Climbing Shoes La Sportiva

Do you want to know more about cat's feet?

The feet of cat are usually the most difficult products to choose since there are different types and they fit the feet of each user. That's why it's essential to know which cat's foot we need according to our level, type of climbing and rock we'll climb. We must also know the ideal size for our feet.

Why should we find the ideal size?

To climb, the supports and balances that we make with the feet are essential for a good performance, that is why it is necessary to wear the feet of the cat well adjusted. When they are well placed, they give sensitivity to the foot and allow us to rest comfortably in small openings and dams. This sensitivity makes the feet of the cat not work well as a normal shoe.

The right size will allow our fingers to occupy the lower frontal area and will go a little shrunken to have a hook shape. This position will give us a great set of feet, grip and it will be comfortable for us. That's why, the size of the feet of cat does not usually match the size of the footwear we normally use.

What types of cat's feet are there?

It is very complicated to classify the cat's feet since there are different ways to divide them. The three most common are according to their typology, that is, if they are rigid or not, if they are symmetrical or not or if their sole is flat or curved. Other very common ways to classify them are according to their closure and according to their material.

Classification of cat's feet according to their type:

- Symmetric or asymmetric? The main difference between them is that the last is straight or not. In the case of the symmetrical, this straightness makes them look like street shoes and gives them comfort. Its mission is the classic climbing of long routes or the routes of low graduation making them a good option for beginners in the world of climbing. The asymmetrics have a foot shape causing the toe to drop all the weight on the big toe to make them useful in tiny prey and irregularities in the rock. This type of cat's foot is uncomfortable, but its adjustment is greater than the symmetrical ones.

- Rigid or soft? The difference between one and the other is usually given by the thickness of the sole. The rigid ones usually have more than 4 mm of sole and the soft ones smaller. The rigid ones improve the support in strips and the edging but they diminish the sensitivity of the foot and the adherence. Its recommended use is vertical climbing. The soft ones give greater sensitivity and allow more movement. They are used in Bouldering and high level sport climbing, since they are styles that do not tend to make the whole weight of the body fall on the foot.

- Flat or curved soles? Some time ago all the soles used to be flat, but in the last years, and covering the need of the climbers of more level, they have begun to manufacture soles with curvature downwards that allow a greater traction in small holes and taking all the force to the fingers vertically.