Let’s Talk About La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s
The La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s are designed for comfort and ease of use, making them an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate climbers. La Sportiva has focused on creating a shoe that’s not only performance-oriented but also comfortable enough for extended climbing sessions. This makes them ideal for long days at the gym or multi-pitch climbs where foot fatigue can be a real issue.
I needed a comfortable climbing shoe that I could wear for hours without my feet screaming in agony. My old shoes, while great for difficult overhanging routes, were far too aggressive for everyday gym climbing. I was looking for something that would allow me to improve my technique and build endurance without sacrificing comfort.
My initial impression upon unboxing the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s was positive. The unlined leather upper felt soft and pliable, and the overall build quality seemed robust. They felt significantly lighter and more flexible than my previous, stiffer climbing shoes.
I considered the Five Ten Kirigami and the Evolv Defy before settling on the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s. The Kirigami felt too similar to my aggressive shoes, while the Defy lacked the adjustability of the Tarantula. The La Sportiva offered the best balance of comfort, performance, and adjustability for my needs.
I was definitely excited! I was eager to see if they would live up to their reputation for comfort and performance. I was hoping they would be the perfect all-around climbing shoe.
Real-World Testing: Putting La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s at my local indoor climbing gym. I spent a solid three hours working on various routes and boulder problems. I wanted to see how they performed on different wall angles and hold types.
The shoes performed well in various conditions, including on slick, polished holds and textured volumes. Even with slightly sweaty feet, the unlined leather maintained a good grip and didn’t feel overly slippery.
The shoes were surprisingly easy to use right out of the box. I didn’t experience any significant break-in period or discomfort. The adjustable lacing system allowed me to dial in the fit perfectly.
Initially, I was surprised by how much they stretched. After just a few climbs, they felt noticeably looser than when I first put them on. I had to tighten the laces to compensate.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use (2-3 times per week), the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s have held up remarkably well. The soles still have plenty of life left, and the leather upper shows only minor signs of wear. They’ve become my go-to shoe for gym sessions.
Despite the initial stretch, the shoes haven’t become excessively baggy or misshapen. The FriXion RS rubber has maintained its stickiness, even after repeated use on textured gym walls.
Maintaining the shoes is simple. I occasionally wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and chalk. I also store them in a well-ventilated bag to prevent odors from developing.
Compared to my previous aggressive shoes, the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s are significantly more comfortable for long sessions. While they might not offer the same level of precision on overhanging routes, their overall versatility and comfort make them a far better choice for everyday climbing.
Breaking Down the Features of La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s
Specifications
The La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s boast several noteworthy specifications:
- Manufacturer: La Sportiva
- Gender: Female
- Age Group: Adults
- Women’s Shoe Width: Medium
- Color: Red Plum
- Footwear Type: Shoes
- Activity: Climbing
- Footwear Closure: Laces
- Fabric/Material: Leather
- Footwear Upper Fabric/Material: Leather
- Weight: 0.6 lb (per pair)
- Lining Material: Unlined
- Outsole Material: 5 mm FriXion RS
- Midsole Material: 1.8mm LaspoFlex
These specifications are important because they directly influence the shoe’s performance and comfort. The unlined leather provides breathability and molds to the foot, while the FriXion RS rubber offers a good balance of grip and durability. The LaspoFlex midsole provides support without sacrificing flexibility.
Performance & Functionality
The La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s perform exceptionally well for their intended purpose: providing comfortable and reliable performance for beginner to intermediate climbers. They offer good grip on a variety of surfaces and are comfortable enough for extended wear.
The shoe’s strengths lie in its comfort and versatility. The slightly asymmetrical shape provides a good balance of performance and all-day comfort. The main weakness is that they are not specialized enough for difficult overhanging routes.
The La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s largely meet my expectations. They are comfortable, durable, and offer good all-around performance. They are exactly what I needed for gym sessions and long multi-pitch climbs.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s is excellent. The leather upper feels supple and durable, and the stitching is clean and precise. The shoes are relatively lightweight, which helps reduce foot fatigue during long climbs.
The La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s are designed with user-friendliness in mind. The lacing system allows for a highly customizable fit, and the slightly asymmetrical shape provides a comfortable yet performance-oriented feel. There’s minimal learning curve involved, especially for climbers who are already familiar with climbing shoes.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s should last for a considerable amount of time. The FriXion RS rubber is known for its durability, and the leather upper is resistant to abrasion.
Maintaining the shoes is relatively easy. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and proper storage are all that’s typically required. Resoling is possible, further extending the lifespan of the shoes.
Accessories and Customization Options
The La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s don’t come with any specific accessories. However, they are compatible with aftermarket footbeds for added comfort.
While the shoes themselves don’t offer extensive customization options, they can be paired with various climbing socks to adjust the fit and feel. They also work well with different types of chalk.
Pros and Cons of La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for all-day climbing.
- Versatile performance on various rock types and gym walls.
- Durable construction with high-quality materials.
- Adjustable lacing system for a customized fit.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- They stretch a lot initially, requiring adjustments.
- Not ideal for extremely steep or overhanging routes requiring specialized shoes.
Who Should Buy La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s?
The La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s are perfect for beginner to intermediate climbers looking for a comfortable and versatile shoe for gym climbing and moderate outdoor routes. They are also a good choice for experienced climbers who want a comfortable shoe for long multi-pitch climbs.
Climbers who primarily focus on steep, overhanging routes or boulder problems requiring maximum precision should skip this product. More aggressive, downturned shoes would be a better fit for them.
Must-have accessories include climbing socks (depending on personal preference) and a climbing shoe brush to keep the soles clean. Regular chalk use is also recommended for optimal grip.
Conclusion on La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s
Overall, the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s are an excellent choice for climbers seeking a comfortable, versatile, and durable shoe. The La Sportiva shoes provide a great balance of performance and comfort, making them ideal for a wide range of climbing activities.
The price of $99.00 is justified, given the quality of materials and construction. The shoes offer excellent value for money. They are a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their climbing without sacrificing comfort.
I would definitely recommend the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes – Women’s to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable all-around climbing shoe. Go grab a pair and hit the wall! You won’t be disappointed.