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La Sportiva Solution Comp - Women's Review

This model gets major props for steep climbing and bouldering due to its aggressive shape, precision, and comfortable design
la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review
Credit: Backcountry
Price:  $199 List
Manufacturer:   La Sportiva
By Jane Jackson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 5, 2020
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 20
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Sensitivity - 25% 9.0
  • Edging - 15% 5.0
  • Cracks - 15% 7.0
  • Pockets - 15% 10.0
  • Ease of Use - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

Ok, this time La Sportiva has really done it. After a redesign of the original Solution that left many of us wanting more, the company has now come out with a fully revamped version of this tried and true classic. Welcome the La Sportiva Solution Comp. This shoe shares many of the same features as the classic Solution, with a few major upgrades that launch it into our Top Pick Award for Sport Climbing and Bouldering. First, and probably most obviously, is the addition of a full rubber toe patch for scumming and toe hooking. Second, is the revamping of the heel, which is narrower and more sensitive than that of the other model. We found the Solution Comp to break in more quickly and fit better overall than the Solution as well. This shoe is a powerhouse when it comes to steep climbing — with a downturned shape, a precise toe, and a well-fitting heel. For those who want a technical shoe that can help you smear, edge, and heel hook up steep routes, the Solution Comp is the ticket.
REASONS TO BUY
Super sensitive
Overall comfortable for aggressive design
Great for pocket climbing
Good for heel hooking
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Specific
Can be painful for some

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award Best Buy Award Best Buy Award 
Price $208.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$199 List
$148.93 at REI
$199 List
$199.00 at REI
$100 List
$99.97 at Amazon
$89 List
$89.00 at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Super sensitive, overall comfortable for aggressive design, great for pocket climbing, good for heel hookingGreat edging shoe, precise, versatileComfortable, high performance, sticky rubber, easy to put on, good in cracks, versatileInexpensive, comfortable, easy to get on and offInexpensive, easy to adjust, comfortable, soft leather upper
Cons Expensive, specific, can be painful for someSpecific shape can cause discomfort for some, expensiveStretch out quickly, costly, lacks supportLacks stiffness, not designed for high-performance climbingNot great for smearing, rubber lacks the stickiness of more expensive models
Bottom Line This model gets major props for steep climbing and bouldering due to its aggressive shape, precision, and comfortable designA technical climbing powerhouse, perfect for crimpy limestone or long granite free climbsAn impressive shoe in many realms, combining comfort with a high-performance fitThis shoe is a reasonably priced and very comfortable option great for beginner climbersA great option for beginners, these shoes are comfortable and easy to use
Rating Categories La Sportiva Solutio... La Sportiva Miura VS La Sportiva Skwama... Five Ten Kirigami -... La Sportiva Tarantu...
Comfort (25%)
8.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
Sensitivity (25%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
4.0
Edging (15%)
5.0
10.0
7.0
4.0
7.0
Cracks (15%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
7.0
Pockets (15%)
10.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
4.0
Ease of Use (5%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
Specs La Sportiva Solutio... La Sportiva Miura VS La Sportiva Skwama... Five Ten Kirigami -... La Sportiva Tarantu...
Style Velcro Velcro Velcro Velcro Lace
Weight (Per Pair, size 37) 0.95 lb 0.94 lb 0.95 lb 0.99 lb 0.97 lb
Width Options Regular Regular Regular Regular Regular
Fit Asymmetrical High Asymmetry Asymmetrical Low Asymmetry Low Asymmetry
Upper Leather/microfiber Leather Leather/Microfiber Synthetic Leather, microfiber
Lining Lycra tongue/ unlined Dentex Unlined Synthetic Unlined
Sole Rubber Vibram XS Grip2 Vibram XS Grip2 Vibram XS Grip2 Stealth C4 Frixion RS

Our Analysis and Test Results

Stomping smears, cranking on heel hooks, and all matter of overhanging trickery are the name of the game in the Solution Comp.

Performance Comparison


la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review - an exciting lip encounter in the solution comp.
An exciting lip encounter in the Solution Comp.
Credit: Eric Bissell

Comfort


The Solution Comp looks even more intimidating than the Solution to the untrained eye. Its rubber-covered toe box, flashy Velcro straps, and stretchy tongue make the Comp look uncomfortable and aggressive at first glance.


In testing, however, we were pleased to find out that these shoes break in quickly and fairly easily. The toe box is slightly roomier than the old Solution, allowing toes to curl into a powerful position, without feeling cramped. The midsole hugs the arch of the foot comfortably, without binding. We will admit that these shoes were a bit challenging to get on at first, with the rubber toe box limiting stretch. This didn't seem to be a lingering issue, though, and after the third or fourth time putting these shoes on, our feet slipped right into them. The synthetic, stretchy tongue locks the foot in place, while the Velcro strap provides a surprising level of fine-tuning in terms of fit.

la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review - the first few times we put them on, it was a little tough to get our...
The first few times we put them on, it was a little tough to get our feet in these slick slippers, but over time they stretched out to be very comfortable.
Credit: Eric Bissell

Just like the Solution, the Solution Comp is designed for performance climbing, meaning that it can feel a bit uncomfortable at first. Some folks simply don't like this style of shoe, claiming the soft slipper design causes long-term foot pain. One option to remedy this is to have another pair of more comfortable shoes for warming up, saving the Comps for your project. This tactic keeps toes fresh and can alleviate some of the discomfort that can come with wearing such an aggressively shaped shoe.

