La Sportiva Skwama Vs Python
Introduction
When it comes to rock climbing shoes, La Sportiva and Python are two of the most renowned brands on the market. Both brands have long-standing histories of providing quality climbing shoes and making sure that the shoes stand up to the rigorous demands of the sport.
To help climbers choose between the two brands, this article will compare the features of the La Sportiva Skwama and the Python. Both shoes are popular among climbers, but each shoe has its own unique features and advantages.
In the following comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the fit, type of climbing, sole stiffness, shape, closure system, materials, price, personal preference, toe box shape, heel cup, weight, and level of ventilation of both the La Sportiva Skwama and Python.
Here is a comparison table of the two shoes:
| Feature | La Sportiva Skwama | Python |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Medium to low | Medium |
| Type of Climbing | Bouldering and sport climbing | Sport climbing and edging |
| Sole Stiffness | Medium | Medium-stiff |
| Shape | Rounded toe box | Asymmetric, downturned last |
| Closure System | Lacing | Lacing |
| Materials | Vibram XS Edge rubber | Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber |
| Price | Mid-range | Premium |
| Personal Preference | Climbers prefer the fit and sensitivity of the Skwama | Climbers prefer the stability of the Python |
| Toe Box Shape | Aggressively downturned | Asymmetric, downturned last |
| Heel Cup | Slightly downturned | Asymmetric, downturned last |
| Weight | 310 g per pair | 290 g per pair |
| Level of Ventilation | Low | Low |
Fit
The La Sportiva Skwama offers a medium to low fit, which is ideal for those who prefer a snug fit that wraps around the foot. The shoe is designed with an aggressive downturned toe box, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. The Python, on the other hand, offers a medium fit, which is great for those looking for a classic shape with a bit of extra room in the toe box. The Python is designed with an asymmetrical, downturned last, providing plenty of support and stability.
In terms of fit, the Skwama is the better choice for climbers looking for a snug, secure fit, while the Python is ideal for those who prefer a bit of extra room in the toe box.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Skwama is designed for bouldering and sport climbing, allowing for maximum precision and performance on steep, overhanging routes. The Python, on the other hand, is designed for sport climbing and edging and is best suited for technical face climbing and long routes.
When it comes to type of climbing, the Skwama is the clear winner for those looking for a shoe specifically designed for steep, overhanging routes. The Python, on the other hand, is great for those looking for a shoe that can handle technical face climbing and long routes.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Skwama is designed with a medium sole stiffness, providing the right balance of flexibility and support. The Python, on the other hand, is designed with a medium-stiff sole, providing excellent support while still allowing some flexibility.
In terms of sole stiffness, both shoes offer a good balance between flexibility and support. The Skwama is slightly more flexible, while the Python is slightly more supportive.
Shape
The La Sportiva Skwama is designed with a rounded toe box, allowing for maximum precision on steep routes. The Python, on the other hand, is designed with an asymmetrical, downturned last, providing excellent support and stability on technical face climbs.
When it comes to shape, the Skwama is better suited for steep routes, while the Python is better suited for technical face climbing.
Closure System
Both the La Sportiva Skwama and Python feature a lacing closure system, allowing for a secure and personalized fit. The Skwama, however, also features a pull tab on the heel for easy on and off.
In terms of closure system, both shoes offer a secure and personalized fit, but the Skwama’s pull tab makes it slightly easier to take on and off.
Materials
The La Sportiva Skwama is designed with Vibram XS Edge rubber, providing maximum grip and durability on steep routes. The Python, on the other hand, is designed with Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber, providing excellent durability and grip on technical face climbs.
In terms of materials, both shoes offer excellent grip and durability. The Skwama is slightly better for steep routes, while the Python is slightly better for technical face climbing.
Price
The La Sportiva Skwama is priced in the mid-range, making it an affordable option for climbers of all budgets. The Python, on the other hand, is priced in the premium range, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a high-performance shoe.In terms of price, the Skwama is the better option for those looking for an affordable shoe, while the Python is ideal for those looking for a high-performance shoe.
Personal Preference
When it comes to personal preference, it’s a matter of taste. Climbers generally prefer the fit and sensitivity of the Skwama, while others prefer the stability of the Python. It largely depends on the type of climbing and the individual’s personal preference.
Toe Box Shape
The La Sportiva Skwama features an aggressively downturned toe box, providing maximum precision on steep routes. The Python, on the other hand, is designed with an asymmetrical, downturned last, providing excellent support and stability on technical face climbs.
In terms of toe box shape, the Skwama is ideal for steep routes, while the Python is ideal for technical face climbing.
Heel Cup
The La Sportiva Skwama has a slightly downturned heel cup, providing a secure fit while still allowing some flexibility. The Python, on the other hand, is designed with an asymmetrical, downturned last, providing excellent support and stability on technical face climbs.
In terms of heel cup, both shoes offer excellent support and stability. The Skwama is slightly more flexible, while the Python is slightly more supportive.
Weight
The La Sportiva Skwama weighs in at 310 g per pair, making it slightly heavier than the Python, which weighs in at 290 g per pair.
In terms of weight, the Python is the lighter of the two shoes.
Level of Ventilation
Both the La Sportiva Skwama and Python feature a low level of ventilation, making them well-suited for hot summer days.
In terms of ventilation, both shoes offer a low level of breathability, making them well-suited for hot summer days.
La Sportiva Skwama vs Python: Comparison
The La Sportiva Skwama and Python are both popular among climbers, but each shoe has its own unique features and advantages.
The Skwama is designed with a medium to low fit, making it ideal for those looking for a snug fit. It is also designed for bouldering and sport climbing, features a medium sole stiffness, and is made with Vibram XS Edge rubber. The Python, on the other hand, offers a medium fit, is designed for sport climbing and edging, features a medium-stiff sole, and is made with Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber.
In terms of price, the Skwama is in the mid-range, while the Python is in the premium range. In terms of weight, the Python is the lighter of the two shoes.
In the end, it largely comes down to personal preference. Climbers generally prefer the fit and sensitivity of the Skwama, while others prefer the stability of the Python.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between the La Sportiva Skwama or the Python, it depends on the climber’s individual needs and preferences. The Skwama is designed with a medium to low fit, making it ideal for those looking for a snug fit, while the Python offers a medium fit, making it great for those looking for a bit of extra room in the toe box. The Skwama is also designed for bouldering and sport climbing, features a medium sole stiffness, and is made with Vibram XS Edge rubber, while the Python is designed for sport climbing and edging, features a medium-stiff sole, and is made with Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber.
In terms of price, the Skwama is in the mid-range, while the Python is in the premium range. In terms of weight, the Python is the lighter of the two shoes. Ultimately, it largely comes down to personal preference, as climbers generally prefer the fit and sensitivity of the Skwama, while others prefer the stability of the Python.
Both the La Sportiva Skwama and Python are excellent choices for climbers of all levels, and each shoe offers its own unique features and advantages. No matter which shoe you choose, you can rest assured that you will be getting a high-quality,