Tenaya Inti is on duty!
As some of you already know, I've been publishing in-depth information about climbing shoes for years now.
After trying Tenaya's Aerial Plus line climbing shoes, I had a chance to use the two most popular climbing shoes of Tenaya's Balance Pro line.
And I thought that a post devoted specifically to Ra vs Inti would be helpful for most of you.
Before you start to read anything about these shoes, I'd highly recommend you to check out my Tenaya Iati vs Oasi and Tenaya Mundaka vs Iati posts if you're looking for more performance.
But, if you're climbing for a while (not a long time) and looking for climbing shoes that offer a bit of perfect balance of features, allowing you to reach great responsiveness in almost all types of climbing, and trying to level up, then go on.
Overview
As I said previously, both models belong to the Balance Pro line, which is known for versatility and great performance. Tenaya's designers were inspired by their Tenaya Ra model when they design the Inti.
Let's keep this in our mind and talk about these shoes according to this information because they have lots of similarities.
In short, the Tenaya Inti and Ra share many similarities, making them suitable for versatile use. Both models feature microfiber uppers with cotton lining, which makes them durable. To ensure excellent grip, they are equipped with a 4 mm thick Vibram XS Grip. BUT, I'd recommend you go with Tenaya Ra if you have a low-volume foot.
- Similarities:
- Both shoes feature microfibre upper, which provides great comfort for your shoes.
- They both come with Vibram XS Grip which is one of the most gripper rubber on the market. With 4 mm thickness, they also have some good durability.
- Both shoes utilize a fast lacing system which is velcro and allows for easy adjustments and quick on-off.
- Differences:
- When it comes to differences, the first three things that can be seen;
- Rigidity, sensitivity, and foot width.
- Tenaya Ra is more rigid than the Inti.
- Tenaya Inti is more sensitive than the Ra.
- You can find a litte more room at the heel cup when you're wearing the Inti.
- When it comes to differences, the first three things that can be seen;
- Performance:
- I'd say that Tenaya Ra is very good at multi-pitch, whereas Tenaya Ra is good at vertical faces and friction slabs.
Before comparing them in detail, you might also want to check Tenaya's own sizing guide.
Let's dive into it.
Rubber
Tenaya Ra comes with Vibram XS Grip
They both come with a 4 mm XS Grip. I want to talk about the additional topic of rubber because of ıts effect on shoes.
The XS Grip is a high-performance rubber compound designed to enhance your climbing experience on any rock surface.
With its semi-stiff nature, this material is utilized by lots of climbing shoe manufacturers, including Tenaya, La Sportiva, and Scarpa.
Also, over the years, the Vibram XS Grip has been the preferred choice of numerous professional climbers, such as Alex Megos and Adam Ondra.
There are two specific features of rubber:
- Thickness: The thickness of the rubber impact the characteristic and performance of the shoe. Especially, sensitivity and durability. The durability of climbing shoes increases, and sensitivity is decrease when the thickness is higher. The thicker rubber helps you when you're learning the footwork.
- Rubber compound: Both shoes come with XS Grip which is renowned for its exceptional balance of grip, edging performance, and durability, making it suitable for various climbing situations. It excels on small, challenging footholds in steep routes, friction slabs, and overhanging walls.
Both shoes use SXR Dynamics technology which increases the dynamic response of the shoe improving its ability to adapt to different rock shapes and greater precision and comfort.
Differences
Tenaya Inti is chilling
As I said at the beginning of this post, I'll evaluate three main differences which are;
- Rigidity
- Sensitivity
- Foot Width
Rigidity: Tenaya Ra is more rigid than the Inti. It is related to Tenaya Ra's midsole. Tenaya Inti's midsole is softer than Tenaya Ra.
Sensitivity: Because of the softer midsole, Tenaya Inti offers a more sensitive experience.
Foot width: Tenaya Inti offers a higher volume than the Tenaya Ra.
Finding perfect climbing shoes that perform easily in every territory or every style of climbing is impossible. We have to find out and analyze the shoes that we want to use.
Even the best climbers have more than one pair of shoes for different routes and types of rocks. Of course, they have a favorite one.
You can check the video below made by one of the best climbers of our age talking about the alchemy of climbing shoes.
Tenaya Inti Sizing
My street shoe is 42 EU, and I have wide feet. I went 41 EU with Tenaya Inti and it feels very comfy.
I recommend sizing a half-size to a full-size down from your regular climbing shoe size.
Go with 1.5-2 size down if you like tight. If you're looking for a bit of comfort you can go with 1 size down.
Tenaya Ra Sizing
I recommend sizing a half-size to a full-size down from your regular climbing shoe size.
Go with 1-1.5 size down if you like tight. If you're looking for a bit of comfort you can go with 0.5 sizes down.
Conclusion
Let's lay out their summarized review, tech specs, and pros & cons.
Ra
- Upper: Microfibre
- Closure System: Velcro
- Tongue: Integrated tongue
- Lining: TXT-treated cotton
- Insole: TST multi-layer Stretchtex
- Midsole: 2D PLT 10
- Sole: Vibram XS Grip 4 mm
- Weight: 340 gr.
The Tenaya Ra climbing shoes are designed with precision and technical climbing in mind. They have a synthetic upper, a cotton lining, and a Vibram XS Grip sole, known for its durability and ability to maintain grip on small edges. The shoe has a slightly downturned shape, providing a balance between sensitivity and edging performance.
Pros
Cons
Inti
- Upper: Microfibre
- Closure System: Velcro
- Tongue: Padded tongue
- Lining: TXT-treated cotton
- Insole: TST multi-layer Stretchtex
- Midsole: 2D PLT 10
- Sole: Vibram XS Grip 4 mm
- Weight: 340 gr.
The Tenaya Inti is designed as a versatile climbing shoe, suitable for various climbing styles including bouldering, sport, and traditional climbing. It features a synthetic upper, a microfiber lining, and a Vibram XS Grip sole, which provides excellent grip and performance. With a moderate downturn, the Inti offers a balance between comfort and performance.
