La Sportiva Mantis Review

Likes

The toe rand covers the entire toe box and the side rand extends up the sides, covering the synthetic darts for added grip. This, along with a low-profile, makes for excellent foot jams in cracks. The stiff supportive midsole provide good edging ability. The sculpted and rubber-coated heel cup provides excellent support and friction when heel-hooking. These shoes are very comfortable due to the flat toe position and the padded, breathable tongue. The slightly asymmetrical toe box puts the power over the inside of your big toe but it is still comfortable to smear on the ball of your foot on those slabs.

Dislikes

The Mantis is less sensitive than a performance sport/bouldering shoe, making them a little more difficult for feeling tiny crystals. The shoe is also heavily covered in rubber (even high up the sides), making it slightly less breathable than a shoe with lower side rands like the La Sportiva Mythos. The shoe loses some of its performance on radically overhanging problems/routes as well as routes with extremely balancey, technical footwork.

Best Application

These are great all-around and entry level climbing shoes. They will perform well on a variety of route types, making them ideal for someone who climbs a wide array of routes and styles. They are recommended for working moderate routes and problems of all kinds (cracks, slab, bouldering, and face), all day trad routes, as well as gym use. But leave them at home for that overhanging 5.13c sport project or super technical face climbs. Size them one-half to one size below your street shoe size.

Value