A mantra describes a syllable with spiritual power. Whether the mantra climbing finch by La Sportiva radiates something spiritual is probably subjective. In any case, it stands for power and maximum grip. The ultra-light indoor shoe is especially suitable for versatile kicks and the highest demands.
A contribution by Fabian Reichle - Bächli Bergsport
What has become apparent in recent years has been a fact since the Olympic premiere at the latest: indoor climbing and bouldering has outgrown the trend and has become a de facto discipline in its own right. The differentiation from rock climbing is logically shown by plastic routes and something more subtle, but quite spectacular, by acrobatic, versatile movements that rarely or never occur outside on the mountain. It is understandable that manufacturers are now developing climbing shoes specifically for indoor use. So too La Sportiva with their high-end model Mantra.
Climbing professional Pietro del Pra explains the La Sportiva mantra
At first glance, the Mantra looks like a classic climbing fin for ambitious athletes: easy downturn, generous toe rubber, slippers, discreet design. However, anyone who holds the model in their hands will notice the minimal weight in particular. A pair weighs in at a feather-light 300 grams. Many other performance-oriented classics from La Sportiva easily weigh 50 percent more.
Whoever holds the Mantra in their hands will notice the minimal weight: a pair weighs in at a feather-light 300 grams
The shoe achieves this flyweight mainly through two things. On the one hand due to the extremely thin sole made of Vibram's proven XS Grip 2 compound, which is only 1,9 millimeters. On the other hand, the Mantra deliberately lacks an insole. The big advantage is that the shoe feels extremely direct. Whether on large volumes or small steps, the structure is still noticeable in the little toe.
For even more sensitive acceleration and maximum grip, the Mantra gets by with the no-edge construction. This means that the sole encloses the side of the shoe. The rubber edges disappear and the contact area with the step is maximized.
All of this makes the Mantra from La Sportiva a unique shoe that is uncompromisingly up to the diverse facets of indoor climbing and will bring joy, above all, to ambitious climbers.
The La Sportiva mantra at a glance
- Specification: loafers
- Weight: 300g/pair
- Activity: bouldering, sport climbing
- Material: leather, microfiber
- No-Edge Technology
- Resoleable
- Sole: Vibram XS Grip 2 (1.9mm)
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About Bächli mountain sports
Bächli mountain sports is the leading Swiss specialist shop for climbing, mountaineering, expeditions, hiking, ski touring and snowshoeing. Currently offering 11 locations in Switzerland Bächli mountain sports its customers expert advice and high quality service. LACRUX publishes in collaboration with Bächli mountain sports Articles on the topics of climbing and bouldering.
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Credits: La Sportiva cover photo