With Climbing Growing Rapidly, La Sportiva Unveils Fresh Styles for Spring 2017
July 8, 2016 (BOULDER, Colo.) – Recognizing the consistent growth in climbing participation and new indoor rock gyms, La Sportiva debuts new climbing shoes and apparel for 2017. Designed to address the changing needs of everyday climbers, La Sportiva will unveil five new rock climbing shoe models, including one for kids, and numerous apparel styles designed to perform in the gym and at the crag.
“The demographics of climbers are changing quickly,” said Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “More young people are getting into climbing, new gyms are popping up every day, and cities that have never been climbing hubs are coming on to the scene in a big way. We’ve always been committed to high performance products, but we’re now introducing more models that will help climbers perform, whether they’re in the gym or venturing outside. We want all climbers to find a La Sportiva product that works for them, and that will be easier than ever now as our lineup is more accessible for a variety of climbers.”
To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Miura, the brand’s iconic, high performance climbing shoe, La Sportiva is introducing a limited edition Miura XX as an Adam Ondra signature model. La Sportiva’s patented P3 Permanenet Power Platform is integrated into the traditional Miura, and Adam Ondra’s signature is visible in its lacing harness. This signature model will only be produced once, based on quantities ordered by top retailers, so availability will be limited, and it will retail for $200.
The new Kataki is a versatile, high-performance lace-up climbing shoe with La Sportiva’s patented S-Heel construction for technical heel work and precision on all terrain. Differentiated lacing between the top and bottom of the lacing harness provide a specialized fit. A three-quarter sole of 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber on the men’s model and 4mm Vibram XS Grip 2 on the women’s version provide exceptional grip. The new Kataki will retail for $170.
Based on the decades-long success of the Mythos, Spring 2017 will bring a new environmentally friendly version of the shoe to the market. Named the Mythos Eco, the improved design means 95 percent of its components are sourced from recycled materials and contribute to a reduced environmental impact. The La Sportiva Eco-Rubber outsole is made by recycling the rubber scraps from the factory floor and crafting them into new rubber, with no change in performance. The Mythos Eco will retail for $155.
The Maverink is a soft slipper with No-Edge technology designed to deliver technical performance to younger climbers, while reducing constricting forces on the growth plates of the foot. The Maverink is equipped with 3mm of Sticky Vibram XS Edge2 rubber, which provides great traction for small feet, and two ink markers are included in the shipping box so that owners can customize the shoes unique to their personalities. The Maverink will retail for $120.
The GripIt kid’s climbing shoe is designed to promote comfort, freedom of movement, proprioception and increased sensitivity. The Zero-Press Construction last is designed to eliminate pressure points on the growth plate and avoid pressure on the metatarsal. The GripIt will retail for $75.
On the apparel side, La Sportiva has completely revamped its climbing apparel collection to appeal to the growing demographic of young, indoor climbers. With a full technical t-shirt lineup, hoodies, shorts, jackets and pants, there is something for everyone. Highlights include the Dude Tank, a loose fit organic cotton tank with stylish lines and a clean look. The Grade Jacket is a technical climbing and travel jacket that doubles as a travel pillow when chasing far-flung objectives. The Bleauser Short is the ideal short for bouldering and training sessions with a 12-inch inseam. The Dude Tank will retail for $29, the Grade Jacket for $149 and the Bleauser Short for $75.
The full line of Spring 2017 La Sportiva products, including footwear and apparel for climbing, hiking, mountaineering and mountain running, will be on display Aug. 3-6, 2016, throughout the 2016 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, at the La Sportiva booth #16027. To schedule a media appointment, please contact Cory Lowe at cory.lowe@backbonemedia.net.
With over 80 years of heritage, La Sportiva has unrivaled experience in building the world’s finest performance mountain footwear. Creating innovation through passion, La Sportiva now offers the most versatile technical climbing, mountaineering, Mountain Running® and hiking shoes on the market as well as ski mountaineering hardware and apparel. For more information on La Sportiva visit www.sportiva.com or visit their Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/LaSportiva.
