Comparing the La Sportiva Solution and Testarossa Climbing Shoes
When it comes to rock climbing, having the right equipment is essential for a successful climb. Different types of shoes are needed for different types of climbing – from bouldering to alpine climbing. At the forefront of the climbing shoe market, two of the most popular models from La Sportiva are the Solution and Testarossa. In this article, we’ll compare the two shoes 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.
| Feature | Solution | Testarossa |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | snug yet comfortable | snug |
| Type of Climbing | technical face, crack, bouldering | multi-pitch routes |
| Sole Stiffness | medium-soft | stiff |
| Shape | aggressive downturned | neutral |
| Closure System | elastic | elastic |
| Materials | leather and Lorica | suede and Lorica |
| Price | higher | lower |
| Personal Preference | technical face, crack, bouldering | multi-pitch routes |
| Toe Box Shape | asymmetrical | asymmetrical |
| Heel Cup | reinforced | reinforced |
| Weight | 10.4 ounces | 8.8 ounces |
| Level of Ventilation | higher | lower |
Fit
The La Sportiva Solution is one of the most popular models in the La Sportiva range, and it has a snug yet comfortable fit. The upper is made from a combination of leather and Lorica – a synthetic microfiber material – and it features an elastic closure system which provides extra security and comfort. The toe box is also slightly asymmetrical, giving it a more natural fit. In contrast, the La Sportiva Testarossa is designed to fit more snugly than the Solution. It has a similar closure system and toe box shape, but it uses a different type of upper material – a combination of suede and Lorica. This gives it a softer and more secure fit.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Solution is designed for technical face climbing, crack climbing, and bouldering. It has an aggressive downturned shape and a medium-soft midsole, making it well-suited for smearing and edging on steep terrain. The La Sportiva Testarossa, on the other hand, is designed for long multi-pitch routes. It has a more neutral shape and a stiff midsole, which makes it well-suited for edging on vertical and slabby terrain.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Solution has a medium-soft midsole, while the Testarossa has a stiff midsole. The Solution’s midsole is more flexible, allowing it to conform to the shape of your foot. This makes it well-suited for smearing and edging on steep terrain. The Testarossa’s stiff midsole, on the other hand, is better suited for edging on vertical and slabby terrain.
Shape
The La Sportiva Solution has an aggressive downturned shape, while the Testarossa has a more neutral shape. The Solution’s downturned shape gives it extra precision while climbing on steep terrain, while the Testarossa’s neutral shape makes it more comfortable and better-suited for long multi-pitch routes.
Closure System
Both the La Sportiva Solution and Testarossa feature elastic closure systems. The Solution’s closure system provides extra security and comfort, while the Testarossa’s closure system is slightly more flexible.
Materials
The La Sportiva Solution is made from a combination of leather and Lorica, while the Testarossa is made from a combination of suede and Lorica. The leather used in the Solution is more durable and breathable, while the suede used in the Testarossa is softer and more supple.
Price
The La Sportiva Solution and Testarossa are both mid-priced climbing shoes, with the Solution being slightly more expensive than the Testarossa.Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice between the La Sportiva Solution and Testarossa will come down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a shoe that is comfortable and well-suited for long multi-pitch routes, then the Testarossa is a great option. If you’re looking for an aggressive shoe that is well-suited for technical face climbing, crack climbing, and bouldering, then the Solution is the better choice.
Toe Box Shape
The toe box shape of both the La Sportiva Solution and Testarossa is slightly asymmetrical, giving them both a more natural fit.
Heel Cup
The La Sportiva Solution and Testarossa both feature a reinforced heel cup, which helps to keep your heel in place while climbing.
Weight
The La Sportiva Solution weighs in at 10.4 ounces, while the Testarossa weighs 8.8 ounces.
Level of Ventilation
The La Sportiva Solution has a higher level of ventilation than the Testarossa, due to its combination of leather and Lorica. The Testarossa’s combination of suede and Lorica provides a lower level of ventilation.
When it comes to climbing shoes, there are a variety of factors to consider in order to choose the right pair for your needs. When comparing the La Sportiva Solution and Testarossa, the Solution is better-suited for technical face climbing, crack climbing, and bouldering, while the Testarossa is better-suited for long multi-pitch routes. The Solution is slightly more expensive than the Testarossa, but both shoes are mid-priced models and offer a great value for the price. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will come down to personal preference and the type of climbing you’ll be doing. The Solution and Testarossa are both quality climbing shoes from La Sportiva, and they are sure to provide you with the right fit and performance for your climbing needs.