Our verdict
For a semi-downturned climbing shoe, the Zenit favors easy to moderate routes. Armed with a sufficiently rigid sole unit, this La Sportiva piece provides more than enough footing security and exceptional comfort, whether in the gym or out in the wild. Past its rather demanding asking price, the Zenit is a boon for entry-level climbers and intermediate senders alike.
Pros
- updated Jun 11, 2023
- Grippy
- Precise fit
- La Sportiva Zenit
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
- Too slippery
Who should buy the La Sportiva Zenit
The Zenit is a fully breathable climbing shoe made of knit fabric with a modern and attractive look. Many climbers stated that indoor climbing walls, for soloing and bouldering outside.
Who should not buy the La Sportiva Zenit
Many climbers stated that this shoe is expensive and its blue rubber on the heel is too slick. They also mentioned that it feels like there is oil on their shoe when they use them. If you are looking for a shoe that will empower you to boldly send steeps like never before, you might want to check the Dispelling the notion that.
Edges like a champ
Dispelling the notion that climbing shoes need to hurt to be worthy of the rock (or wall) just might be the Zenit’s reason for existing. In other words, you will be sending boulder projects in double the comfort while you got this bad boy on. Yes, climbing in it translates to pampered tootsies, and all thanks to the following:
- Stuffiness has a lower chance of occurring—and running your day—in the Zenit because of this combination. Indeed, the freshness will be with you as you mount, shimmy, and toe your way up to the top.
- Unlike the Zenit’s upper, where comfort comes from its high breathability, the shoe’s footbed provides that luxurious feel by being lined with premium leather.
- This pairing is primarily about giving you extra footing support, particularly on tiny edges. This means that you can pull off more creative maneuvers minus the tired feet in the Zenit.
Superb surface traction
Climbers mentioned that it renders superb traction, no matter whether you're squeezing between volumes at your local gym or navigating a precarious gritstone slab.
Dispelling the notion that
Climbers stated that this shoe is supportive yet fairly sensitive where it matters, while also being hardwearing, particularly when used on indoor walls.
Comfortable fit and easy on-off
Constructed using a flexible, highly breathable knitted synthetic upper, climbers stated that it provides a super comfortable fit with its dual Velcro closure which makes them easy to put on.
Alternatives to the La Sportiva Zenit
TC Pro
Supportive yet fairly sensitive TC Pro takes on steep challenges in the great outdoors. While having the same moderate downturn as the Zenit, the TC Pro favors the rock more with its highly randed leather upper.
Cobra
Features of the La Sportiva Cobra is among the ones to beat. Just like the Zenit, bouldering pursuits are where these excel. That said, the thinness of its outsole (1.5 mm thinner than the featured shoe) affords you more surface feel, but perhaps at the expense of longevity.
Katana Lace
Need more edging support for your next ascent? Then reach instead for the Katana Lace, which sports a full midsole. It is a pricier option (about $60 more expensive), but it hooks and smears sideways with extra stickiness than the Zenit.
