This comprehensive La Sportiva size guide has been written by the technical equipment experts at Glisshop, recognised specialists in outdoor gear. La Sportiva, an iconic brand founded in 1928 in the Italian Dolomites, is today a world leader in footwear and clothing designed for mountain sports such as climbing, hiking, trail running and mountaineering.
What is La Sportiva?
La Sportiva is a renowned Italian brand specialising in technical footwear and clothing for outdoor activities such as climbing, mountaineering, hiking and trail running.
Key points for choosing your La Sportiva size:
- Accurately measure the length of your foot in cm.
- Check our EU/US/UK/Mondopoint size conversion charts for footwear.
- For clothing, take measurements of height, chest, waist, hips, arms and legs.
- If you are between two sizes, it is generally better to choose the larger one (except for climbing shoes).
- Follow our practical tips according to your discipline: climbing, hiking or mountaineering.
La Sportiva Size Calculator
Contents
- How to measure your feet to choose the right La Sportiva footwear
- La Sportiva Size Conversion – Men’s Shoes
- La Sportiva Size Conversion – Women’s Shoes
- Climbing Shoe Size Guide
- La Sportiva Size Conversion – Ski Touring Boots
- How to take your measurements to choose the right La Sportiva clothing
- Men’s Clothing Size Guide – La Sportiva
- Women’s Clothing Size Guide – La Sportiva
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions about La Sportiva sizing
How to measure your feet to choose the right La Sportiva footwear
To determine your ideal La Sportiva shoe size, the first step is to measure the length of your feet precisely. For this, use either a foot gauge (foot measuring device) or simply a sheet of paper, a wall, a pencil and a ruler. Here’s the step-by-step method:
- Preparation: Place the sheet of paper on a hard floor, with one edge flush against the wall.
- Foot position: Put your bare foot on the paper, heel against the wall, so that the back of your heel touches the wall and your foot lies flat on the paper. If you plan to wear thick socks (for mountaineering or hiking boots, for example), wear them for the measurement.
- Marking: Ask someone to draw a line (or carefully do it yourself) at the tip of your longest toe on the paper. Keep the pencil vertical for an accurate measurement.
- Measurement: Using the ruler, measure the distance in centimetres between the edge of the paper (the side against the wall, where your heel was) and the line at your toe. Note this length. Repeat the process for the other foot, as it is common to have one foot slightly larger than the other.
Once you know your foot length (in cm), you can determine the corresponding size in La Sportiva’s sizing. Use the conversion tables below to find your EU size as well as the equivalent US and UK sizes, and don’t forget the Mondopoint (a measurement in millimetres used in particular for ski boots). If you’re hesitating between two sizes, La Sportiva generally recommends choosing the larger one to ensure your foot isn’t too cramped.
How to choose your exact size by activity?
- Climbing shoes: Typically go 1 to 2 sizes down from your usual size for a precise fit.
- Hiking and trail-running shoes: Go half a size up to avoid discomfort from foot swelling over long distances.
- Mountaineering boots: Go one full size up from your usual size to accommodate thick socks, ensure optimal thermal comfort and avoid injuries on descents.
La Sportiva Size Conversion – Men’s Shoes
The table below shows the main La Sportiva Men’s sizes in European (EU), UK, and US Men’s, along with the Mondopoint foot length in cm. These values are taken from La Sportiva’s official size guide. (Note: La Sportiva men’s sizes typically start at EU 40.)
| EU Size | UK | US Men’s | Mondopoint (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 25 2/3 |
| 40½ | 7 | 8 | 26 |
| 41 | 7 1/3 | 8 1/3 | 26 1/3 |
| 41½ | 7 2/3 | 8 2/3 | 26 2/3 |
| 42 | 8 | 9 | 27 |
| 42½ | 8.5 | 9.5 | 27 1/3 |
| 43 | 9 | 10 | 27 2/3 |
| 43½ | 9 1/3 | 10 1/3 | 28 |
| 44 | 9 2/3 | 10 2/3 | 28 1/3 |
| 44½ | 10 | 11 | 28 2/3 |
| 45 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 29 |
| 45½ | 11 | 12 | 29 1/3 |
| 46 | 11 1/3 | 12 1/3 | 29 2/3 |
| 46½ | 11 2/3 | 12 2/3 | 30 |
| 47 | 12 | 13 | 30 1/3 |
| 47½ | 12.5 | 13.5 | 30 2/3 |
| 48 | 13 | 14 | 31 |
The Mondopoint measurements shown correspond to foot length in centimetres. This conversion table helps you choose your size, but it does not necessarily reflect the exact dimensions of every model (the last shape and internal volume can vary between shoes).
