La Sportiva Women’s Solution

Although many lady climbers have rocked the men’s Solution from La Sportiva since it came out in 2006, this year the Italian company made a few tweaks to make it just right for the feminine persuasion. Designers changed the shape of the last to better mimic a woman’s more slender foot, and they tapered the Achilles. The result? The shoes won’t shift around when your feet are in intensely delicate positions. Other than those small changes, this new iteration keeps all the great features of the classic Solution: sticky Vibram XS Grip rubber, aggressive downturn, stiff sole, a wrap-around sock for comfort, and the fast hook-and-loop closure system. “I didn’t think there could be a better shoe for me than the men’s Solution, until I tried the ladies’ version,” one 5.12 climber chick said. “It noticeably fits my narrow, low-volume foot better, and it feels more secure on heel and toe hooks.” Lady boulderers at Guanella Pass, Mt. Evans, and Rocky Mountain National Park, all in Colorado, universally agreed that the women’s version of this ultra-classic was an upgrade in all departments. Not to mention the fresh new magenta color differentiates it from the boy’s without being too girly.