LA SPORTIVA Katana Lace Climbing Shoes

Comments about LA SPORTIVA Katana Lace Climbing Shoes:

I just recently purchased the Katanas after trying the Solutions for a week of climbing and i must say i am impressed at how dynamic the shoe feels for how simple it looks. Amazing edging power, super sticky rubber and an easy going fit add up to fantastic shoe.

They fit my feet very well (i am medium to large width, low volume, narrow heeled foot shape), perfectly snug when sized a full size down from my street size. They are in fact a fairly aggressively shaped shoe so don't be fooled by the images provided. I thought i was going to hate laces but they really do offer a more customizable in fit. The internal lining and unique tubular tongue design is snug enough to allow my foot to breath and still offer enough support for easier routes without having to fully lace up.

The toe shape is similar to the Solution and Miura's but without the rounded aspect to them so the Katanas smear much better than those shoes yet offer enough down turn and point to keep you from cutting your feet in caves and overhangs. Surprisingly thin soled, they have great sensitivity while offering good mid sole stiffness as well as keeping the overall weight of the shoe to a minimum.

It's the perfect shoe for anyone looking to upgrade from a beginner shoe. I haven't seen too many people wearing the lace up versions which makes me think this shoe is going unnoticed as a high performance shoe when compared to other brands and other performance oriented La Sportiva models.

Comments about LA SPORTIVA Katana Lace Climbing Shoes:

The Katana is a truly excellent shoe. I previously wore the Muira VS and wanted something that I could walk around in and wear for longer periods. The Katanas give me nearly as much power as the Muiras while being significantly more comfortable. They still have a pointed and turned down toe, but I can still walk in them. A thick, narrow strip of rubber on the heel makes for good hooking, and the edges have a nice bevel on them which, once you're used to it, helps a lot. The upper material on the inside feels great on the foor and wicks away moisture quite well.

On sizing, they are true to La Sportiva's size profile - small. I wear a 42-43 shoe, and the 40.5 was perfect for me. I was a bit worried when I first got the shoes that they were too small, but they stretched about a half size and are now perfect. I do find them a little bit wide around the middle of the foot, but that doesn't seem to affect the overall fit at all.

In summary, the Katanas are a well designed aggressive shoe best suited for bouldering or cragging. The are comforable enough to wear for several hours at a time, while still having an aggressive toe.

Comments about LA SPORTIVA Katana Lace Climbing Shoes:

Less technical than the Miuras they replaced, but significantly more comfortable and still very versatile. Still wouldn't recommend it as an all day shoe, but they feel pretty good, even with my Morton's Toe which made the Miuras in the same size pretty painful. Definitely recommend these for sport or crag shoes, but would be fine for quite a pitches if they fit you well.

Comments about LA SPORTIVA Katana Lace Climbing Shoes:

I am completely satisfied with this shoe. Im still pretty new to climbing, and I can definately say that this shoe has helped me overcome some obstacles. This isn't entirely the shoe, but now I'm working on 5.10b's, and 3 weeks ago I couldn't do a 10a. Bouldering is quite a bit easier than before, mostly noticable on very steep sections. This shoe outsticks all of my buddies sub-$100 shoes, and now they are thinking about getting some upper-end sportivas like this despite the fact that their shoes are still new. Smear with confidence, stand on chips previously thought to be useless. Only one complaint, the upper heel portion of the shoe is a little rough, which isn't necessary but is a small price to pay for such a high performance shoe that is otherwise very comfortable for its purpose.

Comments about LA SPORTIVA Katana Lace Climbing Shoes:

I wear a size 42 street shoe and the 40.5 fits comfortable enough to wear for 60-90 min at a time. I definitely could have gone for the 40 to be more agressive, but I could not have worn them for extended times.

The shoe is great for edging, has a nicely pointed toe for more agressive climbs. Really nice shoe to fill the slot between a super agressive shoe and very comfortable all day shoe. The only issue I have is that I really have to crank it down for good heel hooks, but I have skinny heels, so could just be me.

I also prefer the lace up on these shoes for much more adjustable fit.

Comments about LA SPORTIVA Katana Lace Climbing Shoes:

This is a great overall shoe. Excellent for sport and trad alike. Very comfortable for all day climbing.

I was a huge fan of the La Sportiva Barracudas for years until they stopped producing them. The Katana lace-ups have all the features I liked about the Barracudas and a few other nice additions. Especially nice is the extra padding around the tongue that keeps your feet happy on those all day climbing marathons. The elasticity of the tongue also helps for getting the shoes on and off quickly.

Sleek lines and great rubber make for yet another excellent product from La Sportiva.