Skwama Women
Description
The comfort of a slipper coupled with the snug fit of a hook and loop closure, the Skwama Women's promises precision and performance. Stand-out features like the P3® rand design to minimize stretch, S-Heel™ construction for secure heel hooks and extra rubber over the top forefoot for toe hooks and scumming make this elite-level shoe built to deliver exacting control on the most technical routes and boulder problems.
• 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
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Weight | 342 g Single : 171 g / 6.0 oz |
Closure Type | Slipper 1 Velcro closure |
Gender | Women |
Volume | Low Narrow |
Sizing Information |
European sizes 33-42, 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 :WPD 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®
VIBRAM® XS Grip2
No reviews yet.
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.
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.
In 2018 La Sportiva significantly increased their range of women's climbing shoes, with female-specific counterparts to the likes of the Futura, Solution, Kataki, Otaki, Skwama, Miura and Katana. This is a great development for women (obviously), as it provides far wider choice. However, it's only better if it's a genuine and significant change to what's out there already. With that in mind I was interested to see how two of the new crop - the Otaki and the Skwama – performed. Having used both for several months now, I can safely say that each is brilliant in its niche. In fact they complement each other really well.
If the Skwama were to receive an award, it would be for the most comfortable, technical, and well-rounded shoe out there. These shoes are a great option as a go-to for most kinds of climbing, from cracks to steep boulders, to sport climbs. We like having these in our fleet as a shoe that will perform well at most any crag we've taken them to. We found them to stretch out a bit over time, so make sure to downsize a half size or so if you want them to have a performance fit. Otherwise, they are a great, comfortable all-day shoe for multi-pitch sport climbs.