La Sportiva Katana Lace Vs Tc Pro
La Sportiva Katana Lace Vs. TC Pro
When it comes to choosing a climbing shoe for advanced and expert climbers, two of the most popular models on the market are the La Sportiva Katana Lace and the TC Pro. Both shoes are designed to give the climber maximum comfort while providing exceptional performance on challenging routes. While they have many similarities, there are also a few key differences between them.
In this comparison review, we’ll take a look at the features of both shoes, so that you can make an educated decision when it comes to buying the right shoe for you.
Comparison Table
| Feature | La Sportiva Katana Lace | TC Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Aggressive and snug | Relaxed |
| Type of Climbing | Steep Sport Climbing, Technical Boulder Problems | Long Routes, Trad Climbing, Big Walls |
| Sole Stiffness | Medium-stiff | Soft and flexible |
| Shape | Asymmetric and downturned | Neutral and slightly downturned |
| Closure System | Lacing | Velcro |
| Materials | Leather/Vibram XS Edge | Leather/Synthetic/Vibram XS Edge |
| Price | Slightly more expensive | Similar |
Fit
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has a more aggressive and snug fit, designed for precise and technical climbing. It has a slimmer profile, and the P3 midsole offers excellent edging power. The heel cup and lacing system are also designed to lock your foot in place, allowing for a more precise and powerful fit. The TC Pro, on the other hand, has a more relaxed fit. It has a wider toe box and sloped down heel cup, making it more suitable for long, multi-pitch routes.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Katana Lace is best suited for steep sport climbing and technical boulder problems. Its low profile and stiff sole make it ideal for sticking to small edges and smearing on vertical terrain. The TC Pro is a great all-purpose shoe, but it really shines on long routes, trad climbing, and big walls. Its wider profile, sticky rubber sole, and comfortable fit make it the perfect choice for long days on the wall.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has a medium-stiff sole with great edging power. The 3D Hybrid insole gives the shoe more support and stiffness, making it ideal for technical moves on small edges. The TC Pro has a softer and more flexible sole, making it more comfortable for long days of climbing. It also has a more forgiving heel, allowing for better edging on slab routes.
Shape
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has a slightly asymmetric and downturned shape, designed for precision on steep terrain. The TC Pro has a more neutral and slightly downturned shape, designed for comfort and stability on long routes.
Closure System
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has a lacing closure system, allowing you to customize the fit of the shoe to suit your individual needs. The TC Pro has a Velcro closure system, making it easier to get the shoes on and off.
Materials
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has an upper made of leather and a Vibram XS Edge rubber sole. The TC Pro has an upper made of a combination of leather and synthetic materials, and a Vibram XS Edge rubber sole.
Price
The La Sportiva Katana Lace and the TC Pro have similar prices, with the former usually being slightly more expensive.Personal Preference
Ultimately, the choice between the La Sportiva Katana Lace and the TC Pro comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a more aggressive and precise fit, the Katana Lace is the right choice for you. However, if you’re looking for a more comfortable shoe and don’t mind sacrificing some edging power, the TC Pro is the better choice.
Toe Box Shape
The toe box shape of the La Sportiva Katana Lace is slightly pointed and tapered, allowing for better control on small edges. The TC Pro has a wider toe box, making it more suitable for long routes and crack climbing.
Heel Cup
The heel cup of the La Sportiva Katana Lace is designed to lock your foot in place, allowing for a more precise and powerful fit. The heel cup of the TC Pro is slightly sloped, designed for more comfort and stability on long routes.
Weight
The La Sportiva Katana Lace is slightly lighter than the TC Pro, making it easier to climb with.
Level of Ventilation
Both the La Sportiva Katana Lace and the TC Pro have excellent levels of ventilation, making them great shoes for warmer days.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right climbing shoe for you, it’s important to consider all the factors outlined in this comparison review. The La Sportiva Katana Lace and the TC Pro both offer excellent performance for advanced and expert climbers, but the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a more aggressive and precise fit, then the Katana Lace is the right choice. However, if you need a more comfortable shoe, then the TC Pro is the better option.