Sport Products
If you're looking to up your climbing game and need a pair of shoes that deliver on both performance and comfort, the La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoes are definitely worth considering. As an experienced climber myself, Ive had the pleasure of testing these shoes out extensively over the past few months, and Im here to share my detailed review with you. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting your climbing journey, this article will help you understand if the Finale is right for you. Let's dive in!
The La Sportiva Finale boasts an innovative microfiber upper material that sets it apart from many other climbing shoes on the market. This synthetic fabric is designed to be highly breathable, which helps keep your feet cool and dry during long sessions at the gym or crag. Its also surprisingly soft and supple, conforming nicely to the shape of my foot without feeling restrictive. While microfiber isn't as durable as leather in some cases, La Sportiva has reinforced it with a rubber toe cap for added protection against scuffs and abrasions more on that later!
The Finales closure system is a standout feature. It utilizes three adjustable hook-and-loop straps which provide excellent customization and support. These straps are easy to tighten or loosen, even while wearing the shoes, making them ideal for quick adjustments between climbs. I particularly appreciate this design because it allows me to dial in the fit precisely, ensuring maximum comfort without sacrificing performance.
The Finale has a slightly asymmetrical last that provides a good balance of precision and comfort. It's not as aggressive or downturned as some high-performance shoes aimed at advanced climbers but is more so than beginner models. The overall shape of the shoe fits my foot very well, with enough room in the toe box to prevent cramping without feeling too loose. This makes it a versatile option for both indoor bouldering and outdoor sport climbing on moderate routes.
Weighing around 14 ounces per pair (size men's 9), the Finale is relatively lightweight compared to some other high-end climbing shoes. The construction feels solid and well put together, with no loose stitching or frayed edges that I've encountered so far. The rubber edging on the toe box adds extra durability and protection without significantly increasing weight.
When I first slipped my feet into a pair of Finale Climbing Shoes, I was immediately impressed by how comfortable they felt right out of the box. The microfiber upper is incredibly soft, and the internal lining provides just enough cushioning to prevent any hot spots or blisters from developing. This has been particularly noticeable during longer climbing sessions where other shoes have left me feeling sore and fatigued.
After several weeks of use, I'm happy to report that the comfort level remains consistently high. While the Finale is a performance shoe designed for technical footwork, it doesnt sacrifice comfort in order to achieve this goal. The slightly asymmetrical shape allows my toes to splay naturally, reducing pressure points and increasing overall stability on small holds.
Like most climbing shoes, the Finale requires some breaking in before reaching its full potential. Initially, I noticed a slight stiffness around the heel cup that took about a week of regular use to loosen up. However, once broken in, the shoe molds perfectly to my foot, providing excellent support and security on the wall.
The Vibram XS Edge rubber outsole is known for its exceptional grip and durability. After several months of use, I've seen minimal wear on the toe box and heel a testament to the quality of this rubber compound. The thickness of the sole also helps protect against abrasion when smearing or edging on rough rock surfaces.
The microfiber upper is surprisingly durable despite its soft feel. Its held up well so far, showing no signs of tearing or fraying along the seams or edges. La Sportiva's reinforcement with a rubber toe cap has proven to be very effective in protecting against scuffs and scrapes something I particularly appreciate as an aggressive climber who frequently toes on small holds.
Considering their price point and performance, I expect the Finale Climbing Shoes to last me several years of regular climbing use. While they may not be quite as long-lasting as leather shoes, the microfiber upper is easier to clean and maintain a definite advantage for those who want to keep their shoes looking fresh.
The Finale excels at toe hooking thanks to its slightly downturned shape and sticky rubber outsole. The reinforced toe cap provides excellent purchase on even the smallest holds, allowing me to confidently execute powerful moves that would be difficult or impossible with a less aggressive shoe. I've found it particularly helpful when climbing steep overhangs where toe hooks are essential for maintaining balance and generating power.
The XS Edge rubber is incredibly sticky, offering exceptional grip on both edges and smears. Whether I'm edging tiny crimps or smearing my feet on sloping holds, the Finale provides a solid connection to the rock that inspires confidence. The stiffness of the sole also contributes to its edging performance it allows me to apply pressure directly onto the hold without feeling any deflection in the shoe.
Despite being somewhat stiff out of the box, the Finale offers surprisingly good sensitivity and precision once broken in. The slightly asymmetrical shape helps position my foot naturally on small holds, allowing for precise placement and delicate balance adjustments. I've been able to comfortably climb routes that require technical footwork without feeling like Im fighting against the shoe.
The La Sportiva Finale has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from climbers of all skill levels. Many users praise its exceptional comfort, excellent grip, and versatile performance making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced climbers alike. Others appreciate the breathable microfiber upper and adjustable straps which provide a customizable fit. Overall, reviewers agree that the Finale is one of the best climbing shoes currently available on the market.
