La Sportiva Dragonfly

Posted: 08/08/2003 In Category(s): Reviews :: Product Reviews

Billed as a convertible approach shoe for climbers, the Dragonfly is an Italian-styled sport clog with a heel strap. The sticky rubber sole provides good traction on wet or dry rock, and a rubber toe cap helps prevent stubbed toes.

La Sportiva Dragonfly
La Sportiva Dragonfly

The uppers on the Dragonfly are synthetic leather, mesh and nylon so they both ventilate well on hot days and dry quickly after stream crossings. A speed-lacing system locks your feet in place snugly for harder scrambling and can be used to tie the shoes together for clipping to the back of your climbing harness.

Overall, these are comfortable and well built, but there are a few nits. Despite the claims, the Dragonfly is rather uncomfortable when used without the heel strap since it creates a lump underfoot. Due to the open back, gravel can get inside to attack feet but it's only a problem on very rocky terrain. The footbeds have a tendency to work loose and spit out the back on longer hikes, though duct tape solves that. The laces are so long they must always be tucked away to prevent tripping.

For $75, the Dragonfly is a reasonable value for those who want a bit more protection than sandals. The collapsible feature is nice but the Nike Air Switchblade also offers this, along with more secure lacing and closed heel, for $5 less. Certainly, the Dragonfly is a great camp shoe and has many other uses besides walking to crags.

SNEWS Rating: 3.5 hands clapping (1 to 5 hands clapping possible, with 5 clapping hands representing functional and design perfection)

Suggested Retail: $75

For more information: www.lasportivausa.com


Rating: SNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Full ClapSNEWS Half Clap

To learn more about how SNEWS® conducts product reviews, click here.



SNEWS® CHAT -- Have a comment, idea, retort, or an engaging thought that was inspired by this article or from our opinions expressed in the SNEWS® View? Just click here to comment now.
Products and Trends
Most Viewed Stories
PFD makers address rising issues with life jacket laws and stand-up paddleboarding
Aug 27, 2010
Read story
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market ’10: Products that are The New, The Cool, The Quirky too, Pt. 2
Aug 30, 2010
Read story
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market ’10: Hydration packs with a few tweaks, too
Aug 27, 2010
Read story
Industry News Releases
Beyond Coastal and Chums Sponsor Park City Point 2 Point Race
Sep 2, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Flylow Appoints Backbone Media to Handle Social Media
Sep 2, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Mile High Mountaineering Offers Unique Support Program for Retailers
Sep 2, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
What’s Up PR presents “The Art of Feng Shui in Specialty Retail"
Sep 2, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Big City Mountaineers Announces Early Application Process for 2011 Summer Climbs
Sep 1, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
Kokatat Sponsors Channel Islands Sea Kayaking Expedition
Sep 1, 2010
Read story | Post a release | Go to all Industry Releases
SNEWS Headlines
Camping participation rises slightly, say latest reports
Sep 1, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
SNEWS Youth Team: Three CEOs weigh in with youth reporters
Sep 1, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Outdoor financials: VF downgraded, stock falls
Sep 1, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Outdoor Headlines
Community Chat
"SNEWS TV " by Geoff O'Keeffe (09/01/2010 12:26 MDT)
Comments
"HydroFlask is a winner " by Judy Campbell (08/25/2010 18:45 MDT)
Comments
Join the conversations -- Ideas, Community. Becoming a member of the community is free.
Dark Blue TriangleClick here to join now.
SNEWS Reader Poll
Log in to view or participate in user polls.
Featured Content
Trend Reports
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market ’10: Products that are The New, The Cool, The Quirky too, Pt. 2
Aug 30, 2010
Read Story | Comment on this story | Go to all Product Trends