Tenaya Masai
Tenaya
Lace-up sibling of the Ra, optimised for maximum precision on micro-edges. The stiffest shoe in the Balance Pro line, with a full-length 2D PLT 10 midsole that channels every ounce of force to the asymmetric toe box. Infinitely adjustable lace closure ensures a secure fit for crack climbing and sustained vertical pitches. Vibram XS Grip 4mm rubber handles everything from granite crystals to polished limestone.
Best For
Best for sport climbing and bouldering on slab, vertical and overhang terrain. Aimed at intermediate to advanced climbers.
Strengths & Trade-offs
Strengths
- Board-stiff sole excels on micro-edges and tiny features
- Lace closure adjusts volume perfectly for crack climbing
- Vibram XS Grip 4mm lasts well on abrasive rock
- Asymmetric toe concentrates power for precise placements
- Handles the angle range you encounter on most routes
Trade-offs
- Stiff sole limits sensitivity on smearing and volumes
- Laces are slower to adjust between climbs than velcro
- Partial heel rubber limits heel-hooking confidence
Sizing & Fit
Size 0.5-1 below street size; minimal stretch. Narrow, low-volume fit - the lace closure fine-tunes width but wide feet should look elsewhere.
Fit profile: narrow width, low forefoot volume, medium heel, suits egyptian toe shapes.
Minimal stretch expected; minimal break-in; manufacturer suggests downsizing 0-1.5 EU from street size.
Stiffness
Measured stiffness: 0.61 on our 0-1 scale (0 = softest). Among moderately downturned shoes it sits between the La Sportiva Miura VS (0.56, softer) and the La Sportiva Katana (0.67, stiffer).
Specifications
| Brand | Tenaya |
| Model | Masai |
| Closure | Lace |
| Downturn | Moderate |
| Asymmetry | Slight |
| Rubber | Vibram XS Grip |
| Rubber Thickness | 4mm |
| Weight (pair) | 680g |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Kids | No |
Prices
| Retailer | Price |
|---|---|
| bergfreunde.de | 116.76 EUR |
| bergzeit.de | 118.40 EUR |
| rockrun.com | 121.33 EUR |
| oliunid.fr | 122.90 EUR |
| oliunid.es | 122.90 EUR |
| oliunid.it | 122.90 EUR |
| oliunid.de | 122.90 EUR |
| barrabes.com | 124.06 EUR |
| bananafingers.co.uk | 124.83 EUR |
| verticalextreme.de | 129.95 EUR |
| + 2 more retailers | |
Cheapest current offer: 116.76 EUR at bergfreunde.de, 17% below the 141.50 EUR list price. 12 shops currently stock it (116.76 to 136.99 EUR).