La Sportiva Solution -
The La Sportiva Solution Rock Shoe is a new shoe designed specifically for bouldering. The most innovative part of this bouldering shoe is it P3 (Permanent Power Platform) randing system that works in combination with the base of the foot to spread and maintain tension through time, keeping your shoe tight and performance based as you climb.
The upper of the shoe uses the Lock Harness System technology, which hugs the foot from the inside and uses the unique deep heel cups to ensure maximum flexibility when hooking on incuts, and overhangs. Finally the Fast Lacing System has the tongue elasticized which ensures optimal adjustment of the internal volume, keeping your foot in place as you aggressively use it on any problem you set your sights upon.
Midsole:
- 1.1 mm Laspoflex midsole (toe only)
Fit:
- Uniquely customizable closure system gives you the perfect fit every time
- Leather/synthetic leather uppers provide an accurate and secure fit
- The La Sportiva Solution rock shoes have molded heel cups that provide a precise fit for secure heel hooking
- Slip lasted PD75 fit with High Asymmetry
- The highly adjustable Fast Lacing System lets you tailor the quick closing hook and loop closure for a highly personalized fit.
- The Lock Harness System surrounds your foot and weds it to the upper for a perfect fit.
Fabric:
- Upper made of leather and Lorica materials
- Slip-lasted construction; PD80 last
Insulation:
- Cambered last gives the shoes a down-turned shape that performs well on overhung bouldering problems
- Wrapped in sticky Vibram XS Grip rubber and drastically down-turned
Manufactured:
- Made exclusively for bouldering
Features:
- Hooks, grabs, edges and smears on any feature you can find
- Figure 8 tension rand provides power for all your bouldering needs
- 1.1mm LaspoFlex (toe only) with P3
- HF in toe-box and arch area only
- All said and done, this shoe will let you climb harder.
- Sticky Vibram XS Grip2™ rubber soles supply incredible friction
- Fast Lacing System® can be adjusted to your liking; a single rip-and-stick tab on each shoe snugs up the laces
- Leather/Lorica® synthetic leather
- Patented Lock Harness System for secure heel hooking
- A patented P3 power platform retains the downturned shape of the shoe.
Appalachain Outdoors
Stick to the wall with these innovative shoes. The La Sportiva Solution sports a molded 3D heel cup and the patented P3 power platform which retains the down-turned shape of the shoe. The Vibram XS Grip2 sole on this high performance shoe hooks, grabs, edges and smears on anything you step on. The Solution's Lock Harness System and fast lacing system surrounds your foot and weds it to the upper for a perfect fit. Please give these shoes a try, they will allow you to climb harder.Moosejaw
The Men's Solution Climbing Shoe by La Sportiva is a high performance shoe purposely built to provide the solution for modern bouldering problems.
Zappos.com
Best In Gear award winner Rock and Ice.Editors Choice Climbing Magazine.
Product Design award 2006 International Forum Design.
A high performance climbing shoe purposely built to provide the solution for modern bouldering problems.
Best In Gear award winner Rock and Ice.
Editors Choice Climbing Magazine.
Product Design award 2006 International Forum Design.
Combination leather and Lorica® upper.
Slip Lasted construction.
PD80 last.
HF lining (toebox and arch area only).
Patent-pending P3 Performance Power Platform™ retains the downturned shape of the shoe.
Molded 3D heel cup for support.
Adjustable Fast Closure System for a precise fit.
Patent-pending Lock Harness™ for secure heel hooking.
1.1mm Laspoflex midsole (toe area only).
4mm Vibram® XS Grip rubber outsole.
Oregon Mountain Community
With the La Sportiva Solution you can solve virtually any boulder problem with remarkable ease. The Solution won't make you stronger, but it will let you stick to virtually any feature thanks to its P3 power platform which retains the downturned shape session after session, season after season.
Gearx
A revolutionary rock shoe developed specifically for bouldering. Winner of IF Design Product Award 2007 for its original design and the effective degree of innovation.
Whatever technical problem the rock presents, the Solution rock shoe gives you the support you need with the most innovative technology to overcome the boulder move. The upper uses Lock Harness System technology, which hugs the foot from the inside and combines with the unique deep heel-cups to ensure maximum flexibility when hooking, on incuts and overhangs.
The randing system P3 (Permanent Power Platform) is the active part of the shoe which gives it its versatility and works in synergy with the base of the foot to spread and maintain tension through time. The innovative Fast Lacing System combined with the tongue in elasticized fabric ensures optimal adjustment of the internal volume.
