Technical and aesthetic evolution of Katana Laces: a versatile, high performance shoe. The tongue is made of soft and breathable fabric, the lacing system, made of 100% recycled material, allows for optimal volume adjustment. The sole uses the super gripping Vibram XS Grip2 compound. The P3 system in the midsole allows Katana Laces to keep their shape and characteristics unchanged even after many hours of use. The women version in unisex colors, differs in the construction elements such as the half sole instead of the full sole and is designed for climbers with reduced weight thanks to softer materials and reduced thicknesses capable of flexing more easily, adapting to the roughness of the rock. Codename: versatility.
Technical and aesthetic evolution of Katana Laces: a versatile, high performance shoe. The tongue is made of soft and breathable fabric, the lacing system, made of 100% recycled material, allows for optimal volume adjustment. The sole uses the super gripping Vibram XS Grip2 compound. The P3 system in the midsole allows Katana Laces to keep their shape and characteristics unchanged even after many hours of use. The women version in unisex colors, differs in the construction elements such as the half sole instead of the full sole and is designed for climbers with reduced weight thanks to softer materials and reduced thicknesses capable of flexing more easily, adapting to the roughness of the rock. Codename: versatility.
La Sportiva Katana Laces Climbing Shoes White Black Women - 42
Technical and aesthetic evolution of Katana Laces: a versatile, high performance shoe. The tongue is made of soft and breathable fabric, the lacing system, made of 100% recycled material, allows for optimal volume adjustment. The sole uses the super gripping Vibram XS Grip2 compound. The P3 system in the midsole allows Katana Laces to keep their shape and characteristics unchanged even after many hours of use. The women version in unisex colors, differs in the construction elements such as the half sole instead of the full sole and is designed for climbers with reduced weight thanks to softer materials and reduced thicknesses capable of flexing more easily, adapting to the roughness of the rock. Codename: versatility.
Technical and aesthetic evolution of Katana Laces: a versatile, high performance shoe. The tongue is made of soft and breathable fabric, the lacing system, made of 100% recycled material, allows for optimal volume adjustment. The sole uses the super gripping Vibram XS Grip2 compound. The P3 system in the midsole allows Katana Laces to keep their shape and characteristics unchanged even after many hours of use. The women version in unisex colors, differs in the construction elements such as the half sole instead of the full sole and is designed for climbers with reduced weight thanks to softer materials and reduced thicknesses capable of flexing more easily, adapting to the roughness of the rock. Codename: versatility.
Last updated at 01/12/2026 03:59:51
originally posted on REI
I've had a really tough experience trying on various moderate shoes.Just putting them on is incredibly painful somewhere in almost every shoe. The Katana Lace is the only moderate shoe besides the Kubo that actually felt COMFORTABLE. I put my foot in and rejoiced. These have that snug feel but wow are they comfortable when you slide your foot in. There's some asymmetry and some downturn, but not so extreme that sitting there with the shoes on is like putting your foot into a vice. The tongue is squishy and cozy, the laces are long enough to give me a good grip to tighten as needed. I felt like I could leave the shoe a bit loose over the top of my foot, but keep it as snug as I wanted around the the ankle to get a good fit, and the laces stayed gripped where I needed ... MoreI've had a really tough experience trying on various moderate shoes.Just putting them on is incredibly painful somewhere in almost every shoe. The Katana Lace is the only moderate shoe besides the Kubo that actually felt COMFORTABLE. I put my foot in and rejoiced. These have that snug feel but wow are they comfortable when you slide your foot in. There's some asymmetry and some downturn, but not so extreme that sitting there with the shoes on is like putting your foot into a vice. The tongue is squishy and cozy, the laces are long enough to give me a good grip to tighten as needed. I felt like I could leave the shoe a bit loose over the top of my foot, but keep it as snug as I wanted around the the ankle to get a good fit, and the laces stayed gripped where I needed them and didn’t ease up. As my first lace up climbing shoe this was really nice and I find that perfect fit is really exciting compared to my Velcro Kubos (which I still