Crack climbers will note that the downturn of the shoe increases its performance in smaller cracks. The Katana Lace is an edging machine. Lace up version of the famous Katana model. This detail is attained by a stitching adjustment at the toe that further channels the shoes power through its tip. No sponsored content. The Katanas would be well suited for longer uses, whether thats for some multi-pitch climbing or simply a long session at the gym. In the Miura VS, rather than splitter desert towers, seek out a technical, every trick-in-the-book Yosemite-style crack climb instead. Or, if you think neither of these shoes are right for you, check out some of our other popular climbing shoe buying guides: Both shoes stretch but the Katana Lace stretches less than the Miura since it has some synthetic leather in it. The Miura loses some of its downturn once broken in and becomes less downturned and more comfortable than the Katana Lace. Disclaimer. At the same time, if your project requires a friction toe-hook, a shoe with hooking rubber will fair you better. A good shoe will not only fit your feet well, but it will also directly affect your climbing technique and even your endurance. Your email address will not be published. When it comes to toe hooking this shoe does fall flat due to the lack of rubber on the toe rand. The shoe sports an asymmetrical last with a medium downturn. If you change your mind, you can return your items within 14 days of delivery. La Sportiva P3 is a technical randing system developed to deliver power to the soles and maintain the downturned shape of the shoes. The leather and rubber in these shoes keep your toes protected yet maintain sensitivity so that you can feel where you place your foot on the rock. Points: 380 Ha! With its lace-up design, the Katana Lace is easy to get on and off while hanging at the belay, or after burns on a project at the crag. In general, shipments to Italy are delivered within 2/3 working days. Dont fret; there is light at the end of the tunnel. All our contributors are seasoned climbers with a minimum of one month of hands-on testing prior to writing a review. When it comes to difficult crack climbing, the Katana Lace is our new favorite. Well compare the two shoes in this section to clarify the differences. As opposed to leather, synthetic materials dont stretch much. Specific shape can cause discomfort for some. They all work well as an all-round shoe and all can be used as an all day trad shoe depending on the fit. All-around climbing, vertical and overhung face climbing, crack climbing, All-around climbing, sport climbing, crack climbing, 0.5-1 sizes smaller than your street shoe size (in US Mens sizes), 1-1.5 sizes smaller than your street shoe size (in US Mens sizes), Edging, smearing, crack climbing, well-rounded climbing shoe, Edging, crack climbing, well-rounded climbing shoe, comfortable given its aggressive build. This shape is ideal for heel and toe hooking on overhanging routes. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. The Velcro version of this shoe has a more padded tongue, which we loved. Its strong bouldering performance places a point at the tip of the shoe that lets the climber trust their movement. That little knuckle bump at the forefront of the shoe creates space for the foot to hunker behind. Other crack climbing specific shoes (like the TC Pros) are designed to take more of a beating in wider cracks but we feel their more rounded design limits their performance in slim cracks. This shoe is meant to do a couple of things well, and steep terrain is one of them. The La Sportiva Miura, for example, is its "sister" lace-up version and an excellent choice for thin edging and toeing in on pockets. These shoes do run a bit small, about a half size smaller than other performance-driven La Sportiva shoes. The Miura VS is an all-around technical master and a tried and true longtime favorite of our testers. For lighter climbers, who otherwise might have a hard time producing enough force to create traction on holds with a stiffer rubber, the softer compound provides more ease of use both while smearing and edging. Here is that very comparison. Sized appropriately, the Katana can jam up a finger crack, smear up a slab, or edge through an overhung sport climb. The shoe responds consistently to pressure, making even the trickiest foot sequences feel a little less nerve wracking. Your email address will not be published. The Katanas dont stop there though. For these reasons, it is arguably better at multi-pitch routes and pure vertical climbing. Perhaps we are just trad climbers at heart. This shoe has been tried and tested by a member of our climbing community. The Testarossa is a bit of a hassle to get in and out of, but the new Katana Lace goes on and off in a flash. This slightly slimmer profile of the toe allows maximum