LA SPORTIVA Tarantulace Unisex Climbing Shoes

TLDR: Watch videos, do research, expect them to stretch/break in, and go buy them in person from experts. I started my shoe hunt like most 20-somethings these days, googling. What's the best brand, best model, best value...blah blah. Based off of reviews from popular websites and climbing vlogs, I discovered that the tarantulas and tarantulaces were some of the best for beginners. I also chose them because from what I could tell, they were at least a little down-turned which would be useful as I progress and become an intermediate climber. For reference, I bought these shoes when I was climbing only V0 boulders and 5.4, 5.5 top rope routes. I honestly recommend going to a store to get your shoes because my biggest issue was getting the size correct. For one, I barely knew what I was supposed to be looking for in terms of fit, and had to figure it out by research and tweeting people. Even then, because the half sizes are so close together, I had trouble determining what was ideal. That being said, (after ordering 6 pairs) I found the right fit. I have very typical, average feet. Not too wide but also not so narrow. My street shoe is usually about 8.5. The shoe I ended up keeping was the 39.5. These fit me REALLY snugly at first. I mean...seriously. It was definitely uncomfortable. But this is how they should fit at first. I knew that in time, they would break in and stretch out, and after about 4 sessions, they fit really nicely. I was looking for a size that would make my toes curl down a little. Both these and the 40s did that. Many reviewers noted that their shoes stretched out over time so I was a little wary of the 40s even though they were more comfortable. In the end, I'm really glad I chose the tighter fit because they did break in. Also, I tried the 39s but they were WAY too small. It's important to realize that many of the people reviewing this shoe are beginners (me too) and kinda just don't know much of what they're talking about. They talk about how comfortable the shoes are and how they have no problem standing and belaying in them. This is bad. You don't want to be standing in these shoes people. You want to climb. You need your whole foot to come together in one piece with the shoe, with your toes snugly forming the most powerful point in which you can stand on. They should be nice and snug, but not crushingly small. They're a great first pair for me and I'm sure you'll enjoy them too!

Quedo perfecto fueron un regalo y les encantaron seguro vuelvo a comprar Se amoldan super bien al pie

Thanks!

New to climbing and this is my first pair of shoes (tried several rentals before). Incredibly comfortable the minute you put them on. Shapes very well to the type of foot you have. Excellent for wide feet. Laces make this shoe incredibly adjustable. Very comfortable shoe. Definitely must get 1 to 1.5 size smaller than your regular athletic shoe.

So far I've used these in the gym both top roping and bouldering and haven't had any issues with discomfort or performance. I typically wear an 11.5 for street shoes and 10.5 for most boots, so I split the difference an ordered a 44.5 (11). They did feel a bit tight initially, but are stretching out the more I climb (without socks btw) and are pretty comfortable as far as climbing shoes go.