The shoe is not exactly what you would call performance-oriented, or specialized for a specific type of climbing, for that matter. Disclaimer. The shipping for CE countries is free for all orders over 180. They are comfortable and will not break the bank. La Sportiva claims the Tarantulace is the company's best-selling rock climbing shoe in the United States. Unfortunately, these construction details also lead to reduced sensitivity, which hinders technical footwork. 95. This means that you may need to size down a half size to make sure they maintain a decent fit in the long term. Edging is what youll be doing 90% of the time when youre climbing in a gym. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. If youre an intermediate climber looking to take their footwork to the next level or explore more complex boulder problems, then the popular La Sportiva Finale may be just the shoe for you. How on earth do you find the right model for you with so many different offerings on the market? Cracks that are too thin are also a problem due to the same large toe box that makes these shoes so comfortable. View the La Sportiva Tarantulace Product Line, View all La Sportiva Men's Climbing Shoes, 43 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Winner of accolades in multiple categories, including best budget climbing shoe, best beginner climbing shoe, and best value in climbing shoes over the past decade, does this inexpensive shoe live up to its reputation? No ads. These are our favorite picks for rock climbing shoes, whether you're bouldering, sport climbing or trad climbing. La Sportiva manufactures the Tarantulace in both a mens and womens version, built on different lasts (the RN 45 and WRN 45, or RL 45 and WRL 45, depending on model year). The best indoor climbing shoes put a focus on comfort and performance. A slight downturn, a moderately stiff midsole, and an easy-to-use lacing system combine to make for a solid all-arounder. La Sportiva claims the Tarantulace is the companys best-selling rock climbing shoe in the United States. The 5 mm sole and 1.8 mm LaspoFlex insole contribute to durability and provide a stiff platform that helps stability on smaller edges and other features. They're a gym shoe, multi-pitch trad shoe, and a comfortable all-day shoe for sport climbing and cragging. Although, you will find that a more aggressive performance shoe will deliver a far superior heel hook. Climbing Shoes La Sportiva Tarantulace Review An entry-level shoe ideal for beginners that comes at an awesomely low price $89 at Amazon $89 at REI Price: $89 List Manufacturer: La Sportiva By Jack Cramer Review Editor May 3, 2022 64 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #24 of 28 Edging - 20% 6.0 Cracks - 20% 7.0 Comfort - 20% 8.0 Steep Terrain - 20% 5.0 La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes - Men's | REI Co-op Their relatively flat shape, stiff sole, laces, and leather uppers make the Tarantulace a totally acceptable crack climbing shoe. Remember to factor in stretch. Emily has been climbing on and off for years and is an avid follower of the sport. Item #867002. It sits at a comparable price point and offers a similar level of comfort and neutrality. No ads. so you want them to be powerful, putting your feet in the best position possible to send your project. This is an ideal shoe for new climbers who dont want to invest in expensive and aggressive shoes right away. Wed say that this shoe is aimed at climbers with some experience who need a balance between good performance and a high level of comfort. Lined shoes stretch about a half size. Climbing Footwear Tarantula - Man - Multicolor. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. If fitted properly, the toe box should be roomy enough not to crush your toes, which helps a lot when jamming one's feet into thin hand cracks. For a good reason, as it outperforms most shoes in the same price range due to a combination of versatility and good performance. Explore the outdoors with the best technical footwear, clothing and accessories for climbing, hiking, trail running, skiing and mountaineering from La Sportiva. Earn a $100 REI gift card after your first purchase outside of REI within 60 days from account opening. La Sportiva is perhaps the best-known climbing shoe brand, . It can be hard to commit to spending a ton of money on climbing shoes when starting out in the sport, and the Tarantulace provides a great option for beginners. Even though it requires less effort than some lace-up shoes, many indoor climbers prefer the convenience of velcro closures or even a slip-on shoe. Treat yourself to new gear & clothing! La Sportiva