love, I’m sorry Kubo). The heel rand was also supportive without digging into the back of my Achilles!The Katana Lace is a flexible shoe. There’s a break in the sole rubber that allows some bend in the foot near the arch. I personally like this slight flexibility during my indoor bouldering sessions but be aware of it if you’re looking for something more rigid. The “women's” are more flexible than the yellow “men's” version. If you like a flexible shoe, even slightly so, this might be your jam. For comparison, they aren't quite as flexible as my Kubos, which was also nice to explore. Some flex in the arch, but rigidity where it's needed.The heel hook on this was like glue. I wore my Kubos and the Katanas back to back for the same route involving a heel hook and when I wore the Katanas I felt incredibly stable, to the point I had to think real hard about pulling my heel! I was surprised with the level of grip I could get with less pressure. Edging is solid too. Getting on tiny toe chips… not a concern. The only thing I found this shoe didn't do real well with was smearing of course. I didn't expect that this would be the highlight of this shoe given the profile of it but it's worth mentioning. I could see a world where The Katana Lace and the Kubo are all I need. (dear La Sportiva, please never stop making these two shoes in my size).All around I really enjoy this shoe. It's made really well and feels like the perfect blend of comfort and function. I could wear this all day and still feel the advantages of the shoe.From a sizing perspective, obviously it's always best if you can try them on and get just the right fit, but sometimes that's not something you can do. I found that these were somewhere between 1/2 to a full size larger than the Kubo.I received free product in exchange for an honest review.
originally posted on REI
I'm a guy of average height/build and was looking for an all-rounder that would work both indoors/outdoors and bouldering/sport. My previous shoe was ultra soft (Scarpa Veloce) and the heel was too loose. The Katana Lace (W) solved the heel issue and is also a great compromise in stiffness and grip.Pros:- Excellent fit for smaller volume heels- Mild stretch (leather upper) for better fit- 3/5 Stiffness with XGrip2 Rubber- Excellent edging while retaining decent grip for slabCons:- Laced model is slower to put on and get off- Break-in period is longer than I'd like (~2 weeks).- Premium pricing
originally posted on REI
I mostly do indoor bouldering and occasional outdoor bouldering. This shoe is great but isn't made for that type of climbing.Uses:The edge is the biggest boon to the shoe and will do well on micro edge slabs or vert walls. You can use it for bouldering but there's more optimal softer shoes that boulder better.Sizing:I wear a street 42.5 (9 1/2 US M) and usually wear La Sportiva 41 in solutions and theory. These in 41 feel really comfy and could be worn for multiple boulders or long routes without any pain or issues. The heel fits slimmer heels and still had space for normal to wide toes.
I've had a really tough experience trying on various moderate shoes.Just putting them on is incredibly painful somewhere in almost every shoe. The Katana Lace is the only moderate shoe besides the Kubo that actually felt COMFORTABLE. I put my foot in and rejoiced. These have that snug feel but wow are they comfortable when you slide your foot in. There's some asymmetry and some downturn, but not so extreme that sitting there with the shoes on is like putting your foot into a vice. The tongue is squishy and cozy, the laces are long enough to give me a good grip to tighten as needed. I felt like I could leave the shoe a bit loose over the top of my foot, but keep it as snug as I wanted around the the ankle to get a good fit, and the laces stayed gripped where I needed ... MoreI've had a really tough experience trying on various moderate shoes.Just putting them on is incredibly painful somewhere in almost every shoe. The Katana Lace is the only moderate shoe besides the Kubo that actually felt COMFORTABLE. I put my foot in and rejoiced. These have that snug feel but wow are they comfortable when you slide your foot in. There's some asymmetry and some downturn, but not so extreme that sitting there with the shoes on is like putting your foot into a vice. The tongue is squishy and cozy, the laces are long enough to give me a good grip to tighten as needed. I felt like I could leave the shoe a bit loose over the top of my foot, but keep it as snug as I wanted around the the ankle to get a good fit, and the laces stayed gripped where I needed them and didn’t ease up. As my first lace up climbing shoe this was really nice and I find that perfect fit is really exciting compared to my Velcro Kubos (which I still love, I’m sorry Kubo). The heel rand was also supportive without digging into the back of my Achilles!The Katana Lace is a flexible shoe. There’s a break in the sole rubber that allows some bend in the foot near the arch. I personally like this slight flexibility during my indoor bouldering sessions but be aware of it if you’re looking for something more rigid. The “women's” are more flexible than the yellow “men's” version. If you like a flexible shoe, even slightly so, this might be your jam. For comparison, they aren't quite as flexible as my Kubos, which was also nice to explore. Some flex in the arch, but rigidity where it's needed.The heel hook on this was like glue. I wore my Kubos and the Katanas back to back for the same route involving a heel hook and when I wore the Katanas I felt incredibly stable, to the point I had to think real hard about pulling my heel! I was surprised with the level of grip I could get with less pressure. Edging is solid too. Getting on tiny toe chips… not a concern. The only thing I found this shoe didn't do real well with was smearing of course. I didn't expect that this would be the highlight of this shoe given the profile of it but it's worth mentioning. I could see a world where The Katana Lace and the Kubo are all I need. (dear La Sportiva, please never stop making these two shoes in my size).All around I really enjoy this shoe. It's made really well and feels like the perfect blend of comfort and function. I could wear this all day and still feel the advantages of the shoe.From a sizing perspective, obviously it's always best if you can try them on and get just the right fit, but sometimes that's not something you can do. I found that these were somewhere between 1/2 to a full size larger than the Kubo.I received free product in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a guy of average height/build and was looking for an all-rounder that would work both indoors/outdoors and bouldering/sport. My previous shoe was ultra soft (Scarpa Veloce) and the heel was too loose. The Katana Lace (W) solved the heel issue and is also a great compromise in stiffness and grip.Pros:- Excellent fit for smaller volume heels- Mild stretch (leather upper) for better fit- 3/5 Stiffness with XGrip2 Rubber- Excellent edging while retaining decent grip for slabCons:- Laced model is slower to put on and get off- Break-in period is longer than I'd like (~2 weeks).- Premium pricing
I mostly do indoor bouldering and occasional outdoor bouldering. This shoe is great but isn't made for that type of climbing.Uses:The edge is the biggest boon to the shoe and will do well on micro edge slabs or vert walls. You can use it for bouldering but there's more optimal softer shoes that boulder better.Sizing:I wear a street 42.5 (9 1/2 US M) and usually wear La Sportiva 41 in solutions and theory. These in 41 feel really comfy and could be worn for multiple boulders or long routes without any pain or issues. The heel fits slimmer heels and still had space for normal to wide toes.
For context, I'm a male boulderer with a slightly wide forefoot and a very narrow heel - this means I have a hard time finding a shoe that fits. The LaSpo Katana's are the best fit for me so far (although the heel is still a tad loose).I chose the Women's model for the softer rubber (XS Grip2) and split sole since I mainly boulder and the Men's version is just a tad too stiff (XS Edge). The fit is exactly the same between the two models. Regardless of model however, there is a fairly extensiv e break-in period (about 4-8 sessions). The upper is leather/nubuck so it will stretch slightly but the rest of the shoe is synthetic and will retain shape.I do like the tailored fit that the lace closure provides, but would probably prefer a 2 or 3 strap system for ... MoreFor context, I'm a male boulderer with a slightly wide forefoot and a very narrow heel - this means I have a hard time finding a shoe that fits. The LaSpo Katana's are the best fit for me so far (although the heel is still a tad loose).I chose the Women's model for the softer rubber (XS Grip2) and split sole since I mainly boulder and the Men's version is just a tad too stiff (XS Edge). The fit is exactly the same between the two models. Regardless of model however, there is a fairly extensiv e break-in period (about 4-8 sessions). The upper is leather/nubuck so it will stretch slightly but the rest of the shoe is synthetic and will retain shape.I do like the tailored fit that the lace closure provides, but would probably prefer a 2 or 3 strap system for slightly easier entry/exit.Overall, this is an excellent shoe for both bouldering and sport climbing (outdoor as well) and is very well-rounded.
Great shoes, recommend using their sizing chart to establish the best fit. Was a little surprised at the extra cost at customs but that has nothing to do with the shoe. Superior grip and best comfort for my oddly shaped feet. Highly recommended the lace ups. Great product.
I was looking for a slightly more aggressive shoe after climbing in fairly neutral shoes (Finales) for a while. These have been great and I have really noticed a difference in edging with the shoe upgrade. It took me a couple of sessions to adjust to the toe and split sole but now I love them. They’re comfortable enough to keep on for my entire gym session.
I got the 37.5s and could have easily sized down to a 36, or maybe a a 36.5. The 37 are definitely usable though. These are by far the most aggressive shoes I've ever worn. My other pair are the Tenaya Mundaka. For reference, I wear a 37.5 in the Tenaya Mundaka. Other than the Tenaya sizing being quite different than LaSportiva, I like these shoes a lot. These are my first pair of laced climbing shoes and this lace system works great.
I am thoroughly impressed. I seriously felt like Cinderella the first time I laced these.The shoe is constructed with just enough space in the heel pocket and toe box so you don’t feel pinched, but you can also adjust the tension with the laces to close the gap. So it's a very versatile climbing shoe! For technical slabs or indoor bouldering, I tightened my laces and laced the shoes to the top of the tongue, while for easier pitches I lessened that tension. As someone who’s mostly climbed with velcro shoes, this was a nice change for me. It's easier to climb all day or for longer periods of time when I can choose how tight I want my shoes to be. Plus, our feet swell a bit when we start climbing, and it feels like La Sportiva had that in mind when designing the ... MoreI am thoroughly impressed. I seriously felt like Cinderella the first time I laced these.The shoe is constructed with just enough space in the heel pocket and toe box so you don’t feel pinched, but you can also adjust the tension with the laces to close the gap. So it's a very versatile climbing shoe! For technical slabs or indoor bouldering, I tightened my laces and laced the shoes to the top of the tongue, while for easier pitches I lessened that tension. As someone who’s mostly climbed with velcro shoes, this was a nice change for me. It's easier to climb all day or for longer periods of time when I can choose how tight I want my shoes to be. Plus, our feet swell a bit when we start climbing, and it feels like La Sportiva had that in mind when designing the shoe.I also found these worked really well for me since I have slightly wider feet.Another pro - these were also the easiest pair of shoes I’ve ever broken in. After my first hour of climbing, the leather really molded to my feet. And although I had some red spots, I didn’t get any blisters. I admire how they stitched and glued the shoe, so no matter how much you’re sweating, climbing, or tiptoeing, the shoe isn’t going to dig into your skin.I think these are a great choice for a climber who wants to transition from a neutral shoe to something more moderate and stiff.Pros - comfortable, versatile, easily adjustable, and can perform well for different types of climbing (indoor, bouldering, and sport climbing).Cons - not the best bouldering shoe. It can hold its weight at the climbing gym, but there are better shoes on the market for bouldering.
Keeping in mind I'm more of a casual climber: these shoes were difficult for me, to be honest! They will take a good amount of breaking in and getting used to.For me, the curve is uncomfortable. I had to take them off between attempts. The toe is a very noticeable difference from my previous shoes. While I can see this being useful outdoors, in my indoor gym I actually found myself slipping off holds because I just wasn't used to how the shoes sat.I'll admit, too, not feeling comfortable in these shoes made me feel like even more of an amateur, which was discouraging. So basically my review is to try these if you're confident, used to a curve, and going outdoors.And all that said: they look fire. Great design.
I'm on my second pair of Katana laces and I keep coming back to them because of the superb grippy-ness on plastic AND rock of various types. My foot feels very snug, and whenever I climb in these I can edge and stand on the tiniest foot holds. They also give a solid heel hook for aggressive boulder routes. I have a wide/high-volume foot and these are not comfortable. I wish I could get the men's version (higher volume) in my size. I sized up a half size on my second pair and I'm appreciating the extra room, but my pinky toes still tingle after a half hour. These shoes just give me so much confidence in my feet that they are still 5-stars, even with the fit complaints.