contact between rock and rubber, which is a key component for sending thin cracks. It is a shoe without weakness. In case of return the shipping costs will be at your charge, you can ship back with any courier or postal service that has a tracking number. You can also thread your laces through two eyelets at the top of the tongue for greater tension and heel security. In that vein, the heel cup itself offers a superior hooking solution to boulder problems and sport routes. Even similar models such as the Genius and Testarossa fail to approach the staggering asking price of this lace up. For more information, consult the customer care area. All trademarks property of their respective owners The La Sportiva Katana allows for greater sensitivity and a more natural feel on the rock. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Laces are both sustainably versatile and durable. Fortunately, the Katana Lace rises to the occasion as one of the best board climbing shoes on the market. Got feedback? Points: 719, Latest VIEW LA SPORTIVA CLIMBING SHOE COMPARISON CHART. For those who arent familiar with this, the P3 is essentially a tensioned rand that wraps around the forefoot and around the back of the heel. The Women's La Sportiva Katana Lace has a split midsole which allows for great sensitivity while smearing on tiny footholds. This gives us five extra sizes per size run, which gives you a better fit! How can we improve GearLab? In short, yes, but you will need the right reasons. Bouldering, Sport, Trad, Crack, Face, Overhang, All-round, LaSpoFlex (1.1 mm), P3 System (Permanent Power Platform) (Miura VS), Suede leather and microfiber with front and back Pacific lining. Our lead tester appreciated this, because the three straps helped accommodate their wide, oddly shaped feet. Similar to the Solutions, the Katanas boasts a slipper-like lining meaning your foot is sucked into place and molds to the down-turned profile with zero dead space. Looking to purchase a new pair of La Sportiva Katana Laces for sport climbing (mostly single pitch). In this case, the difference all comes down to personal preference. Skip to the beginning of the images gallery. With this shoe, there is no need to compromise performance for comfort. Though its construction may appear fairly simple, there's more to this crafty little shoe than meets the eye. For hard sport and trad climbing, the Katana Lace outcompetes the Miura and Testarossa. The Katana Lace, due to its P3 Midsole (discussed below), is arguably slightly better for climbing overhung terrain. I dont mean to make it seem like the Miura loses its entire downturn and becomes a slipper-like climbing shoe, because it doesnt. You can never go wrong with a good lace shoe. They both are high-performance lace-ups with similar designs and functions so it can be easy to wonder how they compare when reviewed side by side. Got feedback? The La Sportiva Miura VS belongs in the world of tough climbing, where it can use its diamond-hard edges and almost absurdly asymmetric shape to power down on invisible rock features. Though pricey, The Katanas are an investment that will pay for themselves in durability and versatility. The Katana Lace and Miura are two powerhouse climbing shoes made by La Sportiva. La Sportiva Miura, VS, or Katana? It's a high-performance shoe that manages to maintain relative comfort. The Katana Lace features an asymmetrical and fairly downturned profile, which allows for amazing precision on moderately overhung terrain. No ads. The sole has moderate stiffness and features a prehensile area under the toe (according to La Sportiva). Although the price may be a bit higher than youre expecting to pay for a pair of shoes, we think its worthwhile. However, keep in mind that this shoe has a narrow fit that may not suit everyone. Thankfully, the leather and synthetic combination of the La Sportiva Katana Lace softens and stretches with use, molding to the foot. On Squamish slab, the old Katana dominated. About us The womens model has a slightly further downturned toe and has a velcro closure instead of lace. The construction makes it a premium jamming and camming climbing shoe, that excels on most every kind of climbing. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. La Sportiva shoes are built on European half sizes which are smaller increments than US half sizes. Though it can sometimes be hard to source these shoes in stores, many who choose the Katana lace-ups swear by them like a trusty climbing partner (me being one of those people). All payments will be remitted to who manages the online sales operations of the La Sportiva online store. Though the VS did well on pockets, we actually preferred a softer shoe for pocket climbing, since we were able to cam our toes in. They are also on the narrower side and will fit best on someone with a medium to low-volume foot. Velcro strap closures are ideal for easy on and off action. It is possibly the best heel in the La Sportiva range. It also has a slightly wider last than the Miura, which helped our wide-footed lead tester break the Velcro model in faster. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed our La Sportiva Katana Lace review. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Some people may also prefer to use velcro as their go-to shoe for outdoor climbs. If you have a narrow foot, specifically through the arch, we would highly recommend giving these a try. This may sound like an unfair test for a big-wall classic, but at its price, there can be no weaknesses. As an Amazon Associate 99Boulders LLC earns from qualifying purchases. The Vibram XS Edge sole allows to lightened the load on smaller holds. Theres a womens version but it has laces. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. These shoes are made for edging; with La Sportiva's Slingshot rand and Powerhinge technology, the Miuras pull you into the wall by forcing your weight into the toe. With that said, it is no Theory. The La Sportiva Miura is a high performance lace-up climbing shoe for edging control and pocket climbing performance. The stiffness of the shoe naturally limits sensitivity on the wall, but in exchange, the climber receives power. Happy Climbing! This very popular climbing shoe excels by combining comfort and performance to tackle any route. SEE LOWEST PRICE The Quick Summary Overall 8.3/10 Indoor - 7/10 Outdoor - 9/10 Sensitivity - 6.5/10 Comfort - 8/10 Durability - 10/10 Value For Money - 9/10 Pros She has worked at high ropes courses and climbing gyms and spent several seasons in Southeast Alaska as a Tour Manager for a remote zipline. So, if you have a narrow foot, go for the Miura. For years, the men's Katana Lace has been a fan favorite, and the women's shoe is bound to follow suit. XS Edge:Developed for maximum support, XS Edge allows you to focus your weight on the tiniest of holds. Lace up version of the famous Katana model. For that, we look to the long-time comp scene favorite La Sportiva Solutions or its younger no-edge cousins the La Sportiva Futura or Genius. Although this shoe isnt highly aggressive, youll feel comfortable placing your toes in pockets and cracks. I loved the fit and edging capabilities. Required fields are marked *. The Katana Lace, despite its downturned shape, is a comfortable all-day climbing workhorse that performs well on slabs and can easily twist into thin cracks but excels outside on steep single or multi-pitch routes. This stiff, aggressive shoe is perhaps best known for its ability to perch on tiny edges, and climbers love it for steep boulders, technical sport climbs, and vertical granite trad routes alike. Then either the Miura or the Katana Lace would likely work just fine since both are exceptional climbing shoes. Toeing in on steep pockets in the Miura VS. For more sizing help, you can read the reviews posted by others on REI to see what sizes they got: The La Sportiva Katana Lace and La Sportiva Miura are incredibly similar climbing shoes. The sticky rubber makes it easy and durable enough to hit those tough toe hooks even though the toe rubber isnt as thick as other La Sportiva models. They edge, smear, and hook as well as any climbing shoes on the market. Theres also a mens version with velcro if preferred. For the items Stratos Mask and Stratos Mask Filters is not possible to proceed with the return request. Additionally, the lace-up system allows the wearer to micro-adjust the fit to the width of their foot. If you are trying to send your technical, thin crack project, the Miura VS might do the trick. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. While the shoe is stiff, it is also pliant enough to hook. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Here is that very comparison. These climbing shoes will hold your feet relatively flat, even with their downturn toe box. I'm mostly climbing in the southwest (AZ, RR, JT) I've tried TC pros in 41.5 but felt they were overkill for sport. A native of Indiana, Carolyn has been traveling and climbing around the US since 2012. Suggested use: in climbing conditions where secure edging is paramount. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. This shoe not only cams well because of the heel, but it gets behind thin hooks well, and holds them easily. Utah Climbing & Bouldering Gyms: The Complete List, North Carolina Climbing & Bouldering Gyms: The Complete List, North Dakota Climbing & Bouldering Gyms: The Complete List, Climbing Shoe Resolers Directory (2020 Update). The mens version of the shoe features the Vibram XS Edge 4mm rubber, the same compound that can be found on thelace up versionof this shoe as well as its cousin the Kataki, and the mens version of the classic Miura lace. If that option appeals to you, you need to adjust for sizing appropriately to find the right fit. Once broken in, the Miura VS are a great shoe for any terrain, especially the sweet, sweet limestone of Catalunya. IVA/VAT IT01039930225 - Cap. We had trouble getting the Velcro straps to lay flat on the Miura VS, which created a void on the top of our foot. Hotels near Seenland SPA Streudorf, Gunzenhausen on Tripadvisor: Find 1,276 traveler reviews, 647 candid photos, and prices for 714 hotels near Seenland SPA Streudorf in Gunzenhausen, Germany. The innovative construction method inserts the lining between the leather uppers and the rubber rand, a solution which brings together the structural advantages of a lined shoe and the breathability and precision of an unlined shoe. Let us know! Disciplines: lead climbing, bouldering, outdoor and indoor climbing, micro holds and extreme edging. The Vibram sticky rubber can hold onto pretty much any terrain and is optimal for balance, smearing, and heel or toe hooks in any sport climb or bouldering project. This shoe is ideal for face climbing, but it can be great for bouldering and overhang routes. These charges are the sole responsibility of the recipient, who will have to pay the amount due to the forwarder or to the competent authorities. Since the Katana Lace has a moderately-stiff midsole, it gives you spectacular edging power if the shoe is sized right. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Despite how flat it looks in the product photo above, the Katana Lace is a decently aggressive climbing shoe, and it ends up being more downturned than the Miura once the Miura has flattened out, making it slightly better-suited for overhung terrain. You can't paste your toes and smear the rock very well in this shoe, but you can stand on invisible micro features and crank. The Katana has a semi-stiff midsole, which supports the foot's arch while twisting into cracks. Its a stiff shoe, but its comfortable high-performance configuration makes it one of the most popular choices in the La Sportiva collection. The durability of the rubber, slightly aggressive arch, and slim toe box make it easy to fit into cracks without causing damage to you or your shoes. This rubber is meant to strike the balance between sensitivity, stiffness, and support, as needed while edging and it does exactly that. This slingshot like construction shapes the downturned profile and ensures that it keeps its shape long after theyve been broken in. Before going down the rabbit hole of this comparison, keep in mind when reading this that the Katana Lace and the Miura are both great climbing shoes, and either would be a solid choice for your next pair. Each will have its pros and cons. The velcro version of the classic Katana is an interesting one. The Katanas use the Vibram XS Edge 4mm rubber, which is an obvious choice for this shoe. The Katana Lace will get the job done even when encountering an occasional heel-toe. The break-in period can be a bit rough, requiring them to be taken on and off after every climb. No "sponsored" content. Out of the box, they may seem to lack sensitivity, yet after just a couple of sessions, youll start to get a feel of things. The shoe's leather uppers do a good job of protecting your feet from endless hand crack jamming, but they will begin to show wear over time. It is worth noting that the break in period will be a little longer than with the older model, so give it a chance to soften on your crystal heavy project. This is certainly a step up from the bulkier stiff rubbers found on entry-level shoes, but dont expect to be able to manipulate and bend the Katanas as you would with a high-end bouldering shoe like the La Sportiva Futura or Scarpa Furia. The toe itself feels very precise due to its moderately aggressive design, allowing wearers to pull into the edges. You can get away with climbing a few cracks in this shoe, but it won't be very comfortable. The Katana Lace and Miura are two powerhouse climbing shoes made by La Sportiva. I'm looking for a shoe for sport climbing upward of 5.10. This, combined with a moderately stiff P3 midsole, brings your weight towards the forefront and allows you to toe in on pockets with relative ease. This ideal bouldering shoe retains its shape after years of moderate to intense use. GENIUS. 38. It should be noted that the minimal toe patch and lack of rubber on the heel mean this shoe is not exactly suited to competition climbing or overhung bouldering. Here are the downturns of both shoes, side by side. