For those looking for a high-performance shoe for climbing gyms, long routes, or bouldering, the Otaki is the perfect choice. The shoe, made from microfiber combined with calf suede, perfectly follows the movements of the foot and avoids pressure points or unfilled areas. This provides maximum sensitivity, even during torsional moments. To ensure that the climbing shoe retains its shape for as long as possible and that the tension does not diminish over time, it features the patented P3 (Permanent Power Platform) system. Thanks to the S-Heel construction, you can fully rely on the Otaki when hooking. This design stabilizes the heel perfectly and adapts optimally to the respective rock.
For those looking for a high-performance shoe for climbing gyms, long routes, or bouldering, the Otaki is the perfect choice. The shoe, made from microfiber combined with calf suede, perfectly follows the movements of the foot and avoids pressure points or unfilled areas. This provides maximum sensitivity, even during torsional moments. To ensure that the climbing shoe retains its shape for as long as possible and that the tension does not diminish over time, it features the patented P3 (Permanent Power Platform) system. Thanks to the S-Heel construction, you can fully rely on the Otaki when hooking. This design stabilizes the heel perfectly and adapts optimally to the respective rock.
For those looking for a high-performance shoe for climbing gyms, long routes, or bouldering, the Otaki is the perfect choice. The shoe, made from microfiber combined with calf suede, perfectly follows the movements of the foot and avoids pressure points or unfilled areas. This provides maximum sensitivity, even during torsional moments. To ensure that the climbing shoe retains its shape for as long as possible and that the tension does not diminish over time, it features the patented P3 (Permanent Power Platform) system. Thanks to the S-Heel construction, you can fully rely on the Otaki when hooking. This design stabilizes the heel perfectly and adapts optimally to the respective rock.
For those looking for a high-performance shoe for climbing gyms, long routes, or bouldering, the Otaki is the perfect choice. The shoe, made from microfiber combined with calf suede, perfectly follows the movements of the foot and avoids pressure points or unfilled areas. This provides maximum sensitivity, even during torsional moments. To ensure that the climbing shoe retains its shape for as long as possible and that the tension does not diminish over time, it features the patented P3 (Permanent Power Platform) system. Thanks to the S-Heel construction, you can fully rely on the Otaki when hooking. This design stabilizes the heel perfectly and adapts optimally to the respective rock.
Last updated at 04/04/2026 04:34:33
La Sportiva Otaki Mens Climbing Shoe - Blue/Flame 35 EU / Blue/Flame
Free delivery between Tue – Thu
originally posted on moosejaw.com
I was seeking a slightly stiffer, supportive shoe for longer routes w some steep bouldery sections. These shoes performed well all around, they edge and smear well on slab, and the slight downturn transitions to steeper sections w stability and confidence.These shoes definitely lack some of the feel, feedback, and precision of softer bouldering focused shoes but not so much as to detract from the shoes overall ability preform well on all terrain.Fitment is comparable to other La Sportiva w similar downturn. I have a wider forefoot which produced slight discomfort on my metatarsal head during break-in. They’re fairly comfy now but if you want more comfort for all-day or long climbing, I’d consider the lace-up alternative. These shoes are super easy to get in and ... MoreI was seeking a slightly stiffer, supportive shoe for longer routes w some steep bouldery sections. These shoes performed well all around, they edge and smear well on slab, and the slight downturn transitions to steeper sections w stability and confidence.These shoes definitely lack some of the feel, feedback, and precision of softer bouldering focused shoes but not so much as to detract from the shoes overall ability preform well on all terrain.Fitment is comparable to other La Sportiva w similar downturn. I have a wider forefoot which produced slight discomfort on my metatarsal head during break-in. They’re fairly comfy now but if you want more comfort for all-day or long climbing, I’d consider the lace-up alternative. These shoes are super easy to get in and out of which is great for any shoe.Heel is bomber for me, very little dead space and super stable with plenty of friction and comfort. Toe hooking is not so great for me. While friction is alright, I’d like more material for support and durability sake.Great overall shoe that does everything pretty well. Can definitely make the argument for owning only one shoe, especially for enthusiastic climbers on a budget delving into all aspects of the sport as once. Worth it!
