The La Sportiva Finale Women’s climbing shoes are a fantastic choice for those stepping up from beginner footwear to something that offers a bit more precision and performance. I made the switch after around 9 months climbing in my trusty Tarantula’s and found the transition relatively painless!
Renowned for their comfort and durability, these shoes have gained popularity among both indoor climbers and those who love to tackle outdoor rock faces.
One of the standout features of the Finale is definitely how comfortable they are. With a leather upper and unlined design, these shoes adapt to your feet over time, providing a snug yet gentle fit that’s perfect for extended climbing sessions making them especially suitable for long trad climbing days in the Lake District, where you might find yourself in your shoes for hours on end!
I have found the Vibram® XS Edge rubber sole delivers impressive edging performance and significantly improved my confidence on those small holds. The slight downturn and flat profile strike a nice balance between comfort and sensitivity, allowing me to feel those subtle footholds. It’s a noticeable upgrade from beginner climbing shoe but without diving into the discomfort of high-performance options. When it comes to indoor climbing, the Finale excels on volumes and textured walls, providing solid feedback and a secure fit. Outdoors, they really shine on multi-pitch trad routes where all-day comfort and reliable footwork are essential. Plus, they’re tough enough for regular use on rugged crags or during warm-weather sport climbing trips.
The Finale makes for an excellent second shoe and was an easy choice for me once I had outgrown their entry-level Tarantula’s. I was looking for something that offers more precision without sacrificing comfort and the Finale perfectly fits that bill. These shoes have helped me to improve my footwork while avoiding the pain that can come with more aggressive shoes, so for anyone looking for a new comfortable rock shoe, these should definitely be on your radar!
One of the main drawbacks of this shoe is its lack of aggression. If you're tackling steep boulders or overhanging sport climbs, you might find it doesn't have the downturn and toe power necessary for top-notch performance. Plus, since it's made of leather with minimal lining, it can stretch over time, so it's really important to get the sizing just right. Another thing to note is that it doesn't come with a toe patch, which can limit its effectiveness for toe-hooking on some of the more modern bouldering challenges… personally I’m not much of a boulderer so this didn’t bother me!
The La Sportiva Finale has really shined on the long trad climbs. I have now tested this shoe out on some long trad routes and some moderate sport routes both here in the UK and further afield across the Alps and along the coast of Spain. They have had many gym sessions and outdoor adventures and I can confidently say that they are a reliable and comfortable option striking a great balance between comfort, durability, and performance—ideal for climbers looking to take their skills to the next level!
