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The La Sportiva Solution has been the go-to aggressive shoe for steep climbing since it came out, and then La Sportiva released the Solution Comp with a different heel shape and a softer build. Both shoes look similar from across the gym, but they fit completely different feet.
If you have a narrow heel or you want more sensitivity on volumes and compression moves, the Comp is the better pick. If you have a wider heel or you need a shoe that holds its shape on long burns, the original Solution is still the one.
What changed between the two shoes
The Solution Comp has a narrower, lower-volume heel cup than the original Solution. Climbers with narrow heels who always had dead space in the back of the original shoe finally get a snug fit. Climbers with average to wide heels find the Comp uncomfortably tight in the back.
The midsole is also softer in the Comp. That gives you more feel on volumes and better toe compression for scrunching onto small chips, but it also means the shoe stretches faster and loses some power on long, sustained problems.
The toe box shape and the P3 system are the same in both shoes. If the original Solution fit your toes well, the Comp will too. If it did not, the Comp will not fix that.
How to know which one fits your foot
Try both on if you can. The heel fit is obvious within 30 seconds. If the back of the Comp feels like it is hugging your heel without any gaps, and the original Solution feels like there is extra room back there, go with the Comp. If the Comp feels like it is crushing your heel and the original Solution feels snug but not painful, stick with the original.
If you cannot try them on in person, here is the shortcut: narrow heels go Comp, average to wide heels go original Solution. La Sportiva sizing is the same across both models, so if you wear a 40.5 in one, you will wear a 40.5 in the other.
When the Comp is the better pick
- You have a narrow heel and the original Solution always felt a little loose in the back
- You climb a lot of modern comp-style problems with volumes, compression moves, and toe scums
- You want maximum sensitivity and you are okay with the shoe stretching faster
- You mostly climb shorter problems where you are not standing on holds for minutes at a time
When the original Solution is the better pick
- You have an average or wide heel and the Comp feels too tight in the back
- You want a shoe that holds its shape longer and does not stretch out as fast
- You climb a lot of long, sustained routes or problems where you need the shoe to stay stiff under load
- You prefer a slightly firmer feel and more power through the toe
What stays the same
Both shoes use the same aggressive downturn and the same P3 system to keep the shape over time. Both have the same Vibram XS Grip2 rubber. Both are built for steep terrain, heel hooks, and toe hooks. The toe patch is identical, and so is the rand thickness.
If you loved the way the original Solution hooked or the way it felt on overhangs, the Comp does all of that the same way. The only differences are in the heel fit and the midsole stiffness.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the Comp is just a newer version. It is not an upgrade. It is a different fit for a different foot shape.
- Sizing down too far because the shoe is soft. The Comp stretches more than the original, but that does not mean you should size down an extra half size. If it hurts in the store, it will still hurt after it breaks in.
- Buying the Comp for sensitivity and then complaining it stretches. Softer midsoles always stretch faster. That is the trade-off.
- Ignoring the heel fit. The heel is the biggest difference between the two shoes. If it does not fit, nothing else matters.
Where to buy
Both shoes are widely stocked, but availability shifts depending on the season. Check current price on the Solution Comp here, or check current price on the original Solution here. Confirm sizing and return policy with the shop before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Solution Comp better than the original Solution?
Neither shoe is better. The Comp fits narrow heels and gives you more sensitivity. The original Solution fits average to wide heels and holds its shape longer under load. Pick the one that fits your foot and matches how you climb.
Does the Solution Comp stretch more than the original?
Yes. The softer midsole in the Comp stretches faster than the original Solution. If you want a shoe that stays stiff longer, go with the original. If you want more feel and you are okay with the shoe loosening up sooner, the Comp is fine.
Can I use the Solution Comp for long routes?
You can, but the original Solution is better for sustained climbing. The Comp is softer and more sensitive, which is great for short problems but less ideal when you need the shoe to stay rigid for minutes at a time.
How do I know if I have a narrow heel?
If the back of most climbing shoes feels a little loose or you always have a gap between your heel and the heel cup, you probably have a narrow heel. Try the Comp on and see if the back feels snug without being painful. If it does, that is your answer.
Do the Solution and Solution Comp use the same rubber?
Yes. Both shoes use Vibram XS Grip2 rubber. The difference is in the heel fit and the midsole stiffness, not the rubber compound.
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