Amazing fit
These shoes fit my feet perfectly which is a hard feat to accomplish (no pun intended). I wear an articulating plastic brace on my right foot and have been wearing two different sizes of shoes in two different brands to make it work. I tried these on and to my surprise, my brace fit in the shoe and my toes weren’t crunched to an unbearable degree. Great sensitivity, great rubber. I couldn’t be happier with my first pair of matching shoes. After purchasing these, my climbing has progressed. That is a huge testament to the skwamas. Thank you to rei and La Sportiva for making such a versatile shoe that fits like a glove and performs well on overhangs, slab and steep terrain. The toe box is wide enough to fit my duck feet and the heel is narrow enough to fit the shape ... MoreThese shoes fit my feet perfectly which is a hard feat to accomplish (no pun intended). I wear an articulating plastic brace on my right foot and have been wearing two different sizes of shoes in two different brands to make it work. I tried these on and to my surprise, my brace fit in the shoe and my toes weren’t crunched to an unbearable degree. Great sensitivity, great rubber. I couldn’t be happier with my first pair of matching shoes. After purchasing these, my climbing has progressed. That is a huge testament to the skwamas. Thank you to rei and La Sportiva for making such a versatile shoe that fits like a glove and performs well on overhangs, slab and steep terrain. The toe box is wide enough to fit my duck feet and the heel is narrow enough to fit the shape of my foot. Also, comfortable enough to wear for hours. 5 stars!!... Show more
ShannonClimbs
originally posted on REI
Amazing shoes for a fraction of the cost!
I just started bouldering recently and am quickly advancing through grades. I have Tarantulaces that have done well but needed something more aggressive and with stickier rubber. I was debating between the Solutions and Skwamas and ended up buying both. I really like the Skwamas colorway, softer and flexier profile, and single strap. I got them a half size smaller than my Solutions and although they are very uncomfortable right now I'm hoping they'll break in perfectly like my Tarantulaces have.... Show more
Robert
originally posted on trekkinn.com
Best Fresh
I have owned 3 pairs of Skwamas, both mens and womens version. Overall, they are good shoes and work well as all arounders, not seeming to stand out in one specific area. They are quite comfortable for my wide forefoot, and the womens model fits my narrow heel better than the mens. My biggest complaint is that after a few months of wear, the leather upper stretches causing the heel to lose its firm fit. Once the heel bags out, they become very unreliable on technical heel hooks. Even downsizing 2 sizes from street size (43 in street shoes, 41 in skwamas), the heel fits perfect at first but progressively bags out and becomes less functional over time. Some decline in function should be expected with wear and tear, but the performance of these shoes significantly ... MoreI have owned 3 pairs of Skwamas, both mens and womens version. Overall, they are good shoes and work well as all arounders, not seeming to stand out in one specific area. They are quite comfortable for my wide forefoot, and the womens model fits my narrow heel better than the mens. My biggest complaint is that after a few months of wear, the leather upper stretches causing the heel to lose its firm fit. Once the heel bags out, they become very unreliable on technical heel hooks. Even downsizing 2 sizes from street size (43 in street shoes, 41 in skwamas), the heel fits perfect at first but progressively bags out and becomes less functional over time. Some decline in function should be expected with wear and tear, but the performance of these shoes significantly decreases over time compared to other models.... Show more
Nate
originally posted on REI
Good enough?
