LA SPORTIVA Unisex_Adult 10f Climbing Shoes, 4.5 UK

Product Information

The La Sportiva Tarantulaceis an affordable shoe designed for new climbers but it will also appeal to climbers with a smaller budget who seek versatility. The shoe is not exactly what you would call performance-oriented, or specialized for a specific type of climbing, for that matter. What the Tarantulace does offer, however, is a great fit that will suit an array of foot shapes, and offer entry-level performance in the gym, on the boulders, and at your local crag. You can climb with confidence with the Tarantulace. If you slip, it’s unlikely to be the rubber’s fault. It’s either because the surface or hold should not have been trusted or…because you put your foot in the wrong place! And not only for beginners but even advanced climbers who desire a cozy, durable shoe for longer climbs and moderate routes at an affordable price. In fact, while the Tarantulace may not live up to the “one-quiver” moniker, it could be a perfect second or third pair for the avid climber. The tensioned heel rand minimizes movement in the heel and gives your foot a secure and snug fit. On the outside of the heel, the shoe has a generous amount of rubber, providing a good level of grip.

While the Tarantulace will not be the last shoe you buy, they will help you get into the sport and discover which type of climbing you prefer. They will serve you well until you move on to something better adapted to your style, level, and budget. The La Sportiva Tarantulace was designed as an all-arounder for beginners and intermediates. Is it a “one-quiver” shoe, as some have called it? Not really, though it could be for a specific type of climber.As you consider our shoe sensitivity results, keep in mind that higher sensitivity is often a consequence of thinner rubber. And you can wear a hole much faster through the 3mm of rubber found on more sensitive shoes than through the 5mm of rubber of the La Sportiva Finale. In other words, to enjoy awesome sensitivity, you usually have to sacrifice some durability. Comfort Unlike most climbing shoes made by La Sportiva, the Tarantulace and Finale both have a less aggressive, more comfort-orientated profile. However, we would argue that the Tarantulace is the more comfortable and wearable of the two models. We found the Tarantulace’s lace closure easier to adjust, allowing us to get a truly dialed-in fit. The Tarantulace is built with traditional slip-lasted construction that allows for resoling. The unlined leather upper helps with breathability and molds to one’s foot after breaking in for a custom fit. The tongue is padded to increase comfort and help with moisture control. While the toe box and overall forefoot are wide enough to accommodate most climbers’ feet, the shoe is still considered medium volume by La Sportiva, so it may not be ideal for extremely wide feet. The Tarantula velcro, Oxygym, and Finale are the most similar La Sportiva models classified as higher volume by the company. Performance Edging In a nutshell, these shoes will allow you to climb everything, but don’t expect miracles on technical moves. Heel

The climbers who require outstanding performance at toe- and heel hooking may not be satisfied with the Tarantulace. Its ability to do these techniques is adequate, but if you aspire to higher-level bouldering moves, you’ll want climbing shoes that fit tighter in the heel and have more rubber on top of the toe. JammingWhen buying a beginner shoe, why not look at something that can last and hold its weight throughout your climbing journey? The La Sportiva Tarantula will give you confidence in your early climbing steps whilst becoming a trusted ally as your climbing horizons broaden. Although these shoes are pretty comfy, they're not "El Cap in a day" comfy, so most people will prefer a more comfortable shoe with a flatter sole for mega missions. The Katana is also a narrower shoe, so folks with wider feet should consider similar designs with roomier dimensions. One possibility is the Scarpa Instinct Lace which has a similar downturn and toe profile but with a wider midsole and heel. Although there are arguably better shoes for high-end bouldering, for everything else, the Katana is ready to go.