Forty feet above my last gear, I really wanted my shoes to work. I was on an empty slab in the middle of the second pitch, looking down at a tree hanging on a pivot that could fall for a while, and started to get antsy (extremely concerned).
I scanned the rock hoping to find a small dimple to stand on. Thankfully, I was wearing a new pair la sportiva finale ($139) Climbing shoes that fit perfectly and gave me a little extra confidence exactly when I needed it.
Many serious climbers have three to four pairs of climbing shoes for bouldering, big walls, indoor sessions, and everything in between. But it’s refreshing when a model like the La Sportiva Finale holds its own in a surprisingly wide range of terrain without the premium price tag.
In short: The La Sportiva Finale is a strong blend of all-day support, crack-climbing utility, and great performance for elevated multipitch routes and everyday crag sessions. For climbers with narrow-to-medium feet who prioritize value and versatility rather than pushing the hardest grades, this is a phenomenal choice. It won’t replace ultra-aggressive bouldering shoes, but it climbs far better than its budget-friendly price suggests.
Compare La Sportiva Finale with other top picks in our guide Best climbing shoes.
size
Best for narrow feet, size down from street shoe size
rubber
45mm Vibram XS Edge Rubber
profile
Slightly tilted/flat, moderate asymmetry
key features
Soft unlined leather molds to your feet
Pros
- Premium construction at affordable prices
- Pain-free, all-day multipitch comfort
- surprisingly strong edging power
- Unlined leather stretched for a custom, molded fit
- Strikes a balance between toughness and sensitivity
Shortcoming
- Steep, overhanging routes lack the necessary facilities
- It is difficult to determine the correct size due to the stretch of natural leather
la sportiva finale review
how i tested
No surprise, I climb a lot in this shoe. More than almost any other pair in my arsenal, I kept reaching for the Finale because it accommodated my narrow feet so well and never punished me on extended outings.
As the temperatures began to rise near my home in central Colorado, I started sport climbing and top-roping on local rocks. As winter turned to spring and the rocks dried, larger objectives opened up. After breaking them in briefly, I took the shoes to a long multipitch route near Breckenridge, Colo.
I knew I’d be wearing them for 4 to 6 hours, and at first, I wondered if I’d made a terrible mistake by not breaking them in more. A few hours later, as we finished the 10th and final pitch, my legs were still feeling great. The finale proved to be the perfect choice for an itinerary that included everything from delicate scrambling on low-angle slabs to steep rafters near the summit.
Fit and Size: Precise but forgiving
The La Sportiva uses a relatively thin last, which creates a precise toe box and strong edge control. If you have naturally narrow feet or you prefer a comfortable, performance-oriented fit, this will probably feel excellent right out of the box. For those with wider feet, the midfoot will likely feel tight, and the pressure on the inside edge can be distracting during long sessions.
It is important to note that the Finale uses unlined leather for the upper. This matters for two reasons: the initial experience and the long-term pull. Unlined leather breathes and feels softer than synthetic leather, meaning it will naturally mold to the shape of your foot with use. Expect the material to expand across the forefoot width and toe area over the first few weeks of regular climbing.
Because of this, some consideration has to be given to sizing. If you’re indecisive between sizing up for a comfortable immediate fit or a slightly tighter long-term fit, many climbers choose their standard performance size – or just a little bit smaller – and allow the leather to stretch over time. Those who want a consistently tight, aggressive fit can size down more, but remember that unlined leather rewards a conservative approach.
Break-in and comfort: Pain-free and all day long
Break-in is straightforward. Unlined leather softens without suffering over a long period of time. While the shoe initially felt a little stiff, after a few days on the wall, it became markedly more comfortable while maintaining extreme accuracy.
The midsole is supportive enough to prevent excessive foot fatigue on long routes, yet thin enough under the toes for good sensitivity. This combination is exactly what I want in a shoe that I can wear for multiple pitches without feeling the need to pull it on every bail.
Rock performance: edge and blur
Where the Finale shines is its ability to handle a variety of terrain without feeling overly specialized. The flat, neutral profile and sculpted toe allow for confident footwork on short grips and accuracy on vertical walls. The pointed toe box helps concentrate power on small micro-edge corners, while the overall stiffness-to-sensitivity ratio hits the bullseye.
On low-angle slabs, the forgiving fit and Vibram XS Edge rubber (a stiff, highly durable compound designed to hold its shape on fast micro-holds) provide excellent friction, so it doesn’t feel like a one-trick pony. Climbers who put heavy mileage on these should consider resoling at the first sign of significant wear and tear to maintain out-of-the-box performance.
room for improvement
The Finale is a solid all-rounder for climbers like me who love the sport and want to enjoy it in comfort. However, if you’re trying to get higher grades on braided routes where precise footwork makes the difference between sending your project through and being disappointed, this probably isn’t the best option. For that kind of climb, look at something like scarpa drago lv For faster, more responsive performance, or la sportiva katana For a slightly more aggressive fit.
Although not a real flaw, getting the right size for unlined leather shoes can be difficult. This requires trying on several sizes and getting an idea of how the material will feel after a few months of stretching.
La Sportiva Finale: who is it for?
At $139, la sportiva finale This is an excellent budget-minded climbing shoe, and I would argue that it fits and performs better than many models that cost far more. It’s positioned as a beginner-to-intermediate shoe, but it consistently punches above its weight.
With a flat, neutral shape and a fairly precise toe profile compared to the classic beginner models, it definitely doesn’t feel like a basic rental shoe. It blends edge strength with enough sensitivity for technical footwork, making it a great choice for climbers who want a shoe for longer trad routes, moderate sport climbing and gym sessions.
The laces provide a secure fit, while the minimal lining keeps the upper feeling soft. Climbers with narrow-to-medium feet will get the most benefit from the Finale. Those with wide feet, or climbers focused solely on steep rocks and difficult hanging sport routes, will want something more aggressive and high-volume.
