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the shizzle => equipment => Topic started by: Will Hunt on October 30, 2019, 07:51:20 pm

Title: Sportiva sizing
Post by: Will Hunt on October 30, 2019, 07:51:20 pm
I ordered a pair of Miura VSs and they've sent the right size but in the ladies model.

I can't see much difference in the tech spec of the shoe. Each has a 4mm sole: the ladies in XS Grip2 and the mens in XS Edge. Is there much difference between these rubbers?

Does anyone know if the sizing is different? They feel similar but, if anything, feel slightly less tight on first wear than the mens. Not sure if that's down to sportiva's quality control or a deliberate difference between mens and womens shoes? I'm slightly wary that they'll stretch into something too big.

Wondering if I should send them back. Might give them a whirl?
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: Rob F on October 30, 2019, 08:08:36 pm
Don't be daft. Your footwork will improve one hundred fold...
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: webbo on October 30, 2019, 08:15:17 pm
I ordered a pair of Miura VSs and they've sent the right size but in the ladies model.

I can't see much difference in the tech spec of the shoe. Each has a 4mm sole: the ladies in XS Grip2 and the mens in XS Edge. Is there much difference between these rubbers?

Does anyone know if the sizing is different? They feel similar but, if anything, feel slightly less tight on first wear than the mens. Not sure if that's down to sportiva's quality control or a deliberate difference between mens and womens shoes? I'm slightly wary that they'll stretch into something too big.

Wondering if I should send them back. Might give them a whirl?
Presumably they sent you the ladies based on what you get up to on the interweb  ;D
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: Bradders on October 30, 2019, 09:05:14 pm
I can't see much difference in the tech spec of the shoe. Each has a 4mm sole: the ladies in XS Grip2 and the mens in XS Edge. Is there much difference between these rubbers?

I think, as the names suggest, the edge rubber is supposed to be stiffer and better for standing on tiny edges, whilst the grip is stickier/softer and provides better friction.

Anecdotally, I've noticed a real difference switching from the Scarpa Instinct VS (orange ones) to the VSR (blue ones), the latter using the grip rubber. I've found they're much better in pretty much every bouldering scenario I've tried them on compared to the VSs.
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: Will Hunt on October 31, 2019, 10:34:01 am
Interesting, Nick. I'll give them a shot and just hope they don't bag out.
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: mrjonathanr on October 31, 2019, 10:41:52 am
Edge is a lot stiffer. I resoled my Vapour Velcro in Grip but have a new pair which come with Edge as well. Both soles have had a handful of sessions’ use now so are directly comparable.
The resole in Grip is much softer, and floppier when edging  ie Perfect for smearing on grit.
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: Drew on October 31, 2019, 10:44:25 am
Using the VS - VSR analogy, the Grip2 rubber definitely lets the shoe stretch a little bit quicker, so the breaking in time is reduced. Can't comment on how much a Sportiva shoe will bag out, but I don't find my VSRs stretch any more than my VSs. Just take less time to mould.

Also, and this is kinda obvious, the Grip2 rubber doesn't last as long as the Edge rubber.
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: Will Hunt on October 31, 2019, 10:46:26 am
Is this why the shoes might have felt less tight on first wear then? The shoe itself is actually the same size but the sole has more give from the off?
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: Drew on October 31, 2019, 11:03:49 am
Unlikely. I'd say it takes a few times wearing them for the stretch to start. It's more likely the fact that Miuras are still handmade in Italy.
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: mrjonathanr on October 31, 2019, 11:06:17 am
Not sure about that. My VS gripped my foot like a vice; my VSR grip my foot just the same. They just smear a bit better ( but not brilliantly, hence the Vapours).

There are gender achilles differences. I think female calf muscle also develops higher up the tendon so heel of shoe may be slightly different- you could compare with Mrs Hunt to check...
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: Drew on November 01, 2019, 05:29:11 pm
Sportiva used to always say the last remained the same between Men's and Women's. All that they used to change was that the Women's model was softer, with stickier rubber.

Not sure if that's still the case.
Title: Re: Sportiva sizing
Post by: spidermonkey09 on November 01, 2019, 06:42:43 pm
I'd give them a go. I wear ladies Miuras and they're ace.
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