La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids Review

One Week with the La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids

As a seasoned gear and equipment specialist with over a decade of navigating everything from delicate laboratory instruments to rugged outdoor essentials, I’m always on the lookout for gear that truly stands the test of real-world application. My recent focus turned to the world of youth climbing, where children’s rapidly growing feet present a unique challenge for parents and young climbers alike. This led me to the La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids, a model specifically engineered by La Sportiva to address this very issue with its innovative adjustable lacing system. I needed a solution that could adapt to my nephew’s development, minimizing the need for frequent replacements and ensuring a consistently good fit as his climbing skills (and foot size) expanded. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the shoe felt well-constructed with what appeared to be durable materials, promising a solid entry point into the world of climbing footwear. While I briefly considered other brands offering similarly sized beginner shoes, none boasted the specific heel-adjustment mechanism that so clearly set this model apart. My first reaction was one of quiet satisfaction, a feeling of having found a practical answer to a common problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing primarily took place at an indoor climbing gym, a controlled yet demanding environment for any climbing shoe, especially one designed for young, developing climbers. We put these shoes through their paces on a variety of wall angles and hold types, from slopers to small crimps. The ease of use was immediately apparent; the lacing system, while novel, was simple enough for a child to understand and manipulate with minimal assistance after the first few attempts. My nephew found the shoes intuitive, quickly transitioning from hesitant steps to confident foot placements. A minor surprise was how quickly the initial stickiness of the sole felt familiar and reliable, offering good friction on the textured gym holds.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use – typically two climbing sessions per week – the La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids has held up remarkably well. The adjustable lacing system has proven its worth, allowing for subtle but effective adjustments as my nephew’s feet have shown noticeable growth. There are no significant signs of premature wear and tear; the 3mm FriXion RS outsole still offers excellent grip, and the suede leather/tubular construction upper shows minimal scuffing. Maintenance has been straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each session keeps them clean and ready for the next outing, and the unlined interior dries relatively quickly. Compared to previous experiences with more rigid, less adjustable beginner shoes, these have provided a noticeably better and longer-lasting fit, significantly reducing the frustration of outgrowing expensive gear too rapidly.

Breaking Down the Features of La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids

Specifications

The La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids is designed with adaptability in mind, a crucial factor for growing young climbers. Its medium width caters to a broad range of children’s foot shapes. The most distinctive feature is its highly adjustable and easy to use hook and loop closure system, which allows the heel of the shoe to be adjusted, ensuring a snug and supportive fit as a child’s foot grows. This is accomplished through a unique lacing system where the lace that wraps around the heel can be easily shortened or lengthened with a simple knot, and importantly, is designed for easy replacement if it ever becomes damaged. The shoe utilizes a 3mm FriXion RS outsole, a proprietary rubber compound known for its balance of stickiness and durability, providing reliable traction on various climbing surfaces. The upper is constructed from suede leather, offering a comfortable yet robust material. Internally, the shoe is unlined, which aids in breathability and quick drying. Weighing in at just 3.95 oz, these climbing shoes are lightweight, minimizing fatigue for young climbers. The slip-lasted midsole provides a good combination of support and sensitivity for learning footwork.

These specifications translate directly into practical benefits for young climbers. The adjustable lacing is not just a feature; it’s the core innovation that extends the usable life of the shoe, a significant cost-saver for parents. The FriXion RS rubber ensures that even as beginners develop their technique, they have dependable grip, building confidence with every move. The unlined, leather construction contributes to comfort during longer sessions, preventing the clamminess that can distract from climbing. The overall lightweight design further enhances the shoe’s suitability for children, allowing them to focus on their climbing rather than feeling weighed down.

Performance & Functionality

In terms of its primary function – gripping rock and providing support for climbing – the La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids performs admirably for its intended audience. The 3mm FriXion RS outsole offers excellent traction, allowing young climbers to feel secure on small edges and smears. This translates to confident footwork, which is paramount in the early stages of learning to climb. The shoe’s design strikes a good balance between stiffness for support and flexibility for sensitivity, enabling children to feel the rock and make precise adjustments.