Sensitivity


Just like the Solution, the Solution Comp's are surprisingly sensitive — from steep roof climbing to slabs. Though we wouldn't wear these all the time on slabs, the Comp's soft sole and super sensitive toe box allowed us to smear with confidence on low-angle terrain. Perhaps because they were designed with volumes in mind, these shoes are sensitive, smearing masters.


The revised heel cup also makes these shoes great for heel hooking, while the addition of rubber on the top of the shoe makes for impressive toe hooking performance as well. The previous Solution's heel solicited many complaints over the years for being bulky and lacking sensitivity. The Comp is a response to these complaints, with a narrower, softer heel cup that conforms to the shape of the foot to provide a "locker" heel hooking platform. We were impressed.

la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review - heel hooks with a view.
Heel hooks with a view.
Credit: Eric Bissell

Edging


The Solution Comp is a relatively soft shoe. The Comp has an even softer midsole than the OG Solution, making them not the best option for serious edging.


A stiff midsole creates a platform that extends perpendicular to the edge so that the shoe is doing some of the work of keeping you on your feet. This doesn't happen in the Solution Comp, and sustained edging can be a recipe for painful feet in these shoes.

la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review - their soft midsole makes the solution comp great on steep walls, but...
Their soft midsole makes the Solution Comp great on steep walls, but not ideal for edges.
Credit: Eric Bissell

Crack Climbing


Though we didn't like the Solution for sustained cracks, we felt like there could be a place on the spectrum of crack climbs for the Solution Comp's. Perhaps small finger cracks or a sporty trad route could be the crack climbing application for the Comp. The extra rubber on top of the toe box adds durability for jamming.


That said, their downturned shape and aggressive design make it obvious that these shoes are not meant for sustained crack climbing. A shoe that is stiffer and has a flatter shape is a much better option for crack climbing, in general.

la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review - the aggressively shaped solution comp is not necessarily designed...
The aggressively shaped Solution Comp is not necessarily designed for crack climbing, though they could be used for specific trad routes.
Credit: Eric Bissell

Pockets


In short, these shoes rock for pockets. The Solution Comp has the distinct tapered toe box of the classic Solution, which looks as though it is designed specifically for pocket climbing.


Their downturned shape allows you to pull into the wall with your toes, helping keep body tension on steep walls. As the saying goes, when the going gets steep, get the Solution Comps…or something like that!

la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review - the solution comp happily at home in a small pocket.
The Solution Comp happily at home in a small pocket.
Credit: Eric Bissell

Ease of Use


A single Velcro strap secures these steep climbing machines in place. The Fast Lacing System was designed by La Sportiva to be a quick and simple way to fine-tune the fit of these shoes. Two pull tabs on the heel assist in getting your foot inside — it can feel a bit like a suction when your foot pops into place inside the Solution Comp.


It's impressive that these shoes are able to fit so snuggly while remaining comfortable and easy to get on and off. A few pitches or boulder problems in these shoes, and they will start to feel significantly easier to get on and off as they stretch.

la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review - the stretchy tongue and single velcro strap make the solution comp...
The stretchy tongue and single Velcro strap make the Solution Comp about as easy as it gets to put on and take off.
Credit: Eric Bissell

Value


As with most shoes from La Sportiva, especially their top-performing, technical models, the Solution Comp is an investment. These are high-performance shoes, with a high-end price tag, so purchasing them might require some thought. For folks who have been climbing a while and want to invest in a pair of shoes for that next sport climbing trip or megaproject, the Comp could be just the thing to get you psyched. If you're just starting out, the cost may not be worth it for the specificity of this model.

la sportiva solution comp for women climbing shoes review - gazing off into the distance, dreaming of the next sport climbing...
Gazing off into the distance, dreaming of the next sport climbing trip we get to take with the Solution Comp.
Credit: Eric Bissell

Conclusion


These shoes are impressive in many ways. In terms of a soft, aggressively shaped slipper meant for high-performance, steep rock climbing, we were hard-pressed to find anything on the market that compares to the Solution Comp. They combine comfort, fit, and design into a tight, stylish package that makes any climber want to try hard. We especially liked the updated toe box, which is slightly wider and has a bit more rubber on top when compared to the classic Solution. The modified heel also provided more sensitivity and security for aggressive heel hooking. It was hard to find anything we didn't like about the Solution Comp, and they seemed just to get better and better the more we wore them.

Jane Jackson
 
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