Hands down....Best shoes!!!

By Passion for climbing Ranked #398 - Rock Climbing Shoes May 18, 2010

I've been climbing practically everyday..indoors and outdoors (between 5.10-5.12). So I tend wear out my shoes pretty fast. I got my first katana based on the recommendations from my climbing friends. At first I tried them on, I wasn't so sure I was sold on these shoes. I wear 8.5 street shoes and I order 7.5 (38.5). I have narrow feet. The toes fit great. However, the heels were alittle roomy. So i know the shoes were alittle bigger for me. I decided to keep using them and see how they turn out. After 2 weeks of breaking them in, they definitely molded to my feet and fit great! However, I know I can definitely go smaller (size 38). Performance wise, I can stand on the littlest chip of rock and maintain balance. I love to heel hook, and it definitely did its job of not letting me slip. These shoes are very durable and will not fall apart on you as fast. I have a couple of holes in the toes. However, the stitch work of the shoes is amazing b/c I can still climb in them and they have yet to fall apart. The shoes are pretty aggressive, but not too aggressive. So they are great for sport climbing and bouldering.

This is NOT the best shoes for beginners.

You need to get this shoes in a way smaller size than you think u need (about 1-1/2 size smaller). They can be a bit painful, however, they do stretch out a bit and form to your feet the more you use them. As long as you can stand in them and walk in them for 10 min, the size is perfect.

They are pretty expensive. I did buy other climbing shoes that are not as expensive (like evolv hera). However, I always ended up going back to katanas.

When it come down to it, the best and expensive shoes do not make a climber great. I just wanted shoes that fits like a glove and would not fall apart on me in less than 6 months. Hope this helps =)

View Details: La Sportiva Katana Rock Vibram XS Grip2 Climbing Shoe - Women's

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes