Boldrini Pantera Climbing Shoe
The Boldrini Pantera is a supple ballerina climbing shoe designed for the best performance on aggressive and technical boulder problems. The Boldrini Pantera has been designed for maximum sensitivity and precision, with a Sem-Tension System that provides support and power on overhanging climbs and is especially effective for technical toe-hooking manoeuvres. Boldrini have utilised a 100% microfiber upper and powerful heel tension to make the notorious slipper-style shoe more comfortable to reduce any foot pain, and their signature Formula Rubber Tractor is durable enough for outdoor use and the abuse of plastic holds. This is a highly aggressive shoe; not designed to be worn all day, but for maximum performance when bouldering.
The slipper-style construction is designed to fit your foot as snugly and tightly as possible. That means no dead spaces, and no pockets. We recommend that you make absolutely sure you order the correct size before buying. You can get help with this by using our shoe size calculator, or by chatting to one of our Gear Geeks who can advise you.
Tech specs
| Upper material | Microfiber |
| Closure type | Slipper |
| Color | Yellow |
| Sole material | Formula Rubber Tractor 4.5 mm |
| Profile | Downturned |
Features
Formula Rubber Tractor
Formula Rubber Tractor is Boldrini’s signature sole material that they’ve filled with aluminium particles. Why? Boldrini say that this aluminium filler increases tensile strength, making the rubber generally tougher, more durable, and less likely to crack, split, and stretch out of shape, thus increasing the lifespan of your shoe. Boldrini shoes and rubber cost more, but extra durability means fewer resoles, and fewer resoles means money saved.
Sem-Tension System
Sole rubber with Sem-Tension System is designed for lateral support and support when toe-hooking - i.e. for steep wall and bouldering performance.
I have climbed in these shoes for more than 3 month now, first exclusively and later in parallel with Futuras just to understand the feel. Here is what I think:
My street size 41.5. I ordered 4 pairs of Panteras to select a proper size and ended up with size 40. The snug is good and the shoes are as comfortable as it can get for aggressive shoes. Interestingly, my Futuras are also size 40, so I think their sizes are on par with La Sportivas.
Rubber -- well, Panteras have a rather stiff 4.5 mm sole with rubber feeling more of XS Edge type. It could have worked for an edging shoe, but it does not seem to have enough grip for a no-edge type of shoe. My weight is 73 kg, so a bigger heavier person my have different experience, but I ended up a bit frustrated never knowing whether I can trust my footholds, same ones I have no problem with when climbing with Futuras (3mm Grip2).
Thus, the stiffness of the sole kills the benefits of no-edge sole unless you are at least 100 kg person with size 44. Three stars for me only, though it was a good try.
PS. Hill hooks well, did not have any problem with it...