Mad Rock Villain LV
Mad Rock
The Villain LV is a stiff, aggressively downturned velcro shoe from Mad Rock for bouldering and sport climbing. Mad Rock lists it as narrow-width with a narrow heel.
The low-volume version of the Mad Rock Villain, Matt Fultz's powerhouse bouldering shoe, on a narrower LV last. Aggressive downturn, strong asymmetry, full toe and heel rubber and a stiff full-length midsole with Science Friction rubber deliver support and power on steep terrain. The high-volume version is the Villain HV.
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 LV ranks in the top 1% for pocket climbing, the top 1% for edging and the top 1% for support.
Strengths & Trade-offs
Villain LV 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 LV 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 LV fits
Low-volume (LV) last for slimmer feet. Aggressive performance fit; size per the standard Villain. The high-volume version is the Villain HV.
Fit profile: narrow width, low forefoot volume, narrow 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 LV 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 LV specifications
| Brand | Mad Rock |
| Model | Villain LV |
| 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 LV costs
No shop in the EU pool lists the Villain LV in stock right now.
Similar Climbing Shoes
- Mad Rock Drone 2 LV
- Unparallel Regulus LV
- Unparallel Flagship LV
- Evolv Phantom Pro LV
- Scarpa Boostic
- Five Ten Hiangle
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.