La Sportiva Solution Review – Climbed & Tested

As a climber, you know that the right equipment can make all the difference. Regarding shoes, La Sportiva climbing shoes are some of the best you can buy on the market.

Today we'll look at one of their most popular models: La Sportiva Solution.

Climbed and tested by yours truly (and many famous climbers such as Adam Ondra and Tommy Caldwell), this shoe will give you the performance edge you need on your next climb.

Let's get into the La Sportiva Solution review...

The La Sportiva Solution Review - A Complete Climbing Shoe Review

La Sportiva first designed this shoe in 2007, and it has stayed virtually the same. In 2018, the company gave the shoe a facelift but thankfully retained the original performance dedicated fans adored from this versatile climbing shoe.

I am well acquainted with Solutions and some of the other La Sport climbing shoes.

I have used both the new and old versions for bouldering and rock climbing over several years, and I can confidently say that they are excellent products. There aren't many shoes that give you such a high level of performance in various moves and terrain - but the Solution is one of them.

Thirteen years ago, this shoe was designed to be the final solution for modern bouldering, and it still is today. A few of its features that help it continuously win are the neverending toe rand, aggressive last, and 3D heel cup--all of which will assist you in finally conquering those complex bouldering problems you've had your eye on.

These shoes aren't just for the bouldering/climbing gym either - you can get outside and explore with them! I've taken them on plenty of rock-climbing adventures. And with each trip, I have been more than surprised with their performance, even on more challenging routes, like the V8s and 9s I've been working on.

Not only does Sportiva Solutions provide an authentic climbing experience, but every pair of shoes is unique. Like all La Sportiva shoes, these are molded and sewn by hand in the heart of the Italian Alps. There's nothing like knowing a seasoned European climber has handcrafted your shoes. You can be confident they'll stand up to anything you put them through, even if you're not going to take my word on it.

And an additional thing; The old-school design also featured a marbled midsole, meaning that each shoe is entirely unique. Even though it won't assist with your climbing ability, it's pretty neat to distinguish your shoes from everyone else's.

Enough chit-chat about why I love this climbing shoe; let's get into the nitty-gritty with my La Sportiva Solution review so you can decide if it's the right choice for you...

The Toe Box

As you would expect from a high-performance bouldering shoe, the Solutions use an aggressively downturned last. This is supported by the La Sportiva P3 climbing shoes platform and helps the shoes retain their shape and edging ability. After using them for some time, you will notice two things about the Solutions:

1. The Solutions shoe's pointed toe is excellent at grabbing pockets, and you will quickly become a master boulder climber. The spoon-dip design of the sole fits perfectly between the ball of your foot and toes, something very few shoes can actually get right and boast about.
2. Secondly, it allows you to edge with much more precision than you've probably come to expect with an aggressive bouldering shoe. You will be able to stand on crimps that are so small that it will almost look like you're levitating from an onlooker's point of view.

The design of the toe rand is equally as impressive as the upper rand. The company’s logo is designed into the toe box, and while it looks great, it also works well for toe hooks and climbing cracks.

The Heel

The Solution's heel is exceptionally secure. The company decided to use a molded 3D heel cup, and I could not be happier with their decision. It looks and feels like half of a sticky bouncy ball, which perfectly gives you a secure fit no matter how big of a heel hook you try to pull off.

I have attempted many bouldering shoes, and most fail to provide stability when there is a lot of pressure on the heel. However, these shoes stay in place with tiny movement.

My only gripe: The design on the heel could be more sensitive, making technical heel hooks slightly easier to execute as a lot of rubber removes this sensitivity.

The Rubber

Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber is used in some of the best stickiest soles shoes. The Solution uses this same rubber, and I can attest to its excellence -it's practically like having sticky gloves for your feet!

The shoes are sticky but not too soft, which is ideal for edging ability and means you won't have to go to your local shoe re-soler every other month. The Solutions use 4mm of the XS Grip 2, which might not make them the most sensitive shoes on the market, but there’s still plenty of sensitivity - enough for your next climbing project.

You'll also notice the use of a split sole. This is a common design choice on many aggressive climbing shoes, as it helps with the flexibility of the sole and your ability to smear against the rock or artificial walls at your climbing gym.

How They Fit

The La Sportiva Solution climbing shoes are one of the best on the market, but they come at a heavy price tag. It's also no secret that they're not the most comfortable shoe in the world. Let's be honest with ourselves here; which bouldering shoe is?

Although it may seem daunting, the synthetic upper resembles an elasticated sock that will hug your foot snugly, meaning that the La Sportiva Solutions stretch to your feet, somewhat. This gives the shoe a pretty good fit on its own. In addition, the painted hook-and-loop harness system creates a snug fit every time you put on the Solution shoes.

However, these might be ideal for wide-footed climbers--the La Sportiva Women's Solution Offers a better fit for those with narrower feet; so if the La Sportiva Solution mens don't fit quite right, try them in a lady's size instead. The clever closure snakes around your foot and can be pulled tight or loosened in different areas. Be forewarned: it's common for this strap to wear down or snap over time.

