La Sportiva Skwama Vs Solution
La Sportiva Skwama vs Solution – A Climbing Shoe Comparison
The world of rock climbing is full of different types of climbing shoes. La Sportiva is one of the most popular brands out there in the market with a wide range of climbing shoes from beginner level to advanced level climbers. Two of their most popular shoes are the La Sportiva Skwama and the La Sportiva Solution. In this article, we will be doing a comparison between the two in terms of fit, type of climbing, sole stiffness, shape, closure system, materials, price, personal preference, toe box shape, heel cup, weight and level of ventilation.
Comparison Table
| Feature | La Sportiva Skwama | La Sportiva Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Snug | Relaxed |
| Type of Climbing | Technical | Easier |
| Sole Stiffness | 4.5/10 | 3.5/10 |
| Shape | Downturned | Relaxed |
| Closure System | Single Strap/ 2 Velcro | Single Strap/ 2 Velcro |
| Materials | Microfiber/S-Tech | Lorica/S-Tech |
| Price | $150 USD | $130 USD |
| Toe Box Shape | Downturned | Relaxed |
| Heel Cup | Aggressive | Relaxed |
| Weight | 9.3 oz | 9.7 oz |
| Level of Ventilation | Good | Good |
Fit
The La Sportiva Skwama is built with a snug, form-fitting shape, while the La Sportiva Solution has a slightly more relaxed fit. Both shoes also feature a slip-lasted construction that make them flexible and comfortable on the feet. The fit of both shoes is also adjustable with the help of the closure system.
The Skwama has a slightly more secure fit due to its form-fitting shape while the Solution has a slightly more relaxed fit due to its relaxed shape. In terms of comfort, both shoes offer great comfort, but the Skwama offers slightly more comfort due to its form-fitting shape.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Skwama is designed for technical bouldering and sport climbing, with a slightly downturned and asymmetric shape, a slightly stiffer midsole and a stickier rubber sole. The La Sportiva Solution, however, is more suitable for edging and smearing, with a slightly more relaxed shape, a softer midsole and a less sticky rubber sole.
The Skwama is great for more technical routes, while the Solution is more suitable for easier routes. Both shoes are also very capable on slightly overhanging routes and can be used for all-around climbing.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Skwama has a slightly stiffer midsole than the La Sportiva Solution, providing more support and power while edging. On the other hand, the Solution has a slightly softer midsole, making it more suitable for smearing.
The Skwama has a 4.5 out of 10 rating on sole stiffness, while the Solution has a 3.5 out of 10 rating. This means that the Skwama provides more support and power on edges and overhangs, while the Solution is better suited for smearing.
Shape
The La Sportiva Skwama has a slightly downturned and asymmetric shape, while the La Sportiva Solution has a slightly more relaxed shape. The Skwama is designed for technical climbing, while the Solution is more suitable for edging and smearing.
The shape of the Skwama is more aggressive, making it more suitable for overhanging routes. The shape of the Solution is more relaxed, making it more suitable for easier routes.
Closure System
The La Sportiva Skwama and La Sportiva Solution both feature the same closure system – a single strap for the instep and two Velcro straps for the forefoot. The single strap on the instep ensures a secure fit and the two Velcro straps on the forefoot allow for a more adjustable fit.
The closure system on both shoes is very easy to use and provide a secure fit. The single strap on the instep helps to keep the foot in place, while the two Velcro straps on the forefoot allow for a more adjustable fit.
Materials
The La Sportiva Skwama and La Sportiva Solution are both made from leather and synthetic materials. The Skwama has a combination of Microfiber and S-Tech materials, while the Solution has a combination of Lorica and S-Tech materials.
The Skwama is more breathable and lightweight due to its Microfiber material, while the Solution is slightly more durable due to its Lorica material. The S-Tech material on both shoes ensures abrasion resistance and long-lasting performance.
Price
The La Sportiva Skwama and La Sportiva Solution both have a similar price point, with the Skwama being slightly more expensive than the Solution. The Skwama is slightly more expensive due to its more technical design, while the Solution is slightly less expensive due to its more relaxed shape.The Skwama retails for around $150 USD, while the Solution retails for around $130 USD. Both shoes offer great value for the money and are designed to last.
Personal Preference
When it comes to choosing between the La Sportiva Skwama and La Sportiva Solution, it really comes down to personal preference. Both shoes offer great performance, but it really depends on the type of climbing you prefer.
The Skwama is more suitable for technical routes, while the Solution is more suitable for easier routes. If you are looking for a shoe that can do it all, then the Solution might be the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for you.
Toe Box Shape
The La Sportiva Skwama has a slightly downturned and asymmetric toe box shape, while the La Sportiva Solution has a slightly more relaxed toe box shape. The Skwama has a slightly more aggressive toe box shape, making it more suitable for technical routes, while the Solution has a slightly more relaxed toe box shape, making it more suitable for easier routes.
The toe box shape of both shoes makes them comfortable and secure on the feet. The Skwama’s more aggressive toe box shape allows for more power and precision when edging, while the Solution’s more relaxed toe box shape makes it more suitable for smearing.
Heel Cup
The La Sportiva Skwama and La Sportiva Solution both feature a heel cup. The Skwama has a slightly more aggressive heel cup that offers more support and precision when edging, while the Solution has a slightly more relaxed heel cup that is more suitable for smearing.
The heel cup on both shoes is designed to provide comfort and support on the heel. The Skwama’s heel cup is slightly more aggressive and provides more stability when edging, while the Solution’s heel cup is more relaxed and provides more comfort when smearing.
Weight
The La Sportiva Skwama weighs in at 9.3 ounces, while the La Sportiva Solution weighs in at 9.7 ounces. The Skwama is slightly lighter due to its more technical design, while the Solution is slightly heavier due to its more relaxed shape.
The weight difference between the two shoes is minimal, but the Skwama does have a slight edge. The slightly lighter weight of the Skwama can make a difference for more demanding routes, where every ounce counts.
Level of Ventilation
The La Sportiva Skwama and La Sportiva Solution both feature the same level of ventilation. Both shoes have perforations on the upper for breathability and ventilation, as well as an air mesh lining for additional breathability.
The ventilation on both shoes is adequate and ensures the feet stay cool and comfortable. The mesh lining on both shoes also helps to wick away moisture and keep the feet dry.
Conclusion
The La Sportiva Skwama and La Sportiva Solution are both great shoes for rock climbing. Both shoes offer great performance, but it really comes down to personal preference and what type of climbing you prefer.
The Skwama is more suitable for technical routes, while the Solution is more suitable for easier routes. The Skwama has a slightly more aggressive toe box shape and heel cup, while the Solution has a slightly more relaxed toe box shape and heel cup.
Both shoes offer great value for the money and are designed to last. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for you.