Our verdict
Climbers looking for a do-it-all shoe may find the Tenaya Masai fascinating. It handles various types of terrain confidently, feels well balanced, and renders ground sensitivity. It is also warmly received for its readiness out of the box and edging performance.
Pros
- Comfortable climbing shoe
- Easy to wear
- Zero break-in period
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- Easy to wear
- No-stretch upper
- Superb fit
Cons
- Add a product
- Poor heel-hooking ability
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Rubber becomes less sticky after a few months of use:
- Prefer a climbing shoe that provides high performance when sport climbing on light projects and overhangs.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that offers a comfortable feel, thanks to its synthetic upper with a TXT-treated cotton lining.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that gives wearers responsiveness and precision.
The Tenaya Masai's profile
Downturn. The Tenaya Masai has a moderate downturn. This slight curvature allows climbers to succeed in every send, regardless of the terrain type.
Applications. This all-around Tenaya rock shoe is ideal for multi-pitch trad routes. It works in extreme bouldering, sport, and trad climbing.
Fit
This Tenaya offering is a unisex rock climbing shoe. It has a lace-up closure that helps in fit customization.
Masai is shaped using a narrower and more asymmetrical last. Its heel has a low volume that yields a snug fit at the rearfoot. Additionally, the shoe’s lining keeps stretch at a minimum.
Scarpa’s Force V
Tenaya Masai uses a Vibram XS Grip outsole. Its 4 mm thickness renders ground adherence on various rock surfaces. It works in both warm and cold temperatures.
Top 7% in
Featuring a 2D PLT 10 midsole, Tenaya’s Masai renders underfoot support and comfort. It is topped with a TST multi-layer Stretchtex insole, enhancing performance.
Responsive cushioning
Tenaya equipped this climbing gear with its very own SXR Dynamics. This feature makes the shoe more responsive. It also helps enhance power and precision.
Durable
The upper of this vegan-friendly rock climbing shoe is made of microfiber and its interior is lined with TXT-treated cotton. Together, this combination of materials helps promote comfort. A sturdy rubber rand wraps the base of the upper, rendering a more durable look.
Excellent smearing performance
The gear’s closure system employs a round lace that passes through nine sets of punched eyelets. The pull tabs placed at the back of the shoe assist in a convenient on and off.
Our 1st pick in
The Masai and Oasi are shoes built by Tenaya for different climbing disciplines. Shown below are some of the characteristics that set these two Tenaya offerings apart.
Downturn. The Tenaya Oasi sports an aggressive downturn. This kind of shoe shape grants precision for senders who need a secure foothold on tiny nubbins and micro edges. On the other hand, Masai’s moderate downturn offers optimum performance without sacrificing comfort.
Application. Tenaya designed the Oasi as a rock climbing shoe for vertical and overhanging routes. It can also be used for bouldering sessions. Meanwhile, the Masai is an all-rounder that can be used for trad, sport, and bouldering climbs.
Upper. Both the Oasi and the Masai feature a vegan-friendly microfiber upper with a TXT-treated cotton lining that limits stretch and creates a comfortable in-shoe environment.
Midsole. Both the Oasi and the Masai are equipped with a TST multi-layer Stretchtex insole for added comfort underfoot. The former, however, features a midsole made of GI 1.8 and TST 150 while the latter features a 2D PLT 10 midsole.
Outsole. While the two rock shoes are equipped with a Vibram XS Grip outsole, when it comes to thickness, the Masai wins by 0.5mm. Both provide friction on virtually all types of rock surfaces. The Masai, however, works in both warm and cold temperatures.
Additional Info
- Individuals looking for a beginner-friendly rock shoe may look at La Sportiva’s Tarantula and Scarpa’s Force V.
