La Sportiva Cliffs Review

When I think about my La Sportiva Cliffs I get the feeling that some people get when they think about their first car or maybe the first beer of the night. I get warm and fuzzy with all the awesome memories I have shared with them. My first lead route, climbing in Yosemite, bouldering at the local snake pit, or being scared shitless when I realized all my protection had run-out and I might possibly fall to my death. So what’s my point? My point is the Cliffs were my first climbing shoes and they exceeded every one of my expectations. Everyone who climbs has either heard or lived a horror story where someone buys a pair of climbing shoes and they cramp your foot, give you blisters, fall off in the middle of a route, or wear out in three months. The Cliffs fit like a glove as soon as I put them on and I can honestly say they were more comfortable than most of my regular shoes. “LIAR!” I know you just yelled that at the computer screen but I’m not lying, I promise. The sole is made up of a 5mm XSV Vibram w and has a 1.8mm XSV Vibram rand featuring a “pressure release notch” positioned at the base of the fifth metatarsal. Hmmm that’s very interesting Ryan, why don’t you give us a calculus equation and a Rubik’s cube because that will make more sense than what you just said? Put simply the Cliffs are designed to offer all day comfort and to last for years. After two years the only thing wrong with the Cliffs is that they smell awful and the rubber on the tip of the toe is wearing out. If you are looking for a beginner shoe that lasts and still performs I have no problem recommending the Cliffs.