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Meanwhile, the Katana Lace has the P3 Midsole so it keeps its downturn over the course of its life. These shoes embody the quality and attention to detail La Sportiva brings to the climbing shoe game. $219.00. You wont be disappointed with your choice of these shoes. Though certainly not impossible, the lack of rubber on the front of the toe can make it tricky to stick. The Katana Lace is a veritable edging machine now available in Mens and Womens styles. Shipments to the rest of the world take approximately 7/8 working days (not accounting for customs delays). The steeper, the better. In general, La Sportiva shoes can be sized down quite a bit, so we would recommend going for about a size to a size and a half below street shoe size in order to maximize its technical strengths. I realize it's all about the fit, but which do you prefer and why? The heel on the women's version is noticeably more narrow and locks your foot in without that extra rubber we experienced on the older men's shoe. If you have had issues in the past with your heel slipping out of your climbing shoes while heel hooking (or in general), then you probably have a low-volume heel and the Katana Lace will fit your foot well. color: You can always purchase more than one size and return what doesnt work to ensure you have the shoe you want. FREE FEDEX GROUND SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $150 - US ONLY* *NOT AVAILABLE WITH USE OF SELECT . One of the essential pieces of gear you will purchase as a climber is climbing shoes. It utilizes the Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber which is a softer compound. It will flex a little with your toes, but it asks the user to press the toe into the foot hold. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. The Vibram rubber will ensure your stability no matter what obstacles you face. We like lace-up shoes because of their adjustability and ability to morph into a totally different shoe based on how they are tightened down. In terms of performance, they are both all-around shoes that could easily be the only pair you own. Both are great for vertical sport climbing and crack climbing and good (but not the best) at super steep bouldering. The slightly downturned toe and subtle asymmetry ensures you can hook into pockets or exploit the tiniest edges while providing unrivaled comfort for the level that it performs at. Since the Miura doesnt have the P3 Midsole, it loses some of its downturn over the course of its life. It edges well on all sides of the toe, allowing you to utilize the outside edge and turn your hips into the wall to increase your reach when necessary. The suede upper may stretch with wear. The Katanas excel in all styles of climbing, which is why they are a great choice for multi-pitch routes. If you want a shoe that will let you climb at your limit, then the Miura VS is an excellent option. The Miuras narrow toe box makes it better for jamming into pockets. Having laces can will enable you to keep a longer-lasting snug fit. On the MoonBoard, it edges hard, maintaining grip through shoe structure alone. For those not willing to brave the laces, take a look at the Velcro version of these shoes. The Miura VS is a great all-arounder, which makes them a good value in our eyes. Both shoes have been broken in already. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. No ads. This combination of stiffness and suppleness makes for an impressively sensitive shoe perfect for precise footwork. It costs a lot of money, but it will do what you say. LA SPORTIVA Iscr. Part of that comes down to footwork, but if you buy this shoe, you will be able to resole it and it will retain its structure through that resole. The Katana features a moderately asymmetrical and aggressive downturned shape and 4 mm Vibram XS Edge sticky rubber for optimal grip on smaller holds. There are a ton people out there who use the Mythos or Moccasyms as specialized thin crack machines. The only concern with velcro is that it may lose its ability to secure your foot consistently overtime properly. . The Katana is not only a low-angle slab beater. This patented construction system leaves the arched shape of the climbing shoe unaltered, without compromising original performance and push-power, even after years of hard use. GearLab is reader-supported. This moderately aggressive shoe is a gamechanger for all climbers alike. This can happen because of either debris in the fibers or simple wear and tear. (P3 stands for Permanent Power Platform.). That said, youre looking to tie into the big walls or enjoy playing in the cracks, perhaps you should stick to the time-tested lace version. Thanks in advance! If your feet swell during use, you can loosen the lacing system to fit your comfort needs as they change. Revolutionary tubular construction with P3 Technology provides ultimate comfort and performance Highly breathable tongue works in conjunction with the shoe lining for moisture management Outsole design varies between the Katana Lace Men's (full-length) and the Katana Lace Women's (half-length) to support climbers of all weights and sizes Updated