The standout strength of this shoe is undoubtedly its adjustable fit system, which genuinely extends its lifespan and provides a consistent, high-quality fit. This feature alone allows young climbers to progress without their footwear becoming a limiting factor due to rapid growth. However, as with most beginner shoes, extreme edging performance on minuscule holds is not its forte, which is perfectly acceptable given its target demographic. It meets and often exceeds expectations for a children’s climbing shoe, offering a blend of comfort, adjustability, and reliable performance that makes climbing more accessible and enjoyable for kids.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids is thoughtfully executed, prioritizing both functionality and kid-friendly aesthetics. The use of suede leather for the upper provides a supple yet durable material that conforms to the foot over time. The Chili/Poppy colorway is vibrant and appealing to children, and the subtle “sticky frog” theme adds a playful touch without being overly distracting.

Ergonomically, the shoe is designed for comfort and ease of use. The lacing system is straightforward, with large loops and easily manageable knots, allowing children to put on and take off their shoes independently or with minimal help. The medium width is a sensible choice, accommodating most children’s feet, and the overall shape is relatively forgiving. There’s a slight learning curve to mastering the heel adjustment, but it’s a quick one. The absence of a lining contributes to a comfortable, less sweaty feel, which is a significant ergonomic plus for active kids.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids is a key selling point, particularly given the rapid growth of children. The 3mm FriXion RS outsole has shown impressive resilience, with minimal signs of wear even after consistent use on abrasive gym surfaces. The suede leather upper is also holding up well, resisting the typical scuffs and tears that can plague children’s footwear.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A quick wipe with a damp cloth after each session is usually sufficient to remove chalk and dirt, and the unlined interior dries quickly. This ease of care means parents don’t have to spend excessive time cleaning or drying the shoes, making them practical for busy family schedules. While the shoe is designed for durability, it’s important to remember it is still a climbing shoe; very aggressive use or significant over-sizing could eventually lead to excessive wear on the rubber or the upper. However, for its intended purpose and age group, it appears built to last, offering good value over time due to its adjustability.

Accessories and Customization Options

The La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids comes as a self-contained unit, with its primary “accessory” being the innovative adjustable lacing system itself. There are no additional interchangeable parts like different needle types or specialized tips. However, the design does allow for the replacement of the lacing cord should it become worn or damaged, a thoughtful inclusion that adds to the shoe’s longevity.

While not directly part of the shoe, parents might consider purchasing a small climbing brush for more thorough cleaning of the outsole if it becomes glazed, or a lightweight, breathable climbing sock designed for kids to enhance comfort and moisture management. The La Sportiva Stickit is not designed to integrate with external accessories in the way technical equipment might; its customization is internal, focused on fitting the growing foot.

Pros and Cons of La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids

Who Should Buy La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids?

The La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids is an excellent choice for parents of children who are just beginning their climbing journey or are in the intermediate stages of development. It is ideal for young climbers who are experiencing rapid foot growth, as the adjustable system significantly delays the need for a new pair. This shoe is perfect for use in indoor climbing gyms and on outdoor crags where beginner-friendly routes are abundant.

However, parents of children with extremely narrow or unusually wide feet might want to try these on in person first to ensure a proper fit, as the medium width, while common, isn’t universally accommodating. Elite young climbers seeking highly aggressive, specialized performance shoes for competition or very difficult routes might eventually outgrow the need for this type of adjustable, beginner-focused shoe. For those looking to maximize value and ensure a comfortable, functional first climbing shoe, this model is a top contender. Complementary items like a small brush for cleaning the sole and, optionally, thin climbing socks can enhance the overall experience.

Conclusion on La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids

The La Sportiva Stickit Climbing Shoe – Kids stands out as a genuinely thoughtful and practical piece of gear for young climbers. Its core innovation, the adjustable lacing system, directly addresses the common challenge of growing feet, offering exceptional value and prolonging the shoe’s usability. The FriXion RS rubber provides reliable performance, and the overall comfort and lightweight design make it an inviting option for beginners.

Considering its price point of $59.00, the value proposition is strong, especially when factoring in how many pairs of less adjustable shoes it might replace. I would personally recommend this climbing shoe to any parent whose child is showing an interest in climbing or already participating in youth programs. It offers a fantastic blend of durability, comfort, and clever design that makes learning and progressing in the sport that much more enjoyable and cost-effective for families.