Black Diamond Enters ‘Performance Footwear’ With Approach, Lifestyle Shoes

Four new shoes mark Black Diamond’s entry into everyday footwear for both technical and casual pursuits.

From harnesses, cams, packs, and even tents, Black Diamond stands as one of the outdoors’ most recognizable gear brands. While its wares primarily center around projects at the crag, Black Diamond expanded its offerings today to suit new adventures.

Debuting in spring 2020, the Black Diamond performance footwear collection will include four new shoes in two categories: technical and lifestyle. The launch marks Black Diamond’s entry into everyday footwear suited for both rugged and casual use.

“Whether you are on a smash-and-grab ascent of the Grand Teton, scrambling 5.5 moves on a Flatiron before work, or stepping from a bouldering session at your local gym to the coffee shop or bar, we are launching four models for both men and women, each designed with a specific end-use in mind,” said Black Diamond senior footwear designer Dan Rowe.

Black Diamond ‘Performance Lifestyle’ Shoes

Most noteworthy for the Salt Lake City-based brand is its push into daily footwear. Dubbed the performance lifestyle line, these shoes target those looking for a comfortable, easy-to-wear shoe for urban life.

For gym climbers — or those who prefer not to reach down when they put on shoes — the Circuit boasts a collapsible heel for easy slip-on. It also has a knit upper for breathability, which is another nod to post-session, sweaty-foot gym climbers.

Meanwhile, the Session shoe has a stretch heel in place of a collapsible one. Both shoes have webbing loops for clipping to a pack or harness and utilize the brand’s new BlackLabel Street Rubber.

Black Diamond Approach Shoes

For Black Diamond faithful, the brand’s new line of technical performance shoes seems like a natural progression from its climbing origins. Both the Technician and Mission LT approach shoes use BlackLabel Mountain Rubber, which is a stickier option compared to the Street compound. The Circuit, Session, Mission LT, and Technician cost $100, $120, $140, and $135 respectively.

In addition, both shoes have a breathable knit upper, but they have different lacing setups. The Technician boasts a “precision-fit” design, while the Mission LT has a more traditional configuration.

The Mission LT also boasts a more aggressive tread pattern than its counterpart, but the brand claims both shoes provide precision edging and a compression fit.

We’ll get our first look at Black Diamond’s new shoes at Outdoor Retailer this month. There, we will put them to the test to see how the brand’s new offerings feel and perform, both around town and off-trail.