Butora Libra Review

The Butora Libra received relatively high scores in most of our rating metrics, with sensitivity and pockets being the Libra's lowest categories. These shoes are an edging contender more than anything. They also work well in cracks with their padded tongue and ample rubber on the toe box.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Initially, the Libra was a tight-fitting and took a few days to break in. Though they aren't as tight fitting as the Butora Acro, these shoes run smaller, and ordering a size up from your street shoe is not a bad idea. The stiffness of the sole also made the Libra a tad uncomfortable at first, but we found that we got used to it over time. Overall, the Libra was relatively comfortable, though their stiffness and small size made them fall short in the comfort ratings since they compare to an introductory shoe when it comes to overall performance.

Sensitivity

The Libra did not excel in the sensitivity department, earning the lowest score of the fleet. These stiff-soled shoes work well when standing on small, but obvious edges, but they seriously lack as a smearing shoe. In fact, it was hard to feel any hold beneath our toes in these shoes. Their stiffness also made them hard to use on less-than-vertical climbing, where a soft, flexible shoe excels. Perhaps with more use, the Libra would relax and become a better shoe for precision footwork, but during our testing period, the Libra's remained fairly stiff.

Edging

The features that sabotage the Libra when it comes to sensitivity are the same qualities that make this shoe an incredible edging shoe. The stiffness of the sole means that you can hang out on tiny edges for a long time without exhausting your feet and calves. Also, the stiff rubber soles provide enough surface area on small holds to inspire confidence, even on the smallest footholds out there. Our favorite for technical climbing, the La Sportiva Miura, performs similarly to the Libra on vertical terrain but has the added versatility of a softer shoe to work well on slabs. Other flat-soled shoes that work well on vertical terrain were the La Sportiva Finale and the Five Ten Anasazi LV. All of these shoes are great for all-day climbing, trad climbing, and multi-pitch endeavors.

Cracks

As a crack climbing shoe, the Libra performed fairly well. This was especially true in areas where the cracks are incipient and edging, and face climbing skills are a necessity. For this kind of climbing, like the multi-pitch routes found in Tuolumne Meadows, the Libra is a good shoe to have in your quiver. All that said, the stiffness of the sole can inhibit jamming on continuous splitters, like those found in the Utah desert.

Pockets

For pockets and steep climbing, the Libra may not be the best tool for the job. These shoes are not designed with a downturn, so toeing in on steep terrain can be difficult. The Acro is a much better option for pockets and steep climbing, as they are designed for this kind of terrain. We also like the Mad Rock Lotus and the La Sportiva Solution for more aggressive styles of climbing.

Ease of Use

The Libra is reasonably easy to use; their lace-up design takes a bit more time but allows for lots of adjustability along the length of the foot. The laces don't get stuck and move easily through the leather eyelets, which helps with tightening the toe box. Overall, these are easy to use as far as a lace-up model goes.

Value

The Libra is a shoe of excellent value. Both of the Butora models we tested are well-made and durable. The rubber is sticky, and we saw no signs of delamination on either model. The Libra is a good introductory and all-around shoe, though the stiffness may be a bit off-putting for new climbers. For a shoe that will last a long time and not break the bank, the Libra is a good choice.

Conclusion