So iLL Athletic Bouldering 1
So iLL
Designed by Boris Bidjan Saberi, the Athletic Bouldering Shoe 1 is built upon and adapted to a hand shaped, downturned last, created by Fred Nicole. Features a Salomon Quicklace system, two-piece vegan microsuede upper, and proprietary rubber with a topographical-inspired toe patch. Built for aggressive bouldering with precision and style.
Best For
Best for sport climbing and bouldering on vertical and overhang terrain. Aimed at intermediate to advanced climbers.
Strengths & Trade-offs
Strengths
- Power when you need it, comfort when you don't
- Laces distribute pressure evenly over the top of the foot
- Stiff enough to edge, soft enough to smear
Trade-offs
- Won't soften and shape to your foot the way leather does
Sizing & Fit
Fit profile: medium width, standard forefoot volume, medium heel, suits egyptian toe shapes.
Minimal stretch expected; minimal break-in; manufacturer suggests downsizing -1.5-0 EU from street size.
Stiffness
Measured stiffness: 0.40 on our 0-1 scale (0 = softest). Among moderately downturned shoes it sits between the Scarpa Instinct VSR (0.38, softer) and the Boreal Crux (0.48, stiffer).
Specifications
| Brand | So iLL |
| Model | Athletic Bouldering 1 |
| Closure | Lace |
| Downturn | Moderate |
| Asymmetry | Strong |
| Rubber | So iLL Proprietary |
| Rubber Thickness | 3.5mm |
| Weight (pair) | 400g |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Kids | No |