Climbing Shoes Comparison: La Sportiva Skwama Vs Katana Lace
Climbing shoes are an important part of a climber’s gear. Whether you are an indoor climber, or an experienced climber looking to tackle the great outdoors, a good pair of climbing shoes can make or break your experience. Today, we will be comparing two of the most popular climbing shoes on the market, the La Sportiva Skwama and the Katana Lace. We will compare their fits, type of climbing they are best for, sole stiffness, shape, closure systems, materials, weight, and level of ventilation.
| Feature | La Sportiva Skwama | Katana Lace |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Tight & Snug | Traditional |
| Type of Climbing | Technical | Versatile |
| Sole Stiffness | Stiff | Soft |
| Shape | Downturned | Flat |
| Closure System | Asymmetric Lacing | Lace-up |
| Materials | Synthetic/Vibram XS Grip2 | Synthetic/Vibram XS Edge |
| Price | $180 | $150 |
| Weight | 10.3 ounces | 9.2 ounces |
| Ventilation | Good | Good |
Fit
The La Sportiva Skwama offers a tight and snug fit. It has a unique slipper construction that wraps around the foot, providing a secure fit. The shoe also features an asymmetric lacing system that allows for a precise fit and better lateral support.
The Katana Lace has a slightly more traditional fit than the Skwama. It is designed to fit like a regular lace-up shoe, allowing the laces to wrap around the foot for a customizable fit. The laces also go around the heel, providing a secure fit.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Skwama is designed for technical climbing. The shoe features a sticky Vibram XS Grip2 rubber sole, offering superior grip and edging. The downturned shape of the toe allows climbers to stand on small edges, making it an ideal shoe for steep sport climbing.
The Katana Lace is designed for a more versatile climbing experience. It is an all-around shoe that can be used for sport climbing, bouldering, and trad climbing. The shoe has a flat profile, allowing climbers to stand on small edges, but it also provides excellent cushioning and support for long routes.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Skwama has a stiff sole. It is designed to provide maximum power and precision when edging on small holds. The sole is also flexible enough to provide comfort on long routes.
The Katana Lace has a softer sole. It is designed to provide comfort and cushioning on long routes and also provide a good feel on small edges. The flexible sole also helps to minimize toe and foot fatigue.
Shape
The La Sportiva Skwama has a downturned shape. This allows the shoe to grip small edges and offer maximum power while edging. The shoe also has a low profile, allowing climbers to stand on small holds.
The Katana Lace has a more traditional climbing shoe shape. It is flat with no downturn, providing climbers with a more comfortable fit. The flat profile also allows for a more natural foot shape, providing maximum comfort and support.
Closure System
The La Sportiva Skwama has an asymmetric lacing system. The laces wrap around the foot for a secure fit. The laces also go around the heel for additional lateral support.
The Katana Lace has a traditional lacing system. It features locking eyelets that allow the laces to be adjusted for a customized fit. The laces are also designed to stay in place, preventing them from slipping during use.
Materials
The La Sportiva Skwama is made with a synthetic upper and a Vibram XS Grip2 rubber sole. The upper is designed to be breathable and durable, while the sole provides superior grip and edging.
The Katana Lace is made with a synthetic upper and a Vibram XS Edge rubber sole. The upper is breathable and flexible, while the sole is designed to provide comfort and cushioning.
Price
The La Sportiva Skwama is more expensive than the Katana Lace. The Skwama typically costs around $180, while the Katana Lace typically costs around $150.Personal Preference
The choice of La Sportiva Skwama Vs Katana Lace comes down to personal preference. If you are a more experienced climber looking to tackle technical routes, the Skwama may be a better option. It has a tighter fit and a more aggressive downturn, allowing climbers to stand on small edges with maximum power. The Katana Lace, on the other hand, is a more versatile shoe. It is designed to provide comfort and cushioning on long routes and perform well on small edges.
Toe Box Shape
The La Sportiva Skwama has a slightly more pointed toe box than the Katana Lace. This allows it to grip small edges better, providing more power and precision when edging. The Katana Lace has a more rounded toe box, providing a more comfortable fit.
Heel Cup
The La Sportiva Skwama has a slightly deeper heel cup than the Katana Lace. The deeper heel cup helps to keep the shoe in place, providing a secure fit. The Katana Lace has a shallower heel cup, providing a more comfortable fit.
Weight
The La Sportiva Skwama is slightly heavier than the Katana Lace. The Skwama weighs in at 10.3 ounces, while the Katana Lace weighs in at 9.2 ounces.
Level of Ventilation
The La Sportiva Skwama has a breathable upper and a mesh lining, providing good ventilation. The Katana Lace also has a breathable upper and a mesh lining, providing good ventilation.
In conclusion, the La Sportiva Skwama and the Katana Lace are both excellent climbing shoes. Whether you are an experienced climber looking to tackle technical routes or an all-around climber looking for a comfortable and supportive shoe, both of these shoes can offer great performance. Ultimately, the choice of one shoe over the other comes down to personal preference.