Slipper with No Slippage

Ah, the La Sportiva Venoms. Classic shoe. Why aren't these still available??? Probably because La Sportiva decided 1. They weren't expensive enough, so 2. they made the speedsters, which look like a popsicle some gay guy would be sucking on, and 3. they weren't the most comfortable shoe in the world.

These are definitely a chill boulder shoe. I wasn't expecting anything crazy epic, but maybe should have been judging by the ridiculous price tag La Sportiva so generously gives us (no surprise there). This is a SLIPPER LA SPORTIVA! A SLIPPER! Don't bullshit me that these shoes don't make you an armload of profit, the $120 price tag just...it's just...gah. I can't even talk about it.

Moving on, besides price, the venom is definitely a sick shoe for bouldering in the gym, outside, and MAYBE a little sport here and there. It's got a good fit, but you have your basic slipper problems:

1. It will stretch. A LOT. Buy a size or half size smaller than normal.
2. The heel will slip on aggressive heel hooks. Sorry, but it's true.
3. For a slipper, it should be extremely comfy...but it's not.

The La Sportiva leather lining definitely takes some getting used to...especially after the comfort of the solutions and the miura vs. However, you can throw it on easily, and it's GREAT for gym climbing. The toe hooking rubber deal is cool; but don't fool yourself, you'll try and find ways to use just to feel cool and end up falling or just looking like a tard. The reality is that it's rather unnecessary, especially since it goes all the way up to your ankle pretty much. But I'll admit it worked pretty well when I did need a solid toe hook, but not a massive difference from your regular shoe.

I liked my venoms. That's about it. They weren't super amazing, they were just pretty cool. If you're going to spend this much money on a shoe, spend a couple extra bucks and get something way better, like the Jet 7's from 5.10 or the Miura VS's (also LS). If they were cheaper, I'd adore them, but they did their job for how much I paid and I wasn't incredibly impressed. If you're looking for a legit slipper, check out the 5.10 moccasyms instead, those are a definite classic and will most likely perform just as well for cheaper.

-wyse

Even though they are discontinued, they are one of my favorite bouldering shoes. I have a very narrow foot so they weren't great for heel hooking for me, but others seemed to not have any problems. I had my original pair resoled so I could keep using them. They edge great and are very precise. The toe is pointed so it gets into pockets nicely. Didn't like them on vertical routs so much because I bought them pretty tight, but I think they would excel there also. Very comfortable once broken in, mine feel like socks.

This is my favorite gym and bouldering shoe, it is great on steep stuff cause it is very dow-turned. I also love the rubber on the toes, I can get really solid 'bicycles' on stalactite like holds that I can't toe in on. They are also rather comfortable for a bouldering session, I take them off every 4 or 5 goes. Very similar to the Cobra which has been re-introduced and this one has been taken off the market. The stretch around 1/4-1/2 size and become gloves for your feet.