Hey guys! Let's dive into the La Sportiva Solution Comp, a climbing shoe that has been generating a lot of buzz in the climbing community. If you're serious about bouldering or sport climbing, you've probably heard about these shoes. They're designed to offer maximum performance on overhanging routes and technical boulder problems. But are they really worth the hype? Let's break it down and see what makes the Solution Comp stand out from the crowd.

What Makes the Solution Comp Special?

The La Sportiva Solution Comp is essentially an enhanced version of the original Solution, a shoe already renowned for its precision and power. The "Comp" version takes it a step further, focusing on sensitivity and adaptability for competition climbing, hence the name. So, what are the key features that set this shoe apart?

Enhanced Sensitivity

One of the most noticeable differences is the increased sensitivity in the toe. La Sportiva has tweaked the sole and midsole construction to provide climbers with better feedback from the rock. This means you can feel even the tiniest edges and micro-holds, giving you the confidence to make those crucial moves. The thinner rubber layer in the toe area allows for more direct contact with the rock, which is a game-changer when you're trying to stick a difficult toe hook or edge on a slippery hold. With enhanced sensitivity, you will be able to climb hard routes and boulder problems.

Softer Construction

The Solution Comp features a softer overall construction compared to the original Solution. This makes the shoe more adaptable to different foot shapes and allows it to conform better to the contours of the rock. The softer midsole provides greater flexibility, which is particularly useful on overhanging routes where you need to smear and pull with your feet. This flexibility also enhances your ability to feel the rock, further improving your precision and control. The shoe's ability to adapt to different rock surfaces is crucial for climbers who encounter varied terrain.

Improved Heel

The heel cup on the Solution Comp has been redesigned to offer better precision and hooking performance. The heel is now more sensitive, allowing you to feel exactly where you're placing it, which is essential for tricky heel hooks. The rubber coverage has also been optimized to provide maximum grip without sacrificing sensitivity. This improved heel construction gives you the confidence to commit to even the most precarious heel hooks, knowing that your foot will stay securely in place. Whether you're tackling a steep boulder problem or a technical sport route, a reliable heel is a must-have.

Wider Fit

While the original Solution is known for its snug fit, the Solution Comp offers a slightly wider fit in the toe box. This makes it more comfortable for climbers with wider feet, without compromising performance. The wider fit also allows for more toe splay, which can improve your balance and stability on the wall. If you've struggled with the narrow fit of other high-performance climbing shoes, the Solution Comp might be the perfect solution for you.

P3 Platform

Like the original Solution, the Comp version incorporates La Sportiva's patented P3 Platform (Permanent Power Platform). This technology helps to maintain the downturned shape of the shoe over time, ensuring that it retains its aggressive performance characteristics. The P3 Platform prevents the shoe from flattening out, which is a common problem with softer climbing shoes. This means you can rely on the Solution Comp to deliver consistent power and precision, even after months of use. It's a crucial feature for climbers who demand long-lasting performance from their gear.

Who is the Solution Comp For?

The La Sportiva Solution Comp is designed for advanced climbers who are looking for a high-performance shoe that excels on overhanging routes and boulder problems. It's an excellent choice for climbers who prioritize sensitivity, flexibility, and precision. If you're comfortable with aggressive downturned shoes and are looking to push your limits on challenging climbs, the Solution Comp could be the perfect fit for you.

Bouldering

For bouldering, the Solution Comp shines. Its soft construction and sensitive toe allow you to feel every nuance of the rock, giving you the confidence to stick even the smallest holds. The improved heel is also a major asset for technical heel hooks, which are common in modern boulder problems. Whether you're tackling steep caves or delicate slab problems, the Solution Comp can help you perform at your best.

Sport Climbing

In sport climbing, the Solution Comp is ideal for overhanging routes where you need to pull hard and maintain precise foot placements. The downturned shape and P3 Platform provide the power you need to stay on the wall, while the sensitive toe allows you to make the most of small edges and pockets. The shoe's flexibility also makes it well-suited for smearing and other advanced techniques. If you're looking to send your project on a steep sport climb, the Solution Comp can give you the edge you need.

Competition Climbing

As the name suggests, the Solution Comp is specifically designed for competition climbing. Its combination of sensitivity, flexibility, and precision makes it an excellent choice for the varied and often unpredictable terrain found in climbing competitions. Whether you're facing steep overhangs, delicate slabs, or tricky technical problems, the Solution Comp can help you perform at your best under pressure. It's no surprise that many top competition climbers trust the Solution Comp to help them reach the podium.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced perspective, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the La Sportiva Solution Comp.

Pros:

• Exceptional Sensitivity: The thinner rubber and softer construction provide excellent feedback from the rock.
• Improved Heel: The redesigned heel cup offers better precision and hooking performance.
• Softer Construction: The shoe is more adaptable to different foot shapes and rock surfaces.
• P3 Platform: Maintains the downturned shape of the shoe over time.
• Wider Fit: More comfortable for climbers with wider feet.

Cons:

• Price: The Solution Comp is a premium climbing shoe and comes with a higher price tag.
• Durability: The softer construction may result in slightly lower durability compared to stiffer shoes.
• Not Ideal for Beginners: The aggressive downturn and sensitivity may be challenging for beginner climbers.

Alternatives to the Solution Comp

If the La Sportiva Solution Comp doesn't seem like the right fit for you, there are several other high-performance climbing shoes to consider.

La Sportiva Solution

The original La Sportiva Solution is a classic choice for bouldering and sport climbing. It offers a similar level of performance to the Comp version but with a stiffer construction and a narrower fit. If you prefer a more supportive shoe or have narrower feet, the original Solution might be a better option for you.

Five Ten Hiangle

The Five Ten Hiangle is another popular choice for aggressive climbing. It features a downturned shape, a sensitive toe, and a comfortable fit. The Hiangle is known for its versatility and is well-suited for both bouldering and sport climbing.

Scarpa Instinct VS

The Scarpa Instinct VS is a high-performance shoe that offers a combination of power and sensitivity. It features a downturned shape, a Vibram XS Edge sole, and a comfortable fit. The Instinct VS is a great choice for climbers who want a shoe that can handle a variety of different climbing styles.

Final Verdict

The La Sportiva Solution Comp is a top-tier climbing shoe that delivers exceptional performance on overhanging routes and boulder problems. Its enhanced sensitivity, softer construction, and improved heel make it a favorite among advanced climbers and competition climbers. While it may not be the best choice for beginners or climbers on a tight budget, the Solution Comp is a worthwhile investment for those who are serious about pushing their limits. So, if you're looking for a shoe that can help you send your project or crush your next competition, give the Solution Comp a try. You might just find that it's the perfect solution for your climbing needs!