Tarantulace detailed review: great beginner shoe and When shopping for climbing shoes, you also have to take into account comfort, durability, versatility and price of the shoes, among other factors. We also liked the loose and highly maneuverable tongue, which helps find a snug and comfortable fit once the shoe is on. Lined tongue for moisture management. At least the quick pull lacing harness is pretty unobtrusive, especially compared to velcro strap buckles. Check back Fridays for new products through 6/22. Nowadays, most beginners learn to climb indoors inside climbing gyms. This technique is commonly used when climbing artes, near a ledge or on overhung terrain. For moves like toe hooking, smearing, and toe scumming, the Finales toe box makes the shoe feel like a far stabler and more viable option than the Tarantula. $3868 FREE Returns FREE delivery Tuesday, May 2 Or fastest delivery Wednesday, April 26. 4. The highly adjustable losure system adapts to various foot types and shapes. These shoes work best on steeper terrain, rather than low-angle slabs. Returned products must have all the original tags and labels attached and be in their original and integral packaging, including La Sportiva box, which is not to be used as shipping packaging. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The 15 Best Trail Running Shoes of 2023, According to Experts, The 18 Best Water Shoes, Tested by Experts, The 20 Best Hiking Boots for Women, According to Pros, Kendall Jenners Go-to Nike Air Max Plus PRM Shoes Are the Perfect White Sneakers for All Your Summer Adventures, 11 Fresh Nike Summer Shoes for Women to Shop This Season, Sneaker Releases: Reebok Delivers Its Most Extra Collection That Celebrates Trailblazers in Style + More News, Gear Up for Summer With the Best Deals From adidas Summer Sale, The 11 Best Nike Running Shoes for All Distances and Terrains, According to Experts, The 20 Best White Sneakers for Women That Go With Everything, 28 Cute Summer Sandals for Women to Fit Every Style and Budget. Not really, though it could be for a specific type of climber. Returned products must be unworn, unwashed and unaltered. 2023 La Sportiva N.A. Climbing Shoe Type It will also appeal to climbers with a smaller budget who seek versatility. Shop for La Sportiva Climbing Shoes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. The brand's Tarantulace and Finale models are often touted as two of the top slipper models for beginner to intermediate climbers. La Sportiva Tarantulas - how much should I size down and is there much of a difference between men's and women's? Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. For starters, lets break down the different types of climbing, because each requires a different focus. How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Women's Rock Climbing Shoes, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Inexpensive, easy to adjust, comfortable, soft leather upper, Comfortable, high performance, sticky rubber, easy to put on, good in cracks, versatile, Inexpensive, comfortable, easy to get on and off, Inexpensive, comfortable, good for beginners, Not great for smearing, rubber lacks the stickiness of more expensive models, Specific shape can cause discomfort for some, expensive, Stretch out quickly, costly, lacks support, Lacks stiffness, not designed for high-performance climbing, Rubber not very sticky, not a high-end technical shoe, A technical climbing powerhouse, perfect for crimpy limestone or long granite free climbs, An impressive shoe in many realms, combining comfort with a high-performance fit, This shoe is a reasonably priced and very comfortable option great for beginner climbers, A great buy for beginner climbers looking for a basic and comfortable shoe. Chat Us Call Us 800-953-5499 Email Us Description Best-selling all-around shoe with comfort and performance The women's Tarantulace is an unlined leather climbing shoe with asymmetric shape for advanced performance. The La Sportiva Tarantulace is one of our favorite beginner shoes right now, thanks to its durability, comfort, and support. Regular fit ideal for all types of feet. COBRA ECO. Order within 11 hrs 37 mins Select delivery location Payment Secure transaction Ships from Amazon Sold by ClimbingShoes Returns Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt Packaging Shows what's inside Details Payment Secure transaction The rubber feels very durable when climbing efficiently. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. La Sportiva Women's Climbing Shoes 4.5 123 ratings Price: $88.95 Free Returns on some sizes and colors Fit: Runs small. So, like our advice for most other climbing styles, we can recommend the Tarantulace for easy to intermediate trad climbing. (29) Compare. The toe box is another area where the Tarantulace and Finale differ. This helps the Tarantulace perform well on low-angle slabs and smears, despite the harder rubber compound used in its sole for durability. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. That said, on any indoor or outdoor short line, the Instinct will more than hold its own if performance is a top priority. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The best sport climbing shoes will vary in style, depending on how strong of a climber you are and the type of sport routes you like to climb (overhung, face, slab, etc.). This product is not available. La Sportiva Tarantulace Review | Tested by GearLab These combine to create a shoe with medium stiffness and below-average edging performance. La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes - Women's. $89.00 (29) 29 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. The only negative to consider regarding fit is that the shoe may become looser to the point of degrading its performance if not properly downsized. With the Tarantulace, the toe box is so comfortable I sometimes wear them when I go out on the town. But most likely, youll want to focus on solid smearing, toeing, edging and hooking. Your email address will not be published. This is exactly what a newcomer should be looking for in a shoe. We only wish for more extensive padding or rubber extending over the top to make sideways jamming less painful on our toes. Add to Compare. Choosing climbing shoes Sizing, Shape & + tips | La Sportiva They are made with more lightweight materials, resulting in an extremely flexible and mouldable shoe, Climbing Tarantulace - Women's (Fall 2021) Click to Zoom Have a question about this product? La Sportiva Mens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoe - amazon.com The La Sportiva FriXion compound is the result of extensive R&D aimed at creating outsoles with parameters of grip and durability that respond to all types of use and terrain.The Frixion range uses 5 custom formulated compounds from mountain running to climbing shoes. It features an asymmetric shape yet plenty of room in the toe box, with plenty of sticky rubber to grip . Get more info about buying this just for members item. Explore the outdoors with the best technical footwear, clothing and accessories for climbing, hiking, trail running, skiing and mountaineering from La Sportiva. All rights reserved. The upper is full leather with a synthetic overlay for the lacing system. I still use them, but with socks, which diminishes sensitivity with the toe. These are shoes youll likely only be wearing for a few minutes at a time, just to power out under a dozen tough-as-nails moves . $20 La Sportiva Tarantulace rock climbing / bouldering shoes near the NE Mission Industrial Zone neighborhood in San Francisco, CA. Superior comfort and a relatively loose fit mean long routes and multi-pitch climbs are easier on your feet. Best All-Around Performance Climbing Shoe. While this isnt necessarily a game changer, it is a nice touch that makes getting the shoes on feel less finicky. Depending on the style of pocket climbing, the Tarantulace will work just fine, but don't expect it to excel on steep, technical pocket climbing. Shipments to the rest of the European Union take approximately 2/5 working days. Over the last 2 years, I have used my Tarantulace at the sport climbing and bouldering gym, as well as many outdoor crags. The best part about these shoes in terms of comfort is the soft leather uppers. The La Sportiva Tarantulace is fitted with 5 mm of FriXion RS rubber and a 1.8 mm LaspoFlex midsole. 11 Best Rock Climbing Shoes [2023] | Up To 50% Off La Sportiva shoes are built on European half sizes which are smaller increments than US half sizes. $85 Buy Now La Sportiva Women's Tarantulace. For a beginner sport leader whos working her way up the grade scale or a more experienced climber who doesnt like wearing out their super sticky, expensive shoes on moderate routes, the Tarantulace can be an ideal companion. With high scores in comfort and edging, and an affordable price tag, the La Sportiva Tarantulace provides great value and is one of our top recommendations for a great introductory shoe. Although not the most aggressive shoe Ive worn, the stiffness and slight downturn work wonders on almost all outdoor boulders, making the smallest footholds feel locked in, Ruana adds. Currently residing in southern Colorado, on most weekends you'll find Eric sport climbing the local granite or limestone, scouting