Our verdict

91
Great!

To call the Futura an outstanding footwear product just for its sensitivity alone is a major understatement. Indeed, the shoe astounds on that front, but it also stuns in the areas of fit, surface traction, and pockets.

Pros

  • Incredible sensitivity
  • Highly adjustable closure system
  • Who should NOT buy the shoe
  • Insane pocketing ability
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Super quick on-and-off

Cons

  • Too expensive
  • Lack of heel support

Who should buy the La Sportiva Futura

The La Sportiva Futura is a force to be reckoned with, thanks to its solid list of ascent-worthy characteristics. It is a solid option if you prefer a climbing shoe that:

  • can be used indoors and outdoors
  • offers excellent arch support
  • is equipped with a variety of technologies that give users the ability to take on challenging routes

La Sportiva Futura logo

Who should NOT buy the shoe

With its hefty asking price, the La Sportiva Futura is definitely no good for a beginner. If you are new to climbing, check out the La Sportiva Finale or the La Sportiva Kubo.

Highly adjustable closure system

Experienced climbers were so impressed with the performance of La Sportiva Futura that they even described it as "an entirely new climbing experience." 

La Sportiva Futura outsole

Vibram XS Grip 2 is the name of Futura’s heavy-duty outsole. At 3 mm thick, it delivers sufficient surface grip without sacrificing sensitivity, as some climbers have testified. It is built primarily for overhanging and steep routes.

La Sportiva Futura outsole 2.0

Climbers mentioned that the shoe inspired a lot of confidence even on the tricky sandstone and limestone.

Secure platform for edging, smearing, and pocketing

The Futura’s ability to provide climbers with a secure platform for edging, smearing, and pocketing is largely thanks to its LaspoFlex midsole with P3 technology. It amounts to 1.1 mm in thickness. It is situated around the footgear’s toe region only.

La Sportiva Futura midsole

The No-Edge technology around the toes contributes to the shoe's incredible sensitivity. The reviewers felt like it added so much more precision and faith to their climbing sessions. They also agree that it allows the Futura to "toe into the shallowest of pockets with ease."

La Sportiva Futura arch support

Offers extra protection and security on tricky ledges and pockets

The La Sportiva Futura confines the foot in its low-top upper made of synthetic leather. It comes without a liner. It has randing along the sides of its forefoot for extra protection and security on tricky ledges and pockets. The patch of rubber covering a good part of its instep—an extension of the shoe’s outsole—provides adequate adherence for climbs requiring toe hooking. 

La Sportiva Futura upper

Easy to put on and off

La Sportiva gave the shoe two pull loops at the heel for quicker on and off. Its closure system is made up of a sturdy synthetic strap and a tab engineered with hook-and-loop fasteners. The strap passes through a set of reinforced eyelets.

La Sportiva Futura upper 2.0

According to a reviewer, this is one of the quickest pairs to get on and off.

offers excellent arch support

Despite its seemingly aggressive silhouette, the Futura's upper is very adjustable and accommodating. It actually gets more comfortable the more you wear it.