Rebooted for 2018, the classic Katana has had an update. The Katana is ideal for multi-purpose use in the mountains, crags and bouldering. The successful combination of synthetic and natural materials provides the best compromise between comfort, technical performance and inalterability in the long run. Thanks to the shape of its last, it is perfect for the anatomy of women’s feet. Featuring an innovative closure, consisting of two Velcro straps with differentiated and opposite pull direction, the Katana can be adjusted perfectly to the shape of your foot. The special midsole with prehensile area under the toe provides optimal edging support, increasing sensitivity. This thin midsole and the sensitive grip zone at the toe provides not only have assurance you need on small edges but also on round slopers and slabs. The Vibram sole with Xs Grip2 offers exceptional grip for all climbing disciplines. All these features contribute to what is a truly exceptional all-round performance shoe for women, from bouldering to valley crags and climbing routes on big walls.
Rebooted for 2018, the classic Katana has had an update. The Katana is ideal for multi-purpose use in the mountains, crags and bouldering. The successful combination of synthetic and natural materials provides the best compromise between comfort, technical performance and inalterability in the long run. Thanks to the shape of its last, it is perfect for the anatomy of women’s feet. Featuring an innovative closure, consisting of two Velcro straps with differentiated and opposite pull direction, the Katana can be adjusted perfectly to the shape of your foot. The special midsole with prehensile area under the toe provides optimal edging support, increasing sensitivity. This thin midsole and the sensitive grip zone at the toe provides not only have assurance you need on small edges but also on round slopers and slabs. The Vibram sole with Xs Grip2 offers exceptional grip for all climbing disciplines. All these features contribute to what is a truly exceptional all-round performance shoe for women, from bouldering to valley crags and climbing routes on big walls.
in 1 offers
The lowest price for La Sportiva Katana Climbing Shoes Yellow Black - 34.5 right now is $289.95 at Summit Gear.
The all-time low was $223.96 on 30 Dec 2025 — today's price is 29% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 25 Apr 2026.
La Sportiva Katana Climbing Shoes Yellow Black - 34.5
Rebooted for 2018, the classic Katana has had an update. The Katana is ideal for multi-purpose use in the mountains, crags and bouldering. The successful combination of synthetic and natural materials provides the best compromise between comfort, technical performance and inalterability in the long run. Thanks to the shape of its last, it is perfect for the anatomy of women’s feet. Featuring an innovative closure, consisting of two Velcro straps with differentiated and opposite pull direction, the Katana can be adjusted perfectly to the shape of your foot. The special midsole with prehensile area under the toe provides optimal edging support, increasing sensitivity. This thin midsole and the sensitive grip zone at the toe provides not only have assurance you need on small edges but also on round slopers and slabs. The Vibram sole with Xs Grip2 offers exceptional grip for all climbing disciplines. All these features contribute to what is a truly exceptional all-round performance shoe for women, from bouldering to valley crags and climbing routes on big walls.
Rebooted for 2018, the classic Katana has had an update. The Katana is ideal for multi-purpose use in the mountains, crags and bouldering. The successful combination of synthetic and natural materials provides the best compromise between comfort, technical performance and inalterability in the long run. Thanks to the shape of its last, it is perfect for the anatomy of women’s feet. Featuring an innovative closure, consisting of two Velcro straps with differentiated and opposite pull direction, the Katana can be adjusted perfectly to the shape of your foot. The special midsole with prehensile area under the toe provides optimal edging support, increasing sensitivity. This thin midsole and the sensitive grip zone at the toe provides not only have assurance you need on small edges but also on round slopers and slabs. The Vibram sole with Xs Grip2 offers exceptional grip for all climbing disciplines. All these features contribute to what is a truly exceptional all-round performance shoe for women, from bouldering to valley crags and climbing routes on big walls.
