Our verdict

76
Good!

The Oxygym from La Sportiva is one of the brand’s many offerings that the climbing community appreciates deeply. It is well-liked for its comfy feel, breathable confines, and zero break-in time. However, this La Sportiva climbing shoe has a lot to prove in the area of sole durability.

Pros

  • Delightful comfortable feel
  • Reasonable price
  • Breathable
  • Delightful comfortable feel
  • Easy to wear
  • Straps tears easily
  • We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us

Cons

  • Zero break-in period
  • Lack of sensitivity
  • Straps tears easily

Who should buy the Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort

The Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort is a capable rock shoe that new and experienced climbers alike can be proud of wearing. It is a solid option if you:

  • Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort.
  • Prefer a climbing shoe that renders protection against rugged rock surfaces.
  • updated Mar 14, 2023.

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort logo

The Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort's Profile

Downturn. The Oxygym is a neutral rock climbing shoe from La Sportiva. It has a moderately asymmetrical profile which allows individuals to enhance their climbing skills.

Applications.  La Sportiva’s Oxygym is an all-around rock shoe that helps new climbers improve performance on virtually every climb. It comes with features that are optimized to adhere to plastic and different rock surfaces.

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort laces 3

Size and fit

La Sportiva’s Oxygym is a rock shoe that caters to both men and women. Its interior has a slight curve between the heel and the forefoot, making it an asymmetrical gear. According to the brand, their products are built on European half sizes. This means that La Sportiva provides more size options. It is recommended to get one to two sizes down the usual for the best fit.

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort laces 4

The last used in the men’s version is the RL45. This particular last creates a round toe area and a high, wide volume. On the other hand, the women’s shoe uses the WRL45 for a more gender-specific fit. Allowing wearers to achieve a customized fit in it is the shoe’s patented hook-and-loop closure system.

Excellent grip on rocky surfaces

La Sportiva’s Oxygym (men’s and women’s) comes with a Frixion RS outsole. Its sole thickness is 5 mm. It adapts to a variety of rock conditions with sufficient grip.

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort outsole

Prevents unwanted ankle twisting

The Oxygym uses a 1.8 mm LaspoFlex midsole. It is a lightweight synthetic fiber laminate that aids in promoting torsional rigidity, preventing unwanted ankle twisting. 

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort midsole

Shock-absorbing cushioning

It cushions each climber’s step without compromising ground sensitivity. An anti-shock EVA insert is placed in the heel area that ensures optimal comfort. 

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort midsole 1

Breathable and sturdy

The Oxygym from La Sportiva uses a three-layer Washtex upper. The outer layer is a washable fabric that promotes breathability and protects the foot against outdoor obstacles. The middle portion is made of microfiber which is extra sturdy giving the shoe enhanced structural integrity.

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort upper

Comfortable in-shoe experience and odor-free

Its interior is built with moisture-wicking fabric and the AirTex Silver liner. Together, these two internal components translate to an odor-free and comfortable in-shoe experience. A sturdy rubber rand covers the base of its exterior, giving senders added protection and traction on complicated surfaces.

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort insole

Easy to wear

The shoe’s hook-and-loop closure system consists of a Z-shaped Velcro strap. The brand’s engineers added pull tabs at the top of the tongue and two at the rear part of the shoe. These loops assist climbers in donning and doffing.

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort loop

Prefer a climbing shoe that provides a gym and all-around climbers with enough comfort vs. Tarantula

Those who are new to the sport (climbing) may find a competent climbing companion in either the Oxygym or the Tarantula. Read on to know more about their similarities and differences. 

Straps tears easily. These offerings from La Sportiva cater to both male and female climbers. The Oxygym’s SRP is $100, while the Tarantula sells for $90, making it $10 cheaper than the featured shoe. 

Upper. La Sportiva’s Tarantula comes with an unlined leather upper, so future owners should consider the stretch factor when sizing it. The Oxygym, on the other hand, uses a lined synthetic upper, minimizing stretch as climbers log vertical miles in it. 

Midsole. Both of these La Sportiva climbing shoes employ a 1.8mm LaspoFlex midsole. This component provides support and additional comfort underfoot.

Outsole. The two La Sportiva products in this comparison carry the brand-owned FriXion rubber outsole. They are 5 mm thick and are optimized to adhere to both plastic and natural surfaces. 

Weight. The men’s Oxygym weighs 202 g, while its for-female counterpart weighs 168 g. On the other hand, the Tarantula weighs 290 g for men and 240 g for women

Nice to know

-updated Mar 14, 2023.

-Individuals looking for a more aggressive climbing shoe may look at either La Sportiva’s Miura VS or Five Ten’s Hiangle.