La Sportiva Cliff Rock Climbing Shoe

The La Sportiva Cliff climbing shoe was made for the novice rock shoe shopper or the climber on a budget that is looking for performance. The La Sportiva Cliff is an unlined, low top, slip lasted shoe that climbs rock like a mountain goat. Built on a new last shape with a roomier toe and narrow heel, this all around climbing shoe looks, fits, and climbs like an expensive high performance shoe. It features a supportive 1.1mm full-length Laspoflex midsole that gives support while allowing maximum sensitivity. The 1.8mm XSV rubber rand features a "pressure release notch" over the base of the fifth metatarsal for all day comfort. Burly construction, 5mm super sticky yet hard edging XSV soles, and down to the toe lacing all add up to incredible value. **LA SPORTIVA RECOMMENDS BUYING A 1/2 SIZE SMALLER THAN YOUR STREET SHOE. *AVAILABLE FOR NORTH AMERICAN SHIPMENT ONLY.

$89.95

Good fit for me
I'm a beginner at vertical rock climbing, so I bought these in size 42 as an entry-level shoe (I normally wear a size 10 Wide Vasque hiking boot). My right foot is a bit smaller than the left, so there's a bit of space in front, but I'm told these are stiffer than shoes for experienced climbers, so it shouldn't be a big issue for right now. I find they fit well if I keep them laced up evenly (not loose, but not too tight). My climbing has certainly not pushed the limits of these shoes as yet (can barely muster 5.9, chuckle). Tried on a bunch of others before settling on this pair.

A very good beginner/intermediate shoe
This shoe is holding up nicely and is good for those who have not yet built up climbing feet. You cannot feel the holds like you would with slippers or a thinner shoe, but for me this is not necessarily a bad thing as my feet are very sensitive. I have climbed ~3 times a week at our University's wall and find the shoes very comfortable to wear continuously, although they need to be purchased rather small as they stretch appreciably.

The definition of all-around
This is the absolute ultimate in all-around rock shoes. There really isn’t anything that you can’t do in these babies. The sole is super thick, so they don’t wear down as quickly as other shoes if you’re a gym-rat like me. The tradeoff…super thick soles kill sensitivity, and they provide a slight sense of false security when on sloping holds/cracks. The lacing allows for a super dialed in fit, and the shoe itself is super comfortable. With these shoes it’s even more important to size down (which you should always do), because of the tapered toe-box. Great all-around or starter shoe!

Love the Shoe
Great Shoe for a Newbie like me! I am having some time getting adjusted to wearing them without socks they can be a little sweaty at times and the breathability is not wonderful. Overall they smear like a champ and helped me climb my first 5.10!!! Recommend to anyone! Get a full size smaller...they stretch!

the shoes make my feet happy
These are my first climbing shoes and they're great at my level. They're comfortable, stiff, and stick to everything. Be sure to get them at least 2 sizes smaller than your street shoes. I ordered them only half a size small, and they were way too big, and I had to send them back. But now I have size 38 (normally wear 40) and they fit perfectly.

Training Tips

Cross training gives your body a chance to recover while still exercising. If yesterday has a hard run day up and down hills, then today's bicycle ride gives your aching knees a well deserved break.

Anaeroic threshold is when lactic acid starts to build up in your body as your muscles are not getting the oxygen they require. This threshold is typically expressed as a percentage of your VO2 max - the amount of oxygen per kilogram of weight that a person can use in converting fuel to energy. Elite athletes threshold might be as high as 90% of VO2 max.

Efficient running position allows you to run farther and faster. Keep the heel raise to a minimum, relax your upper body and hands, keep your upper body poised and quiet.

If you want to make progess in your training, join a running group. A commitment to meet on a regular basis with a group of like minded individuals will help you keep your focus.