La Sportiva Tarantula Review: The Best Climbing Shoe For Beginners

The La Sportiva Tarantula is the perfect climbing shoe for beginners. It’s comfortable, fits well, and provides excellent traction. You’ll feel confident as you push your limits and grow your skills. Try the La Sportiva Tarantula today! My La Sportiva Tarantula review will give you more information about this perfect shoe.

La Sportiva Tarantula Review Reviews 2024

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I’m a beginner climber looking for an affordable shoe to grow into. I read a few reviews and decided to go with the La Sportiva Tarantula. They are comfortable and have a good grip. I’ve been using them for a few months now and have had no problems. I would recommend these shoes to anyone looking for an affordable, quality climbing shoe.

Overview

The La Sportiva Tarantula is a versatile climbing shoe that can be used for various climbing styles. It has a slipper-like design which makes it easy to put on and take off, and its rubber sole provides good traction on both rock and artificial surfaces. 

The Tarantula also features a padded heel cup and tongue for added comfort, and it’s synthetic upper is durable and breathable.

Features

The La Sportiva Tarantula is a versatile shoe that can be used for various activities. It’s perfect for beginners because it provides a good amount of support and cushioning while also being lightweight and flexible. The shoes are also durable, meaning they’ll last through multiple uses.

The Tarantula’s tread is specially designed to provide good traction on various types of terrain. It’s great for scrambling, bouldering, and other outdoor activities where you need to be able to keep your footing, in addition to the excellent performance features. The sleek design is perfect for both men and women.

Build Quality

The Tarantula is a very solidly constructed shoe. The upper is made of a single piece of synthetic leather, giving it excellent durability. All the stitching is tight and even, with no loose threads anywhere. The rubber sole is also very thick and seems like it will withstand abuse.

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Comfort

Out of the box, the La Sportiva Tarantula felt comfortable. The toe box was a good size, and the shoe didn’t feel too narrow. I have average width feet, and these fit me perfectly. I could see someone with wide feet finding these shoes too narrow. The heel cup is also adjustable to dial in the fit to your foot.

The La Sportiva Tarantula is a great shoe for beginner climbers. They are comfortable and durable, with sticky rubber that provides a good grip on the rock. The toe box has an aggressive downturn, which helps you get more power out of every step or move. 

And even though they are designed for beginners, advanced climbers will love them as well, for their all-around performance on rock and gym walls.

Value For Money

La Sportiva Tarantulas are hard to beat for value for money. These climbing shoes are designed for beginners, but they can also be used by more advanced climbers who want a shoe that is comfortable, durable, and affordable. These shoes are an excellent choice for anyone on a tight budget. 

One of the main reasons La Sportiva Tarantulas offers such great value for money is their versatility. They are comfortable enough to wear while bouldering, and they also provide excellent support when you’re leading a sports route or taking on some tricky mixed terrain.

Another reason why La Sportiva Tarantulas offer great value for money is their durability. These shoes are made from high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of long days on the rock. Unlike some of the more expensive climbing shoes on the market, La Sportiva Tarantulas are easy to clean and maintain. 

If you’re looking for a pair of versatile, durable, and affordable climbing shoes, then look no further than La Sportiva Tarantulas. These shoes offer a great combination of comfort, support, and durability, and they’re also very affordable. When it comes to value for money, few climbing shoes can match the La Sportiva Tarantula. 

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Pros:

– Affordable

– Good grip

– Comfortable

– Good quality

– Versatile

Cons:

– May not be suitable for more advanced climbers

– Sizing can be tricky to get right at first

– May not be as durable as more expensive shoes.

La Sportiva Tarantula Review: The History

The La Sportiva Tarantula has been around for quite some time and has a long and rich history. It all began over eighty years ago in the small town of Ziano di Fiemme, Italy. A young man named Narciso Delladio started making his shoes in his parents’ basement. 

He was passionate about mountaineering, and soon his hand-crafted shoes became popular among local climbers. Over the years, La Sportiva continued to grow and expand. Today, it is one of the leading high-performance climbing gear and footwear manufacturers globally. 

la sportiva tarantula review

The company’s iconic Tarantula shoe has been a favorite among climbers for decades, providing a snug and comfortable fit ideal for everything from sport climbing to bouldering. If you are looking for a quality pair of climbing shoes, look no further than the La Sportiva Tarantula. 

Its high-performance design and durable construction will be your go-to shoe for years to come. So why wait? Head to your local climbing shop today and pick up a pair of La Sportiva Tarantulas!

La Sportiva Tarantula Review: The Different Types

The different types of La Sportiva Tarantula include the following: The Tarantula S, The Tarantula M, The Tarantula L, and The Tarantula XL. Each of these types of La Sportiva Tarantula has unique features that make them perfect for different environments and terrains.

The Tarantula S is the smallest of the bunch and is perfect for those just starting in the sport of rock climbing. It is equipped with a sticky rubber sole that helps grip the rocks’ surface and make your way across the terrain. 

