Unparallel climbing shoes put to the test

We put three models from the climbing shoe manufacturer Unparallel through their paces for you. We climbed the plastic and drove to Switzerland's sunniest area, Ticino. The focus was on the Flagship, Lyra and Leopard II models.

About two weeks ago we got you the Flagship presented in an article. But we not only tested the flagship from Unparallel on the rock for you, but also the two models Lyra and Leopard II. Which model is suitable for which climbing and in which size you should buy the shoes, you will find out in the latest product test by Action Talk TV.

Unparallel climbing shoes tested at Gear Talk

Readers from Germany and Austria can order climbing shoes from Unparallel here.

About the climbing shoe manufacturer Unparallel

In 2003, Sang Lee, a trained mechanical engineer, began making climbing shoes for Five Ten. Due to his expertise in the mixing and processing of rubber, his passion and his constant drive for improvement, it was not long before he also took over the entire development and production of the Californian brand.

But in 2011 the premature end came: The family company Five Ten was taken over by Adidas. Six years after the takeover, Adidas decided to close the branch in Redlands - and thus to end the cooperation with Sang Lee.

So Sang Lee decided to continue the production of climbing shoes in Southern California together with a small team.

But the ambitious Schumacher didn't want to give up: So Sang Lee decided to continue the production of climbing shoes in Southern California together with a small team. The Unparallel brand was born. Due to decades of experience in development and production as well as the networking in the climbing industry, it didn't take long for Unparallel to make a name for itself - and the climbing shoes to gain popularity in the scene.

While other brands are relocating their production overseas, Unparallel continues to manufacture their shoes in California.

Of course, Sang Lee and his team remain true to their philosophy: While other brands buy their soles and relocate production abroad, Unparallel continues to manufacture their shoes in Sang Lee's factory in Fullerton, California. All production steps are carried out at the California headquarters.

News

Jakob Schubert repeats “DNA” – the first confirmed 9c in climbing history

Hundreds of spectators watched as the Tyrolean climber clipped the anchor of Seb Bouin's "DNA" in the Verdon Gorge. With his live ascent, Schubert created a climbing moment that will go down in history – as the first repeat of a 9c route, currently the highest grade in sport climbing.

World Cups, World Championships & Olympic Qualification | World Climbing presents its 2027 season calendar

2027 will be an important year for competition – with qualification for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a World Championship in the Czech Republic and a full World Cup calendar in bouldering, lead, speed and para climbing.

Hard Sends: Sébastien Bouin on the first ascent of “Le Chant des Muses” (9b)

In April 2026, Bouin successfully completed his project "Le Chant des Muses" on the Romeyer Wall in the Drôme region. A film by Black Diamond shows the exceptional French climber behind the scenes and his journey to the successful ascent.

Silvan Schüpbach: New, wild climbing route in the Bernese Oberland

Silvan Schüpbach and Janluca Kostner have made the first complete free climb of "Untergang der Titanen" (8a) on the north face of the Gross Wellhorn. The 600-meter route in the Bernese Alps remains consistently difficult over its 20 pitches.

Jakob Schubert repeats “DNA” – the first confirmed 9c in climbing history

Hundreds of spectators watched as the Tyrolean climber clipped the anchor of Seb Bouin's "DNA" in the Verdon Gorge. With his live ascent, Schubert created a climbing moment that will go down in history – as the first repeat of a 9c route, currently the highest grade in sport climbing.

World Cups, World Championships & Olympic Qualification | World Climbing presents its 2027 season calendar

2027 will be an important year for competition – with qualification for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a World Championship in the Czech Republic and a full World Cup calendar in bouldering, lead, speed and para climbing.

Hard Sends: Sébastien Bouin on the first ascent of “Le Chant des Muses” (9b)

In April 2026, Bouin successfully completed his project "Le Chant des Muses" on the Romeyer Wall in the Drôme region. A film by Black Diamond shows the exceptional French climber behind the scenes and his journey to the successful ascent.