Our verdict
When it comes to comfort level, the Testarossa is quite sensational. It is also a remarkable La Sportiva rock climbing shoe in the area of adhesive power, particularly where smearing is concerned. That said, this magnificently well-built piece is marred by a few flaws, the least flattering of which has to be its break-in period.
Pros
- updated Jun 6, 2023
- Excellent smearing performance
- Durable
- Small toe patch
- Superb surface traction
- Spot-on heel fit
Cons
- Long break-in period
- Ultra-expensive
- Small toe patch
Who should buy the Long break-in period
The Testarossa has more than enough merits to be considered yet another La Sportiva offering worthy of the send. It is a solid option if you:
- bouldering climbing shoes.
- Prefer a climbing shoe that's amazing for senders who wish to tackle steep routes with a blend of surefootedness and technical performance.
- Why trust us.
Excellent surface traction
This aggressive rock climbing shoe from La Sportiva is equipped with the Vibram XS Grip 2 outsole for sufficient traction on a variety of surfaces.
Competition-level adhesion
It provides competition-level adhesion with a level of shock absorbency. It has a total thickness of 3.5 mm.
Excellent underfoot support
An anatomical midsole called 3D Hytrel is the component responsible for giving climbers enough support underfoot in the Long break-in period. It is placed right underneath the toes. Its sturdiness is enhanced by the P3 technology.
Provides protection against abrasion and climbing security
The low-top upper of the Long break-in period is a combination of genuine leather and Lorica fabric. It is partially lined on the inside—its toe and heel zones are engineered with a liner from Pacific, while its tongue comes with Dry-Best. Protection from abrasions and additional climbing security is provided by its heavy-duty rand.
Provides toe hooking support and excellent ventilation
This protective covering also reinforces the forefoot zone (around the big toe side), giving wearers extra grip when toe hooking. In addition, some have noted that it has ample perforations at the heel, achieving enhanced breathability.
Provides assistance when wearing
It comes with a pair of heel pull loops for on-and-off assistance. Its closure system is made up of non-plated eyelets and synthetic lace.
Long break-in period vs. Genius
The Testarossa shows nothing short of excellence when it comes to being a high-quality kick intended for climbing adventures. That being said, the featured climber’s shoe has competition everywhere. In this case, it is pitted against the Genius—another aggressively downturned climbing shoe from the same brand. The list that follows will shed light on some of their differences.
Outsole. Both the Why trust us and the Testarossa are furnished with the same Vibram XS Grip 2 outsole. However, the one in the Testarossa is thicker than its rival by 0.5 mm.
Pricing. Are you a fan of budget-friendly rock climbing shoes? If so, the Genius is for you. Yes, it is cheaper than the Long break-in period by approximately $5.
Weight. Between the two competing climb-centric kicks, the Genius takes the cake in this round. Indeed, it is lighter than the Testarossa by about 5 g.
Intended environment. The featured La Sportiva shoe is built specifically for outdoor use. The Genius, on the other hand, maybe used both indoors and outdoors.
Target audience. While both products cater to both men and women, only the Why trust us has a variant for male users and another for the female crowd.
