La Sportiva Skwama climbing shoes hanging from a light fixture outdoors, with greenery and flowers in the background.

La Sportiva Skwama Review: What Climbers Love About It

The La Sportiva Skwama is designed for climbers who seek a perfect blend of precision, sensitivity, and comfort. Known for its advanced features, this shoe has made waves in the climbing community for its remarkable performance on challenging routes.

In this review, we’ll cover the Skwama’s design, comfort, performance, and durability to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your climbing needs. It’s my personal favorite alongside the Python—offering a slightly stiffer feel. When I need a stiffer shoe, the Skwama is my go-to, and it’s by far my favorite. If you’re looking to progress without worrying about your shoes, this is the one.

Check out “Senderella” for a tailored shoe recommendation.


Table of Contents


Design and Construction

La Sportiva has a reputation for innovation, and the Skwama is no exception. This high-performance shoe integrates several cutting-edge technologies:

  • P3 Technology (Permanent Power Platform): Ensures that the aggressive downturn of the shoe is maintained over time, minimizing the risk of losing performance due to shape deformation.
Back view of a La Sportiva Skwama climbing shoe placed on a hardwood floor. The shoe features its signature heel design with the La Sportiva logo visible, showcasing its aggressive downturn and rubberized heel for optimal grip.
Image by author.
  • S-Heel: A distinctive feature that enhances heel stability and precision during heel hooks, preventing the common issue of heel slippage.
  • Dual-Density Sole: Combines the sticky Vibram XS Grip2 rubber in the forefoot for maximum grip with a firmer compound in the heel for support and durability.
  • Unlined Leather Upper: Adapts to the shape of your foot, providing a customized fit that balances comfort with responsiveness.

Fit and Comfort

Despite its aggressive profile, the La Sportiva Skwama is notably comfortable. The unlined leather upper molds to the foot over time, creating a personalized fit that adapts to climbers’ unique foot shapes. This adaptability makes the Skwama a favorite for long climbing sessions where comfort is as crucial as performance.

The heavily padded tongue helps distribute pressure evenly, reducing potential discomfort during extended climbs. The shoe fits relatively true to size, but trying it on in person is advisable to find the best fit. For climbers with wider feet, the toe box might feel snug; however, those with narrower or moderately shaped feet should find it accommodating.

Downsizing to a 9/43 (US/EU) having 11/45 in street-size was a perfect fit for my foot.

A climber preparing to boulder under a large rock, with crash pads strategically placed on the ground to ensure safety during falls.
A climber tackles a low bouldering problem under a rocky overhang, with crash pads spread out below for safety.

Performance on the Rock

The La Sportiva Skwama stands out for its exceptional performance across different climbing styles, particularly on steep and overhanging routes. Its precise fit and aggressive downturn make it ideal for:

  • Overhangs and Boulder Problems: The combination of the Vibram XS Grip2 rubber and the downturned design provides incredible stickiness and control on small footholds, allowing climbers to confidently toe in and push through demanding sequences.
  • Heel Hooks: The innovative S-Heel system enhances stability, making technical heel hooks secure and reducing the chance of heel slippage.
  • Edging and Smearing: On vertical and slightly overhanging terrain, the shoe’s forefoot maintains enough stiffness for effective edging while still offering the sensitivity needed for precise smearing.

The Skwama’s balance of sensitivity and support is ideal for climbers who need to feel the nuances of the rock but also require adequate rigidity for technical face climbs.

Durability

The Skwama’s durability holds up well for a performance-focused shoe, thanks to La Sportiva’s thoughtful engineering. The P3 Technology helps maintain the shoe’s aggressive shape over time, delaying the need for resoling. The Vibram XS Grip2 rubber is praised for its excellent combination of tackiness and longevity, making it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

A climber scaling the roof of a cave with a breathtaking view of the coastline and sea during sunset, showcasing the blend of adventure and scenic beauty.
A climber conquers an overhanging route inside a cave, with a golden sunset and ocean view creating a stunning backdrop.

However, like most aggressive, softer climbing shoes, the Skwama can show signs of wear faster if used extensively on abrasive rock or for activities that involve aggressive toe hooks. Regular maintenance and proper care can extend the shoe’s life significantly.

Value

Priced on the higher end of the spectrum, the La Sportiva Skwama reflects its premium design and exceptional performance. For experienced climbers willing to invest in a high-quality shoe, the Skwama delivers excellent value. Its versatility across bouldering, sport climbing, and steep routes makes it a worthwhile investment for those who need a shoe capable of handling diverse challenges.

The La Sportiva Skwama is a standout high-performance climbing shoe that combines precision, sensitivity, and comfort. Its unique features, like the S-Heel and P3 Technology, ensure stability and maintain the shoe’s form, while the Vibram XS Grip2 rubber provides unparalleled grip on various surfaces.

A climber in a green jacket navigating a steep crack on a sandstone wall, using traditional climbing techniques and gear placement.
A climber in a bright yellow jacket skillfully ascends a crack in a red sandstone wall, using traditional climbing techniques.

While the Skwama may not be the most budget-friendly option, its advanced construction and versatile performance justify the price for climbers who prioritize quality and durability. Whether you’re facing overhanging boulders, steep sport routes, or technical face climbs, the La Sportiva Skwama offers the balance needed to push your limits confidently.

If you’re seeking a climbing shoe that delivers a blend of aggressive performance, comfort, and innovative design, the La Sportiva Skwama should be at the top of your list.


FAQs

How does the La Sportiva Skwama perform for beginners?

While the Skwama is a high-performance shoe, its comfort and adaptability make it accessible for advanced beginners who want to push their climbing to the next level. However, true beginners might prefer a less aggressive shoe as they develop their technique.

Is the Skwama suitable for gym climbing?

Yes, the Skwama’s sensitive sole and precise fit make it a great choice for indoor climbing, where small holds and dynamic movements are common.

How should I size the La Sportiva Skwama?

The Skwama generally fits true to size but tends to stretch slightly due to its leather upper. Sizing down 1-1.5 from your street shoe is common for a snug fit, but it’s best to try them on for accurate sizing.

How does the S-Heel enhance climbing performance?

The S-Heel design stabilizes the shoe during heel hooks, preventing lateral movement and providing a secure, precise fit. This feature is particularly useful for advanced heel-hooking maneuvers.

What makes the Vibram XS Grip2 rubber ideal for climbing?

The Vibram XS Grip2 rubber is known for its superior stickiness and adaptability, providing climbers with a firm yet sensitive grip on various rock types and indoor holds.