I'm relatively new to climbing — bouldering in a gym thus far over the past six months — and exceeded the technical abilities of the gear-sale-from-ten-years-ago 5.10s I was using. I wanted a shoe that would allow me to tackle the more technical bouldering routes I was challenging at the gym. Noteworthily, I'm also a fairly ardent runner and place a high value on foot health. I didn't want shoes that would destroy my feet or toes. I tried *a lot* of different shoes on, essentially everything in stock in my size at both MEC and the gym where I climb, and these were the most comfortable of the bunch.In athletic shoes I'm typically a 39-40 and I first tried these in a 38.5. I literally cried. I think I sprained my toes trying to break in the 38.5s — like, actual ... MoreI'm relatively new to climbing — bouldering in a gym thus far over the past six months — and exceeded the technical abilities of the gear-sale-from-ten-years-ago 5.10s I was using. I wanted a shoe that would allow me to tackle the more technical bouldering routes I was challenging at the gym. Noteworthily, I'm also a fairly ardent runner and place a high value on foot health. I didn't want shoes that would destroy my feet or toes. I tried *a lot* of different shoes on, essentially everything in stock in my size at both MEC and the gym where I climb, and these were the most comfortable of the bunch.In athletic shoes I'm typically a 39-40 and I first tried these in a 38.5. I literally cried. I think I sprained my toes trying to break in the 38.5s — like, actual damage that has taken some weeks to resolve. I returned them after two awful climbs. I sized up to a 39.5 (which was what was in stock) and I need to tape my toes (perhaps, and I hope, as a result of messing with them in 38.5s). I've now had the 39.5s for about a month and I've used them maybe a dozen times. They've "broken in" such that they're not excruciating to use anymore, particularly once I get warmed up, but they start off incredibly painful. When I come off the wall, I end up landing on my heels more so that my toes aren't crushed, which means I absorb shock through my ankles & I've started to develop ankle issues as a result. Essentially, all my fears about wrecking my foot biomechanics have been (low-key) realized. I've been reading quite a bit about the bravado of crushing your feet into small climbing shoes & how it's not really that essential to performance to do this. I can't imagine what would have become of my feet if I kept the original sizing recommendation. But then, I value my foot function for other sports. Hope this is helpful for others.... Show more
joyofjoy
originally posted on mec.ca
Great performance but the heels don't fit me
Coming from a pair of Evolv Kiras (which fit my feet almost perfectly), my toes had a bit of a hard time adjusting to the aggressive profile of the Skwamas. My street shoe size is usually a women’s 6.5 - 7, and I ended up getting these in a 6.5 (37.5) (I also tried a size 7 (38 EU), but the heels were too roomy despite my toes being scrunched.)Overall I’m pretty happy with the performance of the Skwamas and they’ve definitely softened up after breaking them in. However, there are a few negatives for me that I suspect stem from my particular foot shape (I have narrow, flat feet with a shallow heel):- My toes were in a lot of pain the first few sessions. After ~5 sessions, I developed calluses on the outsides of my big toe knuckles, which made it more bearable. My ... MoreComing from a pair of Evolv Kiras (which fit my feet almost perfectly), my toes had a bit of a hard time adjusting to the aggressive profile of the Skwamas. My street shoe size is usually a women’s 6.5 - 7, and I ended up getting these in a 6.5 (37.5) (I also tried a size 7 (38 EU), but the heels were too roomy despite my toes being scrunched.)Overall I’m pretty happy with the performance of the Skwamas and they’ve definitely softened up after breaking them in. However, there are a few negatives for me that I suspect stem from my particular foot shape (I have narrow, flat feet with a shallow heel):- My toes were in a lot of pain the first few sessions. After ~5 sessions, I developed calluses on the outsides of my big toe knuckles, which made it more bearable. My toes still feel pretty scrunched after breaking the shoes in, and I can’t stand in the shoes for too long before it starts to become painful.- Since I have flat feet, there is a lot of material on the top of my foot — cranking down the strap doesn’t really do much in terms of fit since the elastic lining is quite thick, but it’s not a problem for me since the shoe is tight lengthwise from heel to toe.- My biggest problem with these shoes is the heel. There is a good amount of dead space between the backs of my heels and the heel cup since my heel doesn’t “jut out” very far. The heel cup feels pretty snug “horizontally” though (minimal dead space on the left and right sides of my heels). The other pain point I have with the heels is that they come up pretty high up my achilles. Because of this, the shoe digs into my ankle’s outer bone (lateral malleolus). This was super painful during the break-in period, but after developing a bit of a callous on my ankle it’s gotten better. The dead space in the back of the heel cup paired with the shoe digging into my ankles causes “heel farts” sometimes.... Show more
Brittany
originally posted on moosejaw.com
Great shoe, but it’s just not the solution