Last updated at 25/04/2026 03:37:24
La Sportiva Katana Mens Climbing Shoe l Size 34.5 l Summit Gear
Free delivery between 29 Apr – 7 May
originally posted on outdoorprolink.com
Well, I'm impressed. I found this revised model of the Katana to fit my greek bunionated foot right out of the box. That last version was too narrow for me. I was almost concerned with how comfortable they felt, can you really get good performance out of a shoe that doesn't hurt like hell to break in? The answer is nuanced in that these excel at vertical and under routes, in the steeps I wouldn't recommend due to the minimal downturn and lack of a tight power hinge. I'd say this is like a slightly wider and more relaxed version of the Kataki but nowhere near as stiff and insensitive as the TC PRO. I might consider getting this shoe a half size tighter next time. La Sportiva is doing something with their sizing and it's becoming obvious, but I also tend to size way ... MoreWell, I'm impressed. I found this revised model of the Katana to fit my greek bunionated foot right out of the box. That last version was too narrow for me. I was almost concerned with how comfortable they felt, can you really get good performance out of a shoe that doesn't hurt like hell to break in? The answer is nuanced in that these excel at vertical and under routes, in the steeps I wouldn't recommend due to the minimal downturn and lack of a tight power hinge. I'd say this is like a slightly wider and more relaxed version of the Kataki but nowhere near as stiff and insensitive as the TC PRO. I might consider getting this shoe a half size tighter next time. La Sportiva is doing something with their sizing and it's becoming obvious, but I also tend to size way too tight and I'm starting to be in less pain in the new sizing regime so I am not the best to report due to my association with tight being better.
originally posted on REI
The Katana laces are amongst the best all-around climbing shoes out there.Outdoors, they perform really well on anything from slightly less than vertical to moderately overhanging.When it comes to edging they amongst the best - if not the best - shoe on the market, they crack climb much better than you'd expect (almost on par with the TC pro's), they are stiff and sturdy with great support for your feet, and really durable.Their drawbacks is that as a consequence of said stiffness and sturdiness, they are somewhat lacking in the sensitivity department, and since they aren't soft they generally won't deal as well with very polished routes and techy friction slabs, and they are also not the best for severely overhanging routes.Personally, I also found that ... MoreThe Katana laces are amongst the best all-around climbing shoes out there.Outdoors, they perform really well on anything from slightly less than vertical to moderately overhanging.When it comes to edging they amongst the best - if not the best - shoe on the market, they crack climb much better than you'd expect (almost on par with the TC pro's), they are stiff and sturdy with great support for your feet, and really durable.Their drawbacks is that as a consequence of said stiffness and sturdiness, they are somewhat lacking in the sensitivity department, and since they aren't soft they generally won't deal as well with very polished routes and techy friction slabs, and they are also not the best for severely overhanging routes.Personally, I also found that these took me a while to get used to, but after I did I feel that my footwork on technical vertical terrain improved noticeably, to the point where certain routes would feel a couple of grades easier than what the grade would suggest.That being said, there is no shoe that is exceptional at everything.If you want to climb hard on vertical rock, you can't go wrong with these (Adam Ondra famously climbed the Dawn Wall in a pair of these).If you want to climb indoor comp-style problems, you'd be better off with something softer.
