Could the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe be the best climbing shoe for you? 

Are you a novice hiker or climber? If so, then shopping around for climbing gear might just be one of the most intimidating things you will encounter when you start your journey of shopping around for your next adventure. Today, we are going to help alleviates some of that shopping stress, (at least as far as your feet are concerned). In today's climbing shoe review, we will zone in on one great novice climbing shoe, the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe. For new and intermediate climbers, this is one of the best shoes to get you started on the right foot. And yes, pun totally intended. 

When it comes to shopping around for the right climbing gear, some accessories are more important than others. When it comes to your climbing shoes, they are one of the climbing accessories that you want to pay close attention to. Finding the right climbing shoe can make a big impact on your adventures. They are the main difference in having a great climinig adventure and a horrible one. This is especially true if you are going on your first climbing adventure. 

In today's review, we will dive deep into all the key features that the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe has to offer. From the way it looks to the way it fits, we will cover it all. If at the end of it all, you decided that the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe is not the best climbing shoe for you, then we have got you covered as well. At the end of this article, you will find three additional climbing shoes. These are our top picks of our favorite alternative climbing shoes to go with. Whatever talent level you are at when it comes to climbing, and the different types of rock climbing you like to participate in, we have got you covered with the right shoe. Let's get started, shall we?

A Little About La Sportiva

When it comes to quality climbing shoes, there is no better company to go with than with La Sportiva. This underrated brand has made a name for itself in the world of climbing and rightly so. This up and coming brand operates out of its own state of the art factory. This factory is located in one of the world’s most iconic fashion countries, Italy. This small factory is run by just over 250 employees. Not only that, but they are committed to producing only the best quality products for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

There are so many things that make La Sportiva such a great company. For starters, La sportive has a clear mission that they want the world to know about. Their mission is to bring travelers the best possible products that will allow them to explore the outdoors. For over 89 years, La Sportiva has been providing such quality products. This company holds two things dear; family and the mountains. The family lineage and proximity to the beautiful Italian mountains are what has allowed this brand to thrive.

Not only that, but La Sportiva is dedicated to leaving the environment the same way they found it. A major prong in La Sportiva’s philosophy is to take care of the environment. This commitment to protecting the environment is what drives their Italian based factory. A major goal of the factory is to constantly develop ways of reducing any negative impacts on the environment.

Although La Sportiva is based out of Italy, you do not have to travel all the way over there to experience the awesomeness of their products. In the states, you can find their factory retail store in the beautiful city of Boulder, Colorado. It is there you will find some of their most popular products on display. If Colorado happens to be out of your way, you can always check out several retailers such as Zappos and their website, La Sportiva. These are just some of the popular retailers that will allow you to get your hands on the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe. Not only that, but you can access some of their bouldering and rock climbing shoes there as well. 

The La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe Features & Benefits 

When it comes to features and benefits, you will be impressed. The Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe has so much to offer. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes these climbing shoes so great.

1. Materials Used

The La Sportiva shoe is primarily designed with leather and synthetic material. The leather is a mixture of real leather as well as synthetic leather.  The use of leather allows you to have an accurate and secure fit when you put on this climbing shoe. On the bottom of the shoe is where you will find the rubber. There is a durable FriXion rubber material that helps keep your traction and grip on point when you are climbing.

Not only that but this rubber will stick to a range of materials including rock and plastic. This means that this is a great shoe for transitioning from outdoor climbing to indoor climbing. Lastly, the unlined leather upper tongue of the shoe helps manage moisture when you are climbing. Not only that, but it is incredibly comfortable when it is against your skin. This will allow you to have a pleasant experience when you are climbing with these shoes on. Finally, breaking in your climbing shoe will be a breeze due to all the added comfort and support. 

2. Design

Right off the bat, travelers will be able to distinguish that the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe is a great climbing shoe. For starters, the design is sleek and sporty. This is great for climbers who appreciate a good looking shoe. Along with that, the overall design of the shoe was intentional. For example, it was designed to give you ample room when you wear them.

3. Lacing System 

The Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe features a hook and loop closure system. Unlike many lace-up closure systems, this hook and loop closer can make your life a lot easier if you like to get on the go quickly. For starters, this closure system gives you the advantage of adjustability. You can find the right fit for your feet and secure them on properly.

Along with that, the fast hook and closure system is perfect for travelers who are on the go. Hook on and hook off and you are ready for whatever. Not only that, but your ability to adjust the tightness will allow your foot to be snug and secure throughout the duration of your climb. This means that when you are climbing, you will always have the best support and fit possible. Any climber knows that having the right fitting shoe makes all the difference. What travelers love about the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe is the fact that when you strap it on, it fits all the nooks and crannies snuggly.

4. Performance

What makes the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe so great is the fact that it can work for a range of climbers. Although it was designed specifically with novice climbers in mind.

If you are a new climber, then you will appreciate that this is a great shoe to start working with in terms of climbing. The Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe will give you the opportunity to learn how to edge. Along with that, there is plenty of interior volume that will allow you the comfort needed for when you first start climbing.

Finally, the unique shape of the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe was designed that way for a reason. The unique shape is round and higher volume. This is perfect for climbers who are not looking to mangle their feet when they are climbing. For starting climbers, this gives you the opportunity to assess what type of comfort you prefer when you are climbing.

5. Durability 

The Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe was built to last. This is obvious in the way it was designed and with the material used.  You will find that with climbing shoes, they differ greatly from traditional shoes. For starters, climbing shoes are typically built with better material. This is especially true with the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe. 

When it comes to durability and stability you can thank the 1.8mm LaspoFlex at the midsole as well as the 5 mm FriXion RS at the sole.  Not only do these incredibly durable materials make your shoe last long, but they help provide the stability and comfort you would want out of a climbing shoe.

