How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes

Focus on more complex moves, not painful feet. The men's La Sportiva Tarantula Boulder climbing shoes increase durability, sensitivity and dynamic performance while keeping the fit comfortable.
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Imported.
View all La Sportiva Men's Climbing ShoesBest Use | Rock Climbing |
---|---|
Climbing Shoe Type | Neutral |
Last | Slip-lasted |
Upper | Leather; toe rand: 2 mm FriXion RS rubber |
Lining | Pacific (forefoot) |
Outsole | 5 mm FriXion RS rubber |
Footwear Closure | Strap |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Gender | Men's |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 0.2 oz. |
Climbing Shoe Volume | High |
Sustainability | From a Climate Neutral Certified brand |
34 EU | 35.5 EU | 36.5 EU | 37 EU | 37.5 EU | 38 EU | 38.5 EU | 39 EU | 39.5 EU | 40 EU | 40.5 EU | 41 EU | 41.5 EU | 42 EU | 42.5 EU | 43 EU | 43.5 EU | 44 EU | 44.5 EU | 45 EU | 45.5 EU | 46 EU | 46.5 EU | 47 EU | 47.5 EU | 48 EU | 48.5 EU | 49 EU | 49.5 EU | 50 EU | |
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U.S. Men's | 2.5+ | 4 | 4.5+ | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 6.5+ | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 8.5+ | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 10.5+ | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 12.5+ | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16 |
U.S. Women's | 3.5 | 5 | 5.5+ | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5+ | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5+ | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 11.5+ | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 13.5+ | 14 | 14.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 16 | 16.5 | |
EU | 34 | 35.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 47.5 | 48 | 48.5 | 49 | 49.5 | 50 |
Mondo | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 |
For boots: Add one half size to your street shoe size. You should be able to slip one finger behind your heel when you are standing up with the boot unlaced and your toes touching the front. If the boot is too short, your toes will get smashed walking downhill. Too long and your heel will slide up and down and give you blisters.
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I ordered a pair of the Zenits in the same size and they were much smaller than the Tarantula Boulders. The Tarantula Boulders do fit bigger, I would say 1/2 size than other shoes I have tried. I ordered a 41.5 (8.5 US) and they fit me almost perfectly. I typically wear a size 9 or 9.5 US street shoe. The rubber feels great, and they are surprisingly comfortable. Good curve in them but not quite as aggressive as the Solutions. Easy to get on with the pull straps in the back. The Velcro strap pieces have plenty of room to adjust tightness. Overall they're solid for the price.
I bought these looking for a good all around climbing shoe. I expected that I’d be doing much more top roping than I actually have, so I can’t really speak on the efficacy of these on a larger wall. Bouldering however has been nothing but a dream. These shoes have great grip. They’re not too aggressive, but some people might find the angle to be a little uncomfortable, especially for gym climbing. The suede has held up pretty well, even through me scraping it on the wall. What I will say is that these shoes will occasionally make a farting sound while walking. Nothing too bothersome, but it’s there nonetheless. All in all I would definitely recommend these to anyone who plans on doing lots of bouldering, and wants a good, somewhat inexpensive,shoe.
These are good beginners shoes in that are comfortable enough to keep you from absolutely hating climbing (beginners can’t enjoy climbing if they’re fast-tracked into wearing super painful shoes) yet having a pair of shoes of your own rather than rentals will allow you to break in a pair and “personalize” them to your foot. If you can spring an extra $50, I’d recommend the La Sportiva Kubo instead. They’re higher quality and overall better shoes without sacrificing comfort. It’s worth giving them a try when you’re in the store.
I have not climbed in these yet, so the star rating is irrelevant for this review. I ordered these in the same size as my Finales that are hurting my feet and these are much, much bigger. So big that I will need to return them because I have space at the end of the shoe. I'm not sure how many sizes larger they are, but they are easily a full size larger than the Finales. I just wanted to get this out ASAP since there are no other reviews at this time.
Sizing is much larger than most La Sportiva shoes. If you wear a 40 in most, you are a 39 at best in this.
My first climbing shoe, I originally got the black diamond movements but decided to give these a try and they’re so much better feel stiffer but yet mor comfortable, highly highly recommend. I can trust these shoes on any hold!