Doh. I placed my order at 13:30 after seeing nothing but good comments and then along come four dissenting voices.

Too late! The dye is cast and money spent :-(

I figured that the Heliums will be fine to start with, progressing from grade 1 scrambling to 2/3. I've got plenty of kit to buy so the budget price of £29 is too appealing.

I'll revisit this thread when I'm ready to replace the Heliums. I suppose the only thing is that if I try 'em on indoors and they don't fit or I don't like 'em I can send 'em back.

Thanks everyone. As and when I've tried them in anger I'll post back for other's reference.

The Heliums' soles aren't too soft, and you can stand on the edges if you really must although of course this will be easier if you are wearing a pair that fits.

I'd still say that if you're scrambling you shouldn't be standing on anything the size of a pea in any case so it shouldn't matter.

It's much more important that you get good purchase on large holds especially if the rock is polished or wet.

I bought a pair of five ten via ferrata's from rock and run. goretex xcr but they are not to bad. i wore tem straight away for 5 solid days scrambling including grade 3 and walking.

they have stealth rubber soles and performed brilliantly.

five ten incorporate rock shoe technology into their approach shoes.

i expect they should last about 1 - 2 years but i will look at similar ones in the future.

i'm a convert at walking as much in approach shoes and keeping boots for winter use.

good luck with the heliums.

simon