La Sportiva Tarantulace

The La Sportiva Tarantulace is an entry-level climbing shoe that's slightly more aggressive than regular beginner shoes. Aside from the usual rigid sole and flat profile, the La Sportiva Tarantulace features a last with a low asymmetry for better performance generally and also enhanced technical precision. New climbers may find this a little unusual at first, but once their feet adjust, this shoe will let them progress much faster than a non-asymmetric beginner shoe would.

As for comfort and wear, the La Sportiva Tarantulace features an unlined upper that, once broken in, will provide maximum comfort and a custom fit. The highly adjustable opposing-strap closure system makes the shoes easy and quick to take on and off between climbs. The sole is La Sportiva's own Frixion RS rubber that's designed to be extra durable so as to not wear out before your climbing level has improved enough to necessitate buying a new shoe. Its stiff sole provides maximum foot support for feet unused to climbing shoes, and it will excel on vertical climbing.

La Sportiva recommend sizing this shoe loose for the highest level of comfort, but bear in mind that the unlined suede leather can stretch up to a full size. A great beginner's shoe with mild performance! If you're looking for the same but with velcro for faster on-offs, try the Tarantula.