Climbing shoes designed to deliver comfort and protection for long days on the wall. Supportive padding and breathable leather help keep feet comfortable and confident while leading or cracking. Are the La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes the right choice for climbers who prioritise breathability and ankle protection?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Wearing Comfort: Ventilated, well-padded tongue combined with perforated leather upper for reduced hotspots
- • Best for: Climbers tackling vertical skirting, crack routes and long multi-pitch days
- • Not ideal for: Those who need ultra-stiff, high-precision edging for steep sport climbing
Supportive design targets vertical skirting and crack climbing with extra padding. Breathable construction aims to keep feet cooler during extended sessions.
All-day comfort - thanks to a ventilated, well-padded tongue
A ventilated tongue with added padding increases airflow across the instep while cushioning pressure points during long climbs. Perforations channel air through the upper to reduce sweat build-up.
Reduced hotspots and greater overall comfort make long routes less fatiguing. Climbers can expect fewer distractions from discomfort on multi-pitch or trad days.
Ankle protection for cracks - with padded ankle construction
Padded ankle areas add a soft barrier where feet contact rock during jamming, absorbing abrasion and impact in wider cracks. Targeted padding preserves mobility while offering protection.
Better protection reduces soreness after repeated jamming and improves confidence when committing to crack moves. Ankle padding helps prevent rubbing and skin damage on trad routes.
Breathable upper for long sessions - thanks to perforated leather
A perforated leather upper increases airflow through the shoe, helping evaporate moisture and maintain a cooler internal environment. Leather retains form while the perforations aid ventilation.
Improved breathability keeps feet fresher over the course of a day on the wall. Climbers working long sessions benefit from less sweat-related slippage and discomfort.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoes
- Perforated leather upper - Improves airflow so feet stay cooler during long climbs
- Well-padded tongue - Reduces pressure on the instep for sustained comfort
- Padded ankle support - Protects against abrasion when jamming in wider cracks
- Designed for vertical skirting - Offers route-specific support for trad and multi-pitch routes
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Shoes
- Intended use: Vertical skirting, crack climbing, all-day support
- Upper material: Perforated leather upper
- Tongue: Ventilated, well-padded tongue
- Ankle protection: Padded ankles for greater protection in wider cracks
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these shoes suitable for crack climbing?
A: Yes, designed specifically for vertical skirting and crack climbing with padding aimed at protection during jamming.
Q: Do the shoes breathe well for long sessions?
A: Yes, a perforated leather upper and ventilated, well-padded tongue increase airflow to help manage heat and moisture.
Q: Do they protect the ankles in wider cracks?
A: Yes, padded ankles provide greater protection in wider cracks, reducing abrasion and discomfort.
🏆 Our Verdict
The Tarantula is well suited to trad climbers and anyone spending long days on vertical routes who need breathing, padded protection. Perforated leather combined with ventilated tongue and ankle padding delivers a balance of comfort and protection unique to crack-focused climbing. Solid construction and targeted padding promise reliable performance over multiple seasons.
