La Sportiva Finale Vs Tarantula
Comparison of the La Sportiva Finale and The Tarantula
La Sportiva has traditionally been a leader in the world of climbing shoes, catering to a wide range of preferences and styles. Their latest offerings, the La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula have been widely praised for their quality and performance. But which of these two shoes is the better choice? To help climbers make an informed decision, we’ve compared key features of these two models in the sections below.
| Feature | Finale | Tarantula |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Tight, precise | Relaxed, comfortable |
| Type of Climbing | Sport, bouldering, edging | Gym, multi-pitch |
| Sole Stiffness | Medium | Soft |
| Shape | Flat | Downturned |
| Closure System | Laces | Laces |
| Materials | Suede, leather, synthetic | Suede, canvas, synthetic |
| Price | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Toe Box Shape | Pointed | Wider |
| Heel Cup | Narrow, precise | Wider, more forgiving |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight |
| Level of Ventilation | Good | Good |
Fit
The La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula offer two very different fits. The Finale is designed with a tight, precise fit. The lacing system of the Finale places the laces close to the toe and wraps around the foot for a secure, snug fit. This makes the Finale ideal for climbers who want a snug fit and maximum precision.
In contrast, the Tarantula has a much more relaxed fit. It’s designed with a wider toe box and a more forgiving fit, making it a great shoe for beginners and those who prefer a more comfortable fit. The lacing system of the Tarantula is also looser, allowing for greater adjustability.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula are designed for different types of climbing. The Finale is designed primarily for sport climbing, bouldering, and edging on small edges. Its snug fit, flat profile, and sticky sole make it an ideal shoe for technical, precise climbing.
The Tarantula is designed more for gym climbing and all-day multi-pitch climbing. Its relaxed fit and comfortable sole make it great for long sessions in the gym, and its sticky sole and midsole stiffness make it a great choice for multi-pitch climbs on rough terrain.
Sole Stiffness
The sole stiffness of the La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula is one of their key differences. The Finale has a medium sole stiffness which is ideal for edging and precision climbing, while the Tarantula has a soft sole stiffness which is better for smearing and comfort.
The sole of the Finale is also much thinner than that of the Tarantula, making it more sensitive to small holds and edges. The sole of the Tarantula, however, is thicker and more durable, making it better suited for long multi-pitch climbs.
Shape
The shape of the La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula is another key difference. The Finale has a flat profile, making it ideal for edging on small holds. The Tarantula, on the other hand, has a slightly downturned shape which is better suited for smearing and aggressive climbing.
Closure System
Both the La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula have a lacing system, but they differ slightly. The Finale has a traditional lacing system which wraps around the foot for a secure, snug fit. The lacing system of the Tarantula is slightly looser, allowing for greater adjustability.
Materials
The La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula are both made from high-quality materials. The Finale is made from a combination of suede, leather, and synthetic materials, while the Tarantula is made from a combination of suede, canvas, and synthetic materials. Both shoes are durable and built to last.
Price
The La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula both have a mid-range price tag, making them accessible to a wide range of climbers. The Finale is slightly more expensive than the Tarantula, but both are good value for money.Personal Preference
The La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula both offer excellent performance and quality, but the choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Finale is better suited for climbers who prefer a snug, precise fit and technical climbing, while the Tarantula is better for those who prefer a more relaxed, comfortable fit and all-day multi-pitch climbing.
Toe Box Shape
The toe box shape of the La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula is another key difference. The Finale has a pointed toe box shape, making it ideal for edging on small holds. The Tarantula, on the other hand, has a slightly wider toe box shape which is better suited for smearing and all-day comfort.
Heel Cup
The heel cup of the La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula is also different. The Finale has a narrow, precise heel cup which wraps snugly around the foot for maximum grip. The Tarantula has a wider, more forgiving heel cup which allows for greater adjustability and comfort.
Weight
The La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula both have a lightweight design. The Finale is slightly lighter than the Tarantula, but both are comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Level of Ventilation
The La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula both offer good ventilation. The Finale has a mesh upper which allows air to flow through, while the Tarantula has a canvas upper which is slightly more breathable.
In conclusion, it’s clear that the La Sportiva Finale and the Tarantula are both well-made, high-performance shoes. The choice between them ultimately comes down to personal preference and the type of climbing you plan on doing. For sport climbing, edging, and boulder, the Finale is the better choice. For gym climbing and multi-pitch climbing, the Tarantula is the better choice. No matter what style of climbing you prefer, La Sportiva has a shoe to match your needs.