Scarpa Drago Vs La Sportiva Kwarma
When it comes to finding the best shoes for climbing, it’s hard to decide between two great models like the Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma. To help you decide, we’ve compared both of these 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 | Scarpa Drago | La Sportiva Kwarma |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Medium | Medium |
| Type of Climbing | All-Around | All-Around |
| Sole Stiffness | Medium | Medium |
| Shape | Symmetrical | Asymmetrical |
| Closure System | Velcro | Lace-up |
| Materials | Leather | Synthetic |
| Price | High | Medium |
Fit
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both offer a medium fit, meaning that they are not too tight and not too loose. The Drago is slightly narrower in the heel area, making it ideal for those with a narrow foot shape. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a wider toe box to accommodate wider feet. Both shoes offer enough room in the toe box to reduce discomfort during climbing sessions.
The Scarpa Drago also has an adjustable arch tension system that allows climbers to customize the fit. On the other hand, the La Sportiva Kwarma has an asymmetrical shape that helps to reduce pressure points and provide more stability.
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both have a velcro closure and a lace-up system that allows climbers to adjust the fit and make sure the shoes stay secure while climbing. Both shoes also feature a pull tab on the heel for easy on and off.
Type of Climbing
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma are both great for all-around climbing. The Drago features a slightly stiffer sole that makes it ideal for edging and crack climbing, while the Kwarma has a softer sole that makes it better for smearing and slab climbing.
The Drago has a slightly asymmetrical shape that helps with toe hooking and climbing in cracks, while the Kwarma has a more symmetrical shape that makes it better suited for overhanging routes.
Both shoes feature a rubber sole that provides good grip on all types of surfaces. The Drago has a slightly thicker rubber sole, while the Kwarma has a slightly thinner sole.
Sole Stiffness
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both have a medium stiffness sole, which helps to provide support for the foot while climbing. The Drago features a slightly stiffer sole that is great for edging and crack climbing, while the Kwarma has a softer sole that is better for smearing and slab climbing.
The Drago also has a slightly thicker sole that helps to provide more protection against sharp edges. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a slightly thinner sole that is more flexible and offers better sensitivity.
Both shoes feature a rubber sole that provides good grip on all types of surfaces. The Drago has a slightly thicker rubber sole, while the Kwarma has a slightly thinner sole.
Shape
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma have different shapes. The Drago has an asymmetrical shape that helps to reduce pressure points and provide more stability while climbing. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a more symmetrical shape that is better suited for overhanging routes.
The Scarpa Drago also has an adjustable arch tension system that allows climbers to customize the fit. The La Sportiva Kwarma has a slightly wider toe box to accommodate wider feet. Both shoes offer enough room in the toe box to reduce discomfort during climbing sessions.
The Drago also has a slightly higher heel cup that helps to provide extra support and reduce heel slippage. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a lower heel cup that allows for a more natural feel while climbing.
Closure System
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both feature a velcro closure system and a lace-up system that allows climbers to adjust the fit and make sure the shoes stay secure while climbing. The Drago has a slightly wider velcro closure that helps to provide a more secure fit. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a slightly narrower velcro closure that provides a more snug fit.
Both shoes also feature a pull tab on the heel for easy on and off. The Drago has a slightly larger pull tab, while the Kwarma has a slightly smaller pull tab.
Materials
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both feature high-quality materials. The Drago features a leather upper that is breathable and durable. The upper is also lined with a synthetic mesh for extra ventilation and comfort.
The La Sportiva Kwarma, on the other hand, features a synthetic upper that is lightweight and breathable. The upper is also lined with a mesh that helps to wick away moisture and keep feet cool.
The Scarpa Drago also has a rubber toe rand that helps to protect the upper from wear and tear. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a synthetic toe rand that is lightweight and flexible.
Price
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both have a relatively high price point. The Drago is slightly more expensive, while the Kwarma is more affordable.The Drago is a great choice for experienced climbers who are looking for a high-quality climbing shoe that will last for many years. The Kwarma, on the other hand, is a great choice for climbers who don’t want to break the bank but still want a high-quality climbing shoe.
Personal Preference
When it comes to choosing the right climbing shoe, personal preference is key. The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both offer great features, so it really comes down to what type of climbing you prefer and which features are most important to you.
When deciding between the two shoes, consider the type of climbing you are most likely to do and the features that you need in a climbing shoe. If you’re looking for a stiffer and more supportive shoe, the Drago might be a better choice. If you’re looking for a more flexible and sensitive shoe, the Kwarma might be the better option.
Toe Box Shape
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both feature a medium-wide toe box shape. The Drago has a slightly narrower toe box that is ideal for those with a narrow foot shape. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a slightly wider toe box to accommodate wider feet.
Both shoes offer enough room in the toe box to reduce discomfort during climbing sessions. The Drago also has an adjustable arch tension system that allows climbers to customize the fit, while the Kwarma has an asymmetrical shape that helps to reduce pressure points and provide more stability.
Heel Cup
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both feature a medium-high heel cup that helps to provide extra support and reduce heel slippage. The Drago has a slightly higher heel cup than the Kwarma.
The Drago also has an adjustable arch tension system that helps to provide a more secure fit and reduce heel slippage. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a lower heel cup that helps to provide a more natural feel while climbing.
Weight
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both feature a lightweight design that makes them comfortable and easy to wear. The Drago is slightly heavier than the Kwarma, but both shoes offer a comfortable fit that won’t weigh you down while climbing.
Level of Ventilation
The Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both feature a breathable upper that helps to keep feet cool during long climbing sessions. The Drago has a slightly thicker upper that is lined with a synthetic mesh for extra ventilation and comfort. The Kwarma, on the other hand, has a slightly thinner upper that is lined with a mesh that helps to wick away moisture and keep feet cool.
Both shoes also have a rubber toe rand that helps to protect the upper from wear and tear. The Drago has a slightly thicker rubber toe rand, while the Kwarma has a slightly thinner rubber toe rand.
Whether you’re looking for a stiffer and more supportive shoe or a more flexible and sensitive shoe, the Scarpa Drago and the La Sportiva Kwarma both offer great features and high-quality materials. Both shoes are great for all-around climbing, but it really comes down to personal preference in terms of which shoe is best for you.
No matter which shoe you choose, you’re sure to have a great climbing experience.