Instinct VSR LV – What’s New?
The new performance climbing shoe Instinct VSR LV is the latest addition to the Instinct family. It is the narrowest and softest model in the range, featuring a deeper and narrower toe box as well as a lower instep. The Bi-Tension Active Randing System is a tensioned rubber that runs along both sides of the shoe back to the heel. It maintains tension under the toes through the arch of the foot, ensuring maximum flexibility and optimal power transfer. The Vibram XS GRIP2 sole provides outstanding grip.
The shoe is ideal for small edges, smears and pockets, and delivers excellent hooking performance. A strong alternative or complement for all Instinct fans. SCARPA athlete Philipp Kuczora took the shoe with him to Brione in Switzerland and shares his impressions.
“The Instinct VSR LV is an excellent addition to the Instinct family and has definitely secured a spot in my climbing pack for the future.”
– Philipp Kuczora
Philipp began training regularly at around eight years old. Shortly after, he competed in his first competitions. Later he joined the Bavarian team and the German youth national team at international competitions. Today, he spends much of his time on rock, always looking for new challenges in different areas of the sport.
Philipp Kuczora’s Review
As a long-time fan of the Instinct family, there was no way I could pass on testing the new Instinct VSR LV. At first use in the gym, I didn’t notice many differences compared to the Instinct VSR. It impressed me – as expected – as the perfect all-rounder: both on small footholds requiring precise footwork and on larger smears.
After wearing the shoe for a while and paying closer attention, I did notice a few subtle differences between the LV and the VSR (I tested both models in the same size): the LV felt a bit softer to me and also had a slightly narrower fit, especially in the heel area. The differently cut heel gave me a very secure feeling when performing precise heel hooks.
But then came the real test – away from the plastic and onto real rock.
The Instinct VSR LV accompanied me on a bouldering trip to Switzerland, specifically to Brione (Ticino) – an ideal place to thoroughly test climbing shoes in all kinds of scenarios. On rock, the LV delivered as well: thanks to its softer sole, standing on river-polished smears felt very secure and controlled. Yet even on the tiniest quartz crystals, the LV provided enough stability. The precise hooking I had noticed in the gym was confirmed on rock. Whether around large features or on small edges – heel hooking with the LV inspired confidence and stability.
I also noticed an improvement in toe hooking compared to other Instinct models: thanks to the new upper design, the rubber merges seamlessly with the shoe construction, making toe hooking work more effectively for me.
Conclusion
The Instinct VSR LV is a superb all-rounder and works very well for all facets of climbing as well as for almost all types of footholds. For me, it especially stood out with its outstanding hooking performance. The shoe is a strong addition to the Instinct family and has definitely secured a permanent place in my climbing pack.
Trust your instincts!
Text & photo: Philipp Kuczora
