#2 on this list
Finale
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva Finale is one of the most widely recommended shoes for beginners, intermediate climbers seeking a comfortable gym shoe, and multi-pitch climbers needing all-day support. Operating with a flat last and a relaxed toe profile, it allows the toes to sit relatively straight, avoiding the painful contortions required by aggressive performance models. Despite its beginner-friendly billing, the Finale uses high-grade materials that elevate it above typical entry-level footwear. The unlined leather upper stretches to conform comfortably to foot contours over time, while the full-length lacing system allows for granular fit adjustments from the toe box up to the ankle. A supportive, full-length midsole helps newer climbers build foot strength on vertical terrain without fatiguing calves prematurely. The primary limitation of the Finale is steep-angle capability. The flat profile cannot cup or pull in overhanging caves, and the minimal rubber coverage on top of the forefoot limits technical toe hooks. Furthermore, because the leather upper is unlined, it can stretch up to a full size, making careful initial sizing critical to avoid a loose fit down the road. **Highlights** * Flat profile and neutral last allow comfortable all-day wear * Full-length lacing harness allows precise volume adjustments * Supportive midsole reduces foot fatigue on vertical face routes * High-durability Vibram rubber compound resists premature wear * Unlined leather upper gradually shapes itself to individual foot anatomy **Watch-outs** * Leather construction stretches significantly after the break-in period * Flat last struggles to generate power on steep roofs and overhangs * Lacks upper rubber coverage for technical toe hooks
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#3 on this list
Skwama
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva Skwama bridges the gap between ultra-soft bouldering slippers and supportive edging shoes. Widely acclaimed by testers for its versatility, it is an aggressive shoe designed for sport climbers and boulderers who need high sensitivity without sacrificing the ability to drive power through the big toe. It handles both technical outdoor limestone and slick indoor gym problems with equal competence. The Skwama's standout feature is its split-sole construction, which allows the front platform to spread out and conform to broad smears while maintaining tension along the arch. The heel utilizes La Sportiva's S-Heel construction, which encases the heel in a rigid cup that resists twisting or collapsing during hard heel hooks. A wide, sticky toe patch provides ample friction for technical scums. Because the shoe features an unlined leather upper with synthetic panels, it stretches noticeably during the break-in phase. Climbers with low-volume or very narrow feet may find that the wide forefoot feels baggy once the shoe expands. It is also softer than traditional edging shoes, making it less ideal for sustained, micro-crystal edging on sheer granite slabs. **Highlights** * Aggressive downturn optimized for overhanging sport routes and bouldering * Split sole allows natural foot flexion for superior smearing capability * Structured S-Heel cup maintains stability under aggressive heel-hook loads * Generous rubber toe patch provides excellent grip for toe scumming * Single Velcro closure enables rapid transitions between burns **Watch-outs** * Forefoot profile can feel loose or baggy for climbers with narrow feet * Leather upper stretches moderately, requiring precise initial sizing * Softer platform causes foot fatigue on sustained, vertical micro-edges
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Finale | Skwama |
|---|---|---|
| Closure | Lace-up | — |
| Profile | Neutral (Flat) | Aggressively downturned with high asymmetry |
| Upper | Unlined suede leather | — |
| Outsole | 5mm Vibram XS Edge | — |
| Midsole | 1.1mm LaspoFlex (full-length) | 0.8mm LaspoFlex with P3 System |
| Price | Around $139 | — |
| Closure Type | — | Single hook-and-loop strap |
| Upper Material | — | Unlined leather with microfiber accents |
| Heel Tech | — | Molded S-Heel construction |
| Approximate Weight | — | 7.5 oz (210 g) per shoe |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Finale
- Neutral, flat profile provides comfortable wear over long sessions
- Full-length lacing enables customized volume adjustment across the foot
- Stiff midsole and 5mm Vibram XS Edge deliver dependable edging support
- High overall durability withstands footwork mistakes and coarse rock
- Unlined leather upper stretches significantly over time
- Flat shape cannot generate pulling power on steep overhangs
- Minimal toe rubber limits technical toe-hooking performance
Skwama
- Split sole provides exceptional smearing and surface adaptability on volumes and slabs.
- Reinforced S-Heel remains rigid and secure during aggressive heel hooks.
- Wide forefoot last accommodates broader foot shapes without painful pressure points.
- Large rubber toe patch delivers dependable grip on technical toe hooks and scums.
- Unlined leather upper stretches significantly, making initial sizing tricky.
- Too soft for sustained, calf-burning micro-edging on vertical granite.
- Wide profile can create unwanted baggy volume for narrow-footed climbers.
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