heel pattern with increased rubber coverage improves grip while heel hooking Narrower heel sole design improves heel hooking precision while maintaining the same known fit and feel, ITEM: 30U SIZES: 34 - 46 (half sizes)WEIGHT: 8.8oz / 250gUPPER: Microfiber & LeatherLACES: 100% Recycled PolyesterLINING: Pacific (forefoot and back)MIDSOLE: 1.1mm full-length LaspoFlex with P3 SystemSOLE: 4mm Vibram XS EdgeCONSTRUCTION: Slip lasted tubular constructionLAST: PD 55 FIT: Tech with medium asymmetrySENSITIVITY: (1 = less sensitive; 5 = more sensitive): 3RIGIDITY: (1 = soft; 5 = stiff): 4, VIEW LA SPORTIVA CLIMBING SHOE COMPARISON CHART. Let us know! 12. You can purchase the La Sportiva Katana with either lace or velcro straps. After a few wears, the Katana Lace fit like a glove and are comfortable for long days on the rock. Get the digital edition of Gripped for your chosen platform: This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. There are many high-end shoes on the market that will give you similar results as the Miura VS. The Miura VS is a function-specific shoe that does a few things incredibly well, such as edging. Only a couple of shoes can rival it on pockets, and they all have pointier and even more painful toe profiles. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. They look quite similar, have similar lacing systems, and come with the same rubber (Vibram XS Edge). The Evolv Shaman is a similar concept to the Miura VS, but much more comfortable. Youll feel confident placing your foot just about anywhere. The velcro version of the Katana still offers the same amazing edging ability, with a little extra ease of access. This, combined with Vibram's XS Grip2 rubber, allowed us to trust our feet and feel the texture of the rock through the soles of the Miura VS. From limestone smears to slippery basalt foot chips, these shoes were sensitive enough to smear, but stiff enough to stand on small holds. Typically, shoes that perform well when crack climbing will lag behind in this category, but that's not the case for the Katana Lace. Small holds, no problem. + Innovative construction method brings together the structural advantages of a linedshoe with the breathable and precision fit characteristics of an shoe with no lining. This shoe performs at its best on all types of rock from small limestone pockets to sandstone edges and granite cracks, making it the perfect weekend warrior companion. The Katanas heel is a no-nonsense construction, that gets the job done. ). We recommend these shoes for any form of hard climbing from sport climbing to bouldering where the difference between sending and failure could be as simple as a botched foot placement. The heel is a little less sensitive than we would like, and it lacks an extended rand for extra toe hooking grip. Features. Shop for La Sportiva Women's Climbing Shoes at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The velcro version of theKatanais a great contender when it comes to all-around use. Shipments to destinations outside the European Union are subject to import taxes or customs duties. There are times when you'll miss being able to feel the rock, but this is still an incredibly adept climbing shoe. We buy all the products ourselves. (). If you have a normal-width foot, go for the Katana Lace. They are made from an array of materials and do include a lining so they shouldnt stretch much. Overall, these shoes are going to be much more comfortable than a severely downturned model. The La Sportiva Katana Lace is the lace-up version of the famous La Sportivas Katana. The XS Edge is commonly used on La Sportivas high-performing technical shoes and is considered to be one of the best on the market. If you need to improve your heel hooking, this shoe offers a great platform to learn, as it does most of the work for you. It is durable, but it loses some of its phenomenal edging ability after it's worn in. Although you're not going to get the same sensitivity as a super soft shoe like the La Sportiva Skwama, the Katana Lace provides the perfect balance between sensitivity and support for all-day wear. La Sportiva generally creates its shoes for performance, but the Katana Lace also has a comfort-focused design besides performance. As opposed to the majority of Velcro shoes on the market, the Miura VS has not one or two but three Velcro tabs to help fine-tune the fit. The shipping for CE countries is free for all orders over 180. Fisc. High-tensioned slingshot rand is tied into sole powerhinge so shoe stretches in the back half and not in the front, allowing you to stick on the smallest edges you can find. Whether youre looking for your first shoes or to level up, picking the perfect pair is as much art as science!Discover our climbing shoe selection for 2022 with a detailed buying guide.
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