The new La Sportiva Otaki womans is a climbing shoe aimed primarily at boulderers and sport climbers with an emphasis on power through the toes and stability at the heel. While similar to a slipper in shape and with an equally snug fit, the Otaki also forces the foot forward in the shoe by the use of two Velcro straps as closure. This feature helps the climber to more easily put power through the toe of the shoe when bearing down on small holds. The most innovative part of the Otaki is found at the back of the shoe where La Sportiva's new S-heel system has been employed. This novel feature uses a very firm rubber on the inside edge of the heel which resists being deformed under torsion meaning that the Otaki Womans is ideal for heel hooking.