La Sportiva Katana Lace Vibram XS Edge Climbing Shoe

User Reviews

• Tight but comfortable fit.
• Ideal for trad climbing.
• Can handle thin cracks and edging.
• True to size for normal shoes, so size-down a half or full size when purchasing.
• Ability to resole after prolonged use.
• Works well in tiny edges.
• Stiffness and the P3 midsole platform allow for control and stability.
• Little bit of down turn allows you to stay hooked on steeper pitches.
• Laces ensure a tight fit.
• Extra padding protects the heel.

Expert Reviews

• Edges as well as competitors, and on a wider variety of surfaces and rock types.
• Design allows for efficiency on trad climbing and crack climbing.
• Tech fit and medium asymmetry allow for increased holding power.
• Provides adequate support, but also sensitive enough to receive feedback.
• Versatility of the shoe justifies the price.
• P3 maintains shape throughout the lifespan of the shoe.
• Vibram XS Edge rubber is designed to be great at edging.
• Rubber works very well at smearing.
• Flexible enough to provide some torque, but stiff enough to protect your feet.

User Reviews

• Lack of rubber doesn’t allow for confident toe-hooks.
• Not ideal for sustained crack climbing.
• More expensive than other similar shoes.
• Stitching in the heel could become uncomfortable while breaking in the shoe.
• Rubber can wear out quickly.
• May need a less-structured shoe for bouldering specifically.
• Does not hook as well as an aggressive shoe.

Expert Reviews

• Won’t be able to jam your toes into pockets as efficiently as you could with an aggressive bouldering shoe.
• Low-volume heel prevents the heel from slipping out.
• Heel could be a little more sensitive in regards to feedback.
• Not designed for toe-hooking.