La Sportiva Tarantulace Men's
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 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.
Tech specs
Upper material | Leather |
Flex | Stiff |
Closure type | Laces |
Sizing and fit | Medium Foot |
Color | Olive/Tiger Blue Kiwi Black/Poppy |
Last | Low Asymmetry |
Sole material | FriXion RS |
Sole thickness | 5mm |
Profile | Flat |
Lining | Unlined |
Features

Tarantulace Men's
• Quick-pull lacing harness delivers precise regulation; wrapping the foot snugly for excellent support, fit and comfort
• Durable FriXion® rubber compound offers great grip and durability
• Lined tongue provides excellent moisture management
• Aggressive rubber heel rand and FriXion® rubber keeps you glued to small holds
• Updated aesthetics and slight changes in design increase performance while maintaining the same fit and feel

FriXion® RS Rubber
Developed especially by La Sportiva for use with their shoes, FriXion RS rubber is designed to be sticky but also incredibly durable, for shoes that take a beating on a regular basis.
Great beginner or "all day" shoe for longer, easier (multipitch) routes. Would recommend one size down. Nice sticky sole and the usual LaSportiva quality!
Really great shoes, comfortable and great fit and adjustment with the laces
These shoes are comfortable to wear for a beginner and have high quality rubber soles, would recommend going a size down.
These shoes are comfortable and stick pretty well.
Not super precise, though but exactly what's needed for a beginner.
Great value for money!
These shoes were the first climbing shoes that I have ever purchased and would gladly recommend them to anyone that is trying to get into the sport. Affordable and a good all rounder shoe.
Personally used them bouldering and top roping, I'm sure that they would perform well outdoors due to the thicker rubber making the shoe more forgiving with foot placement.
I personally chose to follow the size recommendation of 43, in a regular shoe I'm a 45, but I think I could have benefited from going half a size down or even a full size down if I really wanted to push it.
Overall great shoe, would recommend to beginners and people looking for a budget shoe.