Boreal's Marduk

Boreal's MARDUK

Pic from Boreal webpage

Pic@ Ignacio Sandoval Burón.

Pic@ Ignacio Sandoval Burón.

Marduk is one of the three new models which the Spanish shoe company, Boreal, has released this year. A collection completed with the 'Dharma' and the 'Satori' (which will be presented shortly).

Even if this new collection is a big step forward for Boreal, you have to bear in mind that the Marduk is the most "average" one or, let's say, the less revolutionary out of the 3 new models. With a flat last at the front, a semi-asymmetric and a little bit downturned construction and quite a big arch, this one is similar to the convencional models and not like the new tendencies, i.e., not that aggressive.

Their main characteristic is their rigidness. Due to a special anti-deformation midsole this is a climbing shoe which doesn't bend much, thus the edging is guaranteed and vertical walls are a better playground for this tool. Two powerful velcros and a padded mess tongue are the closure system, which together with the 2-way tension system “V2Rand” allow for a good fit.

They've got a wide last at the front which provides our feet with extra comfort; something very interesting in multi-pitch climbing (one of the climbing disciplines at which this model might excel the most). 

The heel is a little bit lower than in most of the shoes out there nowadays. Still like the old Boreal models. The rubber band at the heel is narrow and not bulky at all, as if it had a little reinforcement all along the central area, which is more than enough for the usage these shoes have been conceived for (not exactly for bouldering).

The last but not least important detail is the rubber. Remember that Boreal is one of the very few manufacturers producing their own. Marduk comes with Zenith rubber, an outsole which they have been developing for several years in order to reach the same level as the best rubbers in the market. We've used these shoes for quite a few months in a lot of not exactly easy routes and we're super happy with how this rubber performed.

Summing up, we think they are '4 x 4' climbing shoes which, even if they are not super technical, do a good job in every circumstance, with comfort and stiffness as their main characteristics.

Pic@ Ignacio Sandoval Burón.