La Sportiva Size Conversion – Women’s Shoes
The table below shows La Sportiva Women’s sizes with their equivalents in EU, UK, US Women’s, and Mondopoint (cm). Refer to your foot measurement to find the right size. (Note: women’s models generally range from about EU 35 to EU 41.)
| EU Size | UK | US Women’s | Mondopoint (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 2 2/3 | 4.5 | 22 1/3 |
| 35½ | 3 | 5 | 22 2/3 |
| 36 | 3 1/3 | 5 1/3 | 23 |
| 36½ | 3 2/3 | 5 2/3 | 23 1/3 |
| 37 | 4 | 6 | 23 2/3 |
| 37½ | 4.5 | 6.5 | 24 |
| 38 | 5 | 7 | 24 1/3 |
| 38½ | 5 1/3 | 7 1/3 | 24 2/3 |
| 39 | 5 2/3 | 7 2/3 | 25 |
| 39½ | 6 | 8 | 25 1/3 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 25 2/3 |
| 40½ | 7 | 9 | 26 |
| 41 | 7 1/3 | 9.5 | 26 1/3 |
As with the men’s chart, the measurements are indicative in cm and may vary slightly between models. If you fall between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size for women’s shoes, except for climbing shoes where a closer, more precise fit is often preferred.
Climbing Shoe Size Guide
Climbing shoes should fit very snugly to ensure precise footwork, excellent sensitivity and optimal power transfer. Unlike everyday footwear, they’re generally worn tighter, which often means choosing a smaller size than you normally wear.
As a general rule, it’s advisable to go 1 to 2 sizes down from your usual shoe size. The final choice depends on your skill level, the shoe type, the brand and the intended use.
For beginners, it’s best to prioritise comfort so you can climb without pain. We therefore recommend choosing your everyday shoe size or slightly smaller (up to half a size down).
Intermediate climbers can go roughly one size down, which offers a good balance between performance and comfort.
Advanced climbers, or those who mainly boulder or compete, often choose 1.5 to 2 sizes down from their everyday shoe size. The fit is then very tight—sometimes uncomfortable at first—but it enables optimal performance, especially on small or technical holds.
La Sportiva Size Conversion – Ski Touring Boots
For La Sportiva ski touring boots, sizing generally follows the Mondopoint system, expressed in cm (foot length). The conversions to European and Anglo-Saxon sizes are given below. Find the Mondopoint column that matches your foot length, then read off the equivalent EU/UK/US size. (Example: a 27.5 cm foot corresponds roughly to EU 42 2/3, i.e. ~EU 43, UK 8.5, US Men’s 9.5 or US Women’s 10.5.)
| Mondopoint (cm) | FR/EU Size | UK | US Men’s | US Women’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 36 2/3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| 23.5 | 37 1/3 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| 24 | 38 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 24.5 | 38 2/3 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
| 25 | 39 1/3 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| 25.5 | 40 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8.5 |
| 26 | 40 2/3 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 26.5 | 41 1/3 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| 27 | 42 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 27.5 | 42 2/3 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 |
| 28 | 43 1/3 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| 28.5 | 44 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 11.5 |
| 29 | 44 2/3 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 29.5 | 45 1/3 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 12.5 |
| 30 | 46 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 30.5 | 46 2/3 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 13.5 |
| 31 | 47 1/3 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 31.5 | 48 | 12.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 |
Because La Sportiva ski-mountaineering boots are highly technical, don’t hesitate to heat-mould the liner or adjust the closure to fine-tune the fit. The figures above are indicative: for example, La Sportiva Skorpius, Solar, Stellar run from 25.7 cm (mondo ~25.5) to 33.7 cm (mondo ~33.5), depending on available sizes. Each model may have a shell with a slightly different internal volume. Make sure you try your ski boots on with the ski socks and insoles you’ll use on the mountain.
