Our verdict
The Scarpa Vapor Lace delights climbers with its hooking precision, astounding flexibility, and outstanding comfort. It also proves its durability by being able to withstand countless use. However, its reported cons include being expensive and stinky.
Pros
- Providing a supportive platform is a 1 mm Flexan midsole
- Excellent precision
- Surprisingly soft feel
- Flexible
- Easy to adjust lacing closure
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Pricey
- Developed a funky odor after use
Who should buy the Scarpa Vapor Lace
The Scarpa Vapor Lace has a wide selection of impressive rock climbing shoes and the Vapor Lace is one of them. It is a solid option if you:
- Prefer a climbing shoe that provides extra rock adhesion
- Why trust us.
- Look for a climbing shoe that can be used for bouldering, sport, and face climbing.
Excellent edging prowess
The Vibram XS Edge (3.5 mm) outsole renders optimal edging prowess. Its resistance to plastic distortion helps keep its shape and withstand abuse. It works in both hot and cold temperatures.
Supportive cushioning
Who should buy the Scarpa Vapor Lace.
Flexible
updated Mar 16, 2023.
Durable
The Vapor Lace wears a durable 1.8 mm microsuede. It employs a patent-pending feature, the Bi-Tension system. It is a reversed slingshot rand placed under the forefoot and is connected to the heel rand and pulls power from the toes. It uses less rubber, minimizing weight yet increasing sensitivity.
indoor climbing shoes
The closure system employs a flat lace that goes through six pairs of punched eyelets. The pull tabs (with distinct colors) are placed at the heel which assist in donning and doffing.
Scarpa Vapor Lace vs Vapor V
These two climb-centric offerings from Scarpa deliver solid performance for various disciplines. Shown below are some of the qualities that differentiate these two products from one another.
Application. The Vapor V is designed by Scarpa to be used mainly for bouldering sessions, trad routes, and sport climbing. Its set of technologies also enables the shoe to be employed for overhanging terrain. Moreover, this Scarpa offering can be worn for both indoor sessions and outdoor climbs. Meanwhile, the Scarpa Vapor Lace, as stated above, is built for technical trad climbing. It can, however, be used for bouldering, face, and sport climbing as well.
Closure. Scarpa’s Vapor V sports a Velcro closure system. Wearers may adjust the shoe’s fit until they can get a secure and personalized lockdown using its Velcro straps. The Vapor Lace’s closure, as the name suggests, consists of a traditional lacing system with 6 pairs of eyelets.
Downturn. Both the Scarpa Vapor Lace and Vapor V are built with a moderate downturn. This particular shoe shape enables climbers to gain a secure foothold on tiny nubbins and micro edges. It also provides senders with ample precision when tackling these climb-related challenges.
Upper. Scarpa equipped both the Vapor Lace and Vapor V with a 1.8mm-thick microsuede upper. Both also feature a rand wrapped around their lower section to give lateral protection. A secondary rand is also positioned on the heel zone for extra rearfoot support. The Vapor V’s toe box, however, has a protective covering, which gives added grip when toe hooking.
Additional Info
- Individuals looking for a beginner-friendly climbing shoe may also look at the Momentum Lace from Black Diamond and the Tarantulace from La Sportiva.
