La Sportiva Genius – Gear Review

There are times when we take to our favorite routes for a nice easy climb, and other times we move on to the unknown and take it up a notch just to see if we have the metal to do it. A successful climb on a day like that is only as good as the weakest piece of gear you bring with you. Aside from your body and skill level, one could easily point to the correct shoe being the next most important piece to the equation. This Spring we headed to the Rockies and put the La Sportiva Genius to the test!

Key Features:

• No-Edge™ Technology delivers unparalleled edging performance on the rock
• P3® patented technology delivers mind bending power
• Lace-up comfort makes this shoe fit every type of foot
• AWARDS: Climbing Magazine – Editors’ Choice 2015

Construction:

Build: Slip lasted
UPPER: Suede leather / Microfiber
LINING: Unlined
MIDSOLE: 1.1mm LaspoFlex with P3®
SOLE: 3mm Vibram® XS Grip2™

Design:

The Genius is definitely a sight to anyone unfamiliar with La Sportiva’s Permanent Power Platform® patented technology. This build is aggressively downturned, which puts the foot into the most efficient setup position to settle into rock with grip as needed each time. Once positioned, the LaspoFlex midsole is remarkably flexible, providing the climber whatever adjustments are necessary to to keep the hook-like toe engaged within the rock hold while establishing a position for their next move.

Not only is the build of this shoe equipped to handle whatever is thrown at it, the Vibram® XS Grip2™ rubber that makes up the heal and toe is ultra-durable, but still provides the give to stick right into the smallest of holds.

If you’re into an aggressive shoe, the La Sportiva Genius is what your looking for in aesthetics as well as build. The color scheme of bright red and yellow on black rubber is as visually stimulating as the climbs it can handle are gnarly.

Comfort:

Performance:

Value:

While this isn’t a shoe for beginners, an experienced rock climber who knows their limits and is interested in testing them again and again will be well satisfied spending the asking price. The performance is bar none with the La Sportiva Genius, and that’s what really matters. For the type of climbing one can accomplish with a performance shoe of this caliber, the cost here is just a few drops in the barrel compared to the other gear it will require to get there.

Buy Now: $195 or to learn more, go to: Sportiva.com