The Tarantula M is ideal for those who have more experience in rock climbing and are looking for a shoe that can help them tackle more challenging climbs. It has an extra sticky rubber sole and an extra padded upper that provides additional support for more challenging terrain.

The Tarantula L is perfect for those looking to take their rock climbing skills to the next level. It features all of the most advanced technologies and materials, from sticky rubber soles to a breathable mesh upper so that you can climb with confidence and ease. 

Finally, the Tarantula XL is designed for those looking to take on the most challenging rock climbing routes and terrains. It features the most advanced technologies and materials, including a Vibram XS rubber sole with an extra thick tread that helps you grip even the most slippery surfaces. 

It also has an extra padded upper that provides additional support and comfort on the most challenging climbs. Now that you know more about the different types of La Sportiva Tarantula, it’s time to choose the right one for you. 

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Consider your skill level, the kind of terrain you’ll be climbing on, and your personal preferences to find the perfect pair of La Sportiva Tarantula shoes for your next rock climbing adventure!

La Sportiva Tarantula Review: Factors To Consider

A good climbing shoe is essential when scaling rocks and mountains. The La Sportiva Tarantula is a versatile climbing shoe that can be used for various climbs. When considering whether or not to purchase a pair of La Sportiva Tarantulas, there are a few things to consider. 

Fit is one of the most critical factors for climbing shoes. If a climbing shoe doesn’t fit properly, it can make your climb much more complicated than it needs to be. The La Sportiva Tarantula has a wide toe box and durable leather upper, making them comfortable for most foot types.

Another critical factor is the stickiness of the rubber sole. Some climbing shoes are made with sticky rubber that provides good traction and grip on the rock. The Tarantula has a FriXion RS rubber sole, durable yet sticky enough for most climbs.

Finally, you will want to consider the price point of the climbing shoes you are looking at. High-quality climbing shoes can be expensive, but fortunately, the Tarantula is relatively affordable.

The La Sportiva Tarantula is an excellent option for beginner and intermediate climbers when choosing a climbing shoe. They are comfortable, have a sticky rubber sole, and are relatively affordable. If you are looking for a versatile climbing shoe, the Tarantula is worth considering.

La Sportiva Tarantula Review: How To Get The Most Out Of Your La Sportiva Tarantula

The La Sportiva Tarantula is a great entry-level climbing shoe that offers excellent comfort and performance. Although it’s not the most versatile shoe, it’s a perfect choice for beginners and those who climb mainly in the gym. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Tarantula:

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Break-In Your Shoes Slowly

Since the Tarantula is a soft, comfortable shoe, breaking them in can take some time. Spend at least 30 minutes each day wearing your Tarantulas around the house or at the gym, so they have time to conform to the shape of your feet and provide extra support and cushioning.

If you’re just starting, one of the best things you can do to improve your climbing skills is practice on various types of routes and terrains. This will help you master the basics, build up strength and endurance, and learn how to navigate more challenging climbs. Whether you spend most of your time in the gym or outside, switch up your routes often to keep improving.

Invest In A Good Pair Of Socks

One of the best things you can do for your feet is invest in a good pair of climbing socks. It’s essential to have good circulation, so buy socks made from breathable material. They will help protect your feet from blisters, but they’ll also provide extra padding and support.

You want your sock to fit snugly without restricting circulation or feeling too loose. When choosing a pair of climbing socks, try on different pairs and see which ones feel most comfortable. Some great brands include La Sportiva, Smartwool, and Darn Tough.

Do Your Research

Before investing in a new pair of climbing shoes, take the time to do your research. Whether you choose to buy online or from a local store, it’s essential to learn as much as you can about all of the available types of shoes. This will help you find one that offers the perfect fit, level of support, and style of climbing for your needs.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to get the most out of your La Sportiva Tarantula shoes and enjoy all they offer. Happy climbing!

La Sportiva Tarantula Review: Common Problems And How To Solve Them

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The La Sportiva Tarantula is a versatile shoe that can be used for various activities. However, like any piece of gear, it has its quirks. In this part, we’ll look at some of the common problems people have with the Tarantula and how to solve them.

One of the most common issues people have with the Tarantula is that it doesn’t provide enough support. This can be a problem if you’re using the shoe for activities requiring many lateral movements, such as tennis or basketball. If you’re experiencing this issue, you can try adjusting the lacing. 

The Tarantula has a unique lacing system that allows you to tighten the shoe in different areas. This can provide more support where you need it.

Another option is to try a different size. The Tarantula runs small so you may be wearing a too big size. Try going down a half size or even a full size to see if that solves the problem.

Finally, consider adding an insole to provide more cushioning and support. You can find a wide variety of insoles designed for different activities, so there’s sure to be one that works well with your Tarantula shoes. 

In addition to not providing enough support, the Tarantula is also prone to causing blisters. This is often due to the low-profile toe box, which can put too much pressure on your toes when you’re wearing it. One way to address this issue is to wear thick socks with your Tarantula shoes. 

