Mad Rock Villain HV
Mad Rock
The Villain HV is a stiff, aggressively downturned velcro shoe from Mad Rock for bouldering and sport climbing. Mad Rock lists it as medium-width with a medium heel.
Sharp aggressive downturn targets steep boulder problems and overhanging routes with precision power. Science Friction 3.0 with velcro closure and stiff feel creates reliable grip and responsive feedback. Versatile fit works across different climbing styles and foot shapes.
Best For
Best for bouldering and sport climbing on vertical, overhang and roof terrain. Aimed at advanced to elite climbers.
Among the 469 adult climbing shoes we track, the Villain HV ranks in the top 1% for pocket climbing, the top 1% for edging and the top 1% for support.
Strengths & Trade-offs
Villain HV strengths
- Aggressive curve puts force where it matters on steep climbs
- Strap design doesn't slow you down between attempts
- Supportive platform reduces toe fatigue on edging
Villain HV trade-offs
- Cramped toe box limits all-day comfort
- Static fit that doesn't adapt with wear
- Stiff platform sacrifices sensitivity for support
How the Villain HV fits
True to size with minimal stretching expected.
Fit profile: medium width, high forefoot volume, medium heel, suits egyptian, greek and roman toe shapes.
Minimal stretch expected; extended break-in.
How it fit climbers with your foot shape: fit reports from feet like yours.
Villain HV fit reports
1 scanned owner has reported how this shoe fits so far - not enough yet for a fit fingerprint; verdicts unlock at 5 owners. The reports come from climbers who measured their feet with the climbing-gear.com foot scanner and rated the fit of the shoes they own.
Stiffness
Measured stiffness: 0.84 on our 0-1 scale (0 = softest). It is among the stiffest aggressive shoes we track; the Unparallel Regulus (0.79) is a softer alternative in the same downturn class.
Villain HV specifications
| Brand | Mad Rock |
| Model | Villain HV |
| Closure | Velcro |
| Downturn | Aggressive |
| Asymmetry | Strong |
| Toe Patch | Full |
| Heel Rubber | Full |
| Ankle Protection | None |
| Midsole | Full |
| Midsole Stiffness | Hard |
| Rand | Tensioned |
| Upper Material | Synthetic |
| Weight (pair) | 480 g (16.9 oz) |
| Break-in | Extended |
| Rubber | Science Friction 3.0 (sole + toe) / Science Friction R2 (heel rand) |
| Rubber Thickness | 5.8mm |
| Rubber Hardness | Medium |
| Durability | Moderate |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Resoleable | No |
| Kids | No |
What the Villain HV costs
No shop in the EU pool lists the Villain HV in stock right now.
Similar Climbing Shoes
Prices, stock and owner fit data on this page update daily. You are welcome to cite these figures if you name climbing-gear.com and link to this page - see our data terms.