Bomber shoe!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Where do I start? I usually wear a size 12 street shoe and a 11-11.5 climbing shoe. I ordered these in 10.5 and they fit like a glove! Surprisingly they are pretty comfortable despite going a size and a half down. Also I have a morton's toe and I usually have problems with climbing shoes to the point where I dont mind my toes bleeding anymore. These things fit amazingly well and are super comfortable! You can really crank down on some super small feet!

David A.

A+ shoe

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Context: I'm an intermediate / pushing advanced climber, and I got the Tarifas as my first pair of more aggressive shoes. I mostly climbed indoors with them, save for one outdoor trip. Performance: Killer. Incredibly grippy and precise. Great for bouldering, great for edging, comfortable for long sessions / long routes. Lifesavers on technical slab climbs with nonexistent footholds. I sought out this shoe specifically because I needed one shoe to do everything—these ones fit the bill. (Except maybe cracks, but I wouldn't know.) Quick-lacing system is a really good balance between speed / efficiency and precision. A couple of tugs and you're in—I didn't find taking them on and off repeatedly at the gym to be particularly annoying. Fit: I wear a 9.5 street size on average, and I made the mistake of getting these in a 9. Should've sized down to the 8.5. Tenaya recommends sizing down 1 full size from street, and I think that's the correct recommendation. They will stretch ~1/4 size. Beyond that, though—HOLY CRAP are these things comfortable, without sacrificing performance. The sock liner is a revelation (a smelly one, but so be it). The heel was a little roomy on me, but I didn't find it hindered my performance much, even when heel hooking on overhanging / horizontal boulder problems. Lifespan: these are not the most durable shoes. All that sensitivity and grip comes at a price. I blew through the toe in about three months, but that's as much my fault (imprecise footwork, inaccurate smearing) as the shoes'. Newer climbers (like me!) probably won't get a ton of life out of these. Pay close attention to the condition of the rubber so that you can resole if you want to, before it's too late. Also, the downturn will flatten out considerably after a bit of use, but I didn't find that to be particularly problematic. If you want to preserve it for longer, don't walk around in them at the gym. Overall: I'll probably be getting another pair of these soon. I love them very much. Highly recommended!

Ryan G.

Be skeptical of the Hype

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I normally never write reviews but for this shoe I felt it needed one, maybe more honest than most. I was very hyped-up to get this shoe and it seems to have endless glowing reviews, however; I was overall a bit dissatisfied with the performance. Right away the shoes are very comfortable and that was super pleasing, the rubber is good and overall it preformed well... for a time. I may not be the best with footwork, but pretty much a month into owning these shoes, they started to deteriorate. I climb both outdoors and indoor frequently and I primarily use only one shoe because that’s normally all I can afford. The down turned last of the shoe pretty much immediately faded which was disappointing and the rubber at the toe has been separating from the upper pretty dramatically for what I would consider not much climbing. They are extremely soft shoes from what I am used to (aka the scarpa instinct vs and vapor) and maybe I just have weak feet, but these do not edge as well as I was lead to believe. Overall, if you are like me and can’t really afford more than one pair of shoes at a time and expect them to last longer than 3 months do not get these shoes. I was hoping for a year out of them but I know that will not happen. These shoes had my hopes up very high for a long time and I was pretty let down once I finally began climbing in them. Not to say they didn’t preform well for a time, but that time was very very limited and now I’m on the market again for another shoe with no money...

Christopher Weaver

Best of all face climbing worlds

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Just got a pair in (2 sizes below street) and very impressed. Overall, similar performance to an Anasazi VCS but better built, better edging and the speed lacing system is the best of all worlds. I have wide feet (EE on my right) and the fit is still excellent providing the additional support needed for small edges. BUT, definitely NOT a crack climbing fit. I was looking for a "Katama" basically a lace version of the Skwama with stickier rubber (Vibram Grip rather than Edge) for granite face climbing. La Sportiva doesn't make that shoe and I am very glad that Tenaya does. West Coast climbers rejoice. Need a wider version though. Update: very good on granite slab (edging and knobs) but would only go 1.5 sizes below street for more friction routes to allow your foot to lay more flat when you need to smear. Utterly miserable for a wide foot in crack. But still very stoked on the shoe for face climbing.

