Theory Men
Description
Extreme sensitivity combined with high dynamism allows the Theory to have unprecedented pedidextarity and reactivity on holds. Climbers looking to take their comp style to the next level need look no further. An aggressive yet ultra-sensitive slipper with a single hook and loop closure locks the heel in. They offer top to bottom sticky rubber and an all-new hybrid sole that combines no-edge features to adapt to the futuristic footwork required for modern competition climbing.
• Structure designed to facilitate volume compression on modern comp routes
• Reduced volume heel allows for maximum precision on heel hooks
• Rubber toe cap covers 90% of the toe surface for greater grip on the uppers
Retail price
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Weight | 430 g Single : 215 g / 7.5 oz |
Closure Type | Slipper 1 Velcro closure |
Gender | Men |
Volume | High |
Sizing Information |
European sizes 34-46, 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 Over-hanging |
Asymmetry | Aggressive |
Tongue Details | not provided by the brand |
Last Details | Shape: Downturned (performance) Construction: Slip Lasted Last : PD 85 This means the last shape has a pointed toe, it is downturned and has high asymmetry. |
Upper Material | not provided by the brand Microfiber & Leather |
Midsole Material | not provided by the brand P3 System™ |
Sole Material | not provided by the brand
1/2 Sole, 1.9-4mm Vibram XS Grip-2™ Rubber
Rand: not provided by the brand |
Footbed Lining | Unlined |
No Edge Concept™
P3®
VIBRAM® XS Grip2
No reviews yet.
The La Sportiva Theory is an excellent shoe for shorter and more overhanging routes, boulder problems, the gym, Moon Boarding, and of course, for doing parkour tricks on indoor comp problems. People with narrow-ish feet who like soft shoes should definitely check this shoe out.
Despite being marketed for indoor bouldering, the La Sportiva Theory is excellent for sport climbing on slippery limestone, and to some extent, pockety sandstone. After six or so pitches, you’ll be psyched to take these puppies off, especially if it’s hot and your feet swell.
As I reacclimated to volume and coordination problems, it struck me that the Theory felt like a combination of the Solution and the Futura—Solution-style big-toe bite for edging and jibs married with Futura-style softness, sensitivity, deformation, and scumming fluency. This made for wicked versatility, with reliable performance on toe-in-and-grab monster overhangs, funkedelic coordination slabs, and vertical crimp ladders. On one problem, up bulbous yellow balls, I desperately scummed around an arête onto a micro-ball, sure my foot would slip, but the Theory’s slipper-like softness and massive toe-scumming patch locked me in. This grabbing savoir faire is accomplished via your standard, square-cut big-toe edge merged with the rounded No Edge sole on the posterior forefoot; meanwhile, the outsole has a variable depth (1.9–4 mm) that’s thickest at the toe-tip for edging support, but tapers in the dead space behind the toebox, letting the Theory flex for smearing. The heel has a swath of stiff yellow rubber that made for remarkably stable, intuitive hooking—it doesn’t slip. Size for a sock-like fit.
The first of La Sportiva’s three comp shoes was the Solution Comp, followed by the Theory and the Cobra 4.99. The Theory is softer than the Solution Comp for more of a bouldering focus. It also has volume-friendly features like Sportiva’s No-Edge technology, a rounded underfoot edge that, here, wraps up into two semi-circles of rand on the posterior toebox; a variable-thickness half-sole (1.9–4mm) that thins down behind the toebox, where you typically don’t stand, to encourage forefoot flex; a low-volume heel with a swath of stiffer yellow rubber to foster stable hooking; and a big, boomerang-shaped toecap for dynamic scums. With gyms still closed, I tested these bad boys on rock and my home wall. They have been steep-rock and bouldering beasts, with a glove-like fit and beveled edge that delivers mega feedback, plus one of the best heels on the market (über-glommy, no slippage).