6. Price Point 

Ask any traveler and they will tell you that the price of climbing gear can get really hefty. This is especially true when it comes to your climbing shoes. However, we are pleased to share that when it comes to the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe, the price point is actaully not that bad. On the lower end, these great climbing shoes can cost you about under a hundred bucks. While this price point is just a little bit over a standard pair of shoes, we have to say you get what you pay for. 

The Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe offers everything you could want out of a standard pair of climbing shoes. Better yet, when you purchase a pair of Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoes, you are really purchasing the quality of the product. So long as your feet don’t grow, you are sure to use this pair of shoes year and year out for quite some time.

What Travelers Are Saying About the La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe

Travelers who have purchased the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe all have wonderful things to say about it. One of the most common praises the shoe has received is the fact that it fits so well. Whether you have narrow feet or wide feet, the La Sportiva shoe is shure to be snug and cozy on you when you wear it.

Many travelers will say that you will want to use extra caution when you look at the sizing charts. Many climbing shoes differ in sizing than traditional street shoes. When you are buying this shoe, be sure to reference the La Sportiva size chart for accurate sizing. Many customers agree that although when you try the shoe on for the first time, it will feel tight you should not be alarmed. Climbing shoes are meant to feel tight and snug. This will allow you to have the perfect amount of traction when you are climbing.

Travelers also love the design of the shoe. Unlike many climbing shoes, the design is not mundane or mute. You can take your pick of bold colors such as neon orange and neon green. The design of the shoe and the overall look has a certain zest to it that makes it perfect for active travelers who value a sense of style.

Overall, travelers can agree that this shoe was designed primarily for new climbers. The features entailed in this shoe allow you to have the ability to move around and test your boundaries without having to worry about whether or not your shoe will fail you. 

If you are a climber who likes to transition from outdoor climbing to indoor rock-climbing, then this is a great climbing shoe to go with. These shoes can move from one terrain to another with ease. For travelers who like to climb on a lot of mediums, this can be attractive because it means you no longer have to carry around different pairs of shoes. Rather, carrying around the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe will allow you the opportunity to do everything you want with ease.

Alternative Climbing Shoes You May Love

While the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe was specifically designed for new climbers, we can understand if this shoe is not the best fit for your climbing needs. If that is the case, then read on to find out what three climbing shoes we consider to be great alternatives.

1. La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoe

If you are not sure what type of climbing shoe to go with and are looking for something that is ideal for most any situation, then the La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoe is a great option to go with. This climbing shoe offers stellar universal performance. This means you can transition from the outdoors to the indoors with ease when you climb with these shoes.  

What makes this shoe awesome is the fact that it offers advanced edging. The Vibram XS Edge compound allows you to put a great deal of weight on the smallest type of foothold. This can come handy when you are outdoors climbing uncharted territory. Not only that, but the pointed and downturned shape of the foot allows for proper weight distribution and support while you are edging.

Finally, the precision and sensitivity of this climbing shoe is simply awesome. You can use it outdoors in aggressive situations that require lots of edging. You can also use it indoors in climbing gyms that do not require that much stability.

The underrated brand La Sportiva is known for their superior quality. When you purchase the Katana Lace Climbing Shoe, you will really get to experience the quality build and performance. For intermediate and advanced climbers, this is a great shoe option to go with.

2. Evolv Spark Climbing Shoe

The Evolv Spark Climbing Shoe is perfect if you are looking for an affordable climbing shoe that provides all the basics that you would like out of any climbing shoe.

This climbing shoe is built out of a high quality leather. Along with that, it is lined with a 3-D air mesh in the heel and tongue. This mesh makes this climbing shoe an incredibly comfortable climbing shoe when you wear it. Not only that, but the support that it provides is unmatched.

Along with that, a neat feature is the Enhanced Arch Support technology or EAS that is built into the shoe. This support builds arch structure directly into the outsole of the shoe. This provides midfoot comfort and support that will keep you climbing instead of complaining while you are out on your travels.

When it comes to finding the perfect climbing shoe that balances out comfort, support, and durability, this climbing shoe is a great option to go with. Beginner and intermediate climbers, this is a great shoe to look at if you are in the market for a good pair of climbing shoes.

3. Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe

If you are looking for a great climbing shoe to use indoors, then this climbing shoe is a great option to go with. The Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe offers a range of features including support, comfort, and durability.

For starters, this climbing shoe features a double stitch construction and polypropylene midsole and one piece binding. With this type of construction, you do not have to worry about your shoe giving out on you when you are out climbing. Along with that, you will find a padded collar and heel. These provide ample comfort when you are out and about as well. This is especially helpful if you will be participating in outdoor climbing. 

What makes this shoe great is the fact that it is incredibly versatile. Although it should be noted that sizing does change depending on your need. If you find that you want a comfortable and almost loose fitting shoe, you will want to go up one in size. The opposite is true as well. If you are looking for a more tighter fit for aggressive climbing, then you will want to go down one size. Finally, we love that when it comes to affordable climbing shoes, the Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoes deliver. You do not have to spend an arm an a leg to get your hands on a great pair of climbing shoes. 

Final Thoughts 

Not all climbing shoes are made alike. The best way to begin shopping around for the right climbing shoe that will fit you is by figuring out what you need your shoe to do for you. If you are a new climber who is looking to get a feel of a great climbing shoe, then the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Climbing Shoe is a great shoe to start with.

Although it was primarily designed for new climbers, intermediate climbers are sure to enjoy this shoe just as well. If you find that this shoe may not be the best fit, then one of our listed alternatives is sure to do the trick as well. To get your hands on one of the best climbing shoes on the market today, click below.

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