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Ondra Comp: The Best Climbing Shoes ?

Chaussure d'escalade noire, jaune et orange avec le texte « LA SPORTIVA » et « NO EDGE », reposant sur une surface texturée. Modèle Ondra Comp.

Climbing shoes are like cars. You’re constantly promised something better and improved. But every now and then, a new release truly delivers on its promises. And for La Sportiva shoes, that means the Adam Ondra Comp.

The 15-second summary:

An upgraded version of La Sportiva’s Theory—slightly more aggressive and a bit more asymmetrical, designed to grip every foothold in its path.

Person holding and examining a black climbing shoe in a gym, the Ondra Comp by La Sportiva, with colorful climbing holds in the background.

The deep dive for the gear geeks:

At first, I was skeptical. Shoe companies regularly introduce “new” models that often feel like slight variations on the same theme—different colors, a bit more rubber here, a fancier closure system there. So, when I got my hands on the Ondra Comp, I wasn’t convinced they would be radically different. But I was wrong!

 

At first glance, the AO Comp seems like just another take on the Theory, which I already love. But a series of small changes make them, in my opinion, significantly better. First, they’re a bit stiffer, which really helps with foothold precision. They’re also slightly more asymmetrical than the Theory, and these two factors together completely change how the shoe grips holds. No joke—I was thrown off during my first few sessions because the AO Comp felt so sticky on the footholds. Bonus: they’re super comfortable right out of the box.

Person climbing indoors, wearing yellow and black climbing shoes, with focus on the shoe and wall hold. Ondra Comp by La Sportiva.

La Sportiva has also introduced a new system called SensGrip, which improves grip on rounded footholds. The toe box is stiffer but still allows you to feel what’s happening under your toes—definitely a plus.

I tested these shoes across all climbing styles: vertical, overhangs, slabs, volumes, and the Kilter Board. They quickly became my go-to shoes. They perform well in every scenario—I even sent two projects on the Kilter Board, and I’m convinced these shoes played a major role! Naturally, with all the rubber coverage, toe hooks are flawless. And as always, La Sportiva’s heel design does not disappoint (at least for me!).

I see these as ideal bouldering shoes, both indoors and outdoors, as well as for sport climbing—probably better for shorter, overhung routes rather than 50-meter vertical pitches. The AO Comp seems like a great choice for intermediate to advanced climbers, who will be able to take full advantage of their performance.

My verdict?

The AO Comp has earned a spot in my climbing shoe quiver. They feel like an incredible tool for tackling different styles and problems. Will they make me climb more like Adam Ondra? Who knows!

And we have them on our online store, check them out !