How to take your measurements to choose the right La Sportiva clothing
Alongside footwear, La Sportiva offers a wide range of technical clothing (jackets, trousers, T-shirts, fleeces, etc.) designed for climbing, hiking, trail running and mountaineering. Choosing the right size is essential to ensure optimal freedom of movement and insulation.
Here’s how to take your measurements easily to choose La Sportiva technical clothing:
- A - Chest: measure around the fullest part of the chest, under the arms.
- B - Waist: measure at the narrowest point, typically around the navel.
- C - Hips: measure around the widest part of the hips.
- D - Inside leg length (inseam): measure from the crotch to the ankle or the floor, with your feet slightly apart.
- E - Height: measure from your feet to the top of your head, with your back against a wall.
Once you have these measurements, refer to the La Sportiva size charts below. La Sportiva uses European sizing, sometimes with Italian equivalents or double sizes. For example, La Sportiva women’s sizes may be shown as 40, 42, 44… (Italian sizes), corresponding respectively to 34, 36, 38… in French/EU sizing. Men’s sizes follow the usual S, M, L scale, equivalent to 46, 48, 50… in EU sizing. Each table lists the body measurements corresponding to each size.
Note: measurements are in cm and serve as a guide — they do not represent the finished garment dimensions, which may include some ease.
Men’s Clothing Size Guide – La Sportiva
La Sportiva offers several men’s clothing fits depending on the discipline: the standard fit (covering the Mountain Running, Climbing, Hiking, Ski Mountaineering and Mountain ranges), the dedicated Mountain Running Race fit (trail running competition), which is more close-fitting, and the Climbing Pro fit for high-level climbing. The tables below detail the recommended measurements for each size across these ranges.
Mountain Running / Climbing / Hiking / Ski Mountaineering / Mountain ranges (Men)
Standard multi-sport fit – La Sportiva men’s clothing.
| Size (EU) | Size (US) | E - Height (cm) | A - Chest (cm) | B - Waist (cm) | C - Hips (cm) | D - Inside leg (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (46 EU) | XS (US) | 171–174 | 92–96 | 80–83 | 95–98 | 103–104 |
| M (48 EU) | S (US) | 175–178 | 97–101 | 84–87 | 99–102 | 105–106 |
| L (50 EU) | M (US) | 179–182 | 102–106 | 88–91 | 103–106 | 107–108 |
| XL (52 EU) | L (US) | 183–185 | 107–111 | 92–95 | 107–110 | 109–110 |
| XXL (54 EU) | XL (US) | 186–188 | 112–116 | 96–99 | 111–114 | 111–112 |
Mountain Running Race range (Men)
Trail running competition fit – closer at the waist and slightly shorter.
| Size (EU) | Size (US) | E - Height (cm) | A - Chest (cm) | B - Waist (cm) | C - Hips (cm) | D - Inside leg (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (46 EU) | XS (US) | 171–174 | 93–96 | 79–81 | 95–97 | 103–104 |
| M (48 EU) | S (US) | 175–178 | 97–100 | 82–84 | 98–100 | 105–106 |
| L (50 EU) | M (US) | 179–182 | 101–104 | 85–87 | 101–103 | 107–108 |
| XL (52 EU) | L (US) | 183–185 | 105–108 | 88–90 | 104–106 | 109–110 |
| XXL (54 EU) | XL (US) | 186–188 | 109–112 | 91–93 | 107–109 | 111–112 |
Climbing Pro range (Men)
Special fit for intensive climbing – tailored for freedom of movement and performance.