While most users are extremely satisfied with the La Sportiva Finale, some have raised concerns about its durability particularly regarding the rubber toe cap and heel cup. A few climbers have reported premature wear in these areas after only a short period of use. However, its important to note that this seems to be an isolated issue and may not apply to all pairs of shoes.
The La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoes typically retail for around $160 USD putting them in the mid-range price category for high-performance climbing shoes. While they're certainly not the cheapest option available, their exceptional performance and durability make them a worthwhile investment for serious climbers.
Considering its versatility, comfort, and overall quality, the Finale offers excellent value for money. Its a well-rounded shoe that can handle a wide range of climbing styles and terrain making it suitable for both indoor bouldering and outdoor sport climbing. The microfiber upper is also easier to clean and maintain than leather, which further enhances its longevity and reduces long-term costs.
The La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoes are an outstanding choice for climbers looking for a comfortable yet performance-driven shoe that can handle both indoor bouldering and outdoor sport climbing on moderate routes. Its innovative microfiber upper, adjustable straps, sticky Vibram XS Edge rubber outsole, and slightly asymmetrical shape combine to create a versatile and high-performing package all at a reasonable price point. While some users have raised concerns about durability, my own experience has been overwhelmingly positive. If you're in the market for new climbing shoes, I highly recommend giving the Finale a try!
The La Sportiva Finale are high-performance climbing shoes designed for technical and precision routes, both indoors and outdoors. They offer a snug fit with a precise toe box that excels on small holds.
While the Finale offers excellent performance, it's generally not recommended for beginners due to its aggressive shape and stiff sole. Beginners should opt for more comfortable, beginner-friendly climbing shoes like the La Sportiva Mythos or Tarantulace.
It's important to try on the Finale in person whenever possible. The ideal fit is snug but not painful; you should be able to wiggle your toes slightly while feeling secure around the heel and midfoot. If ordering online, consult La Sportiva's sizing chart or review user feedback regarding sizing accuracy.
The mens and womens versions of the Finale are essentially identical in construction and performance. The primary difference lies in the last shape: the womens version features a narrower heel cup and a slightly shorter footbed to accommodate female anatomy.
The Finale utilizes a lacing system that extends down close to the toes, allowing for precise adjustments across the entire forefoot. This makes it easier to dial in your desired fit.
Yes, the Finale excels at both indoor bouldering and outdoor sport climbing on technical routes. The aggressive shape and stiff sole provide excellent power transfer and edging precision.
The La Sportiva Finale features a Vibram XS Grip2 rubber outsole, renowned for its exceptional grip and durability on various rock types and climbing holds.
Clean your Finále with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents as they can damage the leather and reduce the shoe's lifespan. Allow them to air dry completely away from direct heat sources before storing them in a cool, dry place.
With proper care and use on appropriate routes, the Finale can last for several months or even years. However, aggressive climbing styles and frequent use may shorten their lifespan.
While the Finale is primarily designed for sport climbing and bouldering, its exceptional edging performance makes it a viable option for some trad routes with technical footwork requirements. However, if you plan on spending most of your time trad climbing, consider shoes with more rubber coverage and a softer sole like the La Sportiva Solution or TC Pro.
The leather upper is water-resistant but not waterproof. They'll get wet in rain or snow, so it's best to avoid climbing in these conditions unless absolutely necessary.
Thin socks are recommended for optimal sensitivity and performance with the Finale. Some climbers prefer no socks at all, but this can lead to blisters if you're not used to it. Experiment to find what works best for you.
Wearing them around the house or on short climbs before a big day of climbing can help soften up the leather and break in the shoes faster. Avoid overstretching the shoe, as this could compromise its performance.
The weight of each pair varies slightly depending on size but typically ranges from approximately 16-18 ounces (453-509 grams).
You can purchase the La Sportiva Finale at reputable retailers like REI, Backcountry.com, and Amazon. Be sure to check product reviews and sizing information before making your purchase.
No, but a carrying bag is often available for separate purchase. It's highly recommended as it protects the shoes from dirt and damage when not in use.
La Sportiva offers a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects on all their climbing shoes.
The Finale is designed for technical routes requiring precision and edging, while the Solution excels at steep overhanging terrain and powerful heel hooks. The TC Pro offers a more comfortable fit with greater versatility across different climbing styles.
No, the Finale is not designed for ice climbing or mountaineering due to its stiff sole and aggressive shape. Specialized boots are required for those activities.
Read customer reviews regarding sizing accuracy and use the brand's sizing chart as a guide. Consider ordering two different sizes if you're unsure, returning the pair that doesn't fit properly. Some retailers also offer free returns on climbing shoes.