OUR REVIEW OF THE LA SPORTIVA SENDER SHOE
With the Sender, La Sportiva offers a boot with a particularly interesting positioning, sitting halfway between traditional ski touring and freeride touring. Its Pebax Rnew shell is paired with a bio-based Grilamid LF Carbon cuff. The FORCE Wrap system wraps around the foot and tongue to improve support and power transmission. Closure is provided by four FORCE Closure buckles, while the GripWalk sole ensures compatibility with suitable bindings.
The Sender offers a 64° range of motion, a 102 mm last and an adjustable forward lean between 12° and 14°. La Sportiva claims a weight of 2,800 g per pair in size 26.5, compared with 2,980 g measured on our scales in the same size. Despite this difference, the weight remains very reasonable for substantial ski tours, while retaining enough support for freeride touring from ski resorts.
On snow, the flex feels firm without reaching the stiffness of a true freeride boot. It feels closer to 120, but above all it is very progressive and consistent. Even under strong pressure, the boot flexes smoothly without any hard points. The buckles can be tightened quite firmly and the boot skied aggressively while still retaining a good level of comfort, which remains unusual for a boot of this weight.
Despite its generous last, the lower shell retains good precision. Deformation remains limited as pressure increases and the foot stays securely supported. The Sender is therefore forgiving and comfortable without becoming overly vague. Skiers with narrow feet may nevertheless need to fine-tune the closure settings or work on the liner fit.
On the ascent, the range of motion is impressive considering the performance offered on the descent. Cuff mobility approaches that of some lighter ski touring boots, providing a natural and comfortable stride on long approaches. Despite the four buckles, ergonomics remain very good: the closures are easy to operate and transitions are relatively quick.
Getting into the boot is also particularly easy thanks to the wide opening of the shell. This is a real advantage at the start of a tour, in a mountain hut or in very cold conditions.
The Sender therefore strikes an excellent balance. Versatile, comfortable and forgiving, it is suitable for long ski tours while providing enough support to ski hard on the descent. A rare model that sits neatly between pure touring and freeride touring, even if its actual weight is noticeably higher than the manufacturer’s stated figure.
uphill/downhill balance | consistent and progressive flex | range of motion | comfort | easy entry
high-volume fit for narrow feet
MANUFACTURER’S OPINION
Designed for ski touring and freeride skiers seeking downhill performance without compromising on uphill efficiency, the La Sportiva Sender embodies the ideal balance between power, lightness, and freedom of movement. A true concentration of technologies, this shoe is designed to offer firm and precise support on the descent, while maintaining a wide range of motion and optimal comfort during long ascents. Whether it’s for tackling technical couloirs or carving beautiful turns in powder, the Sender accompanies you reliably on all terrains, even the most demanding ones.
Its bio-sourced Pebax® Rnew shell, both robust and lightweight, is combined with a Grilamid® LF Carbon™ cuff for excellent lateral stiffness and immediate power transmission. This innovative structure allows for precise and responsive skiing, even on hard snow or in technical sections. The thermal liner, equipped with WarmSole® insulation, offers enveloping and comfortable support while effectively protecting against the cold. Its interior volume has been carefully designed to ensure good foot comfort without sacrificing control.
In terms of maneuverability, the Sender integrates the FORCE™ Wrap System closure system, which ensures uniform hold over the entire foot thanks to a combination of micrometric hooks and an ergonomic cable. Switching from ski mode to walk mode is easy thanks to the Tilt-Lock R™ mechanism, a reliable and intuitive ski/walk articulation allowing 60° freedom of movement for a natural stride during ascents.
The GripWalk® sole guarantees excellent grip, whether on snow, rock, or during mixed traverses, while being compatible with touring and alpine bindings. It has been reinforced to offer optimal power transfer during committed descents, even with wide skis (up to 120 mm underfoot), making the Sender an ideal shoe for skiers who like to push their limits off-piste while maintaining the ability to climb efficiently.
Designed for adventure and versatility, the La Sportiva Sender is aimed at seasoned hikers and demanding freeriders who want a single shoe to do it all, from summit to valley, with confidence.
THE DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE LA SPORTIVA SENDER
LA SPORTIVA SENDER FEATURES
â– Flex: 130
â– Tightening: 2 BUCKLES + STRAP
â– Interchangeable soles: NO
â– Metatarsal width: 102mm
â– Weight: 2980g
■Price: 750€
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