La Sportiva Miura VS

June 17 2008,

Just like many other climbing shoes, we could be tempted to see the Miura VS as an evolution of the Miura. Then, one question: why would La Sportiva have waited so long to release a velcro version when the Miura was already more than ten years old?

I must admit I didn't find any clear reason. At La Sportiva, the Katana was the allround velcro. A bit more supple than the Miura, it wasn't really the same profile.
With the VS the Italian brand didn't just relook the shoe. They really made a completely new climbing shoe. Only the name stays the same with the code VS added, standing for VelcroS.

For having used the Miura about ten years ago, I was quickly surprised by the difference. For many things, the progress is evident. If I had to choose I would choose the Miura VS without any doubt. Its advantages are obvious. We could even wonder why they kept the name Miura... VS. It has nothing to do with the previous model.

Any differences ?

Firstly the comfort of the VS is incredible! While the Miura used to destroy the top of the foot, the double cotton interior and the foamed with lycra top part of the VS assure not only a remarcable comfort feeling (this is the first climbing shoe I kept on for hours), but also a perfect maintenance of the foot (with other brands, a comfortable top part often brings a feeling of bad stability of the foot).
The triple crossed velcros certainly play a role for that. Who says triple velcro often thinks of the torsion that appears once it gets old and thus reduces the precision. Here it isn't the case, the thickness of the rubber (4mm) with the triple velcros allow only a limited torsion of the shoe.

Another big difference, the VS is more asymmetrical than its predecessor and the toe grips much better. Expect much more precision on the holds but less than with a Solution or a Testarossa, much more down turned. With the thickness of the rubber you will need quite much confidence to hold on really small foot holds.

When and where use it ?

Indoors and outdoors. On plastic in the gyms Bleau, Blok and Stone Age. On limestone in Freyr. On granit in Rovistě in Czech Republic. Everywhere, the Vibram rubber prooved its value and I never use any other climbing shoe anymore. On the other hand for bouldering, the thickness of the rubber (once again) and its weight (470 grams) don't make it a master piece. Once again everything depend of your level. Definitively a very good allround climbing shoe.

For the price, same range than for the Miura. It stays 10% more expensive than its direct competitors. But it is hard to compare apples and pears. What is sure is that with the Miura VS, La Sportiva made a great operation : make a climbing shoe good for beginners and comfirmed climbers!

Hubert

Technical details

3D Vision: click on 3D under the picture
Composition: Suede leather
Sole: Vibram® XS Grip 4 mm
Sizes: 32 - 46 (half sizes available)
Weight: 470 grams
Public advised price: 125 Euro
Info: www.lasportiva.com

(0)