Most Valuable Gear: La Sportiva Solution

The benchmark high-performance, technical climbing shoe for a wide variety of climbing terrain.

Can a shoe actually give a climber a performance advantage? While the best way to improve your climbing is through practice and hard work, the revolutionary La Sportiva Solution establishes a new paradigm for climbing shoes. Ideal for tackling hard boulder problems, sending overhanging sport climbs and technical edging moves, the Solution is so precise, sensitive and aggressive, you'll feel like you're almost cheating!

Here are 3 reasons why we love the La Sportiva Solution !

1. P3 ® Power Platform Last

La Sportiva incorporates their innovative P3® technology into the last of the Solution, as well as many of their high-end climbing shoes, to provide a powerful edging platform, as well as retain the downturned shape of the shoe. While extension and compression of the sole of a climbing shoe breaks down the materials and causes it to flatten and soften, the Solution retains it's original, powerful shape throughout the life of the shoe due to P3® technology.

2. Durable Construction with a Reliable Fit

The Solution has a performance fit and as any climber who has tried multiple different pairs of shoes throughout the years will tell you, it's not always easy to determine how much your shoes will stretch (or not) when determining what size to buy. Luckily, the Solution is constructed from a leather upper lined with Lorica®, a synthetic material that doesn't stretch significantly. The Solutions will retain their initial fit, so they are easier to size and will not get sloppy after a few months of hard use. Additionally, the leather upper, tough heel and toe sections, and P3® platform add incredible durability to the Solution.

3. Innovative, High Performance Design

The La Sportiva Solution utilizes innovative features and technology to provide the highest level of climbing performance of any shoe on the market. The Lock Harness System wraps the heel and middle of the foot for secure power when heel hooking, while a 3D molded heel cup adds durability and security. The toe features a thick, rubberized toe for sticking toe hooks as well. Additionally, the inclusion of Sportiva's Fast Lacing System provides a customized, adjustable fit. Sticky Vibram XS Grip rubber provides excellent grip on small edges and tiny crystals.