I’m trying shoes other than Solutions because I’m fed up with the strap always breaking. Naturally, I wanted to try other sportiva shoes, and opted for the womens’ skwama (lower volume because heel cup fit is a key consideration for me). After a trip to Red Rocks and many gym sessions, I can conclude that it just can’t quite measure up to the standard the Solutions have set. My biggest qualms with the Skwama include:The upper toe rubber is lacking - after a month of use it’s already beginning to peel back and separate from the leather shoe upper. There isn’t as much of it, or it isn’t as thick as other shoes, and you can feel the difference.It’s not as aggressive as the Solution - the hard rubber plate in the sole doesn’t extend through the mid foot for one, ... MoreI’m trying shoes other than Solutions because I’m fed up with the strap always breaking. Naturally, I wanted to try other sportiva shoes, and opted for the womens’ skwama (lower volume because heel cup fit is a key consideration for me). After a trip to Red Rocks and many gym sessions, I can conclude that it just can’t quite measure up to the standard the Solutions have set. My biggest qualms with the Skwama include:The upper toe rubber is lacking - after a month of use it’s already beginning to peel back and separate from the leather shoe upper. There isn’t as much of it, or it isn’t as thick as other shoes, and you can feel the difference.It’s not as aggressive as the Solution - the hard rubber plate in the sole doesn’t extend through the mid foot for one, which makes toeing into things ever so slightly more strenuous. The drop angle of the toe is also milder than on the Solution.I get that the Skwama is more of a comp shoe intended for dynamic movements and landings… I just wish they’d make solutions with thicker straps and don’t know who to blame ;(All around a great shoe for it’s purpose.... Show more
ClimbingKyle
originally posted on moosejaw.com
Love love love
Been climbing in old/used shoes for a long time and was finally ready to purchase a pair. I ordered so many and had so much trouble with sizing/fit as I have a narrow heel but need a larger toe box as well as one foot slightly larger than the other. These felt the best of any I ordered/tried on when I first put them on in store, and got even better the more I've worn them. They'll molded to my feet and are now perfect. The toe control is amazing, I love them. Wanted to keep them nice but have ended up wearing them as much as possible...... Show more
Climber
originally posted on REI
Magic grippy gloves for your feet
Ok these are my favorite shoes so far. I was a hard Otaki fan and found these too aggressive and tight at first. Just give them a couple of weeks, once they break in they’re like second skin. A ver grippy skin. Like many Sportiva models, they have deep heels, so not great if you have small heels. They also have a pronounced downturn that won’t flatten, so if you don’t have a generous arch they might not work for you. I’ve used them at the gym and outside, on overhang and slab, and they work marvels. They’re also great for cracks given the rubber on top. Just an awesome all around shoe that will make you super confident on all kinds of footholds!... Show more
Siobhan
originally posted on moosejaw.com
Shoe of choice
This shoe excels at smearing and is still good on micro edges. It's particularly great at toe hooks on overhanging problems.While I will switch to solutions for very precise footwork these are my work horses for training and climbing outside.I've found 2.5 UK street sizes down for me is the perfect fit. I do go for an agressive fit but they stretch somewhat over time and this is the sweet spot, so they don't go baggy on the heel.... Show more
Jack
originally posted on trekkinn.com
The Almost Perfect Climbing Shoe
The women's version of this shoe fits really well. It's comfortable and supportive and offers the benefits of both a stiff and soft shoe. I am able to confidently use it on small and awkward foot holds, but I trust it just as much on volumes and smearing!I do wish the heel kept its shape and fit after several months of wear. I've found that the heel loosens slightly. While it doesn't loosen to the point to where they're no longer effective, I personally think it loosens enough to lose some confidence when heel hooking smaller holds. I understand the shoe will stretch over time, but I downsized considerably so there shouldn't be any excuse for them to not fit well especially as a guy wearing the women's versions which is supposed to be lower volume.Overall, I am ... MoreThe women's version of this shoe fits really well. It's comfortable and supportive and offers the benefits of both a stiff and soft shoe. I am able to confidently use it on small and awkward foot holds, but I trust it just as much on volumes and smearing!I do wish the heel kept its shape and fit after several months of wear. I've found that the heel loosens slightly. While it doesn't loosen to the point to where they're no longer effective, I personally think it loosens enough to lose some confidence when heel hooking smaller holds. I understand the shoe will stretch over time, but I downsized considerably so there shouldn't be any excuse for them to not fit well especially as a guy wearing the women's versions which is supposed to be lower volume.Overall, I am more than satisfied with the shoe. I think if you're looking to get a pair of shoes that does an all around great job at everything, this is the shoe.... Show more
Andrew A
originally posted on backcountry.com