Testarossa 2018
Description
Sick down-turned edging power is what you get in this high performance brilliantly designed work of art. We strategically placed Lorica® (does not stretch) and leather (does stretch) in specific patterns to design the most powerful edging machine on the market. We call it bi-lateral stretch technology. A 3D cupped hytrel midsole under the toes ties into a high tension figure-eight rand that allows you to grab features with your feet and go for the chains.
Retail price
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Weight | 422 g Single : 211 g / 7.44 oz |
Closure Type | Lace Lace - to the toe |
Gender | Unisex |
Volume | Low Narrow |
Sizing Information |
European sizes 33-45, including half sizes. La Sportiva Shoes are built on European half sizes which are smaller increments than US half sizes. la_sportiva_shoe_comparison_chart.jpg la_sportiva_shoe_comparison_graph.jpg |
Best Use (Highest Performance) |
Sport / Face Bouldering Over-hanging Indoor |
Asymmetry | Aggressive |
Tongue Details | not provided by the brand |
Last Details | Shape: Downturned (performance) Construction: Slip Lasted Last : PD 85 This means the last has a pointed toe, it is downturned and has high asymmetry. |
Upper Material | not provided by the brand Leather/ Lorica® |
Midsole Material | not provided by the brand 3D Hytrel Anatomical Insert (under toes) with P3® |
Sole Material | 4.0 mm
Vibram® XS Grip2
Rand: not provided by the brand |
Footbed Lining | Pacific in the toe and heel / Dry-Best® in tongue |
Hytrel
Lorica®
P3®
Pacific
VIBRAM® XS Grip2
No reviews yet.
The Testarossa allowed me to tighten the shoe as needed without having to re-tighten in between goes on the problems I was working on. The 4mm of Vibram XS rubber is as durable and sticky as La Sportiva claims, providing amazing grip on overhanging routes or problems. I didn't think I would ever be able to find a better shoe than the Miura VS. It was no surprise that the better shoe was from the same company that made my last favorite shoe. With 80 years of experience behind them, La Sportiva knows what is necessary to help climbers push their boundaries and achieve their goals.
The aggressive shape of this shoe make it great for toeing-in on steep climbs and precise placement. My heel feels completely secure for strong heel hooks and the sticky sole make for good smearing. Some thicker soled shoes, like the La Sportiva Solution, feel like there’s too much of a barrier between my foot and the rock. For me, the Testarossa’s sole strikes a perfect balance of being thin enough for great edging and sensitivity, yet thick enough to provide great support. This shoe is certainly aggressive, so I wouldn’t recommend it for beginners. Wait until you’re climbing at least 5.11 to reap the benefits of the Testarossa.
After over a year of use, I am completely pleased with the Testarossa. It’s a very durable, well-rounded shoe that excels on steep, powerful routes and climbs that require precise edging and footwork. If you’re a boulderer first and foremost, or you do most of your climbing in the gym, I would still consider the Testarossa’s laces, heel, and toe box before making a purchase, but don’t count it out. And if you’re intermediate or advanced climber looking for an aggressive sport climbing shoe, definitely check out the Testarossa.
The unlined Testarossa is this year’s steep-rock (20 degrees past vertical and beyond) champ. The down-turned, chiseled toe grabs at features with aplomb. The asymmetrical lacing system follows the anatomy of your foot better than straight-up laces, resulting in a fit that restores meaning to the cliché “glove-like.” On the downside, you’ll have to dig deep into your pockets to get all this performance.
Testarossa shoe review by La Sportiva athlete Jon Glassberg
Close all around view of Testarossa shoe.
Video quality is not very good but a well discussed review of Testarossa shoe.
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