Brand: La Sportiva
Category: Climbing Footwear
Recommended by Brad Burns, PCGI Single Pitch Instructor, La Sportiva Athlete — Greater Rocky Mountains
Highlights: lightweight, comfortable, true to size
The Mantra climbing shoes from La Sportiva are engineered for unparalleled sensitivity and lightweight performance, making them a top choice for climbers seeking precision and comfort. With advanced No-Edge™ technology, these shoes redefine your climbing experience, allowing for enhanced foot placement and control. 1. No-Edge™ technology for maximum sensitivity and optimal foot placement on varied surfaces. 2. Ultra-lightweight design, ensuring minimal fatigue during extended climbs. 3. Breathable upper materials that provide comfort and moisture management. 4. Aggressive downturned shape for improved power transfer and precision on steep routes. 5. Durable rubber outsole for superior grip and traction on both rock and artificial surfaces. 6. Adjustable closure system for a secure fit that accommodates different foot shapes. 7. Versatile performance suitable for sport climbing, bouldering, and indoor climbing gyms. The Mantra climbing shoes are designed for serious climbers who demand high performance in both indoor and outdoor settings. Ideal for sport climbing and bouldering, they excel in environments where sensitivity and precision are crucial, such as steep rock faces and challenging routes. Suitable for intermediate to advanced climbers, these shoes perform best in dry conditions and are perfect for year-round climbing adventures.
Price: $189
- Who it's for
- Climbers focused on gym sessions, training, and steep bouldering who want a lightweight, sensitive slipper. Works well on plastic and softer rock like sandstone, but notes don't support hard outdoor use cases.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the soft, sensitive feel and the ease of getting them on and off for repeated gym laps. All three notes recommend it as a training shoe with no notable criticism raised.
- Worth noting
- Size down more than usual — at least one host went further down than their normal rock shoe sizing. Despite being a slipper, the downturn holds its shape well.
Brad Burns's review
My favorite gym climbing shoe. These are fantastic for training, they are light, sensitive, and have a "playful" feel. The no-edge tech works great for indoor climbing, smears and edges well on plastic (and softer rock types like sandstone). The shoe is incredibly soft (the softest shoe that la sportiva makes, along with the Ondra Comp), which makes it phenomenal for steep bouldering. I love the slipper-fit, as it makes the shoe lighter and more comfortable for gym/training sessions. It is easy to pop them on and off. These shoes are just pure fun to climb in. They are soft, light, and sensitive. Seriously feels like a climbing sock!
Recommended by Brad Burns, PCGI Single Pitch Instructor, La Sportiva Athlete
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Mantra for?
Climbers focused on gym sessions, training, and steep bouldering who want a lightweight, sensitive slipper. Works well on plastic and softer rock like sandstone, but notes don't support hard outdoor use cases.
What do experts say about the Mantra?
Hosts consistently praise the soft, sensitive feel and the ease of getting them on and off for repeated gym laps. All three notes recommend it as a training shoe with no notable criticism raised.
What should you know before buying the Mantra?
Size down more than usual — at least one host went further down than their normal rock shoe sizing. Despite being a slipper, the downturn holds its shape well.
What does Brad Burns say about the Mantra?
My favorite gym climbing shoe. These are fantastic for training, they are light, sensitive, and have a "playful" feel. The no-edge tech works great for indoor climbing, smears and edges well on plastic (and softer rock types like sandstone). The shoe is incredibly soft (the softest shoe that la sportiva makes, along with the Ondra Comp), which makes it phenomenal for steep bouldering. I love the slipper-fit, as it makes the shoe lighter and more comfortable for gym/training sessions. It is easy to pop them on and off. These shoes are just pure fun to climb in. They are soft, light, and sensitive. Seriously feels like a climbing sock!
Why does Brad Burns recommend La Sportiva?
Brad Burns recommends the La Sportiva Mantra for climbing footwear. My favorite gym climbing shoe. These are fantastic for training, they are light, sensitive, and have a "playful" feel. The no-edge tech works great for indoor climbing, smears and edges well on plastic (and softer rock types like sandstone). The shoe is incredibly soft (the softest shoe that la sportiva makes, along with the Ondra Comp), which makes it phenomenal for steep bouldering. I love the slipper-fit, as it makes the shoe lighter and more comfortable for gym/training sessions. It is easy to pop them on and off. These shoes are just pure fun to climb in. They are soft, light, and sensitive. Seriously feels like a climbing sock!
Is the Mantra a good climbing footwear?
Yes — Brad Burns recommends the Mantra by La Sportiva as their climbing footwear pick. My favorite gym climbing shoe. These are fantastic for training, they are light, sensitive, and have a "playful" feel. The no-edge tech works great for indoor climbing, smears and edges well on plastic (and softer rock types like sandstone). The shoe is incredibly soft (the softest shoe that la sportiva makes, along with the Ondra Comp), which makes it phenomenal for steep bouldering. I love the slipper-fit, as it makes the shoe lighter and more comfortable for gym/training sessions. It is easy to pop them on and off. These shoes are just pure fun to climb in. They are soft, light, and sensitive. Seriously feels like a climbing sock!
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