Description
Performance without the pain.
- Slingshot rand maintains lateral support without making this shoe too stiff
- Powerhinge technology combines with the slingshot rand to make sure that, when you're weighted on an edge, the back half of the shoe stretches while the toes stay in place for grip
- Vibram XS Edge keeps you stuck to the tinniest holds, won't creep when you're smearing, and is resistant to deformation on super-sharp edges
- Pacific lining in the forefoot adds toe-knuckle comfort while Dentex in the back helps wick moisture
- 1.1mm LaspoFlex at the forefoot uses a super-lightweight, super-thin synthetic laminate for torsional rigidity
- Hook-and-loop closure for quick and easy on and off
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
La Sportiva Katana Vibram XS Edge Climbing Shoe
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La Sportiva Katana Vibram XS Edge Shoe
Backcountry Video
Member since
Best ever.!
luis farias
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I have been wearing this pair for around 3 month and are still in great condition, I use them 4 days a week and there still hanging in strong. Very comfortable I could walk up a mountain in katana's
Great Shoe, Some key flaws.
ddemasi603162
Member since
I've gone through 3 pairs of these shoes. I primarily climb single and multi-pitch trad routes on granite and limestone in the alps and in Utah.
It's a great design that offers great control and edging power... when they're new.
The durability is a key issue. For one thing, after two pitches in Indian Creek wide cracks, the metal buckles were worn through from foot jamming. Leaving me with one strap. This happened to two separate pairs after only 1-2 pitches. Obviously the buckle is not in the optimal spot.
I also wore through the toes in about 20 days of climbing. Which is pretty weak if you consider these shoes are are upwards of 150 bucks.
I like the italian quality, and I keep going back because I love the fit (great for longer routes as well as steeper/technical sport routes). But I'm going to have to consider another pair this time because I can't keep shelling out this cash every 3 months.
Awesome but not very durable
rlwing3
Member since
These shoes are awesome. Buy them small and you will have pinpoint edging. The only issue is the toes wore through after only 3 months.
In a word? Awesome.
jcc2911822
Member since
Got a pair of these as my second pair of rock shoes... and I LOVE them. The smallest footholds feel like massive ledges, allowing me to comfortably put my entire weight on them. I have seen a massive improvement in my climbing since I've gotten these.
The only thing that bugs me about them is the velcro straps are a bit long (especially given my small foot volume), but they never really get hung up on anything, even when I'm matching my feet, so it's really only a slight annoyance.
That said, the circular velcro sections that the straps adhere to are super nice, allowing me to apply the tension of the strap exactly where I want it for the best fit.
As with any climbing shoe, I would highly recommend trying on a bunch of different sizes of the same model before pulling the trigger, especially with these given they aren't the cheapest kicks.
I wear a 9 to 9 1/2 in regular shoes. ...
unk4231551
Member since
I wear a 9 to 9 1/2 in regular shoes. What size would you recommend for sport climbing?
TWAL
Member since
You should size them at least one size (or more) below your street shoe size.They will stretch to fit to some degree.Size 40,40.5 or 41 but honestly you should try them on before buying because the fit of a climbing shoe is a personal preference.
Rob
Member since
I wear the same size as you, and I wear a size 37
Good shoe
Anders
Member since
This is my first pair of Katana's, and I'm very pleased with their preformance. So far they have only been on my feet indoors, and they work both on the wall and when bouldering.
I have them in a size 41½ (european) and I usually wear a size 43-43½.
Good shoe, no complaints.
Is this the same shoe as the Katana before...
paulba
Member since
Is this the same shoe as the Katana before it was a lace-up?
Mitch
Member since
Yes, this IS the Katana. The Katana had been around for quite a bit longer before the Katana Lace.
paulba
Member since
Rad -- thanks. This shoe rocks, just ordered another pair.
when will smaller sizes be in stock?
jam3736655
Member since
when will smaller sizes be in stock?
Gone Fishing
Member since
Jam, jump on the "Chat Now" function and talk to a gearhead about inventory questions. They rarely get answered quickly in the question sections.
LIKE A NINJA!
Brock Fisher
Member since
Just purchased these to try something other than the MIURA VS' (shits and giggles)
I wear a mens size 10.5 and was able to cram into a mens 7.5 and as much as it is not pleasant these shoes make dime size foot holds feel like no big deal. I haven't had them for a long time and once I break them in fully and destroy them after a few months i will definitely rewrite my review but for now all I can say is.. EDGING POWER!!
Also if your into having one of the uglier shoes in the gym or while outdoors this shoe will definitely facilitate that dream for you. I am not too ecstatic about the Japanese character on the heal but I guess when italians use the name "katana" i guess they feel they should probably stereotype as much as possible...
Mark Raison showing his ninja skills
Brock Fisher
Member since
Squamish bouldering in the KATANA
Received my climbing shoes and they had mold on the heel must have been sitting in storage for a long time
gavin
Member since
Good rockclimbing shoe however backcountry need to double check their stock before shipping
Especially is the stock has been sitting for a period of time
Mold on heal of shoes ... Not good
Other than that both other products were good
Sharp Katana!
Jake Brow
Member since
A very lightweight, sticky, breathable, comfortable shoe. You can't go wrong with these. Agressive enough for overhangs, yet delicate enough for tiny chips. A great shoe. One note, and this may be just me but the heel cup isn't the greatest..
Katanas. Yes.
Cheri
Member since
I purchased these shoes about a month and a half ago. And, I love them! I can really trust my feet on even tiny chips, and smear confidently, too. They have stretched out a bit, but still need to be taken off after each climb. I got them a size and a half smaller than my normal size. I would get them again, especially if I had some sort of discount! Also, I would maybe consider going a full 2 sizes down. Overall, great shoe.
Super Great Allround Climbing Shoe
pipo
Member since
This is a really good allround climbing shoe. I'm on my second pair now and I'm hooked.
The shoe is agressive enough for bouldering, but still comfortable enough for sport routes. I sized down 2 full european sizes to make them tight enough for bouldering and steep sport climbing. But I guess they could be fine also for multi pitch climbing if sized correct (sized up).
They stretch to size your feet, but not a whole lot in my opinion. Just enough to make a perfect fit.
I have slim, low volume feet and these fit pretty well.
I use these shoes next to my sportiva mythos for comfortable multi pitch climbing.
Pipo
Member since
@hunter
That's an option also. I prefer the katana for it's fit, and sizing down two european sizes from my normal shoe size is not unusual for me (and many climbers I know of). It depends on personal preference, I guess. My preference is the Katana..
Ed
Member since
Miura has thicker rubber than Katanas. If you like your shoes to be sensitive Katana would be your go to shoe. Cobras are also a great shoe for bouldering b.t.w.
alpine rocking with the la sportiva katana vibram xs
renan ozturk
Member since
still my top pic for alpine rock climbing! here with timmy oniel on D1 on the the diamond, RMNP
still my #1 pick for alpine rock
renan ozturk
Member since
the lo profile toe, easy on and off and new sticky rubber keep me coming back to this shoe for alpine climbing...size them with sock and enjoy the perfect mix of edging and toe jamming without ever having to take them off for an entire day of climbing!

Hunter Lea
Member since