Climbing Shoe Comparison: La Sportiva Kubo Vs Otaki
It’s important to choose the right type of climbing shoe when attempting a difficult ascent. Two popular options are the La Sportiva Kubo and the Otaki. In this article, we’ll compare these two shoes in terms of fit, sole stiffness, upper shape, closure system, material quality, price point, toe box shape, heel cup, and weight, as well as ventillation level and personal preference.
| Feature | La Sportiva Kubo | Otaki |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Aggressive | Neutral |
| Sole Stiffness | Stiff | Mid-Stiff |
| Upper Shape | Asymmetrical | Symmetrical |
| Closure System | Lace-Up | Velcro |
| Material Quality | Leather | Synthetic |
| Price Point | Expensive | Affordable |
| Toe Box Shape | Downturned | Relaxed |
| Heel Cup | Narrower | Wider |
| Weight | 8.8 oz. (250 g) | 8.3 oz. (235 g) |
| Ventilation Level | High | Moderate |
Fit Comparison
The La Sportiva Kubo and the Otaki have different fits. The La Sportiva Kubo has an aggressive downturned shape and is best suited for advanced climbers who prefer a precise fit and are looking for a shoe that can help them achieve the highest levels of performance. On the other hand, the Otaki has a more neutral fit which makes it suitable for beginner and intermediate climbers who are looking for comfort and performance.
The La Sportiva Kubo has a slightly narrower heel that provides a snug fit, while the Otaki has a slightly wider heel that allows the foot to move around a bit more. The La Sportiva Kubo also has a slimmer toe box, while the Otaki has a more roomy toe box.
The La Sportiva Kubo has a slightly lower front profile than the Otaki, which gives it an aggressive look and feel. The Otaki, on the other hand, has a more neutral front profile which makes it more suitable for beginner and intermediate climbers.
Climbing Types
The La Sportiva Kubo is best suited for advanced climbers who are looking for a shoe that can help them push their performance to the limit. The aggressive downturned shape gives it a precision fit which helps to increase sensitivity and power on edges and steep overhangs. The downturned shape also helps to keep the foot in place and prevents it from slipping off small holds.
The Otaki, on the other hand, is best suited for beginner and intermediate climbers who are looking for a comfortable shoe with a neutral fit. The neutral fit helps to increase comfort and prevents the foot from slipping off holds. The Otaki is also suitable for slab and slabby routes.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Kubo has a stiff sole which helps to increase precision and power on steep routes. The stiff sole also helps to increase stability and edging power. The Otaki, on the other hand, has a mid-stiff sole which gives it a bit more flexibility and is better suited for beginners and those looking for a comfortable shoe.
The La Sportiva Kubo has a slightly stiffer midsole than the Otaki, which helps to increase edging power on steep routes. The stiffer midsole also helps to reduce foot fatigue on long climbs. The Otaki has a softer midsole which gives it a bit more flexibility and helps to increase comfort.
Upper Shape
The La Sportiva Kubo has an aggressive downturned shape which helps to keep the foot in place and increases precision on edges and overhangs. The Otaki, on the other hand, has a more neutral shape which makes it more suitable for beginner and intermediate climbers.
The La Sportiva Kubo has a slightly asymmetrical shape which helps to increase power and precision on edges and steep routes. The Otaki, on the other hand, has a more symmetrical shape which makes it better suited for slab and slabby routes.
Closure System
The La Sportiva Kubo has a lace-up closure system which helps to provide a precise fit and locks the foot in place. The laces also help to increase power on steep routes. The Otaki, on the other hand, has a velcro closure system which makes it easier to get on and off and helps to increase comfort.
The La Sportiva Kubo also has an extra loop on the heel which helps to provide a secure fit and prevents the foot from slipping off holds. The Otaki has a single loop on the heel which helps to provide a snug fit.
Material Quality
The La Sportiva Kubo and the Otaki both have high-quality materials. The La Sportiva Kubo has a Vibram XS Edge rubber sole which helps to increase edging power and durability. The Otaki has a Vibram XS Grip rubber sole which helps to increase grip and durability.
The La Sportiva Kubo has a leather upper which helps to increase durability and breathability. The Otaki has a synthetic upper which helps to increase breathability and comfort. Both shoes have a microfiber lining which helps to increase comfort.
Price Point
The La Sportiva Kubo and the Otaki have different price points. The La Sportiva Kubo is more expensive than the Otaki, but is worth the price for advanced climbers looking for a performance shoe. The Otaki is a more affordable option for beginner and intermediate climbers looking for a comfortable shoe.Personal Preference
The final decision on which shoe to choose ultimately comes down to personal preference. Advanced climbers who are looking for a precise fit and performance should go with the La Sportiva Kubo. Those looking for a comfortable fit and a shoe that can help them transition from beginner to intermediate should go with the Otaki.
Toe Box Shape
The La Sportiva Kubo has a slimmer toe box which helps to increase precision on steep routes. The Otaki, on the other hand, has a more roomy toe box which helps to increase comfort and flexibility.
The La Sportiva Kubo has a slightly more downturned toe box which helps to keep the foot in place and increases precision on edges and small holds. The Otaki has a slightly more relaxed toe box which helps to increase comfort and flexibility.
Heel Cup
The La Sportiva Kubo has a slightly narrower heel cup which helps to keep the foot in place and increases precision on edges and steep routes. The Otaki, on the other hand, has a slightly wider heel cup which helps to increase comfort and prevents the foot from slipping off holds.
The La Sportiva Kubo also has a slightly deeper heel cup which helps to increase power on edges and steep routes. The Otaki has a slightly shallower heel cup which helps to increase comfort and flexibility.
Weight Comparison
The La Sportiva Kubo is slightly heavier than the Otaki. The La Sportiva Kubo weighs in at 8.8 ounces (250 grams) while the Otaki weighs in at 8.3 ounces (235 grams). The extra weight of the La Sportiva Kubo helps to increase power and precision on steep routes.
Ventilation Level
The La Sportiva Kubo has a slightly higher ventilation level than the Otaki. The La Sportiva Kubo has mesh panels in the upper which helps to increase air circulation and keep the feet cool. The Otaki has a synthetic upper which helps to increase breathability but does not provide as much ventilation as the La Sportiva Kubo.
The La Sportiva Kubo and the Otaki are two popular climbing shoes that offer different levels of performance and comfort. The La Sportiva Kubo has an aggressive fit and a stiff sole which makes it ideal for advanced climbers looking for a performance shoe. The Otaki has a neutral fit and a mid-stiff sole which makes it suitable for beginner and intermediate climbers. Ultimately, the decision on which shoe to choose comes down to personal preference.
In conclusion, the La Sportiva Kubo and the Otaki are two popular climbing shoes that each have their own unique features. The La Sportiva Kubo is an aggressive shoe with a stiff sole which makes it ideal for advanced climbers. The Otaki is a more comfortable shoe with a mid-stiff sole which makes it suitable for beginner and intermediate climbers. Both shoes offer high-quality materials and construction, so the final decision on which one to choose comes down to personal preference.