SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes Review - Specialized Performance for Sport Climbing and Bouldering
Introduction
Welcome to our in-depth review of the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes! If you're a passionate rock climber or boulderer looking for specialized performance, sensitivity, and breathability, then these shoes are designed just for you. With cutting-edge construction and innovative features, the Furia Air offers a second-skin feel and exceptional grip on various rock types. In this article, we'll dive deep into the features, pros, and cons of these climbing shoes to help you make an informed decision before making your purchase. So, let's get started and explore what makes the SCARPA Furia Air a top choice for sport climbing and bouldering enthusiasts.
Product Description
The SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes are a specialized performance footwear designed for sport climbing and bouldering. These shoes are built with cutting-edge construction techniques to provide exceptional sensitivity and breathability, making them feel like a second-skin on your feet.
The upper of the Furia Air is made from an eight-piece, perforated microfiber material. This not only keeps the shoes incredibly lightweight but also allows for maximum airflow to keep your feet cool and dry during intense climbing sessions. The microfiber material also offers excellent flexibility, allowing your feet to move naturally and providing a precise fit.
One of the standout features of these climbing shoes is the Vibram XS Grip 2 Rubber. This rubber compound is known for its stiffness and stickiness, making it ideal for any rock type and climbing style. Whether you're tackling steep walls or overhanging boulders, the XS Grip 2 rubber provides the grip you need to confidently make your moves.
The DTS Active Rand system in the Furia Air enhances the shoe's performance by transferring power directly to your big toe. This helps the shoe retain its downturned shape, allowing for precise foot placements and improved edging ability. Additionally, the highly asymmetric design of the shoe further enhances its performance capabilities.
SCARPA has also incorporated Surround Rubber Tension technology into the Furia Air. This involves wrapping a layer of soft M50 rubber around the forefoot, adding a touch of stiffness and providing unparalleled stickiness for toe hooks and scums. This ensures that you can confidently rely on your feet while executing complex climbing maneuvers.
To address the needs of heel hooking, the Furia Air features the PAF System. This innovative heel cup design spreads out the force created during heel hooking, offering exceptional stickiness without exerting excessive pressure on your Achilles tendon.
Overall, the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes are a top-notch choice for climbers seeking specialized performance, sensitivity, and breathability. With their lightweight construction, advanced rubber compound, and innovative design features, these shoes are sure to elevate your climbing experience to new heights.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Specialized Performance: The SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes are specifically designed for sport climbing and bouldering, making them perfect for climbers who need optimum performance in these activities.
- Sensitivity and Breathability: These shoes offer exceptional sensitivity, allowing climbers to feel the rock surface and make precise movements. The airy material and split sole design provide excellent breathability, keeping feet cool and comfortable during intense climbing sessions.
- Comfortable and Soft: The super soft shoe construction ensures a comfortable fit, reducing the chances of discomfort or pain during climbs. The soft rubber also helps climbers develop toe strength, making these shoes ideal for training purposes as well.
Cons
- Sizing Issues: Some users have reported that the sizing of these shoes is not accurate. It is recommended to size down one whole size from your regular shoe size to ensure a proper fit. This discrepancy may cause inconvenience for some climbers who are not aware of the sizing issue.
- Lack of Support: A few users have mentioned that these shoes lack support, especially in the heel area. This might not be suitable for climbers who prefer a more supportive shoe for stability and balance during climbs.
- Narrow Fit: One buyer expressed dissatisfaction with the fit of these shoes, suggesting that they might be more suitable for individuals with small, narrow feet. The gap in the heel area may cause discomfort for climbers with wider feet.
Despite a few minor drawbacks, the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes excel in specialized performance, sensitivity, and breathability. They offer a comfortable and soft fit, although sizing down and considering the narrower fit is recommended. Overall, these shoes are highly recommended for climbers who prioritize sensitivity and breathability in their climbing footwear.
Customer Reviews
The SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes have received an impressive overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 14 customer reviews. Let's dive into the feedback from buyers to get a better understanding of their experiences with these specialized climbing shoes.
