Climbing shoes are essential for passionate climbers, and it’s important to choose the right pair that suits your needs. In this review, we’ll be comparing two of the most popular models amongst female climbers: the La Sportiva Miura and the Vibram XS Grip2 Climbing Shoe.
Comparison Table
| Feature | La Sportiva Miura | Vibram XS Grip2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Snug | Snug |
| Type of Climbing | Sport/Bouldering | Sport/Trad |
| Sole Stiffness | Stiff | Stiff/Flexible |
| Shape | Aggressive | Less Aggressive |
| Closure System | Hook-and-Loop | Lacing |
| Materials | Leather/Synthetic | Leather/Synthetic |
| Price | More Expensive | Less Expensive |
| Toe Box Shape | Pointed | Wider |
| Heel Cup | Narrow/Asymmetric | Narrow/Asymmetric |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Level of Ventilation | Better | Good |
Fit
The La Sportiva Miura is designed to be snug and comfortable. It features an asymmetric shape and a narrower fit than the average shoe, making it ideal for technical climbing. This fit also ensures that your feet remain secure during more challenging parts of a climb.
The Vibram XS Grip2 Climbing Shoe also features a snug fit, specifically designed to grip onto your foot to ensure maximum control during moves. The heel cup is slightly narrower than the Miura, providing a more secure fit to allow for precise foot placement.
Both shoes are highly adjustable thanks to the lacing systems, with the Miura having a slightly more aggressive fit than the Vibram.
Type of Climbing
The Miura is best suited for sport climbing and bouldering, with its aggressive shape and downturned toe allowing for maximum power and precision. Furthermore, its sticky rubber sole ensures that you have maximum grip on the wall.
The Vibram XS Grip2 is also well-suited for sport climbing, but with its slightly less aggressive shape, it’s also suitable for trad climbing. The rubber sole also provides excellent grip, allowing for secure foot placement.
Sole Stiffness
The Miura has a stiff sole made of Vibram XS Grip2 rubber, giving you the power and control you need to complete difficult moves. The sole is also slightly flexible, allowing you to move and maintain your balance as you climb.
The Vibram XS Grip2 also features a stiff sole, providing the support you need when performing more advanced moves. The sole is slightly softer than the Miura, making it slightly more comfortable during long climbs.
Shape
The La Sportiva Miura is designed with an aggressive shape, featuring a downturned toe for maximum power and precision. This shape is ideal for sport climbing and bouldering, as it allows you to maintain control during more challenging parts of the climb.
The Vibram XS Grip2 has a slightly less aggressive shape, making it more suitable for trad climbing. The downturned toe ensures a secure foot placement, while the slightly more relaxed shape allows for a more comfortable fit during long climbs.
Closure System
The Miura features a hook-and-loop closure system, which is designed to provide a secure fit. This closure system is also easy to adjust, making it easy to customize the fit of the shoe.
The Vibram XS Grip2 has a traditional lacing system, which is highly adjustable to suit your individual needs. The lacing system also ensures a secure fit, allowing you to move confidently during the climb.
Materials
The La Sportiva Miura is made from a combination of leather and synthetic materials, providing a comfortable fit with excellent breathability. It also features a rubber toe rand for added durability.
The Vibram XS Grip2 is made from a combination of leather and synthetic materials, providing a comfortable fit with excellent breathability. It also features a rubber sole for maximum grip on the wall.
Price
The La Sportiva Miura is more expensive than the Vibram XS Grip2, making it a better choice for those who want a more premium shoe.Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice between the two shoes comes down to personal preference. Both shoes are designed with the needs of female climbers in mind, and each offers a unique fit and features.
Toe Box Shape
The Miura features a slightly more pointed toe box than the Vibram XS Grip2, making it better suited for technical climbing. This shape also ensures that your feet remain secure during more challenging parts of a climb.
The Vibram XS Grip2 has a slightly wider toe box than the Miura, making it more comfortable for long climbs. The toe box also ensures that your feet remain secure during more challenging moves.
Heel Cup
The Miura has an asymmetric heel cup, which provides a secure fit and allows for maximum precision when performing more advanced moves. The heel cup is slightly narrower than the average shoe, making it easier to grip the wall.
The Vibram XS Grip2 also features an asymmetric heel cup, which is slightly narrower and more secure than the average shoe. This heel cup ensures that your feet remain secure and in control during more difficult moves.
Weight
The Miura is slightly heavier than the Vibram XS Grip2, making it more suitable for technical climbs. The extra weight provides stability and power during the climb, while the lighter weight of the Vibram XS Grip2 makes it a better choice for long climbs.
Level of Ventilation
The La Sportiva Miura is slightly more breathable than the Vibram XS Grip2, making it a better choice for hotter climates. The Miura also features a synthetic lining to ensure maximum comfort and breathability.
The Vibram XS Grip2 also features a synthetic lining for extra comfort and breathability, making it a better choice for cooler climates.
When it comes to choosing the right pair of climbing shoes, there are a few important things to consider. Both the La Sportiva Miura and the Vibram XS Grip2 Climbing Shoes are designed with the needs of female climbers in mind, and both provide a secure and comfortable fit for long climbs. The Miura is ideal for sport climbing and bouldering, while the Vibram XS Grip2 is better suited for trad climbing. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the type of climbing you’ll be doing.
No matter which climbing shoe you choose, make sure to take the time to find the perfect fit for your feet. With the right pair of climbing shoes, you’ll be ready to tackle even the most challenging climbs.