Depending on your foot size and width, getting the perfect-fitting La Sportiva Solution could be rugged. The company is well-known for being difficult to find the right size. I myself had to downsize my Solutions by an entire US shoe size.

I would strongly suggest getting a couple of different sizes, seeing which one works best for you, and returning the pairs that don't quite fit you right. It’s also worth remembering they will stretch half a size once broken in.

Once you find the perfect size, these shoes will give you a great fit. It took me about 4 or 5 sessions until I felt I had broken the climbing shoe in correctly.

Value For Money

The Solution is worth checking out if you're looking for a top-of-the-line climbing shoe. With its premium price tag, you can expect superior design and materials that are above average in quality. So if they fit your feet well, it's probably money well spent!

The advantage of the Solution, as opposed to other, cheaper climbing shoes, is that they last much longer. You can resole these shoes multiple times, so you don't have to keep buying new ones every few months.

La Sportiva Solution vs Solution Comp

Now that you know all about the La Sportiva Solution, it's time to compare it to its cheaper counterpart: the La Sportiva Solution Comp.

The La Sportiva Solution Comp was created as a less expensive alternative to the La Sportiva Solutions. The biggest difference between the two shoes is the use of lower quality materials in the construction of the Solution Comp. La Sportiva cut corners to make a cheaper shoe, which means the shoes don't last as long and don't perform as well.

The La Sportiva Solution is the clear winner here. The La Sportiva Solution is the way to go if you're looking for a high-performing, durable bouldering shoe. However, if you're on a budget and willing to sacrifice some quality, the La Sportiva Solution Comp might be a good choice.

La Sportiva Solution Review - Verdict

The La Sportiva Solution is an excellent bouldering shoe for advanced and expert climbers. The design is beautiful, and the performance is top-notch.

While they're not the perfect shoe for everyone--they're uncomfortable and difficult to size--the Solutions offer some of the best features on the market. If you're willing to spend the money and find the perfect fit, these shoes will help you send your next project.

Why are La Sportiva Solutions So Popular?

Solutions climbing shoe is one of the most popular bouldering shoes on the market for a few reasons.

Firstly, they're incredibly well-made and offer excellent performance. Secondly, they're built to last, so you won't have to replace them as often as other shoes. Finally, they're relatively comfortable for a bouldering shoe.

Of course, they're not perfect. They're expensive, and it can be tough to find the right size. But if you're willing to invest in a high-quality pair of bouldering shoes, the La Sportiva Solution should be at the top of your list.

Are La Sportiva Solutions Stiff?

The La Sportiva Solution is a relatively stiff shoe, which is good for advanced and expert climbers who need precision and support when bouldering or climbing.

If you're new to the sport, you might find them uncomfortable and difficult to break in. But once you get used to them, they'll provide the support and stability you need to send your projects.

What Size of Sportiva Solutions Should I Get?

The La Sportiva Solution runs small, so it's important to size up when ordering a pair.

If you're unsure of your size, order a few different sizes and return the ones that don't fit. It's also worth remembering that they will stretch half a size once broken in.

How Long Do La Sportiva Solutions Last?

The La Solution is a durable shoe that can be resoled multiple times. With proper care, they should last you several years.

Of course, they're not indestructible, and you will eventually need to replace them. But if you take good care of them, you'll get your money's worth out of these shoes.

Do La Sportiva Solutions Stretch?

Yes, The La Sportiva Solution will stretch half a size once broken in.

This is normal for a bouldering shoe and allows them to mold to your feet for a better fit. However, buying them in the right size is essential, so they don't stretch too much and become too loose.

How Long Do La Sportiva Solutions Take To Break In?

It took me about 4 or 5 sessions to break my La Sportiva Solutions in correctly.

How Do You Break into a La Sportiva Solution?

The best way to break in a La Sportiva Solution is to wear them around the house for an hour or two.

You can also walk or climb on accessible routes to help them mold to your feet. Just be sure not to push yourself too hard--you don't want to injure yourself while breaking in your new shoes.

How Tight Should La Sportiva Solution's Be?

La Sportiva Solutions should be tight, but not too tight.

You want them to be snug enough that they don't slip off, but you should still be able to wiggle your toes. If they're too tight, you might have trouble breaking them incorrectly.

Are La Sportiva Shoes Good?

Yes, La Sportiva shoes are good. They're well-made and offer excellent performance.

Where Are La Sportiva Shoes Made?

La Sportiva shoes are made in Italy, and they have been making shoes in the same factory in Italy since they were founded in 1928.

Final Thoughts

The La Sportiva Solution is a great bouldering shoe for advanced and expert climbers. They're well-made, durable, and offer excellent performance. While they're not perfect, they're a good option for those willing to invest in a high-quality pair of shoes.

If you're looking for a new pair of bouldering shoes, hopefully, this La Sportiva Solution Review has helped you decide. Thanks for reading!

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