REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Mildly aggressive shape is good for progression
REASONS TO AVOID
Comparatively clunky
Not very sensitive
La Sportiva Kubo Review
Performance-oriented characteristics make this affordable shoe a great option for beginners who want to progress quickly
Unlike other entry-level shoes, the La Sportiva Kubo has a more modern shape, making it much better for sport climbing and bouldering.
Credit: Dom Rickicki
By Dom Rickicki ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ July 9, 2026
RELATED: The Best Climbing Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
The La Sportiva Kubo shines as a durable, affordable option for anyone looking to step up from their first pair of climbing shoes. Budget climbing shoes often look and climb like shoes made for old-school, moderate trad routes. With a subtle downturn and split-sole construction, the Kubo is designed to meet the demands of climbing steep, modern routes, whether that's sport climbing or bouldering. It feels a bit clunky compared to high-performance shoes, but it's a great option for continuing to build your skills without breaking the bank.
Our Analysis and Test Results
While it's arguably better suited to gym climbing, the Kubo can certainly stand up to the demands of outdoor climbing, too. Credit: Dom Rickicki
Likes
Other affordable options tend to be flat, which can make it harder to hook footholds. But the Kubo has a split sole and a slightly downturned shape. These characteristics make it better for climbing overhanging terrain, where you want to curl your foot over footholds to prevent your legs from swinging out.
It also features a thick layer of Vibram XS Edge rubber on the forefoot, the same rubber compound La Sportiva uses for its stiffer trad climbing shoes. This design makes the Kubo more durable than comparable options.
The split sole and subtle downturn on the Kubo make it so much better at overhanging climbing than other entry-level options. Credit: Dom Rickicki
Dislikes
The Kubo is acceptably comfortable, but in general, we are seeing shoes in this price range with far comfier construction. You may save a bit of money by choosing this shoe, but it feels like those savings come at the expense of premium materials, which greatly affect comfort.
The XS Edge rubber on the forefoot makes the Kubo durable but also reduces the shoe's sensitivity (especially compared to Vibram XS Grip2 rubber, which La Sportiva uses for its pricier bouldering shoes). Again, climbers looking for a smeary, sensitive shoe can find better options in a similar price range.
Less refined materials feel rougher on the foot. Credit: Dom Rickicki
Should You Buy the La Sportiva Kubo?
At the beginning of our climbing careers, we all have fairly poor footwork, which tends to wear out shoes quickly. A durable shoe like the Kubo will hold up a bit longer, while still offering a design that's well-suited to overhanging bouldering and sport climbing. These two characteristics combined make the Kubo an especially good option for the beginner climber who wants to commit and progress quickly, but doesn't want to buy two pairs of shoes in the process.
What Other Climbing Shoes Should You Consider?
We believe the Kubo is better suited to newer climbers. If you want a higher-performance shoe at a similar bargain price, boulderers and sport climbers should check out the Ocun Bullit, while folks who find their calling in trad, crack, or alpine climbing should aim for the Unparallel UpMocc.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare La Sportiva Kubo versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $169 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | Performance-oriented characteristics make this affordable shoe a great option for beginners who want to progress quickly |
| Pros | Affordable, mildly aggressive shape is good for progression |
| Cons | Comparatively clunky, not very sensitive |
| Rating Categories | La Sportiva Kubo |
| Comfort (20%) | |
| Smearing (20%) | |
| Edging (20%) | |
| Pulling (20%) | |
| Cracks (20%) | |
| Specifications | La Sportiva Kubo |
| Style | Velcro |
| Sizing Recommendations | Comfort Fit: down 0.5 - 1 US sizes Performance Fit: down 1.5 US size |
| Expected Stretch | 0 - 0.5 EU size |
| Downturn | Moderate |
| Asymmetry | Moderate |
| Upper | Tubular Constructed Microfiber / Leather / Padded Mesh |
| Lining | Unlined |
| Volume Options? | Regular, Low Volume (Women's) |
| Rubber Type | Vibram XS Edge |
| Listed Rubber Thickness | 4 mm |
—Dom Rickicki
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