La Sportiva Finale vs. Scarpa Helix Climbing Shoes

Climbing shoes are one of the most important pieces of gear for any climber. They are the primary point of contact between the climber and the rock. With a wide range of options available in the market, it can be overwhelming for beginners and experienced climbers alike to choose the right pair of climbing shoes that best suit their needs.

In this article, I will compare two popular all-around climbing shoes – La Sportiva Finale and Scarpa Helix. I will delve into their differences in fit, materials, closure system, and performance. I’ll also provide an in-depth analysis of their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision on which shoe to choose for your climbing needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, this article will help you understand the differences between these two shoes and choose the best one for your next climb.

Summary

There are a few key differences between these two models:

• Fit and Comfort: The La Sportiva Finale has a slightly narrower and more snug fit. Scarpa Helix, on the other hand, has a more relaxed fit that is better for those with wider feet. The Finale also has a more aggressive downturn and asymmetry, which makes it better suited for steeper routes. In contrast, the Helix has a flatter profile that is better for slab climbing.
• Materials: The La Sportiva Finale is made from leather, which offers a snug and comfortable fit that molds to the shape of your foot over time. The Scarpa Helix, on the other hand, is made from synthetic leather and has a stiffer feel that provides better support and durability.
• Closure System: The La Sportiva Finale uses a lacing system, which allows for a more customizable fit and greater adjustability, while the Scarpa Helix uses a Velcro strap closure that makes it easy to take on and off quickly.
• Performance: The La Sportiva Finale is more specialized for technical climbing and has a more aggressive shape that offers better edging and precision. The Scarpa Helix is more versatile and suitable for a wider range of climbs, including cracks and slabs.

See the La Sportiva Finale See the Scarpa Helix

Fit

Climbing shoes are made to fit snugly to maximize performance and allow the climber to feel the rock more effectively. Different shoes, however, have different fits, which can affect both comfort and performance. The following is a comparison of the fit of the two shoes.

When compared to the Scarpa Helix, the La Sportiva Finale has a slightly narrower and more snug fit. The heel cup is reasonably tight, providing good support and preventing slipping. In addition, the toe box is slightly downturned and asymmetrical. This aids in edging and precision on steeper routes. This fit may be uncomfortable for some climbers, especially if they have wider feet or prefer a more relaxed fit.

The Scarpa Helix has a more relaxed fit that is ideal for climbers who have wider feet or prefer a more comfortable fit. The heel cup is slightly larger, making it less supportive than the La Sportiva Finale but more comfortable. The toe box is flatter, making it ideal for slab and crack climbing. The flatter profile, on the other hand, may make it less effective for edging and precision on steeper routes.

Materials

The materials used in a climbing shoe can affect not only the shoe’s durability and lifespan but also its performance.

The upper of the La Sportiva Finale is made of high-quality leather. This leather provides a comfortable and snug fit. It also allows the shoe to stretch and mold to the shape of the foot over time. The Vibram XS Edge rubber sole is known for its durability, stiffness, and excellent edging ability. The La Sportiva Finale’s leather and rubber combination makes it an excellent shoe for edging and technical footwork.

The upper of the Scarpa Helix is also made of leather. But it’s softer, more pliable leather than that of the La Sportiva Finale. The sole is made of Vibram XS Edge rubber and EVA foam. This rubber sole provides good edging ability as well as comfort for long days of climbing. The Scarpa Helix is a more versatile shoe than the La Sportiva Finale. It has a flatter profile that suits slab and crack climbing as well as vertical and overhanging routes.

Both shoes have a comfortable and snug fit that molds to the shape of the foot over time. However, the leather in the La Sportiva Finale is stiffer and more durable than the leather in the Scarpa Helix. The Vibram XS Edge rubber used in both shoes provides excellent edging ability. However, the sole of the La Sportiva Finale is stiffer and better suited for technical footwork, whereas the sole of the Scarpa Helix is softer and better suited for long days of climbing on a variety of terrain.

Closure Systems

Climbers must consider the closure system of a climbing shoe. It affects how the shoe fits, how easily it can be put on and taken off, and how well it can be adjusted for different levels of tightness. Here’s a comparison of both closure systems.

The Finale has a traditional lace-up closure system that allows for a customizable fit at various points along the foot. The laces also enable a tighter or looser fit, depending on the climber’s preference or specific demands. However, laces can take longer to adjust than other closure systems. It may be more difficult to put on and take off.

The Scarpa Helix has two closure systems: a lace-up system and a Velcro strap. The lace-up system provides a customizable fit, while the Velcro strap allows for quick and easy adjustments. It also helps to keep the shoe securely in place. Climbers like the dual-closure system because it offers a good balance of adjustability and convenience.

Performance

When choosing a climbing shoe, climbers prioritize performance. The ability of the shoe to provide good traction, sensitivity, and support can have a significant impact on a climber’s ability to perform well on the wall.

The La Sportiva Finale is built for excellent edging, making it an excellent choice for climbers who value technical footwork. The Vibram XS Edge rubber outsole of the shoe provides excellent traction and support on small footholds. The leather upper also provides excellent sensitivity and precision. The shoe is also made to fit snugly around the foot, which improves precision and sensitivity.

The Scarpa Helix is designed to provide good all-around performance. This quality makes it suitable for a variety of climbing styles and levels. The rubber sole of the shoe provides good grip and support on a variety of surfaces, while the flat profile and moderate stiffness enable good precision and edging ability. The shoe is also ergonomically designed, making it a good choice for long climbing sessions or all-day wear.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Both shoes have a comfortable and snug fit that molds to the shape of the foot over time. But the leather in the La Sportiva Finale is stiffer and more durable than the leather in the Scarpa Helix. The Vibram XS Edge rubber used in both shoes provides excellent edging ability. But the sole of the La Sportiva Finale is stiffer and better suited for technical footwork, whereas the sole of the Scarpa Helix is softer and better suited for long days of climbing on a variety of terrain.

Overall, the material used in a climbing shoe is determined by the climber’s specific needs and preferences. Climbers who prioritize technical footwork and edging may prefer the La Sportiva Finale, whereas those looking for a shoe that can be used for a variety of climbing styles may prefer the Scarpa Helix.

Value

The decision on which shoe to buy is ultimately determined by the climber’s needs, preferences, and budget. While the La Sportiva Finale is more expensive than the Scarpa Helix, it offers superior performance and durability for climbers who prioritize technical footwork and edging. The Scarpa Helix, on the other hand, provides good performance at a lower price point, making it an excellent choice for budget climbers or those who value versatility over high-end performance.

It’s worth noting that climbing shoe prices can vary depending on the retailer, and discounts or sales may be available at certain times of the year. Climbers should conduct research and compare prices from various retailers to find the best deal on their desired shoe.