La Sportiva Tarantulace Woman Shoes

La Sportiva has long been a leader in technical footwear, and the Tarantulace Woman shoes live up to their reputation. Here's what sets them apart:

• Upper Material: Constructed with microfiber leather upper, these shoes offer excellent breathability and durability. Microfiber is known for its resistance to stretching and abrasion, which means your shoes will maintain their shape even after rigorous use.
• Lacing System: The Tarantulace features a lace-up closure system that allows for precise adjustments of the shoe fit around the foot. This provides greater control over tension compared to slip-on models or velcro closures, ensuring optimal comfort and performance on any climb. This is a key feature when you consider how crucial precision is in climbing.
• Heel Cup: The integrated heel cup offers excellent stability and support during heel hooks a critical technique for many climbs. It's designed to provide a snug fit around the ankle without restricting movement or causing discomfort.
• Toe Box: The Tarantulace boasts a slightly asymmetrical toe box, which provides a good balance between precision edging and comfort on longer routes. This shape allows you to feel secure on smaller holds while still providing ample room for your toes to spread out, reducing fatigue over time.
• Sole: La Sportiva's proprietary FriXion RS rubber outsole ensures exceptional grip and durability. The pattern is strategically designed with a mix of small edges and larger pads to maximize contact surface area across various rock types and hold shapes.

Comfort is paramount when choosing climbing shoes, especially for longer sessions or those with wider feet. Here's how the Tarantulace Woman performs in this regard:

• Fit: The Tarantulace typically fits true to size, however it can feel a bit snug at first. As with all performance footwear, expect some breaking-in period. If youre between sizes, we recommend sizing up.
• Comfort Level: While these are definitely not slippers, the Tarantulace Woman shoes strike an excellent balance between sensitivity and comfort. The microfiber upper is soft against the skin, and the lacing system allows for a customizable fit that minimizes pressure points. This makes them suitable for both beginners and intermediate climbers who spend extended periods on the wall.
• Arch Support: The moderate arch support helps distribute weight evenly across your foot, reducing strain and fatigue during long climbs. This is especially beneficial for those with high arches or flat feet.

As mentioned earlier, the microfiber leather upper of the Tarantulace Woman shoes is incredibly durable. However, like any climbing shoe, they will eventually show signs of wear and tear. Here's how to prolong their lifespan:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, brush off dirt and debris with a soft-bristled brush. You can also gently wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary.
• Storage: Store your shoes in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or extreme heat to prevent the rubber outsole from drying out and cracking. Stuffing them with paper towels helps maintain their shape when not in use.
• Rubber Care: The FriXion RS rubber can be treated with a rubber conditioner to restore its grip and extend its lifespan.

The Tarantulace Woman shoes excel in both indoor and outdoor climbing thanks to the combination of their design features and high-quality rubber outsole:

• Indoor Climbing (Gym): The small edging points on the FriXion RS sole provide excellent precision when edging, making them ideal for tackling overhanging routes. They also offer a secure grip on plastic holds, ensuring you can confidently execute difficult moves without slippage.
• Outdoor Climbing (Rock): These shoes perform exceptionally well on granite and limestone rock types, offering reliable friction even in wet conditions. The heel cup provides excellent support during heel hooks, while the slightly asymmetrical toe box allows for precise placement of your foot on smaller holds.

The La Sportiva Tarantulace Woman shoes have garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from climbers of all levels:

• Beginner Climbers: Many beginners praise the comfort and versatility of these shoes, stating that they are an excellent starting point for their climbing journey. They appreciate the supportive fit and the easy-to-adjust lacing system.
• Intermediate Climbers: Intermediate climbers report improved performance thanks to the Tarantulace's precision edging capabilities and secure heel hooking support. Many have found them to be a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor climbs.
• Expert Climbers: While some expert climbers may find these shoes too comfortable or lacking in sensitivity compared to more aggressive models, they are still considered a solid all-around option that performs well across various climbing styles. Here's a compilation of user feedback:

"These are my go-to shoes for gym climbing super comfy and grippy!" - Sarah M.

"I love the fit and how supportive they are. Perfect for sport climbing outdoors." - John K.

