If you don’t have a lot of time and just want to get the gist of this article, here’s the summary:
The Testarossa, in my humble view, is a well-crafted climbing shoe that seems to align best with intermediate to advanced climbers’ needs. With its aggressive shape and unique features like P3® rand technology, it appears to be a good fit for those into sport climbing or bouldering. I particularly appreciate the lightweight nature of the shoe, which could help reduce fatigue on long climbs. Plus, it has a lace-up closure system for a personalized fit and the ability to resole, extending the shoe’s life for regular climbers.
On the flip side, I feel the Testarossa might not be the best choice for everyone. Beginners could find the advanced features challenging and those who prefer slip-on shoes might find the lace-up system a bit of a hassle. Also, while the shoe is relatively lightweight, it might not satisfy the need for extreme lightness in speed climbing. Breathability could also be a concern for some due to the Leather/Lorica upper.
In a nutshell, the Testarossa seems to be a feature-rich shoe with specific appeal, but might not be everyone’s cup of tea. As always, it boils down to individual preference and needs. Remember, I’m just sharing my thoughts and don’t claim to be an expert.
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La Sportiva Testarossa Climbing Shoes Review: Who is it for?
While discussing the La Sportiva Testarossa, or simply ‘Testarossa’, I can’t help but focus on the type of climbers who might find this shoe ideal for their needs. Let’s not forget, while I’m not claiming to be an expert, I do believe that the user profile is a vital factor when considering climbing shoes.
The Testarossa, with its aggressive and downturned shape, which is sustained by the patented P3® rand technology, might not be the ideal shoe for beginners. Why, you ask? Well, this particular design is great for powerful edging, which is more often utilized by experienced climbers. In my humble opinion, if you’re a novice, getting used to this kind of advanced feature might be a bit challenging.
Now, let’s talk about climbers who are into bouldering or sport climbing. The Testarossa could be their new best friend. The stretch technology used in this shoe leverages nonstretch Lorica® and stretchy leather, strategically placed to enhance edging. Also, the updated heel cups stated in the technical specs, suggest improved heel hooking – a feature crucial for serious climbers.
Another aspect to consider is the weight. Each pair weighs 15.87 ounces, which is relatively lightweight compared to some other climbing shoes. This would be beneficial for climbers who prefer long, multi-pitch climbs as a lighter shoe aids in reducing fatigue.
That said, I would also like to highlight the 3D cupped Hytrel® midsoles under the toes. They tie into high-tension figure-8 rands that allow you to literally grab features with your feet. It may sound a bit outlandish to some, but experienced climbers could find this feature useful as it adds another level of control during their climb.
If you’re a climber who prefers lace-up shoes for that personalized fit, the Testarossa could be a good fit for you. For those not familiar, the lace-up closure allows more adjustability compared to Velcro or slip-on shoes.
And let’s not forget the fact that the Testarossa can be resoled. To me, this is a substantial factor when considering climbing shoes. Due to the intense nature of climbing, shoes are prone to wear and tear and being able to resole them can significantly extend their lifespan, which is a big plus for climbers who are regulars on the rock.
Last but not least, the Testarossa is unisex. So regardless of gender, if you find the features and design meet your climbing needs, then this shoe could be a worthy consideration.
In summary, from my perspective, the Testarossa could be a great option for intermediate to advanced climbers, particularly those interested in bouldering or sport climbing, climbers who value a lightweight shoe for long climbs, or those who prefer lace-up closure for a precise fit. Additionally, the ability to resole is a definite perk for regular climbers. But again, this is just my humble opinion, and individual preferences can vary greatly.
La Sportiva Testarossa Climbing Shoes Review: Who isn’t it for?
Moving on to who the Testarossa might not be for. You see, while this shoe boasts an array of impressive features, there are scenarios where it might not be the most suitable option.
Firstly, if you’re just starting out in the world of climbing, the Testarossa might not be your best choice. The shoe’s aggressive and downturned shape, designed for powerful edging, could be a bit much for a beginner. It’s not that beginners can’t wear them, but the steep learning curve could prove a bit daunting. I think a more neutral shoe could be a friendlier introduction to climbing.
Furthermore, not every climber is a fan of lace-up shoes. While they offer great adjustability, they can be time-consuming to put on and take off. If you’re someone who values convenience and speed over a personalized fit, you might find the Testarossa’s lace-up closure a bit tiresome.
Another factor to consider is the weight. Although 15.87 ounces per pair is relatively lightweight and advantageous for long climbs, some climbers might prefer an even lighter shoe, especially if they are into speed climbing. In such cases, the Testarossa might not be their first pick.
Next, let’s talk about the upper material of the shoe – Leather/Lorica. While this type of upper offers good durability and stretch, it might not be the best for climbers who value breathability above all. If you’re someone who struggles with sweaty feet or climbs in hot climates, you could find the Testarossa a bit uncomfortable.
The Testarossa also features a fairly aggressive and specific design that allows climbers to ‘grab’ features with their feet. While this could be a boon for bouldering or sport climbing, it might not be as useful for traditional climbing where more neutral positions are often favored.
Lastly, while being able to resole a shoe might be a huge plus for some, it might not matter much to others. If you’re someone who prefers to replace your climbing shoes rather than resoling them, the resolability of the Testarossa might not be a selling point for you.
In conclusion, while the Testarossa is an impressive climbing shoe packed with features, it might not be the best choice for beginners, those who prefer slip-on or Velcro shoes, speed climbers looking for the lightest shoe possible, climbers who prioritize breathability, traditional climbers, and those who prefer to replace rather than resole their shoes. But hey, that’s just my two cents, and ultimately, the right shoe for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
La Sportiva Testarossa Climbing Shoes Review: Conclusion
The Testarossa, in my humble view, is a well-crafted climbing shoe that seems to align best with intermediate to advanced climbers’ needs. With its aggressive shape and unique features like P3® rand technology, it appears to be a good fit for those into sport climbing or bouldering. I particularly appreciate the lightweight nature of the shoe, which could help reduce fatigue on long climbs. Plus, it has a lace-up closure system for a personalized fit and the ability to resole, extending the shoe’s life for regular climbers.
On the flip side, I feel the Testarossa might not be the best choice for everyone. Beginners could find the advanced features challenging and those who prefer slip-on shoes might find the lace-up system a bit of a hassle. Also, while the shoe is relatively lightweight, it might not satisfy the need for extreme lightness in speed climbing. Breathability could also be a concern for some due to the Leather/Lorica upper.
In a nutshell, the Testarossa seems to be a feature-rich shoe with specific appeal, but might not be everyone’s cup of tea. As always, it boils down to individual preference and needs. Remember, I’m just sharing my thoughts and don’t claim to be an expert.