| Size (EU) | Size (US) | E - Height (cm) | A - Chest (cm) | B - Waist (cm) | C - Hips (cm) | D - Inside leg (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (46 EU) | XS (US) | 173–176 | 92–96 | 79–81 | 95–97 | 104–105 |
| M (48 EU) | S (US) | 177–180 | 97–101 | 82–84 | 98–100 | 106–107 |
| L (50 EU) | M (US) | 181–184 | 101–105 | 85–87 | 101–103 | 108–109 |
| XL (52 EU) | L (US) | 185–187 | 106–110 | 88–90 | 104–106 | 109–110 |
| XXL (54 EU) | XL (US) | 188–190 | 110–113 | 91–93 | 107–109 | 110–112 |
The measurements above are given in centimetres. This size guide will help you choose the right size but note that it does not represent the exact garment dimensions (fits may be close or more relaxed depending on the design). If you’re unsure between two sizes, choose the one that matches the largest of your body measurements (for example, chest size for a jacket).
Women’s Clothing Size Guide – La Sportiva
For women’s clothing, La Sportiva often uses Italian numerical sizes (40, 42, 44…) which correspond to European standards (34, 36, 38… in France). The fits are similar to men’s: a versatile standard fit for the Mountain Running, Climbing, Hiking, Ski Mountaineering and Mountain ranges, and a specific Mountain Running Race fit that’s closer to the body for competitive trail running. The tables below summarise the body measurements associated with each La Sportiva women’s size.
Mountain Running / Climbing / Hiking / Ski Mountaineering / Mountain ranges (Women)
Standard multi-sport fit – La Sportiva women’s clothing.
| Size (IT) | Size (EU) | Size (US) | E - Height (cm) | A - Chest (cm) | B - Waist (cm) | C - Hips (cm) | D - Inside leg (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 (IT) | 34 EU | XS (US) | 161–164 | 85–88 | 63–66 | 92–95 | 95–97 |
| 42 (IT) | 36 EU | S (US) | 165–168 | 89–92 | 67–70 | 96–99 | 98–100 |
| 44 (IT) | 38 EU | M (US) | 169–172 | 93–96 | 71–74 | 100–103 | 101–103 |
| 46 (IT) | 40 EU | L (US) | 173–175 | 97–100 | 75–78 | 104–107 | 104–105 |
| 48 (IT) | 42 EU | XL (US) | 176–178 | 101–104 | 79–82 | 108–111 | 106–107 |
Mountain Running Race range (Women)
Trail running competition fit – closer to the body, running a little smaller at the chest and waist.
| Size (IT) | Size (EU) | Size (US) | E - Height (cm) | A - Chest (cm) | B - Waist (cm) | C - Hips (cm) | D - Inside leg (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 (IT) | 34 EU | XS (US) | 161–164 | 83–86 | 60–63 | 91–94 | 95–97 |
| 42 (IT) | 36 EU | S (US) | 165–168 | 87–90 | 64–67 | 95–98 | 98–100 |
| 44 (IT) | 38 EU | M (US) | 169–172 | 91–94 | 68–71 | 99–102 | 101–103 |
| 46 (IT) | 40 EU | L (US) | 173–175 | 95–98 | 72–75 | 103–106 | 104–105 |
| 48 (IT) | 42 EU | XL (US) | 176–178 | 99–102 | 76–79 | 107–110 | 106–107 |
The measurements above are in centimetres. As with the men’s charts, they serve as guidelines for choosing your size. La Sportiva notes that this size guide helps with selection but 'does not reflect the actual product dimensions' (garments may have stretch or be cut close to the body or more relaxed depending on the model).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about La Sportiva sizing
How should I choose my size for La Sportiva climbing shoes?
As a rule of thumb, go 1 to 2 sizes down from your usual shoe size for a precise, performance-focused fit suitable for technical climbing.
Should I go up a size in La Sportiva hiking shoes?
Yes. We recommend going about half a size up from your normal size for extra comfort on long hikes.
What is the Mondopoint system used by La Sportiva?
Mondopoint measures the exact length of your foot in centimetres. It’s commonly used for technical footwear, such as ski touring boots.