Super bombproof, extremely technical and hyper stylin', the Hyper features an all leather upper built on our new asymmetrical Hyper last. The dual density Ama Dablam sticky lugged outsole, made exclusively for La Sportiva, provides incredibly stable footing. Durable Kevlar lace loops and a tapered nylon midsole with an Air-Tech mesh lining complete this package.
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Reviews
| ben jammin | Untitled Review | | 
Voted 3/5 | Got a pair of these a while back with great expectations of having found the ideal approach shoe, but after wearing them for a while I'm still left unsatisfied. Maybe my expectations of these shoes were just unrealistic?
On the plus side, the grip that the Vibram soles offer is great, the heel support is very good when carrying heavy loads and the shoes are pretty robust. You feel very secure in these shoes when scrambling on easier rock.
My main problems with the LaSportiva Hypers are the following:
1. Their weight is substantial - certainly more that you comfortably want to carry clipped to your harness if you plan to walk off from a climb.
2. The mid-sole is pretty firm and unforgiving, and after a long day's walking the lack of cushioning leads to somewhat tired feet.
3. After 1 years moderate use the wear on the soles is greater than I would have expected - maybe that's a penalty for the superb grip.
So, to summarise:
Grip and security of footing: 5/5
Weight: 3/5
Cushioning: 3/5
Overall comfort: 4/5
These days I find myself wearing my NewBalance 804 trail-running shoes for almost all aproaches - they're simply more comfortable due to their much lighter weight.
The Hypers come out only when I expect to be doing any significant rock scrambling.
HTH. | | Posted Aug 2, 2002 9:44 am |
| HeMa | Untitled Review | | 
Voted 4/5 | Great shoes! I use them when going lite or easy summer backpacking, mountainbiking and easy climbing.
The sole is stiff enough to be used with a heavy backpack and the Vibram sole gives goof friction even on wet rock.
I have climbed 5.8 with these, but as I only climb 5.10 with climbing shoes thats not bad at all.
The main problem I have had with these shoes is the soles that do wear out a lot quicker than in my hiking boots. Sometimes another annoying thing is the rocker of the sole, when climbing, as it forces my feet to some positions that I have not used to. | | Posted Jan 23, 2003 3:37 am |
| spectator | Untitled Review | | Voted 4/5 | Great shoe for hard approaches! It's too bad La Sportiva doesn't offer a updated version as this model as it is no longer offered. I had the high top version.
My foot is a medium to narrow foot, low volume and boney in heel area.
I have used them on long hikes where it would be ideal to two different shoes (running shoes & boots). I love them for scrambling, the security you have with them is awesome. They'll get you into trouble! Many times I would go for a hike to check out the area and end up climbing some mountain because your grip is so good.
My problem was the size, mine were too small and had to remove the in-sole to avoid bruising the big toe. It also didn't help that these boots do not have much cushion but it did add to it superior agility. Shoe width is medium but the toe area can be adjusted to ones preference. I did not experience any heel slip which is rare.
I did a serious 10 mile approach (4,000' elev.) in Norway to the back side of Troll Wall almost entirely scree and boulders the size of a night stand. I was pretty sore afterwards but also saved a lot of energy not worrying about placing each step due to the shoe grip. It's a trade off. It was the perfect shoe for this.
Also did a 18 mile round trip in them to climb Mt. Ritter, California from parking lot in a day, my feet were sore afterwards but it was hard, fast climb and approach. They could use more padding for walking and I wish they were stiffer for crampon use but then this would change the shoes abilities.
The sole do wear quickly compared to others but mine still have plenty of life in them, they seem to have good rock climbing shoe rubber and the front sole has one large flat lug to aid climbing. Lacing could be improved and the shoes are a bit heavy but have held up well to the abuse in the scree, in fact I am looking at them right now and the shoes have zero damage. Venting is fine
They are pretty waterproof only after you treat them but the tongue is open.
Awesome design and hope to find a shoe in the future that I can replace it with. They make approaches more fun! I am very satisfied
Similar to Salomon Prosticky Mid 2 but not as good a climber as the Hyper. This shoe is no longer available.
Also, Garmont Vetta but I did not like the fit and were too stiff and no cushion but can take crampons. Scarpa Pro Ascent is similar but can't wear bright orange
| | Posted Jan 3, 2005 4:21 pm |
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