John Tuttle

Perfect shoe.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

My foot measures 284 mm, which usually converts to a 11.5 - 12 US Mens. I wear a 10 in these. They run quite small. Nothing compares to them for their combination of technical excellence and comfort. Powerful on the smallest edges. I've gone through more pairs of these than I care to admit, but it's because there's really nothing that compares. I've got Anasazis, Testarosas, Shamans... all sitting on the shelf collecting dust.

Jorge J.

On my 3rd pair...

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I have extremely high arches so these are super comfy for me. They are my favorite all around shoe (outdoor/indoor), sport and bouldering. Really just an excellent shoe all around.

Wayne K.

My Dream Climbing Shoe

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I've gone through a number of different climbing shoes and have always struggled with finding a shoe that fit my narrow heel, the Tarifa is seriously my dream shoe. Out of the box it was a Cinderella, fairytale kind of fit. They heel-hook, toe-hook, and edge perfectly. Not to mention the rubber is insanely sticky--even on crazy polished limestone. The toe-box is comfortable, and the toe-hook rubber, though it looks minimal, is honestly the perfect amount and has held up to all my roof climbing shenanigans. I hope Tenaya never stops making this model. From the first day I used them, to some serious indoor and outdoor mileage, these shoes are the real deal. Because this has always been helpful for me: I wear an 8 1/2 (US women's) street shoe and bought size 6 1/2 (which is US men's sizing).

Analicia P.

Really enjoyed it

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

9.5

Height

6` 3"

Weight

195 lbs

This is a great shoe, through and through. High performance, yet comfortable. I managed to get a year and a half out of these on original rubber. Sport, bouldering, indoor, outdoor---even DWS. The smell got a little gnarly, but otherwise I was pretty happy. I decided to move on to a different shoe, but it was only because of the fit. The toe box was great for me, but the arch hit a little too far back and the heel was a bit wide.

Reid S.

Sure Does

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

42.5

Height

5` 8"

Weight

155 lbs

I've been using the Tenaya Ra as a gym kicker for about 8 months, and I've been pleased. Gotta resole them, and in the interim, I figured I'd purchase a complimentary shoe -- something a touch more sensitive and aggressive. A couple of things: 1) Don't be scared by the synthetic; size as you would normally. I rock a 42.5 RA, which is leather, and was borderline excruciating to break in. I'm talkin toes fully curled, barely able to edge fold over. Eventually, they opened up and I was happy. All good. So when I ordered the Tarifa, I knew full-well that I wanted this to be an aggressive fit; real tight. I figured, I had an aggressive fit in the Ra, and it took a while for it to sag out to comfortable all-day performance; synthetic shoes don't stretch, I'll stick with the 42.5. Wrong choice, ultimately. The upshot is, the thing is damn comfortable out of the box (like not-taking-shoes-off-to-belay comfortable). Pretty mindblowing. Perfomance is decent, just ultimately not the shoe experience I was anticipating. 2) I've got absurdly wide feet, collapsing arches, and more bone spurs than a washed-up D1 ski racer still cramming into his plug 140 Dobermans because he "folds through everything". Essentially, when it comes to rock shoes, I always have issues finding shoes that are wide enough, particularly around my insanely over-calcified scaphoid. Tenaya's are THE wide shoe. This business about narrow toe-boxes I'm seeing in the reviews seems catagorically false. BUT the heel is tighter than say a 5.10. Overall, I'm into it so far, and maybe as I get into summer outdoor cragging my feet will appreciate the extra space, but as of yet, I'd reccomend sizing down as you would with say a solution or instinct.

William E.