originally posted on REI
First, a couple of caveats; different climbing shoes/brands favor different macro foot types (wide forefoot, a narrow heel, etc.) and different toe box shapes (Greek, Egyptian, square, etc.). I have always found all La Sportiva footwear products to match my feet better than other brands, and I have a narrow heel, tall arch, wide forefoot, and Greek toe box.I have been climbing in Katana Laces for many years, so I was very very excited to see the new Katana Lace update drop, and hands down, these shoes are absolute perfection. The lace version of the Katana is very different from the Katana strap, and the lace box allows you to dial in the fit precisely to your foot volumeHaving a few different La Sportiva climbing shoe models I regularly use, I particularly love ... MoreFirst, a couple of caveats; different climbing shoes/brands favor different macro foot types (wide forefoot, a narrow heel, etc.) and different toe box shapes (Greek, Egyptian, square, etc.). I have always found all La Sportiva footwear products to match my feet better than other brands, and I have a narrow heel, tall arch, wide forefoot, and Greek toe box.I have been climbing in Katana Laces for many years, so I was very very excited to see the new Katana Lace update drop, and hands down, these shoes are absolute perfection. The lace version of the Katana is very different from the Katana strap, and the lace box allows you to dial in the fit precisely to your foot volumeHaving a few different La Sportiva climbing shoe models I regularly use, I particularly love the Katana Lace on hard face climbs – they can edge on anything! But then you add the rigidity of La Sportiva’s P3 platform, and the result is you can transfer the power of muscular movements through the shoe to the hold to complete very dynamic moves. When you combine this with the downturned structure of the shoe, the result is they excel not only on face climbs but also on anything overhung. I often bring these as my first choice to my local project or for a gym session. That said, I will say that due to the shoe's snug, downturned toe, performance orientation, they are not my first choice for long multi-pitch or alpine days.Now, the new update is absolutely perfect—a reformed and refined version of its predecessor. The rubber mix used in the construction is the same but cut slightly differently. This is seen in the extension of rubber over the knuckle of the big toe (which is great and noticeable!). Also somewhat different is the heel rubber is both more narrow and has a thicker depth. I have found this update to make a difference when trying to lock my heel into a solid heel hook. Last of all, I find the new construction methods have made for slightly more compression in the forefoot, further increasing stability and support. La Sportiva took one of the best shoes on the market and made it a masterpiece.Such an amazing climbing shoe!
| Closing System | Velcro |
| Climbing Shoe Use | Boulder, Crag, Gym, Multipitch |
| Climbing Shoe Sole Type | Full Sole |
| Shoe Downturn | Intermediate |
| Climbing Shoe Upper Material | Suede + Microfiber |
La Sportiva Katana Mens Climbing Shoe l Size 34.5 l Summit Gear
Free delivery between 29 Apr – 7 May
Well, I'm impressed. I found this revised model of the Katana to fit my greek bunionated foot right out of the box. That last version was too narrow for me. I was almost concerned with how comfortable they felt, can you really get good performance out of a shoe that doesn't hurt like hell to break in? The answer is nuanced in that these excel at vertical and under routes, in the steeps I wouldn't recommend due to the minimal downturn and lack of a tight power hinge. I'd say this is like a slightly wider and more relaxed version of the Kataki but nowhere near as stiff and insensitive as the TC PRO. I might consider getting this shoe a half size tighter next time. La Sportiva is doing something with their sizing and it's becoming obvious, but I also tend to size way ... MoreWell, I'm impressed. I found this revised model of the Katana to fit my greek bunionated foot right out of the box. That last version was too narrow for me. I was almost concerned with how comfortable they felt, can you really get good performance out of a shoe that doesn't hurt like hell to break in? The answer is nuanced in that these excel at vertical and under routes, in the steeps I wouldn't recommend due to the minimal downturn and lack of a tight power hinge. I'd say this is like a slightly wider and more relaxed version of the Kataki but nowhere near as stiff and insensitive as the TC PRO. I might consider getting this shoe a half size tighter next time. La Sportiva is doing something with their sizing and it's becoming obvious, but I also tend to size way too tight and I'm starting to be in less pain in the new sizing regime so I am not the best to report due to my association with tight being better.
The Katana laces are amongst the best all-around climbing shoes out there.Outdoors, they perform really well on anything from slightly less than vertical to moderately overhanging.When it comes to edging they amongst the best - if not the best - shoe on the market, they crack climb much better than you'd expect (almost on par with the TC pro's), they are stiff and sturdy with great support for your feet, and really durable.Their drawbacks is that as a consequence of said stiffness and sturdiness, they are somewhat lacking in the sensitivity department, and since they aren't soft they generally won't deal as well with very polished routes and techy friction slabs, and they are also not the best for severely overhanging routes.Personally, I also found that ... MoreThe Katana laces are amongst the best all-around climbing shoes out there.Outdoors, they perform really well on anything from slightly less than vertical to moderately overhanging.When it comes to edging they amongst the best - if not the best - shoe on the market, they crack climb much better than you'd expect (almost on par with the TC pro's), they are stiff and sturdy with great support for your feet, and really durable.Their drawbacks is that as a consequence of said stiffness and sturdiness, they are somewhat lacking in the sensitivity department, and since they aren't soft they generally won't deal as well with very polished routes and techy friction slabs, and they are also not the best for severely overhanging routes.Personally, I also found that these took me a while to get used to, but after I did I feel that my footwork on technical vertical terrain improved noticeably, to the point where certain routes would feel a couple of grades easier than what the grade would suggest.That being said, there is no shoe that is exceptional at everything.If you want to climb hard on vertical rock, you can't go wrong with these (Adam Ondra famously climbed the Dawn Wall in a pair of these).If you want to climb indoor comp-style problems, you'd be better off with something softer.
