Much of Red Chili's success has been in the design philosophy behind their rock shoes. And this has always been to have shoes designed by climbers for climbers. And although these climbers have included the likes of Stefan Glowacz and Ben Moon, this has not meant that these shoes are limited to those at the extreme ends of the climbing spectrum. Red Chili also pools knowledge from a wider range of climber to make sure that there is a variety of shoes for all climbers to have a valid choice. Tuning The Shoes
These climbers that have influenced the designs have always a tried to identify a concept with a 'real climber' and to 'tune' the shoes accordingly. For instance, we know that velcro shoes are bought more by boulderers and wall climbers: therefore they can be tuned better to those activities. For example, maybe they can be designed to be a bit sharper and tighter over the toe. because as they will be taken on and off more the extra tightness that makes the toes go numb will not matter so much.
From this we could tune a lace up version slightly differently, to suit the guys and gals who will be wearing them longer on multi-pitch routes perhaps. A great example of this is in the slightly sharper toe shape on the Impact Zone VCR compared to the Lace-Up version.... Range Size
Also, Red Chili is proud that the range of shoes offered has never been allowed to extend to become so big that there are 'random' elements to it. Each shoe we sell has to have a function, a climber it's aimed at, and a place in the range. So within this concise range each shoe is designed to have a major aim but to then overlap across a broader range of styles. And if a shoe is not successful we will try to analyze why, and implement removing any of the perceived problems from the next shoe...a great example here is the Voodoo, which, although it was great shoe it was too radical for many climbers. So we have taken the successful elements: precision, low volume, good heel, and blended them into a shoe which will be equally good at climbing but will have more 'climbability' built in, with an easier fit and simpler lacing. This shoe is the Corona VCR, a superb 'top-end' all rounder with the bite and precision needed to help you send the hardest problems and routes in super quick time. Unique Features
Red Chili also try to incorporate new and innovative features into their shoes, and features which make life easier for climbers of all grades. A great example of this is the Impact Zone concept where a neat wedge of high density foam is hidden to create a more comfortable heel for falls or descents. Designed at a Red Chili brainstorm meeting it perfectly fitted the brief of getting more features and comfort to a wide variety of climbers, but without ruining the lines and performance of the shoes involved. With this concept established we can then design shoes around, and so we have it a VCR and a Lace-up that capture two parts of the market: hardcore and more all-around, giving boulderers and all dayers a great solution for adding comfort but without sacrificing performance. Click here to see the Impact Zone concept... Click here to buy Red Chili shoes now Click here to download the 2007 Red Chili Workbook | 