AMAZING! Made me a better climber

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Weight

200 lbs

Wore these shoes for 1 year inside and outside on well textured granite. These are my second pair and they've done cracks like nothing else. The 'sock' wrap around is the best. Soooo Comfy. The Vibram XS grip is a super soft super grippy rubber, but an absolute ego killer for my terrible footwork. For my first three months I was dragging my toes up the face and turning and twisiting like elvis on holds. My shoes started to show wear, and so I fixed my technique and my climbing went up a grade. Seriously I'll never give these up.

Casey Durette

Good shoes, minor issues

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

11

Height

6` 2"

Used these shoes for about 6 months of mostly gym climbing 2-3 days a week. I wear a street shoe size 12 and got these in 11. Fit worked well for me. Had a short break in period that caused some pain but then they stretched out to fit my foot great. An 11.5 would have probably worked out just as good with a bit more comfort without much sacrifice on preformance. My only issue with these shoes is the durability. I blew a hole on the bottom sole right under my big toe. Six months of use seemed a bit too early for that to happen for me. That's why I didn't rate 5 stars. Other note... These shoes do get very smelly so beware.

Phillip H.

Great shoe

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

12

Height

6` 1"

Weight

165 lbs

These shoes are fantastic - I've used them bouldering in the gym and outdoors on sport routes for about a month now and couldn't be happier about their overall performance. They're super technical, stick and edge really well and are the most comfy climbing shoe I've owned by miles and miles (mainly climbed in muiras, vipers and cobras in the past). That said, after only a month or so of regular wear, these things STINK. They are great shoes but I've never experienced this level of foot stank in all my years of climbing. Consider wearing socks.

Aaron M Braun

Great first buy.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

10

Height

5` 8"

Weight

123 lbs

After taking these a few times to the gym i have to say they are a great beginner shoe. I LOVE the lace up system. Its the best of both worlds. I remember using the gyms shoes and constantly messing with all the laces to get a good fit that isnt hurting my feet. With their lace up system its a few good pulls on each crossover, tie them up and youre good to go! I bought a size ten although i wear a size nine street shoe. They run a bit narrow so keep that in mind. I can wear them all day and experience no discomfort. The moderate curve and good edges help me with overhangs that i try to attempt and still work well on flat walls.

Dillon B.

So far, So good

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

41

Height

5` 9"

Weight

150 lbs

Coming from TC Pro's, I was hesitant on "leaving" La Sportiva. After a gym session in the Tarifa's I'm glad I chose these Tenaya's. They're actually very similar in comfort compared to the TC Pro's even though they're more "aggressive." They stick well, edge well, and I like the amount of flexibility they have. No too much, not too little. I normally wear 42 in La Sportiva and went to 41's with the Tenaya. Buy em!

Michael D.

Better Than TC Pros?

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

8.5

Height

5` 11"

Weight

185 lbs

For the past year, my go-to shoe has been La Sportiva's TC Pro. Those are comfortable enough to leave on for an entire climbing session, offer fantastic support, and have nearly unparalleled edging capabilities. However, the TC Pro is not necessarily the best bouldering shoe, and is on the lower end of the sensitivity spectrum. I've used the Tenaya Tarifa for the past two weeks, and only in the gym at this point. However, my impressions are extremely positive. As other reviewers have noted, the Tarifa is instantly comfortable, and there is very little break-in period. The liner is similar to that of La Sportiva's Solution, but with a longer tongue. This is a narrower shoe all around, though I only sized down one full size from my street size (8.5 versus 9.5). There is no one best thing about the Tarifa: it is a great shoe due to aggregate of its qualities. For instance, it has ultra-sticky rubber which is made even better by the Tarifa's sensitivity. It is excellent for edging, as well, as that sensitivity is balanced by good support. I find myself being extremely precise in these shoes, and often toe into holds rather than back step. Although the last is not necessarily aggressive, it is downturned just enough so I can "hook" onto jibs and edges. And, that same rubber, sensitivity, and precision allow me to smear and post much more assertively. One possible con is that the Tarifa's heel does not feel secure. I still have a bit of a pocket in my heel cup, which contradicts what some other reviewers have found. Overall, an excellent all-day shoe, great for roped climbing and moderate bouldering. I would not use this for severely overhung terrain, but then again, I'm not climbing V10s yet, either. Highly recommend this, and would recommend it over the TC Pro or the Solution if you had to select just one pair of shoes.

