La Sportiva Mandala Review - Luke Hansen

 Luke Hansen has been the go-to guy for stoke in the Aussie climbing scene for years now. Even when he's training in the bouldering gyms he's giving out high vibes, and that just gets amplified when he heads to the Grampians to try his projects. When the La Sportiva Mandala's were released we were keen to see what Luke thought as he's the perfect candidate for this shoe - pushing his limits on technical footwork climbs both inside and out, boulder and sport. 

Here's what Luke had to say after a couple months of testing - 

The La Sportiva Mandala is a high-performance climbing shoe designed for precision and versatility, and its standout feature for me has been its incredible toe-hooking ability. Whether you're tackling steep sport routes or navigating tricky boulders, this shoe’s aggressive design and advanced materials make it an excellent choice for climbers who prioritise technical footwork.

Toe Hooking

The downturned shape and sticky Vibram XS Grip2 rubber are the perfect platform which provide the overall combination of sensitivity and power. However, what truly sets the Mandala apart for me is the amazingly designed rubberised toe cap, which wraps securely around the toe box, offering unparalleled friction and control during toe hooks. I've worn a heap of climbing shoes all aiming to be the best at toe hooking but this one just hits different. The snug, well-padded fit ensures that your foot stays locked in place even on the most tenuous holds, making it ideal for steep, overhanging terrain where toe-hooking is crucial.

I'd normally attribute the fact that a shoe is downturned to help with steep edging and power, but I've found that the shoe's asymmetrical shape not only enhances edging but also supports aggressive toe hooking on features like volumes and underclings. The additional rubber coverage across the upper part of the shoe ensures maximum contact with the wall during difficult hooks, allowing you to pull with precision and confidence. I've relied heavily on this for working on a few projects in the Grampians lately that have tricky toe hooks.

All the Rest of the Stuff

Beyond their toe-hooking ability, the Mandala is an amazing all round shoe. I was hesitant on the no-edge technology at first, but have found them to be incredibly accurate for edging both inside and outside. The Mandala also features a secure, high-tensioned heel cup that locks your foot in place - I've found the heel to be my favourite in the whole La Sportiva range.

After a new, high-performance, do-it-all shoe for both indoor and outdoor pursuits? Give the Mandala a try - it might just be your new favourite!

- Luke Hansen