La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes

The La Sportiva Tarantula boasts a classic design that has remained largely unchanged since its inception. The upper is made from synthetic leather and breathable mesh, offering excellent ventilation while maintaining a snug fit around the foot. This combination of materials strikes a good balance between durability and comfort, making them ideal for extended climbing sessions. The shoe's construction features La Sportivas signature FriXion RS rubber outsole, known for its high friction properties. The sticky rubber provides excellent grip on both indoor gym walls and outdoor rock faces. Additionally, the Tarantula's downturned shape allows for a bit of edging capability while maintaining enough sensitivity to handle slab climbing. Here are some key design features:

• Asymmetric Shape: Provides a slight toe-down angle for improved performance on overhangs and steeper routes.
• Synthetic Leather & Mesh Upper: Offers breathability, comfort, and durability.
• FriXion RS Rubber Outsole: Delivers exceptional grip and longevity.
• Hook and Loop Closure System: Ensures a secure fit that can be easily adjusted throughout the climb.

Comfort is arguably one of the Tarantula's strongest suits, setting it apart from many other beginner climbing shoes on the market. While most entry-level climbing shoes prioritize performance over comfort, La Sportiva has managed to achieve both with this model. The shoes wide toe box allows your toes to splay naturally, reducing pressure points and preventing cramping during long climbs or bouldering sessions. The moderately stiff midsole provides ample support for the arch of your foot, further enhancing comfort without sacrificing sensitivity. This makes them a great option for those with higher arches or who are used to wearing supportive footwear. Many climbers have commented that these shoes feel almost like slippers when worn off the wall. Key Comfort Features:

• Wide Toe Box: Allows toes to splay naturally and reduces pressure points.
• Moderate Stiffness: Provides arch support without sacrificing sensitivity.
• Breathable Upper Material: Keeps feet cool and dry, reducing sweat buildup.

The La Sportiva Tarantula is renowned for its durability. The combination of synthetic leather and breathable mesh upper materials means they can withstand the rigors of frequent climbing while maintaining their shape over time. Many climbers report that these shoes last significantly longer than other budget-friendly options on the market, making them a worthwhile investment. The FriXion RS rubber outsole is also known for its exceptional wear resistance, especially when compared to softer rubbers found in more performance-oriented models. While it may not provide quite as much grip initially, you'll appreciate how long this rubber holds up over time. Factors contributing to durability:

• Synthetic Leather & Mesh Upper: Resistant to abrasions and tearing.
• FriXion RS Rubber Outsole: Durable and provides excellent wear resistance.
• Reinforced Toe Cap: Protects the toes from impact damage.

The Tarantulas FriXion RS rubber outsole offers impressive grip on a wide range of surfaces, both indoors and outdoors. While it may not be as sticky as softer rubbers found in more aggressive climbing shoes (like La Sportiva's flagship models), its durability makes up for any perceived lack of initial stickiness. The slightly downturned shape also aids in improving edging performance, allowing you to stand on small holds with confidence. However, experienced climbers may find the Tarantulas rubber a bit too stiff and lacking in sensitivity when attempting technical or overhanging routes. Grip Performance:

• Indoor Climbing Walls: Excellent grip on artificial surfaces.
• Outdoor Rock Faces: Performs well on granite, limestone, and sandstone.
• Slab Climbing: Provides enough friction to handle slab climbing, though not ideal for more challenging slabs.

The La Sportiva Tarantula is an excellent all-around shoe that can be used for a variety of climbing styles. While it's not the most aggressive or high-performance option available, its versatility makes it a great choice for beginners and intermediate climbers alike. It excels at gym climbing, easy outdoor routes, and general bouldering. Heres a breakdown of how the Tarantula performs in different climbing scenarios:

• Beginner Climbing: The comfortable fit and durable construction make them ideal for learning to climb without discomfort or blisters.
• Gym Climbing: The FriXion RS rubber provides excellent grip on artificial surfaces, allowing you to progress quickly through the routes.
• Outdoor Sport Climbing (5.8 - 5.10): Handles easier outdoor routes with ease and confidence.
• Bouldering (V0 V3): A solid choice for beginners looking to build strength and technique on moderate boulder problems. However, experienced climbers may find the Tarantulas shape and rubber too stiff for more challenging routes or technical climbing. They might prefer a shoe with a tighter fit and softer rubber that offers better sensitivity and precision.

