LaspoFlex
Super lightweight, ultra-thin synthetic fiber-laminate designed for maximum torsion rigidity.
Skwama Men
Description
Patented S-Heel™ construction provides optimal heel hooking maneuverability and the perfect heel cup fit.
P3® patented technology coupled with the new innovative split-sole construction allows the sole to spread when weighted, reducing edge deformation.
Sticky rubber toe patch for toe hooks and scums.
Retail price
US$ 199.00
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| Weight | 420 g Single : 210 g / 7.4 oz |
| Closure Type | Slipper 1 Velcro closure |
| Gender | Men |
| Volume | Average |
| Sizing Information |
European sizes 33-46, 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 |
| Asymmetry | Aggressive |
| Tongue Details | not provided by the brand |
| Last Details | Shape: Downturned (performance) Construction: Slip Lasted Last : PD 75 This means the last shape has a pointed toe, it is downturned and has high asymmetry. |
| Upper Material | not provided by the brand Leather / Microfiber / Rubber toe cap |
| Midsole Material | 0.8 mm LaspoFlex with P3® |
| Sole Material | 4.0 mm
Vibram® XS Grip2
Rand: not provided by the brand |
| Footbed Lining | Unlined |
P3®
Permanent Power Platform used in climbing shoes to maintain the downturned shape of the shoe for the life of the shoe.
VIBRAM® XS Grip2
Represents the natural evolution of VIBRAM® XS Grip, the new XS Grip2 delivers highly improved grip, while maintaining consistent performance in all temperatures. XS Grip 2 is the best solution in pure friction situations while remaining durable and even-wearing.
Other Shoe Versions male female
The Perfect Shoe
by nvorel on 04/2/2020Pros
Relatively comfortable
Super good for heel and toe hooks
Durable
S-heel works magic
Cons
Not great for low volume feet
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton
The perfect steep sport and bouldering shoe
by anonymous on 03/22/2020Pros
Great Sensitivity
Great Heel Cup
Perfect Amount of Toe Cap Rubber
Toe and Heel Hooks Perfectly
Holds the shape well
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton
One of La Sportiva’s newer innovations, the Skwama is a performance climbing slipper, comparable to the Drago above in terms of its highly aggressive and sensitive build. With a thin midsole and supple Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber, the Skwama moves as an extension of your foot and lets you feel every contour in the rock. What’s more, Sportiva’s well-loved P3 midsole means the shoe retains its downturn over time. The benefits to this construction come on steep terrain: The slipper provides incredible precision for heel and toe hooks (aided by the generous heel and toe rubber and snug S-Heel design) and puts your foot in an aggressive position that allows it to perch on steep edges and nubs.
Ah, the La Sportiva Skwama. Potentially the best high end all-around shoe on the market. The combination of that sleek design and the abundance of innovation make this a real contender as one of the heavy hitters in the climbing shoe world. The softer cousin of the super-stiff Otaki and Kataki, the Skwamas will rarely let you down. Being one of the most versatile shoes that La Sportiva manufacture, this shoe excels anywhere from technical slabs to steep overhanging routes.
The only complaint in testing these shoes was that they required two or three sessions to break in. The heel cup fits beautifully, but is definitely tight on the Achilles at first. And as with any slipper, you’ll have to pull hard the first few times you put them on. But La Sportiva avoids any real hassle with a touch of extra leather under the ankle bones that expands just enough to get the Skwama on without toppling your chair. A single strap of Velcro tightens across the top of the foot to ensure the shoe’s overall fit remains super secure. The leather upper did stretch over the first two weeks of use, but not enough that I would have sized down.
I’ve used them in the gym, on local limestone and for the sweet sandstone of Red Rocks. Because they are so supportive, they edge really well, but don’t smear as well as I had hoped. I do find myself reaching for them often, and for an all-around performer, they are an excellent choice. They also buck the trend of all new shoes that are coming out being super expensive, and clock in at a reasonable $165. If you are a fan of the Solutions but want something a little more sensitive, give them a look.
We've seen this shoe everywhere, on pros and dirtbags alike, and our testing reveals that they are immensely popular for good reasons. Their affordability is unmatched by other high-end climbing shoes, they climb all styles well, and they don't hurt our feet. We can't wait to bring them on winter sport climbing trips to Spain and then use them for spring time adventures on desert sandstone. These versatile shoes are an excellent addition to anyone's climbing shoe quiver.
Both the Otaki and the Skwama perform very highly in the areas they are designed for, and buying a pair of each would be a wise choice for all-round climbers. The fit and design of both models represents the state of the art, for now at least, and this combines high performance, durability and comfort. I was particularly impressed by the Skwama because it took me by surprise – showing not only the characteristics of a great soft shoe, but also holding its own on edges and excelling on marginal toe hooks. For what they are designed for, the Otaki and Skwama are two of the best shoes available.
“For the aggressive downturn, amount of rubber, and high-performance design, these are crazy comfortable,” one tester said after six months with the Skwama, “and that makes me a better climber because I’m not babying my feet and toes.” Proprietary S-Heel construction pushes power forward, so everything is funneled to the front, where a chiseled toe helped one tester find tiny pockets in the limestone of the Calanques in Southern France and another tester seek out granite nubbins in Yosemite. A split sole also helps with sensitivity, so the forefoot can really wrap around the rock for smearing and smedging, and the single Velcro strap has a wide attachment point that helps tighten the shoe down over the whole foot. Testers found these to be the perfect shoes for redpointing sport climbs and boulder problems, adding they were “pretty dang easy to get off and on, especially for being slippers.”
The Skwama is a soft, sensitive shoe that offers a good balance between comfort and performance. At home both on projects and circuits, the Skwama is definitely a good all-rounder, albeit in a very different way to the Otaki (i.e. a bouldering all-rounder as opposed to a trad/sport all-rounder).
“With unbeatable performance, quality construction, and top-notch fit, I expected a price much higher than $140.” Consider this your next shoe for any bouldering, sport, or gym project.
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