Verdict from 4 experts and 73 user reviews
7 reasons to buy
- Many wearers were beyond thankful for achieving a true-to-size fit with the La Sportiva G5.
- Considering its stocky build, a handful of customers simply had to commend the boot for its surprising lightness.
- This high-cut mountaineering footgear is a thermal wonder, according to some customers. They couldn’t help but give the boot praises for its amazing warmth.
- A couple of mountaineers instantly became La Sportiva converts when they got a first-hand experience of the G5’s impressive climbing performance, especially on icy surfaces.
- A small number of reviewers were greatly amused with the Boa lacing system. They were deeply impressed with its one-hand lace-up operation.
- There’s a surprising amount of flexibility in this mountaineering boot, based on a couple of favorable reviews.
- An expert reviewer couldn’t commend the boot’s outsole enough for remaining effective even in frigid conditions.
1 reasons not to buy
- Many owners slammed the La Sportiva G5 for its laughable water protection. They primarily blamed the gaiter’s zipper for letting water seep in without making a real effort.
Bottom line
Amazingly lightweight, satisfyingly warm, and surprisingly flexible—these are among the main reasons why the La Sportiva G5 is a compelling product to possess. It’s a true-to-size mountaineering boot rightfully praised for its excellent ice climbing capability. Its convenient closure system by Boa was also lauded by a couple of users for allowing them to lace up with one hand. Some owners, however, distanced themselves from the G5 as its promise to completely withstand and bar intrusive water it failed to keep
Expert reviews:
- 75/100 by Switchback Travel
- 68/100 by OutdoorGearLab
- 100/100 by Sportiva
- 80/100 by Rock + Run
Good to know
- The La Sportiva G5 is a high-cut boot especially created for mountaineers who prefer climbing with agility. Thanks to the footwear’s high-tenacity nylon upper, users are given a level of lightness which works for their climbing mobility. Shielding wearers from the cold is the G5’s built-in gaiter. This thermal covering is also water repellent.
- The G5 evolved from La Sportiva's Batura 2.0. The latest iteration sheds a weight of about 100 grams.
- The boot’s revolutionary lacing system is designed to be operated with one hand. Custom fit, particularly around the ankle area, is also made possible by the Velcro strap implement. It is a step up from the Batura 2.0's lace closure with an asymmetrically designed and zippered lace cover.
- The midsole provides adequate stability and cushioning, due mainly to its considerable heel thickness and SBR Aircushion technology. Its arch zone is noticeably thin which gives the boot a slender look.
- Traction on icy terrain is brought forth by the Vibram Matterhorn outsole. It aims to prevent slippage and maintain grip with its heavy-duty lugs.
The La Sportiva G5 is a technical mountaineering boot designed using the Nepal last which is engineered to accommodate virtually all foot types. It comes in sizes 5 to 16, with half sizes until 13.5. Note that La Sportiva charges extra for sizes 15 and 16. Since this is a unisex footwear, female purchasers are lightly advised to consider getting their pair to go 1 size down from their normal size. It is offered in standard width and fairly runs true to size. Its one-hand lockdown system allows wearers to achieve a personalized fit.
Powering the G5’s outsole is Vibram’s Matterhorn technology. Using the Mont compound as its base material, this rubber sole is made durable and performs well in cold conditions. The high-profile lugs placed strategically around the outsole are infused with La Sportiva’s own Impact Brake System (IBS). This system positions the lugs in such way that the footwear gains a braking power by an average of 20%. IBS also reduces impact forces by about 20%.
The arch zone’s considerable height gives the boot a hook-like heel. This heel brake, which is also engineered with multi-directional lugs, provides stopping power, especially when traversing downward slopes.
The La Sportiva G5 cushions and stabilizes the wearer’s foot in every step with its 9mm midsole. This sturdy rubber layer is made of thermoplastic urethane—a material that enables the midsole to maintain a level of flexibility in freezing temperatures and withstand impact and abrasion. Its extra-thick heel zone also provides protection and shock absorption upon ground contact. Crampon connections are present in the heel and toe zones.
Aside from the SBR Aircushion technology which is part of the midsole’s construction, the 3mm carbon Honeycomb Tech insole also gives wearers underfoot comfort. Also, this stock footbed is designed to aid in the insulation of the footwear’s interior.
A combination of nylon, polyethylene membrane, and insulating felt make the G5’s upper both lightweight and warm. It is also infused with a water-resistant liner which provides a degree of protection against wet elements. Responsible for its secure lockdown is the Boa lacing system. In place of traditional laces, this reel-based closure mechanism makes use of reinforced steel strings which can be operated with one hand, even with gloves on. Tightening the laces mainly requires turning the Boa dial clockwise. Custom ankle fit is achieved with the adjustable Velcro strap.
La Sportiva enhanced the back of the footwear’s heel with the Flex Zone technology. This enhancement contributes to the G5’s overall flexibility and aids wearers while walking on rough terrain.
The boot has a non-removable gaiter primarily made of Stretch Cordura—a patented fabric that is durable and flexible at the same time. It is also lined with a water-repellent membrane which further strengthens the boot’s defenses against water intrusion. Moreover, this external covering has air-injected rubber rands which reinforce the boot’s heel zone and toe box.
- The La Sportiva G5 is compatible with all types of crampons.
- This boot is designed for ice climbing and mountaineering over snow and solid ice. It is not meant for obstacles with water that goes above an inch or two.
How G5 compares