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
La Sportiva's Solution is a high-performance climbing shoe for modern bouldering problems. A radically down-turned velcro shoe locks your foot into the perfect position for grabbing holds, toe scumming and powerful edging. The figure 8 tension rand provides optimal power. Winner of Rock & Ice Magazine's 2008 Best in Gear Award.USOutdoor.com
Wrapped in sticky Vibram® XS Grip rubber and drastically down-turned, the Solution sports a molded 3D heel cup and the patented P3® power platform which retains the downturned shape of the shoe. This creates a shoe that hooks, grabs, edges and smears on any feature you can find. The Lock Harness System® surrounds your foot and weds it to the upper for a perfect fit. The highly adjustable Fast Lacing System® lets you tailor the quick closing hook and loop closure for a highly personalized fit. All said and done, this shoe will let you climb harder. A high performance shoe purposely built to provide the solution for modern bouldering problems.
Campsaver.com
La Sportiva's Solution ia a high performance shoe purposely built to provide the solution for modern bouldering problems.
Mountain Gear
Sure, you've got a new bouldering problem on your docket, but La Sportiva offers the perfect Solution - keep your foot in the ideal position for grabbing holds, toe scumming, and edging. Powerful and aggressively downturned, this snug-fitting and ultra-comfortable shoe will have you just looking for new problems to solve.
REI
The high-performance La Sportiva Solution rock shoes hook, grab, edge and smear to help you solve challenging bouldering problems.
Imported.
Campmor
The Solution is a high performance shoe purposely built to provide the solution for modern bouldering problems. A radically down-turned velcro shoe that locks your foot into the perfect position for grabbing holds, toe scumming and powerful edging. The figure 8 tension rand provides optimal power for all your bouldering needs. Patent pending Lock Harness and super-sticky heel cup outer rubber ensures secure heel hooking. Patent-pending P3® Permanent Power Platform retains the downturned shape of the shoe.
Average Price History:
| Activity: | Climbing |
|---|---|
| Average footwear weight (pair): | 1 lb. 2.2 oz. |
| Avg. Weight (Pair): | 1 lb. 1 oz. |
| COLOR: | White |
| CONSTRUCTION: | Slip Lasted |
| Can be resoled: | Yes |
| Closure: | Velcro |
| Fit: | Performance w/ High Asymmetry |
| Footwear closure: | Single-pull lace |
| IDEAL TERRAIN: | overhanging sport routes, bouldering, gym climbing and technical face climbing |
| LINING: | HF in toebox and arch area only |
| Last: | Slip-lasted |
| Last Shape: | Aggressively Downturned |
| Liner: | HF (toe-box and arch area only) |
| Liner Material: | HF (toe-box and arch area only) |
| MIDSOLE: | 1.1 mm Laspoflex (toe only) |
| Midsole Material: | 1.1mm LaspoFlex (toe only) |
| Outsole: | Vibram XS Grip rubber |
| SOLE: | HF in toebox and arch area only |
| Shape of last: | Cambered |
| Shoe Profile: | Aggressive Profile |
| Sole Material: | 4mm Vibram® XS Grip |
| Style: | Velcro |
| Upper: | Leather/Lorica synthetic leather |
| Upper Material: | Leather/ Lorica® |
| WEIGHT: | 8 oz / 210 g (average). |
Compare specifications to related products.
Subcategories of Climbing:
Related Categories:
- La Sportiva Men's Climbing Shoes
- Men's Climbing Shoes
- Everything from La Sportiva.
La Sportiva Solution Reviews:
Positive Reviews:
Solid bouldering shoe
I have only used the product for 3 sessions now and it is already broken in perfectly. The first two times were pretty brutal, but it's normal to have discomfort in the beginning. I went with a 42.5 (US 9.5). I wear a 10-10.5 street shoe and climb in a pair of La Sportiva Mythos for routes that are a 42 (US 9). The size is now perfect in the toe (though not comfortable) and the heel. The only sizing issue is in the upper because the strap does not draw tight enough. This has not affected performance, but if the shoe continues to stretch it could in the future. The "beak" (for lack of a better term) on the toe makes sticking feet easier, especially when pitched back, but comes at the price of general discomfort. The rubber wrapped around the toe and heel provides awesome grip and hooking and will ultimately make the shoe more durable in the long run. Overall, I gave it a 4/5 due to the price (I didn't see anything more expensive). I purchased the shoe for bouldering, what it is intended for, but for almost $160 it would be nice to not have to own/carry a second pair for routes. Additionally, EMS needs to reconsider policy/practice on selling high end shoes in stores. None of the EMS stores around here (Philadelphia/Central PA area) carry the product and trying it on first is crucial. I was able to find a local gym that had a pair (used) in order to get an idea of size. In the end I lucked out size wise, but if you want to sell high end shoes you have to start making them available in stores. Any item where fit is of upmost importance should not be a web exclusive.
This shoe IS the solution
Unbelievable performance and fit. This shoe redefines what perfect fit should mean. They feel like someone dipped your foot in rubber, then added a downturned toe and a soft lycra inner material and you would get the Solution. The feel is amazing, the fit is amazing, they are sensitive as all get out, the toe is like a talon to pull on tiny holds or point into pockets, and heel hooks are second nature. You can stand on your toes on nothing, they wrap around holds, smear, and the rubber is the stickiest I've ever climbed in, they stick to ANYTHING.
These shoes are made for bouldering, overhanging/roof, and regular climbing. The only thing they don't do absolutely amazing is climb on tiny dime edge foot holds. The toe box is the only stiff part of the shoe so edging is not there strong point, although they do that well, just not the best. They are meant to be climbed on with your toes, not the sides of the shoe.
Fit is about 1.5 too big. I wear a size 14 (47 euro) street shoe and got these in a 45.5. I wear a size 13 in Anasazi VCS's just for reference. At 45.5, they are very tight, but still comfy somehow, with only the small toes being crunched up. The big toe does not get crunched up that much, as that is how they are supposed to fit. Also, this shoe is for someone with narrow to normal feet as they are fairly narrow, but that just adds to there amazing fit.
These shoes are made for bouldering, overhanging/roof, and regular climbing. The only thing they don't do absolutely amazing is climb on tiny dime edge foot holds. The toe box is the only stiff part of the shoe so edging is not there strong point, although they do that well, just not the best. They are meant to be climbed on with your toes, not the sides of the shoe.
Fit is about 1.5 too big. I wear a size 14 (47 euro) street shoe and got these in a 45.5. I wear a size 13 in Anasazi VCS's just for reference. At 45.5, they are very tight, but still comfy somehow, with only the small toes being crunched up. The big toe does not get crunched up that much, as that is how they are supposed to fit. Also, this shoe is for someone with narrow to normal feet as they are fairly narrow, but that just adds to there amazing fit.
Stick to the walls
I boulder every other day at my local rock gym in these shoes, and couldn't be happier with my first climbing shoe purchase.
I bought these half a size too small (I'm a size 40 in comparable shoes like the Vibram Fivefingers, got these in a 39.5) and although they were uncomfortable for the first couple times I climbed, they stretched and fit perfectly after some good sessions.
I can wear these for a good hour and a half before I have to take them off for a little break. Surprisingly, they don't make my feet sweat! I have yet to see any real wear on the shoes, and the rubber is just as sticky as when I took them out of the box.
The only thing that may deter me from recommending these to a friend is if you know that you don't like the downturn the shoe has. This is not necessarily a con, just a reminder for people that have yet to wear a shoe like this. It is uncomfortable for me to walk on surfaces that don't have any give (concrete, wood) as my feet stay arched. If at all possible, try these shoes on before buying them.
With that said, the downturn in the shoe really helps you pull yourself towards the wall and helps you make those big reaches out of caves/roofs.
I bought these half a size too small (I'm a size 40 in comparable shoes like the Vibram Fivefingers, got these in a 39.5) and although they were uncomfortable for the first couple times I climbed, they stretched and fit perfectly after some good sessions.
I can wear these for a good hour and a half before I have to take them off for a little break. Surprisingly, they don't make my feet sweat! I have yet to see any real wear on the shoes, and the rubber is just as sticky as when I took them out of the box.
The only thing that may deter me from recommending these to a friend is if you know that you don't like the downturn the shoe has. This is not necessarily a con, just a reminder for people that have yet to wear a shoe like this. It is uncomfortable for me to walk on surfaces that don't have any give (concrete, wood) as my feet stay arched. If at all possible, try these shoes on before buying them.
With that said, the downturn in the shoe really helps you pull yourself towards the wall and helps you make those big reaches out of caves/roofs.
overhangs and bouldering
The Solution is an aggressive climbing shoe with the softer XS grip rubber which is stickier than the XS edge from the same manufacturer. Compared to the Miura it has a completely different heel that some people do not like as it is more padded and less sensitive. However if it fits you it will really improve your heel hooks. The fit is very comfortable considering it is an aggressive high performance shoe and allows for 1/2 a size smaller than the Miura or Miura VS which REI does not carry. The unique closure system is a single Velcro strap that works remarkably well and keeps your foot in place even on the hardest moves. Toe hooks are aided by the rubber surface on top of the toes. Probably the best modern aggressive climbing shoe that La Sportiva currently makes along with the Miura VS. Nevertheless due to the stickier rubber, it is also softer and edges a little less well and is less durable than the XS Edge rubber of the Miura VS. However it smears better than the Miura VS and if you like the heel and the toe it will allow you to climb harder. All in all an excellent shoe and without a doubt among the best shoes (with the Miura VS) in the market right now for bouldering and climbing that needs to maximize friction.
Buy It
I've been climbing/bouldering for about 15 years now and these shoes are the best I have ever used. I was steadfast on the anasazi from 5.10 as the best until I used these. I know the anasazi and solution are pretty different in design and concept but in terms of doing everything I need a shoe to do I thought the anasazi was as good as it got. I would only occasionally put them away on the smallest steep stuff and grab the miuras with a good downturn. But the solutions are just so direct. I have so much confidence in my feet when I wear them that they help my mental as much as my physical if not more. The bad part is that they are like tires on a super bike croch-rocket. A whole lot of rubber area but really only a very small part makes constant contact and gets the most wear. You can wear through the toe in no-time. So these shoes have been relegated to being worn only on projects and nemesis problems. So when you buy these you should be sure to have some real load haulers to play on most of the time to extend the life of these puppies.
Best Engineered Climbing Shoe
There are a number of different selling points for this shoe. The downturned toe is created by a cup in the sole of the shoe. This eliminates the space created by curling toes in flat-bottomed shoes making the soution a comfortable, air-tight fit. In turn you get more pull (as opposed to just push) from your toes and your feet will cut less, expecially on overhanging routes.
The soft yellow rubber heel cup, at Tiva calls it the 'power platform', molds to your foot so the shoe never comes off. This does cause the shoe to stretch a considerable amount when being broken in. Ideally, you want to buy this shoe small enough that you can barely get your foot into it new. The soft arch will stretch and form to your foot. Unlike most shoes, these shoes will continue to stretch throughout their entire lifetime. Makes for a comfy warmup shoe once you go through the rand.
The rubber on these shoes is sticky, rather thick, and will typically last a long time. You do loose some sensitivity here. The rubber on the hell cup is not well suited for technical heel hooks on small holds. (more a consequence of shape than rubber selection)
The soft yellow rubber heel cup, at Tiva calls it the 'power platform', molds to your foot so the shoe never comes off. This does cause the shoe to stretch a considerable amount when being broken in. Ideally, you want to buy this shoe small enough that you can barely get your foot into it new. The soft arch will stretch and form to your foot. Unlike most shoes, these shoes will continue to stretch throughout their entire lifetime. Makes for a comfy warmup shoe once you go through the rand.
The rubber on these shoes is sticky, rather thick, and will typically last a long time. You do loose some sensitivity here. The rubber on the hell cup is not well suited for technical heel hooks on small holds. (more a consequence of shape than rubber selection)
THE Solution
I recently bought a second pair of these from Rock Creek after I split through the toe on the first pair. (The first pair lasted me 9 months of climbing 3-4 days a week indoors and several outdoor trips.) These shoes are nothing short of fantastic, albeit pricey. The fit is so perfect they make a sucking noise when I take them off/on. They are not very comfortable to walk in as they are very aggressive, but my feet never hurt or feel cramped while climbing. These are a dream for bouldering and allow me to feel confident putting weight on the tiniest holds. There is rubber on top of the foot which makes for great toe hooks/bat hangs, and the heel is also wrapped for confident heel hooks. The shoes are real leather which keeps odor to a minimum. (Unlike my STINKvolves, which smelled so bad my friends would make me strap them to the roof rack when driving home from the crag!)
For size comparison, I wear a men's 10 in loafers/dress shoes and a 42.5 (~9.5)in these. They were very difficult to put on at first but after a few uses they slide on without issue.
For size comparison, I wear a men's 10 in loafers/dress shoes and a 42.5 (~9.5)in these. They were very difficult to put on at first but after a few uses they slide on without issue.
Great!!!
I had three or four people recommend these shoes to me. Once I got them I was super happy. My street shoe is a 45.5 but I sized these down all the way to a 39.5. I could have gone up half a size but they don't feel too tight. If you size them down that small it will take a day of stretching before the come one or off with any ease. Once they are on my feet the feel in Perfect! I have wide feet and would enjoy them to be a bit wider, but that is not a problem. The feel and climbing is so precise that while climbing in a gym, in a pinch I can use a bolt hole with my too for a split second. These shoes are no good if you will be climbing anything less that vertical, or for anything longer than one pitch at a time. Otherwise steep, steep, and steeper is the name of the game for these. Also the heal is perfect. I have never been able to pull my heal out of these at all.
super technical
I tested these shoes out for only one week in my search to find a more aggressive than my FiveTen Rouges. The Solution is definitely an aggressive shoe with an extreme down turned and pointed toe. a fantastic feature if you're mostly bouldering on steep to overhang walls, cutting your feet will never happen again with the Solutions. for this reason alone, they're worthy of four stars.
The lack of rubber along the mid sole provides great flexibility to the shoe and helps to keep the overall weight of the shoe down. I think it actually helps strengthen your feet as well.
unfortunately the shoes didn't work out for me and here's why: the extreme downturn and the shape of my foot created a pocket of air between my heel and the heel cup, making them really annoying to wear.
otherwise a fairly comfy and powerful shoe that can really boost climbing performance.
The lack of rubber along the mid sole provides great flexibility to the shoe and helps to keep the overall weight of the shoe down. I think it actually helps strengthen your feet as well.
unfortunately the shoes didn't work out for me and here's why: the extreme downturn and the shape of my foot created a pocket of air between my heel and the heel cup, making them really annoying to wear.
otherwise a fairly comfy and powerful shoe that can really boost climbing performance.
A great climbing shoe.
Living in Michigan without great outdoor climbing nearby, I mostly use these at the gym. Like any shoe, they're not going to make you a great climber. You have to do that yourself...yada, yada. However, these shoes allow you to do the things that a great climber must know how to do without limitation. The heel cup is the most secure I've ever felt when heel-hooking. For getting your toe into a tight hold on an overhang, this shoe is fantastic. Smearing is still possible, but I would say it's not what these shoes are designed for. These are aggressive shoes and they will be uncomfortable at first. Buy them small because they will stretch. I am a size 10 and I wear a European size 41 in these. That's around an 8.5 US. Overall, these are awesome when your climbs require the most out of your shoes.
Negative Reviews:
Time for the devil's advocate
Ok,I (for the most part)have no clue what anyone else is talking about. These shoes are great on crimps and smears and if thats all you climb go for it......I climb mainly on Texas limestone...lots of caves and overhangs, I stuff my feet in gnarly holes on a regular basis and these shoes won't go were any of my others will...just set them next to another shoe and see how thick the toe is, the point is good on tiny nubs for about a week till it wears out then all your left with is a fat toed shoe....and good luck heel hooking anything that is smaller than the door knob on the back of this shoe.....I broke my own rule and bought into the hype without actually knowing someone who owned these shoes.....thank god REI lets you take things that don't work out back...anyone that climbs knows that the shoes have to suit your style and the rock you are on to perfom best....these just weren't it for me....hope this helps and I wasn't to much of a buzz kill....climb safe and clean!
Highly aggressive blocks of wood
I tried these when they were first released because I had heard the hype and wanted to see what was up. At the time I was wearing Dragons and V10s and other aggressive 5.10s but was still using Katanas for my casual shoes. I loved the way these fit out of the box and was psyched to try them out. After at least 5 sessions in these I came to the conclusion that I would rather be wearing Dutch wooden shoes. I prefer a much more sensitive shoe and these offered very little sensitivity. I also hated the rubber used on the heel cups. Why they couldn't have wrapped them in standard climbing rubber I don't know but the super hard rubber on these heels was not to my taste at all. I really wanted to like these but I just couldn't get into them.
Neutral Reviews:
Doesn't hold up to a beating
The shoe was great for about a month, then things started falling apart. First, the mesh upper that has a soft, sock-like feel to it started ripping up. This happened on both shoes and just made it a little awkward to get them on. While the rubber held up pretty well and was extremely sticky, the strap connected to the pull tab on one shoe actually snapped in half when I was putting the shoe on. This was after only 3 months of use. I was pretty bummed and fixed it by tying a knot near one of the metal eyelets so I could still wear the shoes, but it ended up ripping out the metal part too (all in about a 30 minute timeframe). I returned the shoes and got a full refund. So, the bottom line is you have to be gentle with these shoes. The rubber quality is superb, but the heel may take getting used to since it is very stiff. And, don't pull too hard when you're putting them on!
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