User reviews of the La Sportiva Tarantula are overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its comfort, durability, and affordability. Here's a summary of what climbers have to say:

• Comfort: Most reviewers agree that these shoes are incredibly comfortable, even for extended periods of climbing. Many appreciate the wide toe box and supportive midsole.
• Durability: Users consistently report that these shoes last much longer than other beginner models, with some claiming they've lasted over a year of regular use.
• Grip: While not as sticky as softer rubbers, many reviewers find the FriXion RS rubber provides ample grip for most climbing situations.
• Value for Money: The Tarantulas price point is often cited as one of its greatest strengths, with users considering it a great value for the quality and performance offered. Common Criticisms:
• Some climbers find them too stiff or lacking in sensitivity for more technical routes.
• A few reviewers have experienced issues with the sizing being slightly off (either running small or large).

The La Sportiva Tarantula is generally priced between $100-$120, making it one of the most affordable climbing shoes on the market. This price point makes them an attractive option for beginners and recreational climbers looking to get started in the sport without breaking the bank. While some higher-end models may offer superior performance or more advanced features, the Tarantula provides excellent value for money given its comfort, durability, and versatility.

The La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes are a fantastic option for beginners and intermediate climbers looking for a comfortable, durable, and affordable pair of climbing shoes. Their wide toe box, supportive midsole, and FriXion RS rubber outsole provide excellent grip on both indoor gym walls and outdoor rock faces.

Absolutely! The Tarantula is widely regarded as one of the best climbing shoes for beginners due to its comfort, affordability, and ease of use. The soft rubber provides excellent friction without requiring extreme foot strength, making them ideal for learning new techniques.

The Tarantulas boast a comfortable leather upper with an asymmetric last shape that offers a moderate downturn for edging and smearing. They feature a sticky FriXion RS rubber outsole, a padded tongue and collar for added comfort, and a durable construction designed to withstand regular use. These shoes are also available in wide sizes.

The Tarantulas stand out due to their exceptional comfort compared to more aggressive performance models. They offer excellent edging capabilities while maintaining enough flexibility for smearing and crack climbing. While they might not be as precise on tiny holds, they excel at all-around versatility and are easier to wear for extended periods of time.

Sizing can vary depending on your foot shape and preference. Generally, La Sportiva recommends sizing down a half or full size from your street shoe size. It's best to try them on in person at a climbing store if possible. If ordering online, check their sizing chart and consider reading reviews about sizing accuracy for the Tarantula model.

The Tarantulas are perfect for climbers who value comfort over pure performance. They're excellent choices for beginners, gym enthusiasts, or those who spend long hours climbing outdoors. They work well on a variety of surfaces and can handle everything from vertical walls to slightly overhanging terrain.

These shoes are designed with comfort in mind, so you shouldn't need them painfully tight. A snug fit is ideal your toes should feel secure without being cramped or numb. You should still be able to wiggle your toes slightly and maintain good blood flow to your feet.

The lifespan of climbing shoes depends on how frequently you use them and the type of terrain you climb on. Generally, you can expect a pair of Tarantulas to last for several months to over a year with regular gym use. Outdoor climbing will wear down the rubber quicker. Replace your shoes when they lose their friction or become too stretched out.

Yes! Resolving is an excellent way to extend the life of your Tarantulas and save money in the long run. Many local climbing gyms offer resoling services, or you can send them directly to a professional resoler like Sticky Rubber Company.

To prolong the lifespan of your Tarantula Climbing Shoes, avoid exposing them to extreme heat or direct sunlight. Regularly clean them with a soft brush and mild soap after each use. Stuffing them with newspaper can help absorb moisture and maintain their shape when not in use. Avoid storing them in plastic bags as this traps moisture.

Compared to other beginner models like the Five Ten Flash, the Tarantula offers a softer rubber that's easier on your feet but less precise on small holds. Compared to the Scarpa Helix, which is slightly more aggressive, the Tarantula provides better comfort for long sessions and versatility across different climbing styles. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Some climbers find that the shoes can stretch out over time, especially in wide sizes or if they're initially too loose. This is normal for leather shoes. Some also report a slight heel slippage, which can be mitigated by using thicker socks or applying climbing shoe glue to the inside of the heel cup.

Yes! La Sportiva recognizes that not all climbers have narrow feet. The Tarantula Climbing Shoes are available in standard and wide sizes to accommodate a wider range of foot shapes and volumes. This makes them an excellent choice for those with wider feet who want comfortable, versatile climbing shoes.

Yes! While they're not the most aggressive shoe on the market, their soft rubber provides excellent friction in cracks. The wide toe box also helps keep your foot stable and secure inside a crack. Just be prepared to deal with some heel slippage as you jam your feet into tight spaces.

You can purchase them online at various retailers such as Amazon, Backcountry, REI, or directly from the La Sportiva website. Local climbing shops are also a great place to find them and try on different sizes before buying.