The extra cushioning can help prevent blisters from forming, making them an excellent option for long hikes or treks. If you’re still getting blisters despite wearing thick socks, another option is to use an insole. There are a variety of insoles explicitly designed for preventing blisters, such as toe caps and metatarsal pads. 

Adding one of these insoles to your Tarantula shoes can help reduce friction and prevent blisters from forming.

Finally, make sure you’re breaking in your Tarantula shoes gradually. If you try to wear them for long periods right out of the box, you’re much more likely to experience blisters and other issues. Instead, start by wearing them for short periods and gradually increase the duration as your shoe break-in.

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In conclusion, there are a few common problems that people experience with the La Sportiva Tarantula shoes. These include not providing enough support and causing blisters. To address these issues, you can try adjusting the lacing, wearing thicker socks, using an insole, and gradually breaking in your shoes. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy using your Tarantula shoes for all of your favorite activities.

La Sportiva Tarantula Review: Some Alternatives

The La Sportiva Tarantula is one of the most popular beginner bouldering shoes. It’s a highly versatile shoe that can be used for various climbing styles, from easy slab climbs to steep, overhanging routes. If you’re looking for a shoe that will perform well in all types of climbing, the Tarantula is a great choice. 

However, if you’re looking for a shoe specializing in a particular climbing style, several other options are worth considering. Read on for some great alternatives to the La Sportiva Tarantula.

Five Ten Anasazi Lace

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The Five Ten Anasazi Lace is an excellent alternative to the Tarantula for easy slab climbs and gym climbing. It has a similar flat profile and low-volume toe, and the toe is even stiffer than the Tarantula’s to give you better edging performance. It’s also a very comfortable shoe for long sessions at the gym or on slabby routes.

Thanks to its softer midsole and slightly more generous fit in the toe, I found the Anasazi Lace to be more comfortable than the Tarantula. It’s not as aggressive as the Tarantula, though, so if you’re looking for a shoe to help you send your most challenging climbs, the Tarantula is still the better choice.

Scarpa Men’s Cyrus GTX Low Rise Hiking Boots

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If you’re looking for a shoe that excels on overhanging routes, consider the Scarpa Cyrus GTX Low Rise Hiking Boots. This shoe has a downturned profile and sticky rubber sole that make it great for steep climbs and an ultra-sticky toe for improved smearing performance. It’s also waterproof, ideal for use in wet climates or cooler conditions.

La Sportiva Men’s Genius Rock Climbing Shoes

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Take a look at the La Sportiva Genius for a high-performance shoe for bouldering at the gym or crags. This aggressive shoe has a downturned shape and sticky rubber sole perfect for overhanging routes, while the flat toe provides excellent edging performance. If you do a lot of steep climbing, the Genius is an excellent choice for the Tarantula.

La Sportiva Tarantula Review: FAQs

Do the Tarantula shoes provide enough support for more advanced climbs?

Yes, the Tarantula is designed to provide plenty of performance and support for more challenging rock climbing adventures. The shoe features a Vibram XS Grip rubber outsole that offers excellent traction on indoor and outdoor surfaces, high-friction synthetic upper material, and a tapered toe box for precise foot placement.

Can the Tarantula be used for other activities?

Yes, the Tarantula can be used for other activities, but it is not explicitly designed. It is best suited for rock climbing and bouldering.

What size should I buy?

For most people, I would recommend buying your true shoe size. If you want to wear thicker socks than usual or your feet are just really swollen up (like mine), then perhaps go half a size larger than your actual size. The Tarantula is a pretty tight fit, so it won’t feel like you’re wearing extra room. For sizing, I recommend checking out the REI site or going to your local shop to try on a pair.

How does the Tarantula compare to other shoes?

The Tarantula is a great all-around shoe. It’s versatile enough to handle most climbs yet still comfortable enough to be your go-to shoe for a long day at the gym. The biggest thing that sets the Tarantula apart from other shoes is its comfort and snug fit. 

The shoe’s design is well-thought-out, so you’ll be able to climb all day without your feet getting sore or tired. If you’re looking for a versatile shoe, I recommend taking a closer look at the Tarantula.

What are people saying about the Tarantula online?

Reviews for the Tarantula are primarily positive, with many people saying it’s a fantastic all-around shoe. There are a few complaints here and there about the fit being too snug or the shoes being too stiff, but overall, people seem to like them.

Conclusion

The La Sportiva Tarantula is excellent if you’re looking for an all-around bouldering shoe that will perform well on even the most challenging routes. However, if you are specifically looking for a shoe designed to handle a particular type of climbing, several great alternatives are available. 

Consider the Five Ten Anasazi Lace for easy slab climbs, Scarpa Cyrus GTX Low Rise Hiking Boots for overhanging routes, and La Sportiva Genius for steep bouldering problems. Thanks for reading! And that’s the end of my La Sportiva Tarantula review today.

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