Campman Outdoor Gear & Apparel

The Scarpa Drago LV is the same iconic, high-performance Drago climbing shoe we know and love — just tailored for a lower-volume fit, which is ideal for those with a shorter instep, narrow heels, and thinner ankles. These shoes feature Scarpa’s Pressure Absorbing Fit (PAF) System that optimizes the fit of the heel, reducing pressure on the Achilles, while still channeling power over the big toe. 

Frequently spotted on theWorld Cup circuit, the Drago LV is a favorite among elite climbers—and for good reason. It’s aggressively downturned, highly asymmetrical, and absolutely loaded with sticky rubber. But with a price tag over $200, the real question is: is it worth it? After putting it to the test, here’s what we think.

What We Loved

Overall Fit - Despite the aggressive shape, the Drago LV feels like a game changer for those with low volume feet. It hugs your arch wonderfully, and surprisingly, still accommodates a wider forefoot quite well. You’ll find no issues with an excess amount of material over the top of your foot, and we also liked that the Drago LV doesn’t need to be downsized dramatically compared to other climbing shoes. There’s not a lot of stretch over time, just a slight give, thanks to the microsuede and leather upper, so definitely don’t go too small or your feet will not be happy with you! 

The PAF Heel System - The heel suction in these shoes is immediately noticeable when you first slip on the Drago LV. It locks down your heel so snugly without causing brutal Achilles pressure. Those who also ski frequently might relate to the frustration of heel lift—whether it’s a ski boot or climbing shoe, if your heel’s floating, you’re losing control and power. With the Drago LV, that’s not a concern.

Soft, Sticky Rubber - This rock shoe is incredibly soft and is likely one of the most sensitive shoes you’ll find in the biz. This sensitivity is confidence-inspiring on indoor boulders as they smear, stick, and seemingly mold to everything they touch. You’ll feel everything under your feet, so you know that you can fully trust your next move. With a ⅓ length Vibram XS Grip 2 sole and ultra-soft M50 rubber wrapping the toe, the rubber coverage is extensive, giving you multiple contact points for creative footwork, especially if you have to toe hook. 

What Could Be Improved

Strap Durability - While we did really love the simplicity and speed of the single-strap closure, it does seem to wear out quickly—especially if you use these shoes outdoors. It wears down faster than we’d like and collects dirt pretty easily. That’s kind of just the trade-off with these types of fasteners: you get convenience at the cost of longevity. Just something to keep in mind.

Who These Shoes Are Best For

We’d highly recommend the Drago LV climbing shoes for those who love bouldering and/or steep sport climbing and, as we’ve mentioned, those with low volume feet. Indoors or outdoors, the combination of aggressive shape, soft rubber, and snug fit makes it a weapon on overhangs. If climbing is your main sport, the performance and quality absolutely justify the price. You’ll feel every micro-feature underfoot, and that kind of feedback builds confidence. We’d go so far as to say: if they fit your foot, they’re worth every penny.

That said, they are not a shoe that does it all, though. Given the softness of these rock shoes, they do not excel on long routes with lots of edging because of the lack of support, and therefore the fatigue that’s placed on your feet. In other words, it's an awesome shoe to add to your quiver if you like to do many types of climbing, but don’t expect them to be your only shoe.

Final Thoughts

As with any footwear, shoe preference is highly individual. The Drago LV might be your perfect match—or it might not work with your foot shape or climbing style. It can be a challenge to find the right shoe, so we always recommend stopping by the shop to try out our wide variety of both new and lightly used climbing shoes from Scarpa, La Sportiva, and Evolv. (Pro tip: some of those used pairs are barely worn and majorly discounted.)

About the Author

Gabby Dodd

Gabby grew up in Colorado and has spent most of her life skiing. Since living in Utah, she’s made a second home at Alta—mainly because the powder is so good, it ruins skiing anywhere else. When the snow melts, she trades skis for mountain bikes and, in recent years, added climbing to her growing list of wallet-draining hobbies. When she’s not out testing gear, she’s behind the scenes designing, writing, and finding new ways to justify her growing gear closet.