out the next great boulder problem, or hiking one of the state's 14,000-foot peaks. Kataki Woman. La Sportiva Tarantula Boulder Climbing Shoe Home TARANTULA BOULDER More Views TARANTULA BOULDER $109.00 The best-selling Tarantula climbing shoe is reinvigorated with additional features to help beginner climbers focus on bouldering and more complex climbing movements. When youre new to climbing, having a supportive, comfortable shoe goes a long way. La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes - Men's 4.7 42 Reviews Item #203930 Top Rated Olive/Tiger $89.00 Color: Olive/Tiger Select a size Size chart 38.5 EU 42.5 EU 46.5 EU Quantity Ship to address FREE ($50 minimum) Shipping restrictions apply Pick up in store or curbsideFREE Find this item in store For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. In our tests, the FriXion RS rubber didn't feel as grippy as the Vibram XS rubber found on La Sportiva's more premium models. Its common for new climbers to find the world of climbing gear somewhat daunting to break into or fully understand. Although the Tarantulace might not offer the best performance, it's more than capable of some excellent climbing. If youve watched Alex Honnold or Adam Ondra in action, chances are youve seen Solutions on their feet. The ultimate all-around model for beginners and training sessions. La sportiva/tarantulace sizing-first climbing shoe : r/climbing - Reddit No refunds or exchanges are possible for customized products. Multifunctional climbing shoe ideal for beginners and instructions walls. La Sportiva Tarantula Review | Tested by GearLab We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. In addition, another thing that sets the Tarantulaces apart from the Finales is that they use a quick pull lacing system. 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (638) $88.95 $ 88. TN n. IT01039930225 C.C.I.A.A. However, premium shoes like these arent always the most beginner-friendly. Size: Select Color: Topaz/Red Plum Size Chart Rubber sole Flat profile and low asymmetry enhance all-day comfort. Fortunately, the Tarantulace is designed and priced for beginners, and beginner routes usually don't feature tiny pockets. This helps it stand up to wear and tear from the rocks and provides reliable support when jamming in cracks. I would definitely recommend the Tarantulace to new climbers. For newer climbers buying their first pair of shoes, Id recommend a shoe thats reasonably priced and comfortable, says professional climber and trad crusher Molly Mitchell, one of only a handful of women in the world to have sent 5.14 trad. e Part. Even more so than sport climbing shoes, however, bouldering shoes are extremely performance-focused, with a spotlight on hooking, pockets and steep terrain. Check out the La Sportiva Tarantulace on their site. Tarantulace Woman. Best All-Around Performance Climbing Shoe. View the 43 reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, Product Image of color Olive/Tiger loading. The Tarantula, with its focus on comfort, is easy to use and easy to get on and off in a flash. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Regular fit ideal for all types of feet. This improves sensitivity but it can cause you feet to get tired faster. Indeed, the Tarantulace is a highly competent generalist shoe at a fantastic price. This shoe has been tried and tested by a member of our climbing community. La Sportiva Tarantulas - how much should I size down and is - Reddit One of the bigger problems is the flat sole that diminishes your ability to pull with your feet on overhanging terrain. Its main weaknesses as a sport climbing shoe appear when the rock gets too steep, or the route relies on tiny pockets for footholds, where this shoes blunt toe may be an obstacle. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. La Sportiva shoes are built on European half sizes which are smaller increments than US half sizes. The Tarantulace lacks the support of some sturdier premium shoes, but it is still able to provide near-average edging performance. However, the brand only recently moved into the climbing shoe space with a handful of shoes that have been surprisingly well-received. When the rock starts getting past vertical, the flat, stiff sole of the Tarantulace begins showing its limits. Cookie policy Though they are barely downturned to the naked eye, the Tarantulace provides just enough shape to hold up the arch of the foot and cradle the heel. Still, considering they are beginner shoes designed with comfort in mind, their sensitivity is adequate for most introductory climbers. Its design is simple. Hooking can come from either the toe or