The La Sportiva Tarantula Shoe. Excellent all around hook and loop closure entry-level shoe that excels at gym climbing, cragging and is slightly more aggressive than the traditional beginner shoe.
DECENT FEATURES of the La Sportiva Tarantula Shoe
Comfortable unlined leather upper provides all day comfort
Long lasting sticky FriXion rubber sticks to plastic and rock equally as well
Multi-position closure system adapts to various foot types
Asymmetrical shape helps beginning climbers push the grades at a faster pace
The SPECS
Weight: 10.23 oz / 290 g
Construction: Slip Lasted
Last: RL 45
The SPECS for Upper
Leather
The SPECS for Lining
Unlined
The SPECS for Midsole
1.8 mm LaspoFlex
The SPECS for Sole
5mm FriXion RS
This product can only be shipped within the United States. Please don't hate us.
I've had these shoes for almost a year, which is also how long I have been bouldering. They are fairly comfortable since they are not very aggressive; which does make toeing in on some problems difficult. I have been using these mostly for indoor climbing, but I just got back from my first outdoor trip to Hueco Tanks, and I have to say they performed admirably. Whilst the other climbers needed to take off their shoes frequently( both aggressive and non-aggressive styles) I was content to wear mine the majority of the time on the slab. The only complaint I have is that the leather holding the metal eye strap on one shoe has started to tear. Plus, these shoes just look hella cool!
I recently purchased this as my first climbing shoe. I have been extremely satisfied with the product. The leather stretches as expect, so buy a smaller size. The velcro straps work great and are nice to be able to take my shoe off after a climb very easily. Having three pull straps is extremely useful for putting the shoe on, and the arrangement on the heel straps are perfect! The rubber is also plenty sticky for an average joe like me. My only complaint is that I wish the tip was a little more aggressive, but that is one thing you pay for and a more expensive shoe. An all around great product from La Sportiva!
These shoes are great for beginners or climbers seeking all-day comfort. They are not very aggressive, but still perform well on the wall. The stiffer sole helps edging, and the rubber is pretty sticky at first (but I was slipping off gym footholds after a year of moderate use in and outdoors). The velco design gives good fit customization. I wear a size 10.5 in street shoes, and bought these in 45s. They fit right against the tips of my toes with no toe curl, so they were pretty comfy as a result. They did not stretch much at all, so make sure to by true to the size you need. Also, I have a slightly wider toe-box than most, and these fit great to accommodate that.
IF you have lower volume but slightly wider feet. I have a real problem with finding shoes that I don't want to burn after a couple of pitches. I have very low volume feet, a narrow heel, and a wide forefoot. These shoes fit me like a glove. Forget about "performance" shoes unless you're cranking V6 and or 5.11+ and up. These shoes are awesome for mid range climbing. I've worn them on multipitch without a break for hours, and also cragging sport routes. You climb better if you're not constantly distracted by pain- FACT. The rubber is better than average- certainly not the worst I've owned. Try a pair on and them buy them from Moosejaw. They'll think you're the best.
I bought these back when I started climbing and have loved them ever since. In fact, I love them so much that I just bought a 3rd pair. I have tried many other shoes but none provided the comfort and versatility that these shoes do.I enjoy going back and forth between bouldering and sport climbing and these shoes are aggressive enough for bouldering and comfortable enough for those long sport routes. I also go back and forth between indoor and outdoor climbing and they do great in both scenariosIf you're a beginner or intermediate climber, looking for a great versatile shoe. These are the ones for you.
I fractured my foot 2 years ago and I have found trouble finding climbing shoes that didn't murder my feet ever since. This shoe is great for long day adventures. Grips everything, works surprisingly well for cracks. Holds up nicely, no noticeable stretch. Finally, a shoe I don't need to take off for belaying!
I got these as a beginner rock shoe and I've been happy with them so far. Them seem to be quality made and are easy to get on and off. The velcro fuzz does tend to collect dirt though. I wear a 12D in most shoes, and the 46.5 gave a good fit lengthwise. They are slightly on the wide side so I have to wear thin socks in them. The rubber gets a good grip on the granite I've used them on but isn't super sticky. And the color matches my mountaineering boots!
Probably the most comfortable climbing shoes I've ever worn + everything you would want from climbing shoes. I have a wider foot, and I thought it would be hard to find shoes that would fit me. I was wrong- these are perfect, BUT they run about half a size bigger, so if you think you need size 8.5 get 8. Really great shoes, you can spend hours in them.