Our verdict
Something fantastic welcomed those who gave the La Sportiva Python a try. Indeed, this toe-hooking genius has a satisfying fit, even for those who have feet broader than usual. It is also a great bouldering companion with high amounts of stickiness underfoot. It only has virtually one drawback—its super-stretchy upper. Overall, Python is yet another amazing La Sportiva offering, thanks largely to its substantial number of climb-worthy characteristics.
Pros
- Astonishing grip performance
- For wide-footed
- Track and field
- some of the most inexpensive climbing kicks
- Excellent sensitivity
- some of the most inexpensive climbing kicks
- Very durable
Cons
- La Sportiva Python
- You are after a shoe that performs well on wall climbing is what you prefer
Who should buy the La Sportiva Python
La Sportiva Python:
- La Sportiva climbing shoes.
- You are after a shoe that performs well on wall climbing is what you prefer.
Who should not buy the La Sportiva Python
Climbers looking for a shoe that offers a second-skin-like experience might not get what they need from the La Sportiva Python because "it stretches too much" says a user who has reviewed it. Also, wearers looking for a supportive climbing shoe might have to look elsewhere. That said, they could check out other La Sportiva climbing shoes and find a pair ideal for them.
Updates to La Sportiva Python
- The La Sportiva Python is a rock shoe that is fantastic for climbers who need a better feel of the surface, especially when dealing with reverse holds and protrusions where heel hooking is required. Its slip-lasted construction makes it extra sensitive.
- This shoe sports a more modern look than its predecessor. Compared with its former self, the new Python has a wider toe patch. This sticky covering also has grooves or ridges, which the previous model lacked.
- It inherits the Vibram outsole of the old build. It still has a segmented construction; however, its heel part is either colored green or orange, depending on the colorway.
Profile
Downturn. This La Sportiva rock climbing shoe is built with a moderate downturn. Its forefoot resembles a beak, with which mounting on holds and edges is made relatively easy. Kicks with this amount of downward camber are ideal for multi-pitch climbs.
Applications. The La Sportiva Python is great for both boulder-type ascents and sports routes. Its set of components gives it the capability to send projects on vertical faces and overhangs. Climbing fans may use it both indoors and outdoors.
Fit
La Sportiva’s Python is a high-volume below-the-ankle climbing shoe. As a unisex product, wearers from the female camp are advised to size down a full size to get a comfy fit. Its unlined leather upper might stretch slightly after a few climbs. The shoe is crafted around an asymmetric last, giving its confines an amount of inward bend between the heel and the toe zone. Its fit may be adjusted to the user’s preference via the shoe’s hook-and-loop closure.
Performance
Midsole. Placed around the Python’s front end, the LaspoFlex midsole offers adequate forefoot support. It has a minimum thickness of 0.8 millimeters.
Outsole. Sufficient slip and skid resistance in the La Sportiva Python comes from the XS Grip 2 outsole courtesy of Vibram. It has a thickness of 3.5 millimeters front and back. Its rear section extends to the heel part of the shoe, providing additional surface traction in heel-hooking situations.
Upper
The Python by La Sportiva encloses the foot in its low-cut upper made mainly of suede leather. Its inner walls are unlined. Around its instep is a stretchy sock-like panel. Its lower perimeter has enough randing, which is rubber, granting senders a combination of climbing security and abrasion protection. The upper also has triple pull loops that make getting in and out of the shoe more convenient.
A single strap makes up Python’s lockdown system. It is built with Velcro (hook-and-loop) fasteners, making it highly adjustable.
La Sportiva Python vs. Cobra
The La Sportiva Python does its brand proud by being one of the most sought-after rock climbing shoes on the market. That said, it shares the limelight with another one of La Sportiva’s promising moderate rock kicks—the Cobra. Now getting both may not be the most realistic course of action. In light of that, knowing the aspects that differentiate the two is priceless. The points that follow will touch on such distinctions.
A case of curvature. As it is molded on an asymmetric last (see Fit section for more info), the Python has a banana-shaped inward bend. The La Sportiva Cobra, on the other hand, has no curvature, since it is built around a straight last.
A case of curvature. In this comparison, Python might be considered the more enticing gear. Rightfully so, because the featured rock climbing shoe is cheaper than the La Sportiva Cobra by approximately $5. In need of a far less pricy pair? Scan through some of the most inexpensive climbing kicks on this site.
Fit management system. The La Sportiva Python, as mentioned previously, provides fit customization using its Velcro closure. The competition, on the other hand, relies on its stretchy collar and instep zone in locking the foot in place. Climbers who wish to get a dialed-in fit in their footwear might want to side with the Python. Those who are quite particular with ease of access (both in and out), however, might find more value in the slip-on Cobra.
Weight. The La Sportiva Python loses out to its rival by a hair in this round. Yes, it is heavier than the Cobra by about 10 grams.
