoe.

Inside, there is a 4-mm removable insole.

A protective strip runs along the perimeter of the shoe, with a construction reminiscent of climbing shoes. When used on technical terrain, the Simond Rock shoes have proven to be stable, precise, and well-protected.

The heel area features a molded EVA insert, designed to cushion impacts and effectively enhance walking comfort, especially on long walks back home.

Outsole uses a Vibram® Megagrip compound with 3-mm-tall, multidirectional lugs. The tread pattern offers excellent traction on rock, even when wet, while performance drops slightly on soft, scree-covered, and muddy terrain.

Lacing

The lacing system extends very low down the forefoot and allows you to precisely adjust the fit in the forefoot area. This is a useful feature when tackling climbing sections, as it increases sensitivity and allows for better control over the placement of the toe on small footholds.

The laces run through fabric loops that help maintain tension. However, because they are tubular and elastic, the laces tend to loosen, so it is advisable to tie a double knot or tuck the excess lace under the lacing to prevent them from coming undone.

Walking Performance

Right from the very first outings, the Simond Rock boots proved to be particularly comfortable for walking, a characteristic also confirmed during a multi-day trek.

The EVA insert in the heel reduces the stiffness typical of an approach shoe, and even after many kilometers, I didn’t feel any particular fatigue in that area. All this without sacrificing good stability.

This balance between stability, precision, and comfort while walking is one of the shoe’s greatest strengths.

Climbing Performance

When climbing, the Simond Rock proved to be precise and grippy on the rock. The front part of the Vibram® Megagripsole features a climbing zone that improves contact with the rock and precision on footholds.

Whether to use an approach shoe for climbing obviously depends on the user’s skill level and the terrain. During the test, I tackled routes up to Grade IV on limestone and Grade III on granite with the Simond Rock, experiencing good traction, stability, and precision.

The rear loop serves a dual purpose: it makes it easier to put the harness on and allows you to attach your shoes to the harness when carrying it during a climb.

Waterproofing and Breathability

HDry® technology uses a process that laminates the membrane directly inside the upper to limit water buildup beneath it.

Despite a hot, dry summer, I was able to test its effectiveness on a via ferrata inside a canyon and during a roughly three-hour hike in the rain, keeping my feet completely dry in both cases.

I also repeated the static waterproofness test that I had previously used in the comparison of different membranes. The test involves weighing the dry shoe, submerging the front part in water while holding it in place with a weight, and leaving it in this condition for six hours.

At the end of the test, the weight had increased from 450 to just under 500 grams. After 13 hours of drying in the shade, at 27–28 °C, the shoe was completely dry and had returned to its initial weight. From this, I conclude that water permeated the leather, increasing the weight by about 11%, but that the absence of significant water accumulation between the membrane and the upper allowed the shoe to dry very quickly.

Even in real-world use, the result was positive: after three hours of walking in the rain, my foot remained dry. The most rigorous static test, however, revealed a minimal amount of moisture after six hours in water.

As for breathability, I can only give it a positive review: even on the hottest days of this sweltering summer, my feet never got sweaty.

Fit

The Simond Rock runs significantly larger than average for shoes in this category, and I recommend buying one size smaller. In fact, my usual size, 42, was too big, so I went with size 41. Given this, it’s advisable to try them on before purchasing.

In any case, the fit is particularly well-suited for feet with a medium-wide footbed.

Recommended for

The Simond Rock is a shoe designed for those who tackle long approaches, where walking comfort is just as important as precision on technical terrain.

Less aggressive than other models in terms of rock performance, it’s a solid choice for long, technical routes, where you climb but also do a lot of walking. It’s therefore excellent for high-altitude via ferratas covering significant distances.

It’s also an attractive option in terms of value for the money.