First, a couple of caveats; different climbing shoes/brands favor different macro foot types (wide forefoot, a narrow heel, etc.) and different toe box shapes (Greek, Egyptian, square, etc.). I have always found all La Sportiva footwear products to match my feet better than other brands, and I have a narrow heel, tall arch, wide forefoot, and Greek toe box.I have been climbing in Katana Laces for many years, so I was very very excited to see the new Katana Lace update drop, and hands down, these shoes are absolute perfection. The lace version of the Katana is very different from the Katana strap, and the lace box allows you to dial in the fit precisely to your foot volumeHaving a few different La Sportiva climbing shoe models I regularly use, I particularly love ... MoreFirst, a couple of caveats; different climbing shoes/brands favor different macro foot types (wide forefoot, a narrow heel, etc.) and different toe box shapes (Greek, Egyptian, square, etc.). I have always found all La Sportiva footwear products to match my feet better than other brands, and I have a narrow heel, tall arch, wide forefoot, and Greek toe box.I have been climbing in Katana Laces for many years, so I was very very excited to see the new Katana Lace update drop, and hands down, these shoes are absolute perfection. The lace version of the Katana is very different from the Katana strap, and the lace box allows you to dial in the fit precisely to your foot volumeHaving a few different La Sportiva climbing shoe models I regularly use, I particularly love the Katana Lace on hard face climbs – they can edge on anything! But then you add the rigidity of La Sportiva’s P3 platform, and the result is you can transfer the power of muscular movements through the shoe to the hold to complete very dynamic moves. When you combine this with the downturned structure of the shoe, the result is they excel not only on face climbs but also on anything overhung. I often bring these as my first choice to my local project or for a gym session. That said, I will say that due to the shoe's snug, downturned toe, performance orientation, they are not my first choice for long multi-pitch or alpine days.Now, the new update is absolutely perfect—a reformed and refined version of its predecessor. The rubber mix used in the construction is the same but cut slightly differently. This is seen in the extension of rubber over the knuckle of the big toe (which is great and noticeable!). Also somewhat different is the heel rubber is both more narrow and has a thicker depth. I have found this update to make a difference when trying to lock my heel into a solid heel hook. Last of all, I find the new construction methods have made for slightly more compression in the forefoot, further increasing stability and support. La Sportiva took one of the best shoes on the market and made it a masterpiece.Such an amazing climbing shoe!
