We’ve talked about a little bit of our unique friend outsole in the previous chapter. Now, we’re gonna dive into deeper, more technical things about the outsole. The toe box is another area where the Tarantulace and Finale differ. Designed with comfort in mind, the Tarantulace has a low-asymmetry, low-profile toe box, which gives the toe plenty of room but limits technical flexibility. On the other hand, the Finale has a toe box with greater asymmetry – this is less comfortable than the Tarantulace’s toe box but allows you to do far more with the shoe technically. For moves like toe hooking, smearing, and toe scumming, the Finale’s toe box makes the shoe feel like a far stabler and more viable option than the Tarantula.

While the Tarantulace will not be the last shoe you buy, they will help you get into the sport and discover which type of climbing you prefer. They will serve you well until you move on to something better adapted to your style, level, and budget. I own other pairs of climbing shoes, but my Tarantulace is always in my bag and still sees action after 2 years. Sure, they are starting to see wear, but only because I don’t take as good care of them as I should. Treat them right, and these shoes will be in your collection for a very long time, long after you have left the beginner walls behind. Toe Box The Tarantulace can outperform its budget price point when it comes to edging. 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. The toe box is large, rounded, and more comfortable than most shoes. That is usually the least comfortable part of climbing shoes and why I choose to take most of my shoes off in between climbs.

Our Verdict

Have you ever looked at a pair of La Sportiva Tarantulas and thought "wow, I just wish it had laces, then it would be the perfect shoe"... oh boy have I got news for you! Expect everything the Tarantulas have, but with a laced up closure on the La Sportiva Tarantulace! Laces let you dial in the fit of your shoe, ensuring precision and power when you need it. If you're buying these as beginner shoes, you don't have to worry about a break in period, as you can simply just loosen the laces a bit! The Tarantulace is perfect as a first or second shoe due to the supportive midsole and FriXion RS rubber that assists you on small footholds, but still lets you smear on big gym macro holds. Although these shoes are pretty comfy, they're not "El Cap in a day" comfy, so most people will prefer a more comfortable shoe with a flatter sole for mega missions. The Katana is also a narrower shoe, so folks with wider feet should consider similar designs with roomier dimensions. One possibility is the Scarpa Instinct Lace which has a similar downturn and toe profile but with a wider midsole and heel. Although there are arguably better shoes for high-end bouldering, for everything else, the Katana is ready to go. Anyway, why do I care about climbing shoes so much? Because I’ve learned the hard way just how wrong the wrong pair of shoes can be. From uncomfortable climbs to weakened grip, ill-fitting or poor climbing shoes can affect your climb in a variety of ways: At that moment, Alex knew he messed up. Climbing shoes are among the climbing types of equipment that are prone to wear due to conditions of use. Of course, I’d like it to go like a chalk bag for a long time but unfortunately, the conditions don’t allow. I would definitely recommend the Tarantulace to new climbers. I would also recommend them to more experienced climbers looking for an all-terrain second pair of shoes or for climbers on a budget. Their versatility, durability, comfort, and affordability are a winning combination. The next step up by La Sportiva would be the Finale.

Another technology Finale has is P3 Permanent Power Platform. What is P3 Permanent Power Platform offering us is helping to provide power to the sole. It’s about the randing system which maintains the shape of the shoes’ ( as I’ve mentioned Finale’s down-turned shape). The randing system provides to the shoe to be more aggressive and which allows for better performance. STABILITY The rubber performs well both indoors and outdoors. I have used the shoes in both and have no complaints. The rubber feels very durable when climbing efficiently. I have noticed some newer climbers complain they have holes at the toe, but it was because they drag their feet on the gym wall often while climbing. Being mindful of maintaining proper footwork will definitely extend the life of your shoes. Comfort and Fit The La Sportiva Tarantulace was designed as an all-arounder for beginners and intermediates. Is it a “one-quiver” shoe, as some have called it? Not really, though it could be for a specific type of climber.

Performance Comparison

More experienced climbers can also find something to like in the Tarantulace. It has more edging prowess than one might expect due to its inherent stiffness and a slightly asymmetrical design that focuses more power on the inner toes. The Tarantulace is known for being comfortable, which is part of the reason these are the most-bought climbing shoes in the world. The laces keep your foot secure and can be used to get rid of any dead space. The Tarantulace may be the most popular shoe in America for new climbers in the gym. For a good reason, as it outperforms most shoes in the same price range due to a combination of versatility and good performance. It’s common for new climbers to find the world of climbing gear somewhat daunting to break into or fully understand. Finding the right climbing shoe can seem quite overwhelming at first blush. How on earth do you find the right model for you with so many different offerings on the market?