"Easily the best shoe on the market right now for bouldering and moderately overhung sport BUT you need to size one whole size down from your regular S..." (5 stars)
"Super soft shoe with a split sole, fits better if you downsize more because the material is fairly airy and the rubber is super soft. Fits decently we..." (5 stars)
"So much sensitivity and great to climb in right out of the box. You need to like a soft shoe or these might not be for you." (5 stars)
"A gift for my 12-year-old son who is now a 5.11 climber, he has been over the moon with his new shoes. In fact, he just called to tell me how the shoes..." (5 stars)
"Awesome shoe, super comfortable, the strap is a bit long, and they are soft so it helps with toe strength" (5 stars)
"No support at all. Didn't come close to fitting my feet. Think this may be a women-only or people with very small narrow feet. Huge gap in the heel an..." (1 star)
The majority of customers were highly satisfied with the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes. Many praised their exceptional performance for bouldering and moderately overhung sport climbing. Users noted the importance of sizing down, typically by one whole size, to achieve the perfect fit due to the shoe's soft and airy material. Sensitivity was a standout feature, allowing climbers to feel the rock surface with precision.
One reviewer mentioned that these shoes were a fantastic gift for their 12-year-old son, who experienced great success while climbing. The shoes were lauded for their comfort and softness, which also aided in building toe strength. However, it's worth noting that one customer found the shoes lacked support and did not fit their feet properly, suggesting that they might be more
Conclusion
After thoroughly reviewing the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes, it is evident that these shoes are a top choice for both sport climbing and bouldering enthusiasts. The cutting-edge construction of the eight-piece, perforated microfiber upper makes the shoe incredibly lightweight and breathable, providing a second-skin-like feel.
One of the standout features of these shoes is the Vibram XS Grip 2 Rubber, which offers the perfect balance between stiffness and stickiness. This rubber provides exceptional grip on a variety of rock types and styles, making it ideal for tackling steeper walls and overhanging boulders.
The DTS Active Rand design, combined with the highly asymmetric shape, allows for optimal power transfer to the big toe, ensuring the shoe retains its downturned shape. Additionally, the Surround Rubber Tension feature adds stiffness to the toe, providing unmatched stickiness for toe hooks and scums.
The PAF System heel cup is another innovative addition, spreading out the force created during heel hooking and reducing pressure on the Achilles tendon.
While the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from buyers, it is important to note that sizing down is crucial to achieving the perfect fit. Buyers have recommended going one whole size down from regular shoe size to ensure optimal performance.
In conclusion, the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes offer specialized performance, sensitivity, and breathability that make them a top choice for both sport climbing and bouldering. With their cutting-edge construction, innovative features, and positive buyer feedback, these shoes are a worthy investment for any climbing enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes:
Q: Are these shoes suitable for bouldering and sport climbing?
A: Yes, the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes are designed specifically for bouldering and moderately overhung sport climbing. They offer specialized performance for these activities, providing the sensitivity and breathability needed for optimal performance.
Q: What size should I order?
A: Many customers recommend sizing one whole size down from your regular shoe size for the best fit. The material of the shoe is fairly airy, and the rubber is super soft, so downsizing can help ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
Q: Are these shoes suitable for beginners?
A: The SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes are known for their sensitivity and softness. They are great for climbers who prefer a soft shoe, but may not be the best option for beginners who require more support. It's important to consider your comfort and climbing style when choosing these shoes.
Q: Can kids use these shoes?
A: While the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes are not specifically designed for kids, they can be suitable for young climbers who have advanced skills. It's important to ensure the proper fit and comfort for children, so it's recommended to consult with a climbing expert or shoe specialist before purchasing these shoes for kids.
Q: How is the overall comfort of these shoes?
A: Customers generally find the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes to be super comfortable. The softness of the shoe helps with toe strength and provides a great amount of sensitivity. However, it's important to note that comfort can vary from person to person, so it's recommended to try on the shoes and consider your own preferences before making a purchase.
Q: Do these shoes offer good support?
A: The SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes are known for their sensitivity and breathability. While they may not offer the same level of support as some other climbing shoes, they are designed to provide a specialized performance for bouldering and sport climbing. It's important to consider your own climbing style and preferences when assessing the level of support these shoes offer.
Overall, the SCARPA Furia Air Rock Climbing Shoes are highly regarded by climbers for their sensitivity, breathability, and specialized performance. It's important to consider factors such as sizing, comfort, and support when choosing these shoes for your climbing adventures.
