Skwama is a name already present in the La Sportiva climbing shoe catalog, but in Ziano di Fiemme they worked to meet the needs of a different climber, and from this premise, Skwama Lite was born (on sale from February-March 2026). We went to meet Francesco Delladio (Footwear Product Manager) to find out how this new gem is made.
4Outdoor is also on Whatsapp. Just click here to subscribe to the channel and stay up to date.
Francesco Delladio Interview
Hi Francesco, will Skwama Lite be a product that adds to or replaces the Skwama currently in the catalog?
The Skwama model was the starting point for the development of this new shoe, but they are two very different products and aimed at different users.
What considerations did you start from when designing? Did you identify a market demand?
Our goal was to offer an intermediate climber an ideal second shoe, something capable of best balancing comfort and technicality.
Tanti climber passano dalla prima scarpetta, un modello espressamente beginner, ad un modello pro, ma queste ultime sono dotate di soluzioni tecniche volte a rispondere ad altre esigenze, esigenze che solo un arrampicatore avanzato è in grado di apprezzare e sfruttare. Sapevamo di avere un gap nella collezione ed era nostra intenzione colmarlo, credo che il reparto Ricerca e Sviluppo abbia fatto un ottimo lavoro.
Reading the characteristics of Skwama we see that it was aimed at both rock and indoor climbing, Skwama Lite also brings this versatility and does it prefer a surface?
We consider it a rather versatile model, although it’s more suited to indoor use, given its softness and deconstruction. I’m talking about bouldering, where it excels, but also rope climbing, for those climbers who occasionally climb on rock. Conversely, in the same product range but for climbers who regularly climb on rock and occasionally indoors, we have the Kubo, one of our historic models, capable of providing that extra support needed on that surface.
In terms of materials, Skwama combines synthetic materials and natural leather. What did you work with on the Lite model?
That’s right, Skwama, for example, had a leather insole, while here we used exclusively unlined microfiber, an ideal solution for providing great comfort to the wearer and a great feel right from the moment they step into the store. The choice of this fabric also responds to the growing demand for a vegan product and a washable product, meaning it can be machine washed with regular detergent.
Looking at the sole design, Skwama already featured a two-part sole and the same choice was made for Skwama Lite, what advantages does this solution offer?
Regarding the sole, we took inspiration from the existing model, although the Lite version features construction differences that allow it to better adapt to the large surfaces and volumes typical of indoor climbing. The goal was to give the user plenty of sensitivity, especially important during that growth phase, when they must learn to use their feet and, to do so, feel what’s underneath. The half-sole allows for the shoe’s softness and adaptability, an aid in learning to use their feet, clearly at the expense of the support offered by other models in the collection.
Given a design like this, what ensures torsion control?
Between the microfiber upper and the rubber outsole is a midsole that extends from toe to heel, providing the support needed for this type of climbing. The patented P3 tensioning system allows the shoe to maintain its curved shape even after years of use and provides support on small holds.
Still regarding the sole, is it a resolable shoe?
Of course, we will provide our authorized resolers with the original sole components produced here in the Ziano di Fiemme factory, so they can recondition their used shoes, making them as good as new.
Men’s and women’s versions: do only the colors change or is there more?
No, it’s definitely not just a matter of color; the gender difference in La Sportiva climbing products is quite marked. It’s not about shape or volume, which in-depth studies have shown to have little impact; rather, it’s about the difference in the level of support offered by a men’s shoe versus a women’s shoe. A 70kg men’s shoe guarantees the same feel and support as a 50kg women’s shoe.
What do you work on, given the same model but for different genres, to ensure the same performance?
We work on different parameters; there’s no hard and fast rule; it depends on the model. There may be differences in the thickness of the midsoles, or perhaps in the compound, or even in the tensioning of the structure; each model has its own recipe.
From brief to finished product, how long does the development process for such a product take?
The development process lasts 18 months, so each project is a big one, involving analysis, material selection, design concept, initial prototypes, and testing.
When will Skwama Lite be available in stores?
It will arrive between February and March 2026, so in time for next summer.