the heel. Bouldering and sport climbing both typically call for aggressive shoes. La Sportiva | Climbing Footwear Tarantula Woman - Woman If you've ever heard the phrase "jack of all trades, master of none," you will understand why it applies to the La Sportiva Tarantulace. According to most subjective reports, this proprietary formula, trademarked as Frixion RS rubber, is not the most sticky rubber. Add Katana Lace . That feature, and the Shamans comfortable midsole, help your feet stay primed to crush without the jammed-up pain often associated with aggressive rock shoes. Be careful, however, because the stretchiness can make sizing the Tarantulace tricky. All our contributors are seasoned climbers with a minimum of one month of hands-on testing prior to writing a review. The glued-on rand on the heel catches nicely on precise heel hooks, and while I dont notice it as much inside, the shoes performance outside makes me feel much more confident in my feet. The Iatis shoes arent cheap theyll run you close to $200 but for a technical, aggressive boulder shoe, theyre a choice pick. La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoe - Women's Turquoise 33.5 They have a slightly different shape and are less rigid than the men's version. Indoor Climbing: Nowadays, most beginners learn to climb indoors inside climbing gyms. And when I finally do take them off, my toes dont feel like they were crushed in a metal door. So even if youre hesitant, its worth giving them a try. The Tarantulace is not made for toe hooks and pockets. As mentioned above, the La Sportiva Tarantulace has a very subtle downturn that allows room for a beginner climber to progress toward more technical climbing throughout the life of the shoe. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. They are good for all types of climbing and can be worn all day for a session at the crag. Our feet enjoyed these shoes because the inside was so soft and forgiving. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. As you advance through the grades and holds start to shrink, most people will likely benefit from a more sensitive shoe. I went through three pairs of Defys before upgrading to a different shoe, and I still recommend them to all my friends getting into the sport. Privacy statement Is it a one-quiver shoe, as some have called it? La Sportiva Tarantulace | REI Co-op $89.00 With the Tarantulace, the best-selling climbing shoe in the US, you can climb harder and longer while suffering less. La Sportiva Tarantulace rock climbing / bouldering shoes La Sportiva Tarantulace. Offering respectable versatility and performance at a reasonable price point, the Finale is especially adept on bouldering routes and boasts decent sensitivity. Also enhancing the comfort is the unaggressive design, with a flat sole that allows your foot to lay flat. Item No. The shoes feature an aggressive downturn that is a powerhouse on steep single-pitch and bouldering, with a unique velcro system that offers perhaps the best locked-in fit of any velcro shoe on the market. Its a great rock climbing shoe if youre mainly looking for something accessible, comfortable, and budget-friendly. The laces keep your foot secure and can be used to get rid of any dead space. However, if youve already got some climbing experience or are looking to take the sport more seriously, the Finale might be the better shoe for you. Comfortable, unlined leather upper provides all-day comfort Long-lasting sticky FriXion rubber sticks to plastic and rock equally Highly adjustable closure system adapts to various foot types and shapes Asymmetrical shape helps beginning climbers push the grades at a faster pace LaspoFlex midsole is a super lightweight, ultra-thin synthetic fiber-laminate designed for maximum torsional rigidity, ITEM: 30JSIZES: 34 - 50WEIGHT: 8.4oz (240g)UPPER: Leather / Dual Hook & Loop Closure System / 2 heel pull-tabs / 2mm FriXion RS Toe Rand RubberLINING: UnlinedMIDSOLE: 1.8 mm LaspoFlexSOLE: 5mm FriXion RSCONSTRUCTION: Slip lastedLAST: RL 45FIT: Comfort with low asymmetrySENSITIVITY: (1 = less sensitive; 5 = more sensitive): 1RIGIDITY: (1 = soft; 5 = stiff): 4, VIEW LA SPORTIVA CLIMBING SHOE COMPARISON CHART. This is another reason why these are better shoes for outdoor climbers than indoor ones. All payments will be remitted to who manages the online sales operations of the La Sportiva online store. No, we cant sincerely say that, based on performance or lack thereof. Plus, they're affordable and comfortable, making them a great intro shoe. The shoe uses an unlined leather upper and laces, making it easy to get a tighter fit and minimize empty space in its interior.