I bought a pair of the Katana's last year based on Outdoor Gear Lab reviews. Based on the rave reviews on comfort and the fact that they did everything well with the exception of steep terrain objectives, I was sold. I have been climbing for over 30 years, and the days of sizing my shoes small to project hard stuff, all the while looking forward to taking off my shoes before completing the pitch were over. I was very happy with my original pair of Katana's, enough so that I went ahead and bought an another pair recently without reading any reviews on the redesign. I mean it was the top shoe in Outdoor's review! Well I should have read the reviews. The redesign improves the shoe in one regard and totally messes it up in another. The extra rubber in the heal does help ... MoreI bought a pair of the Katana's last year based on Outdoor Gear Lab reviews. Based on the rave reviews on comfort and the fact that they did everything well with the exception of steep terrain objectives, I was sold. I have been climbing for over 30 years, and the days of sizing my shoes small to project hard stuff, all the while looking forward to taking off my shoes before completing the pitch were over. I was very happy with my original pair of Katana's, enough so that I went ahead and bought an another pair recently without reading any reviews on the redesign. I mean it was the top shoe in Outdoor's review! Well I should have read the reviews. The redesign improves the shoe in one regard and totally messes it up in another. The extra rubber in the heal does help with heel hooks. The redesign of the toe box misses the mark of what made the shoe great by affedting the comfort and/or sensitivity of the shoe. If you want to maintain the sensitivity of the previous shoe you will either have to size down at least a 1/2 and possibly a 1 full size. I went with a 1/2 size, sacrificing comfort as well as sensitivity! Message to La Sportiva. You have other models that hit the mark for steeps with the Solution, Muira VS, Skwama. Bring back the old design, otherwise I am looking for another shoe!
There's a reason these have been the #1 climbing shoes for the last two years by Outdoor Gear Lab, because they perform phenomenally and are fairly comfortable while you're climbing. Are they worth the $190 price tag though? That's the real question.I've been climbing for about a year on these now, so I think I can give these a pretty in-depth review.If it's worth it to you to have a shoe that can stick pretty much any edge you need to stand on, be able to jam into a crack without much discomfort, and still have some smearing ability, these are absolutely wonderful.If you want these because they're comfortable, allow me to explain in what situations they are comfortable. These shoes feel best ON the wall and not off of it. Additionally, if you're going to be ... MoreThere's a reason these have been the #1 climbing shoes for the last two years by Outdoor Gear Lab, because they perform phenomenally and are fairly comfortable while you're climbing. Are they worth the $190 price tag though? That's the real question.I've been climbing for about a year on these now, so I think I can give these a pretty in-depth review.If it's worth it to you to have a shoe that can stick pretty much any edge you need to stand on, be able to jam into a crack without much discomfort, and still have some smearing ability, these are absolutely wonderful.If you want these because they're comfortable, allow me to explain in what situations they are comfortable. These shoes feel best ON the wall and not off of it. Additionally, if you're going to be climbing anything easier than a 5.9 with massive holds, these shoes can be a bit painful. Essentially, the stiff downturn just makes them incredibly uncomfortable to stand in for any reasonable period of time. Typically if I have a ledge to rest on in these, I try to kneel instead of stand to give my feet a break. These are MORE comfortable than your average aggressive climbing shoe, but they are by no means as comfortable as something flat like the Mythos.Lastly, are they worth the price? Well, I got them on sale for $146 after shipping, and after a year of climbing, I can say that they that they were certainly worth that price. However, I've also tried other aggressive and semi-aggressive shoes and for my needs, I think there are options for significantly less than $190 that perform almost as well as this shoe does. So once I get the soles redone a few times, I'm not so sure that I'll be spending full price on these to keep them up. But who knows? Only time will tell.
I started climbing about three months ago and started off with Scarpa Helix, which I like a lot, but I quickly advanced in my technique and climbing level so I grabbed a pair of used, like-new, Miras. The Miras killed my feet and did not fit my foot well (think my foot is too narrow and it made the heel fit weird when I tightened the shoe). I returned the Miras even though I got them for 50% off and picked up a brand new pair of Katana Laces. The Miras and Helix were both 42.5 and I went down to a 41.5 in the Katanas and they feel amazing. They hurt a little the first few sessions but broke in very nicely. I can wear these for a 3-4 hour session without taking them off or loosening them. Though I haven't been climbing long (now a v3-5, 5.10-11 indoor), I find that ... MoreI started climbing about three months ago and started off with Scarpa Helix, which I like a lot, but I quickly advanced in my technique and climbing level so I grabbed a pair of used, like-new, Miras. The Miras killed my feet and did not fit my foot well (think my foot is too narrow and it made the heel fit weird when I tightened the shoe). I returned the Miras even though I got them for 50% off and picked up a brand new pair of Katana Laces. The Miras and Helix were both 42.5 and I went down to a 41.5 in the Katanas and they feel amazing. They hurt a little the first few sessions but broke in very nicely. I can wear these for a 3-4 hour session without taking them off or loosening them. Though I haven't been climbing long (now a v3-5, 5.10-11 indoor), I find that these offer a lot of control with edging without being too aggressive. I think they are a great, versatile, all-around shoe. I wear them indoors and outdoor bouldering and also sport climbing and find that they always perform well. For me, it is all about the comfort and the fit - they fit my feet great, but maybe they won't fit yours. I have a size 10-10.5 street shoe size and an average width foot and went down to 41.5 EU for these.
Having gotten obsessively into gym climbing in June 2022, I started looking for a step up from my tarantulaces as I started comfortably being a v4 send / v5 project climber. I fully understand that people are crushing v10s in tarantulas but once mine blew out I decided I'd like to try a more technical, performance oriented shoe. If I didn't like it, I figured I could always get my tarantulas re-soled. So I scoured every corner of the internet to aggregate opinions on the best aggressive shoe for a still-relatively new climber.To make a long story short, after trying and returning both the Miura VS and Skwama's I thought I'd try one last time to find my cinderella slipper and get the Katana Laces. The Miura and Skwama's seems significantly more popular and talked ... MoreHaving gotten obsessively into gym climbing in June 2022, I started looking for a step up from my tarantulaces as I started comfortably being a v4 send / v5 project climber. I fully understand that people are crushing v10s in tarantulas but once mine blew out I decided I'd like to try a more technical, performance oriented shoe. If I didn't like it, I figured I could always get my tarantulas re-soled. So I scoured every corner of the internet to aggregate opinions on the best aggressive shoe for a still-relatively new climber.To make a long story short, after trying and returning both the Miura VS and Skwama's I thought I'd try one last time to find my cinderella slipper and get the Katana Laces. The Miura and Skwama's seems significantly more popular and talked about online, especially with regards to a good intermediate shoe, but in terms of what this means for someone like me the Katana's ended up being my saviors.There is still some serious aggression to these shoes, and the toe box is such an upgrade from the Tarantulaces that it's hard to describe. I've gone from nominally trusting my toes out of necessity to LOVING the puzzle of proper footwork. Especially on more aggressively overhung routes or slabbier problems with tortuous foot chips. I can't explain it- but if you're a newer climber like me you will be ecstatic the first time you feel the new sensitivity and control you have over the way your toe can pull a pocket now. These shoes were still uncomfortable for the first 2 weeks, but SIGNIFICANTLY less so compared to the Miuras and Skwamas. And now, after almost a month of climbing 3 times a week, they fit perfectly.SIZING: I'm a street shoe 42.5 and I got these in a 40.5. People suggest sizing down even more because of stretch, but I found even after the significant stretch-in period I still have no air pockets or extra room in the front. I suppose this could still change but for now I would say 2 sizes down from street shoe is perfect.
I am a solid intermediate climber and I've been in a pair of Evolv Defy shoes for a few years. I had been pretty convinced that if anything, my gear wasn't the thing holding me back. Turns out, I should've switched shoes a long time ago. This was a pretty dramatic upgrade for a bunch of reasons, but particularly in the shape; this is a much more aggressive shoe than I am used to, but i haven't had any trouble adapting.The toebox is a little tight for my wider-than-average forefoot, but feel like as they continue to break-in and this will improve a bit. This is also overshadowed by my newfound ability to edge, hook, grab and pull with my toe. I am WAY more confident, mostly because I can actually rely on the fact that the shoe is going to hold. I feel the same way ... MoreI am a solid intermediate climber and I've been in a pair of Evolv Defy shoes for a few years. I had been pretty convinced that if anything, my gear wasn't the thing holding me back. Turns out, I should've switched shoes a long time ago. This was a pretty dramatic upgrade for a bunch of reasons, but particularly in the shape; this is a much more aggressive shoe than I am used to, but i haven't had any trouble adapting.The toebox is a little tight for my wider-than-average forefoot, but feel like as they continue to break-in and this will improve a bit. This is also overshadowed by my newfound ability to edge, hook, grab and pull with my toe. I am WAY more confident, mostly because I can actually rely on the fact that the shoe is going to hold. I feel the same way about the heel. The heel fit is solid. No slipping whatsoever, the heel cup is really well built and feels like it is glued to my footIt's still pretty soggy around here, so I've only used these in the gym, but my indoor game is greatly improved and I can't wait to get them outside.
I recently received a pair of the 2022 Katana Laces as a gift, ergo source unknown. For years, the Katana Lace has been my "go to" for outside climbing, because of its outstanding edging, ability to toe into cracks and pockets and confidence-inspiring ability to friction-smear on less than vertical slabs. So I was excited to try on the supposedly improved 2022 version. Wow! This shoe has a very pronounced curve/downturn which you can feel under your entire foot from just in front of the heel all the way to your big toe. I immediately wished this curve will last the life of the shoe. In this new model, you can really feel the P3 curve under the ball of your foot and the curve of your toes. The heel really does feel tighter than the previous model. I can easily see ... MoreI recently received a pair of the 2022 Katana Laces as a gift, ergo source unknown. For years, the Katana Lace has been my "go to" for outside climbing, because of its outstanding edging, ability to toe into cracks and pockets and confidence-inspiring ability to friction-smear on less than vertical slabs. So I was excited to try on the supposedly improved 2022 version. Wow! This shoe has a very pronounced curve/downturn which you can feel under your entire foot from just in front of the heel all the way to your big toe. I immediately wished this curve will last the life of the shoe. In this new model, you can really feel the P3 curve under the ball of your foot and the curve of your toes. The heel really does feel tighter than the previous model. I can easily see talented climbers raving about that. Now, here's the caveat: La Sportiva has said they have changed the way the toe is constructed, to bring your toes closer right above the front edge and closer to the rock. Engineering-wise, this a great; BUT it makes to front of the shoe a little more roomy. Therefore, I advise you to seriously consider dropping down 1/2 size from the size of your previous Katana Lace, to account for this change and to take full advantage of the front-edge power now available in the 2022 version.
my girlfriend got me these for Christmas and transitioning to these from my Black Diamond Momentums was like night and day. They feel like pure quality and fit like a glove, the rubber is nice grippy but not too soft, and the toe is pleasantly comfortable but surgically precise. I'd like to help a few people with sizing because It's a bit tough to get right the first time - I am a 10.5 street shoe size, at first my gf got me size 43, they felt nice and comfy but we're a bit too roomy as they stretched out. Took them in for an exchange to 42.5 and they fit a bit more snug and felt closer to that ideal performance fit. These shoes stretch A LOT. While 42.5 feels good I feel a bit more flex in the toe than I'd like. I think for my next pair I will opt for a size 42 and ... Moremy girlfriend got me these for Christmas and transitioning to these from my Black Diamond Momentums was like night and day. They feel like pure quality and fit like a glove, the rubber is nice grippy but not too soft, and the toe is pleasantly comfortable but surgically precise. I'd like to help a few people with sizing because It's a bit tough to get right the first time - I am a 10.5 street shoe size, at first my gf got me size 43, they felt nice and comfy but we're a bit too roomy as they stretched out. Took them in for an exchange to 42.5 and they fit a bit more snug and felt closer to that ideal performance fit. These shoes stretch A LOT. While 42.5 feels good I feel a bit more flex in the toe than I'd like. I think for my next pair I will opt for a size 42 and see if I can tolerate it. Having a toe with minimal flex is so important when it comes to taking on the harder more edgy routes.All in all, this is a wonderful upgrade and the lacing system is quite impressive as well. Give them a try and you won't be disappointed!
| Closing System | Velcro |
| Climbing Shoe Use | Boulder, Crag, Gym, Multipitch |
| Climbing Shoe Sole Type | Full Sole |
| Shoe Downturn | Intermediate |
| Climbing Shoe Upper Material | Suede + Microfiber |
