I’ve never been the biggest fan of climbing shoes that use velcro. They’re never quite tight enough, and they tend to loosen up mid-climb.
Neither of those create a scenario that I would recommend to a new or experienced climber.
Nevertheless, I’m always open to trying a new shoe… enter the Skwama Lites. However, I’m not usually proven so spectacularly wrong!
Sizing
Coming from my old’n trusty pair of La Sportiva Finales, I know what size works great for me with La Sportiva shoes. This is no joke the foundation for finding a pair of climbing shoes online.
Thankfully the Skwama Lites are sized like my Finales, which make for a snug, semi-comfortable fit. (Keep in mind that “comfortable” is defined differently with climbing shoes. Aka, they don’t hurt and/or cut off circulation too quickly.)
So far, the velcro hasn’t loosened up on me mid-climb yet. I’ll know that after test of time. BUT, I couldn’t quite tighten them to the level that I do with my laced climbing shoes either.
It’s probably because of the excessive amount of tightness I’ve always liked my shoes to be. Either way, I’m okay with the looser fit now. And it will only become more normal as I keep using them.
Climbing
After a couple falls from pushing these to the limits, they’re very capable for beginners to mid-intermediate climbers. At their retail price of $159, these make for a solid gift. Whether for yourself or a loved one.
I don’t tend to venture up to, or past, 10.12 or V6 rated routes now a days. Although, I don’t have any doubt you would be able to on-site or flash climbs at that difficulty.
Hands down my SECOND favorite part of the Skwama Lites, is how easy it is to take them on and off. How fast?
I can usually get one, or both, shoes off while I’m being belayed down from the top of a route.
It’s seriously so nice!
I was able to go climbing with my brother the other week, and it was remarkable to see how much more climbing you can do when you don’t have to un-tie and re-tie every time we switched. Something that’s especially convenient when you only have time for a short session.
My Favorite Part
I don’t know what the material is, how it’s made, or why it’s so amazing. Whatever it is, the inside of the shoes that wrap around the top (bridge) and sides of your feet is so soft, smooth, tender, silky, and stretchy.
Every time I put them on and take them off, I notice this internal band.
Plus, it works as a second support to keep the shoes tight and snug around your feet. It’s a built in back-up to the velcro strap.
And that’s why you need the exact size if you buy these online.
If they’re too small, it makes the shoes impossible to put on. If they’re too big, they’ll have an annoying piece of slack when you tighten the velcro. Which could rub your foot enough and form a blister.
It’s not the end of the world, but not ideal either.
The Recap
I want to get a pair for my wife, my brothers, and anyone else I know that enjoys climbing but they’ve only had a pair of tying shoes. Heck, I would even buy these for friends and family that might go to a rock gym 1-2 times a year, because they’ll probably have such a better experience if they don’t have to re-tie their shoes a bunch during the session.
But, in case I haven’t made this clear enough, you need to get the right size. That will ensure the best experience on the wall, and off of it.