La Sportiva Tarantula Vs Tarantulace
La Sportiva Tarantula Vs Tarantulace: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to choosing a climbing shoe, there are a lot of options on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for your needs. La Sportiva is one of the most well-known and respected brands in the climbing and outdoor industry, and their shoes are some of the most popular and highest quality. In this article, we’ll compare two popular La Sportiva models, the Tarantula and the Tarantulace, to help you decide which one is best for you.
Fit
The Tarantula and Tarantulace both have a snug fit, but the fit of the Tarantulace is slightly slimmer and more precise than that of the Tarantula. The Tarantula is designed to fit a variety of foot shapes and sizes, whereas the Tarantulace is designed to fit very snugly and is best suited for narrow feet. The Tarantula is also slightly more padded than the Tarantulace, making it more comfortable for those who prefer a bit of extra cushioning.
The Tarantulace is made with a slightly softer material than the Tarantula, which makes it more comfortable for those with sensitive feet. Additionally, the arch of the Tarantulace is slightly higher than that of the Tarantula, which may be more comfortable for some climbers.
The lacing system on the Tarantula is also slightly different from that of the Tarantulace. The Tarantula has a single velcro closure, while the Tarantulace has dual velcro closures. This allows for a more precise fit and greater adjustability in the Tarantulace.
Type of Climbing
The Tarantula is a great choice for beginner climbers, as it has a flat sole and moderate stiffness. This makes it ideal for slab and face climbing, where precision is not as important. The Tarantula is also a great choice for gym climbing, as it has enough cushioning to provide comfort while still providing adequate support and grip.
The Tarantulace, on the other hand, is specifically designed for edging and overhanging climbs. The stiff sole and narrow profile make it ideal for edging and smearing, while still providing enough cushioning for comfort. Additionally, the dual velcro closure system allows for a more precise fit and greater adjustability for those looking for a snug fit.
Sole Stiffness
The sole of the Tarantula is moderately stiff, making it comfortable for all-day climbing without sacrificing performance. This makes it great for beginner climbers and gym climbers, as it provides enough support without being too stiff.
The sole of the Tarantulace is significantly stiffer than that of the Tarantula, making it ideal for edging and overhanging climbs. The stiffness of the sole provides greater precision and support on technical climbs, while still providing enough cushioning for long days of climbing.
Shape
The shape of the Tarantula is asymmetrical, with the toe box being slightly downturned. This provides a comfortable fit and greater precision when edging and smearing. The heel is slightly curved, which helps with heel-hooking and provides a comfortable fit.
The shape of the Tarantulace is also asymmetrical, but the toe box is more downturned than that of the Tarantula. This makes it ideal for edging and smearing, as the more aggressive shape provides more precision and support. The heel is slightly curved, providing a comfortable fit and allowing for greater precision when heel-hooking.
Closure System
The Tarantula has a single velcro closure system, allowing for a snug and secure fit. The closure system is designed to be adjustable and allows for a more precise fit.
The Tarantulace has a dual velcro closure system, allowing for a more precise and adjustable fit. The two velcro closures also make it easier to get the shoe on and off, as the upper part of the shoe can be opened quickly.
Materials
The Tarantula is constructed with a combination of leather and synthetic materials. The leather provides greater durability and breathability, while the synthetic materials provide greater flexibility and comfort.
The Tarantulace is constructed with a combination of leather and Lorica, a synthetic microfiber material. The Lorica provides breathability and flexibility, while the leather provides greater durability and support.
Price
The Tarantula and Tarantulace are both relatively affordable for the quality and performance they provide. Generally speaking, the Tarantula is slightly cheaper than the Tarantulace, but the price difference is relatively minimal.| Tarantula | Tarantulace | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $$ | $$ |
Personal Preference
When choosing between the Tarantula and the Tarantulace, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both shoes offer great performance and comfort, so the decision ultimately comes down to the type of climbing you plan to do and the fit you are looking for.
If you are a beginner climber who is looking for an all-around shoe that offers comfort and performance, then the Tarantula is a great choice. The moderate stiffness of the sole and comfortable fit make it ideal for all-day climbing, and it is also great for gym climbing and slab climbing.
If you are an advanced climber who is looking for a stiffer shoe with a precise fit, then the Tarantulace is a great choice. The stiffer sole and narrow fit make it ideal for overhanging and technical climbs, and the dual velcro closure system allows for a more precise fit and greater adjustability.
Toe Box Shape
The toe box of the Tarantula is slightly downturned, providing a comfortable fit and greater precision when edging and smearing. The toe box of the Tarantulace is more aggressively downturned than that of the Tarantula, making it ideal for overhanging and technical climbs.
Heel Cup
The heel of the Tarantula is slightly curved, providing a comfortable fit and allowing for greater precision when heel-hooking. The heel of the Tarantulace is also curved, but it is slightly more aggressive than that of the Tarantula, making it ideal for overhanging and technical climbs.
Weight
The Tarantula is slightly heavier than the Tarantulace, with the Tarantula weighing in at 8.6 ounces and the Tarantulace weighing in at 8.2 ounces. This difference in weight is relatively minimal, but it may be noticeable for those looking for a lighter shoe.
Level of Ventilation
The Tarantula and Tarantulace both have adequate ventilation, with the Tarantula having slightly more ventilation than the Tarantulace due to the leather upper. The Tarantulace is still well-ventilated, but the Lorica upper is slightly less breathable than the leather upper of the Tarantula.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the La Sportiva Tarantula and Tarantulace are both great choices for climbers looking for a high-performance shoe. The Tarantula is ideal for beginner climbers and those looking for an all-around shoe, while the Tarantulace is ideal for advanced climbers looking for a stiffer shoe with a precise fit. The price difference between the two models is relatively minimal, so the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.