"They took a little while to break in, but now they're like a second skin! The grip is amazing on granite." - Emily R.

The La Sportiva Tarantulace Woman shoes retail for around $149-169 depending on the retailer and colorway. While this might seem expensive compared to other beginner climbing shoes, it's important to consider their durability and overall performance value over time. These shoes are built to last, meaning you wont have to replace them as frequently as cheaper alternatives.

In conclusion, the La Sportiva Tarantulace Woman shoes are an excellent choice for climbers seeking a versatile and comfortable shoe that offers both precision edging and all-around performance. Whether you're just starting out or have been climbing for years, these shoes provide exceptional value for their price point. Their durable construction and superior grip make them a reliable companion on any climb, while the customizable lacing system allows you to fine-tune the fit to your liking.

Yes! The Tarantulace Women's shoes are specifically designed to cater to beginner climbers. They offer a more relaxed fit and comfortable construction, allowing you to focus on learning the basics without discomfort. Their versatility also makes them great for gym climbing or outdoor routes.

The Tarantulace Women's stands out with its lace-up system, which allows you to fine-tune the fit around your foot compared to slip-on styles. It also prioritizes comfort over aggressive performance, making it a good choice for longer sessions or those new to climbing. The FriXion Black rubber ensures excellent grip on various surfaces.

We recommend trying them on if possible and comparing your measurements with the sizing chart provided by La Sportiva. Generally, climbing shoes should fit snugly but not painfully tight. Allow for some toe curling as that helps with gripping holds. If you're between sizes, its often best to choose the larger size.

The upper part of these shoes is made from a combination of microfiber leather and breathable mesh fabric for comfort and durability. The sole utilizes FriXion Black rubber, known for its excellent friction and long-lasting wear.

Yes, the Tarantulace Women's are designed with comfort in mind. They feature a padded tongue and collar for extra cushioning and support, along with a breathable mesh lining to keep your feet cool and dry during long climbing sessions.

These shoes are built to last! The FriXion Black rubber outsole is highly resistant to wear, while the microfiber leather upper provides excellent durability. With proper care, these shoes can withstand many climbs and training sessions.

Yes, La Sportiva offers a limited manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Check their website for more details on the warranty terms and conditions.

We recommend cleaning them regularly to remove dirt and debris. Use a soft brush or cloth dampened with warm water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the rubber soles and fabric upper. Air dry completely before storing.

Breaking them in usually involves wearing them around your home for short periods of time to gradually stretch the material and mold it to your foot shape. You can also wear thicker socks when starting out, then switch to thinner ones as they become more comfortable.

Absolutely! The Tarantulace Women's shoes are a great choice for indoor gym climbing due to their versatility and comfort. They provide excellent grip on plastic holds while still being gentle enough for longer sessions.

Yes, these shoes are suitable for both indoor and outdoor rock climbing. However, they may not be the best choice for extremely technical or overhanging routes where more aggressive shoes with a downturned shape are needed.

You can purchase them from reputable online retailers specializing in climbing gear and equipment such as our store, La Sportiva's official website, or other outdoor stores like REI or Backcountry.com.

Yes, its important to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Store them in a cool, dry place when not in use. Also, don't leave chalk residue on the shoes for extended periods as this can damage the rubber.

If youre new to climbing or looking for a versatile shoe that offers comfort and performance at an affordable price, these are an excellent choice. They're suitable for most climbers of all levels, from beginners to intermediate climbers who want a comfortable yet effective training partner.

Generally speaking, they run true to size. However, its always best to check the sizing chart and consider your individual foot shape when selecting your size. If you're unsure, try them on or order two sizes and return whichever doesn't fit properly.

The heel height is approximately 0.9 inches (23mm). This provides enough support for edging but isnt overly aggressive, making them comfortable to wear over longer periods.

No, these shoes feature a relatively flat profile compared to more advanced climbing models. They are designed for comfort and versatility rather than extreme performance on steep terrain.

Yes! Currently, they come in two appealing colors: Red/Black and Purple/Grey. Check our store for the most up-to-date availability of these colors.

With proper care and regular use, you can expect them to last between one and three years. The lifespan will depend on your climbing frequency and intensity as well as how often you clean and maintain them.