Joon S.

Great all round Shoe

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

11

Height

6` 2"

Weight

200 lbs

Hudson Mountain Area Cowell Arkansas 5.10A

Wes Kunkel

Tenaya for life!

Fit:

Runs large

This is my first Tenaya shoe, and MAN! These shoes are amazing!!!! Tenaya is somehow the only brand out there that is able to make downturned shoes that perform well, and are still comfortable. All other aggressive shoes I have tried just kill my feet, as I used to think was the norm. Tenaya's site talks about how they really look into how the foot works to find ways to make performance shoes comfortable, and man they really figured it out. These shoes have the perfect balance of support and sensitivity, erring a little more on the sensitive side, which I love. The rubber sticks to the wall like glue right out of the box. I never have to take them off at the gym, or get any soreness at all. It blows my mind how other shoes even sell when these exist! I am a full Tenaya convert for life now. I will never cramp my toes into another death trap again! I can climb tough overhanging problems all day with my feet smiling back at me! The will post back about the longevity after a few months hitting the gym. UPDATE: I still love these shoes. The have lasted very well. There are no compromises with these. Great product!

Marc

A splendid boot

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

8

Height

5` 7"

Weight

145 lbs

Coming from a La Sportiva size 8 US I also wear this in size 8. Fits quite snug but breaks in well. Not a boot you'll wear all day, but it makes up for it with supreme stickiness on walls, fine alility and good ability to hook. This boot took my mt climbing from rehearsals to sending things at a much quicker pace. This boot is of high quality thus far and highly recommended.

Dylan C.

My go-to face and pocket shoe

In climbing, your shoes are pretty much the single most important thing when it comes to performance. And these shoes are the top of the line, especially for face and pocket climbing. The fit and comfort on these is unbelievable when it comes to the superb performance. Be careful, once you start climbing in these shoes, you'll never want to climb in anything else ever again! I love the lace system on these. I can adjust them to my foot perfect, then put them on faster than I could a pair of velcros.

Dan Brayack

Versatile and comfortable

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

Runs large

I?ve worn these shoes on friction slab, overhanging rock, roofs, and dime-edge, vertical faces. These shoes performed fantastic every single time. The speed laces combine the best of both worlds ? on and off like a velcro, but the precise fit like that of a lace-up. I'm kind of a gear junkie and often bring multiple pairs of shoes to the crag...but lately I've only been packing the Tarifa, b/c they are so good at everything!

Erica L.

Does the size refer to the US men or women's size? I'm confused, I need a UK size 4 for woman

Olivia Hung

How long they are supposed to last if you just climb on weekends?

Shehryar Khattak

I wear US M 8 for the Oasi, and US M 8.5 for the Ra. Does anyone have a recommendation for what size would suit me in the Tarifas? Same as the Oasi?

rohanbk

I typically wear an 8-8 1/2 street shoe and have only worn Scarpa for climbing. I could barely get my feet into 41.5's and even then it was agonizing for any longer than 5-10 minutes so I climb in 42's (Scarpa Force X; which have since stretched out a fair bit and are too roomy after climbing in them for 4-5 months). Would it be best to go with 8's or 8.5's in this case?

Brendon I.

Hey another sizing question. I recently got back into climbing at the gym, I will be buying my first pair of shoes. I wear a size 9 street shoe. A size 10 for 5.10s VCS Anasazi fits me comfortably when I tried them on in the store. Would it be advisable to purchase a 10 in these? Im looking for something I can wear at the gym all day and not cramp if possible.

Dillon B.

I wear a size 40 1/2 EUR in the la sportiva solutions (around 8 1/2 US street). what would be a good fit for me?

Harry Ainsworth

I wear a size 7 in a street shoe what would be a good size for me in these??

anthony

I wear US 9 in team 5.10, or size 8.5 in Nike. What should should I get for this shoe?

Andy Wong