originally posted on sportiva.com
I love this edging velcro machine. The Otaki are super versatile velcro shoes. The edging power, comfortable fit and heal outperform similar shoes on the market and hold up well over time. I've had well broken in pairs go through multiple resoles and they perform just as well as when they were new. An excellent mid stiff velcro addition to my shoe arsenal.
originally posted on rockrun.com
I'm an improver / intermediate level climber who has done most of their climbing indoors in climbing gyms and has dabbled with trad. Having previously been using a pair of Scarpa Vapour V's for their soft sole, generally symmetric profile, slightly downturned shape (all really great for indoor climbing) and high level of comfort, I wanted something that was going to not only help me progress on to harder indoor routes, but would also perform well on small / micro edges outdoors as I got into trad more. I was also looking for something a little bit stiffer to give me extra support when standing on small footholds/edges without losing too much sensitivity.I've worn the Otaki's every time I've climbed over the last 7 weeks (again mostly indoors) but also with 2 days ... MoreI'm an improver / intermediate level climber who has done most of their climbing indoors in climbing gyms and has dabbled with trad. Having previously been using a pair of Scarpa Vapour V's for their soft sole, generally symmetric profile, slightly downturned shape (all really great for indoor climbing) and high level of comfort, I wanted something that was going to not only help me progress on to harder indoor routes, but would also perform well on small / micro edges outdoors as I got into trad more. I was also looking for something a little bit stiffer to give me extra support when standing on small footholds/edges without losing too much sensitivity.I've worn the Otaki's every time I've climbed over the last 7 weeks (again mostly indoors) but also with 2 days of trad on slab and vertical routes and I've not been disappointed. The Otaki's are sensitive enough for me to feel the small holds/edges beneath my foot and stiff enough to provide the extra support that I wasn't getting from the Vapours. The extra stiffness in the sole means that my feet don't scream in agony when putting all the pressure and weight down through my toes on small holds like they did in the Vapours.The snuggly fitted heel and decent amount of heel rubber give huge amounts of grip when heel hooking and has really helped me make more use of this technique than I used to in my other shoes.It took about 3 weeks wearing the Otaki's 2 - 3 times a week for them to feel broken in, which involved taking them off every 20 - 30 mins or so to let my feet relax, but having got to that point, they have so much grip and provide so much support that 3 weeks of breaking them in was definitely worth it.They are slightly down turned but not so much that your foot protests if it is not used to this shape, and whilst they are asymmetrical, again it is not too much that your foot can't adjust if it is not used to the shape.My street shoe size is 42 - 43 (depending on where I buy shoes from) - after trying on the Otaki's in size 42 and 43, I went with the 42's as they provide a snug, close fit that is a comfortable level of tightness with no extra room (but still allow me to loosen them if my feet swell when they get hot).Would definitely recommend these shoes to anyone looking to make the step up from improver to intermediate level as they are confidence giving shoes because of the level of support and stickyness they provide.Whilst not inappropriate for beginners, they are on the more expensive side, so beginners may wish to go with a cheaper all round option untll they work out what climbing style (trad, sport, bouldering), rock types (grit, granite, limestone, sandstone etc) and hold types (small rounds, micro edges, slopers, smeary slabs etc) they will be climbing on more often than not.
| Closing System | Velcro |
| Climbing Shoe Use | Boulder, Crag |
| Climbing Shoe Sole Type | Half Sole |
| Climbing Shoe Technology | P3 |
| Shoe Downturn | Aggressive |
La Sportiva Otaki Mens Climbing Shoe - Blue/Flame 35 EU / Blue/Flame
Free delivery between Tue – Thu
I was seeking a slightly stiffer, supportive shoe for longer routes w some steep bouldery sections. These shoes performed well all around, they edge and smear well on slab, and the slight downturn transitions to steeper sections w stability and confidence.These shoes definitely lack some of the feel, feedback, and precision of softer bouldering focused shoes but not so much as to detract from the shoes overall ability preform well on all terrain.Fitment is comparable to other La Sportiva w similar downturn. I have a wider forefoot which produced slight discomfort on my metatarsal head during break-in. They’re fairly comfy now but if you want more comfort for all-day or long climbing, I’d consider the lace-up alternative. These shoes are super easy to get in and ... MoreI was seeking a slightly stiffer, supportive shoe for longer routes w some steep bouldery sections. These shoes performed well all around, they edge and smear well on slab, and the slight downturn transitions to steeper sections w stability and confidence.These shoes definitely lack some of the feel, feedback, and precision of softer bouldering focused shoes but not so much as to detract from the shoes overall ability preform well on all terrain.Fitment is comparable to other La Sportiva w similar downturn. I have a wider forefoot which produced slight discomfort on my metatarsal head during break-in. They’re fairly comfy now but if you want more comfort for all-day or long climbing, I’d consider the lace-up alternative. These shoes are super easy to get in and out of which is great for any shoe.Heel is bomber for me, very little dead space and super stable with plenty of friction and comfort. Toe hooking is not so great for me. While friction is alright, I’d like more material for support and durability sake.Great overall shoe that does everything pretty well. Can definitely make the argument for owning only one shoe, especially for enthusiastic climbers on a budget delving into all aspects of the sport as once. Worth it!
I love this edging velcro machine. The Otaki are super versatile velcro shoes. The edging power, comfortable fit and heal outperform similar shoes on the market and hold up well over time. I've had well broken in pairs go through multiple resoles and they perform just as well as when they were new. An excellent mid stiff velcro addition to my shoe arsenal.
I'm an improver / intermediate level climber who has done most of their climbing indoors in climbing gyms and has dabbled with trad. Having previously been using a pair of Scarpa Vapour V's for their soft sole, generally symmetric profile, slightly downturned shape (all really great for indoor climbing) and high level of comfort, I wanted something that was going to not only help me progress on to harder indoor routes, but would also perform well on small / micro edges outdoors as I got into trad more. I was also looking for something a little bit stiffer to give me extra support when standing on small footholds/edges without losing too much sensitivity.I've worn the Otaki's every time I've climbed over the last 7 weeks (again mostly indoors) but also with 2 days ... MoreI'm an improver / intermediate level climber who has done most of their climbing indoors in climbing gyms and has dabbled with trad. Having previously been using a pair of Scarpa Vapour V's for their soft sole, generally symmetric profile, slightly downturned shape (all really great for indoor climbing) and high level of comfort, I wanted something that was going to not only help me progress on to harder indoor routes, but would also perform well on small / micro edges outdoors as I got into trad more. I was also looking for something a little bit stiffer to give me extra support when standing on small footholds/edges without losing too much sensitivity.I've worn the Otaki's every time I've climbed over the last 7 weeks (again mostly indoors) but also with 2 days of trad on slab and vertical routes and I've not been disappointed. The Otaki's are sensitive enough for me to feel the small holds/edges beneath my foot and stiff enough to provide the extra support that I wasn't getting from the Vapours. The extra stiffness in the sole means that my feet don't scream in agony when putting all the pressure and weight down through my toes on small holds like they did in the Vapours.The snuggly fitted heel and decent amount of heel rubber give huge amounts of grip when heel hooking and has really helped me make more use of this technique than I used to in my other shoes.It took about 3 weeks wearing the Otaki's 2 - 3 times a week for them to feel broken in, which involved taking them off every 20 - 30 mins or so to let my feet relax, but having got to that point, they have so much grip and provide so much support that 3 weeks of breaking them in was definitely worth it.They are slightly down turned but not so much that your foot protests if it is not used to this shape, and whilst they are asymmetrical, again it is not too much that your foot can't adjust if it is not used to the shape.My street shoe size is 42 - 43 (depending on where I buy shoes from) - after trying on the Otaki's in size 42 and 43, I went with the 42's as they provide a snug, close fit that is a comfortable level of tightness with no extra room (but still allow me to loosen them if my feet swell when they get hot).Would definitely recommend these shoes to anyone looking to make the step up from improver to intermediate level as they are confidence giving shoes because of the level of support and stickyness they provide.Whilst not inappropriate for beginners, they are on the more expensive side, so beginners may wish to go with a cheaper all round option untll they work out what climbing style (trad, sport, bouldering), rock types (grit, granite, limestone, sandstone etc) and hold types (small rounds, micro edges, slopers, smeary slabs etc) they will be climbing on more often than not.
I'm a woman, and I bought the mens Otakis as my aggressive shoe and they are incredible. I can stand on feet I would never have the courage to stand on in my Finales. I've heard complaints that the mens is wider than the women's, but I have incredibly average feet and have had no issue with the width. However, the toe box has a fairly sharp line right where the rubber ends that digs into my big toe. I'm a bit of a no-pain-no-gain person, but it gets too painful to put weight on my toes if I have them on for more than 10 minutes. Since that's a pretty unfortunate design flaw for a pair of climbing shoes intended to put your whole body weight on your big toe, I'm giving them 4 stars instead of 5. With that being said, I swear these shoes let me stand on a prayer, so I ... MoreI'm a woman, and I bought the mens Otakis as my aggressive shoe and they are incredible. I can stand on feet I would never have the courage to stand on in my Finales. I've heard complaints that the mens is wider than the women's, but I have incredibly average feet and have had no issue with the width. However, the toe box has a fairly sharp line right where the rubber ends that digs into my big toe. I'm a bit of a no-pain-no-gain person, but it gets too painful to put weight on my toes if I have them on for more than 10 minutes. Since that's a pretty unfortunate design flaw for a pair of climbing shoes intended to put your whole body weight on your big toe, I'm giving them 4 stars instead of 5. With that being said, I swear these shoes let me stand on a prayer, so I love them regardless!
I have been climbing for some time and I am very very hard on shoes. I gym climb 3-4 times a week and tend to press against walls when sport climbing to get rests in between holds so I wear the big toe a lot. I say this because I have had these shoes for over a year, and in that time I have actually had 4 pairs and resoled two of them already. So I have really put this product through the wringer. I go through shoes way faster than most and tend to resole early to not wear out the rand.Pros: if you are looking for an aggressive shoe with structure that is still comfortable, these should be a definite consideration. The semi split sole is great for some give in the shoe because is heel and toe box can flex independently. However, the thickness of the toe box rubber ... MoreI have been climbing for some time and I am very very hard on shoes. I gym climb 3-4 times a week and tend to press against walls when sport climbing to get rests in between holds so I wear the big toe a lot. I say this because I have had these shoes for over a year, and in that time I have actually had 4 pairs and resoled two of them already. So I have really put this product through the wringer. I go through shoes way faster than most and tend to resole early to not wear out the rand.Pros: if you are looking for an aggressive shoe with structure that is still comfortable, these should be a definite consideration. The semi split sole is great for some give in the shoe because is heel and toe box can flex independently. However, the thickness of the toe box rubber and the midsole provide you with a lot of support. The use of edge rubber is also a plus. All these things combined make it a good edging shoe because you have the structure beneath your foot to give you confidence.They are down turned but not very asymmetrical. This means that your foot is not jammed in a shoe that concentrates all your power aggressively towards your big toe. I also have sportiva solution shoes and if you compare the two lasts, they are totally different. The lack of asymmetry means that you are in a more relaxed position when on your toe. This is good for longer sessions on the wall, and definitely mean a more comfortable fit. You can definitely wear these for a long time. It also means that people with slightly wider toe box needs can wear them.Velcro is good. Traditionalists love laces, and they are great for the shoes that have them, but for ease of on off, the two straps are great and allow for a good deal of adjustment.They break in great. Stiff out of the box, but confirm well (but all good climbing shoes do this). The man made leather and full lining means these do not stretch that much, but like any shoe they do stretch a little. Snug initial fit is a good thing. Try them on and beat in mind that about a full to half a size down is likely required.Cons: be aware that the toe patch is basically non existent. These are more of a sport climbing shoe. If you are going to aggressively toe hook and boulders, may not be the best for long term use. The bits of rubber there are ok, and being fully lined they are comfortable to toe hook, but the shoe wasn’t made for that.All man made leather gets stinky after a while. It’s just a fact. Deal with it. Real leather tends to deal better with stink.Like all shoes, if you beat the heck out of them, they will soften up. I feel as if these become better for feel as they get softer. My resoled shoes are really soft by this point. Really nice for technical moves, but the edging performance has gone down. Again, this is a normal thing for downturned shoes. If you want an edging shoe that will always be stiff, then you want a flat last hard rubber shoe made for that. It isn’t that these puppies can’t edge, just that as they evolve, so does their edging performanceSizing:I wear street shoe size 42. I have bought these in 41.5 (ended up being a bit too big) two pairs of 41 (just right for all day use) and a pair in 40.5 (Best for hardest sends). If I had to pick 1 all around size for me, I would go with the 41 (again street shoe size 42).I have resoled the 41.5 and a pair of the 41. (Rock and resole out of Colorado is an awesome place for resoles). They resole well and are like an old friend, but use a reputable place as I have had cobblers ruin some shoes before.They are comfy, an amazing performer (a combo that isn’t easy to achieve) and they look good. If you are looking for an aggressive shoe that will help you progress, definitely a contender along with the Scarpa Instinct VS. you won’t regret spending the cash.
I was looking for new climbing shoes since the soles on my first pair started to separate from the upper. I additionally wanted shoes that accommodated a slightly wider than typical foot (for my foot length, I'm between a D and E for width). I got these in a size 40.5, and my street shoe size is 41The Otaki has been great in this respect! The forefoot is wide enough to be comfortable but snug, the downturn is aggressive enough to start getting a sense for what benefits a downturn can grant, but the shoe is comfortable enough to not have to take it off after every route. They've basically checked off everything I wanted in my second pair of shoes, with one caveat:My left foot's pinky toe has a sort-of-bunion that was pretty painful to squeeze into the shoe at ... MoreI was looking for new climbing shoes since the soles on my first pair started to separate from the upper. I additionally wanted shoes that accommodated a slightly wider than typical foot (for my foot length, I'm between a D and E for width). I got these in a size 40.5, and my street shoe size is 41The Otaki has been great in this respect! The forefoot is wide enough to be comfortable but snug, the downturn is aggressive enough to start getting a sense for what benefits a downturn can grant, but the shoe is comfortable enough to not have to take it off after every route. They've basically checked off everything I wanted in my second pair of shoes, with one caveat:My left foot's pinky toe has a sort-of-bunion that was pretty painful to squeeze into the shoe at first (beyond normal expectations for climbing shoe discomfort, I think). I believe the reason is that, while most of the upper is leather + velcro, the metal loops that the velcro loops through are attached into the shoe with a small rectangle of metal, which forms a small rigid patch that (for me) happened to line up with a bone. I ended up stretching that particular part of the shoe out overnight by shoving junk into the shoe, but I recommend trying these on before buying, since I believe there are other perfectly good shoes that would not have had this particular pain point.
I climb 2-3 times a week, mostly outdoors on slabby 10's - I've been using the Otaki's for about 4 months and they are almost at the end of their life. It's a shame bc the rubber is still in great shape, but it's just all detaching from the leather/suede of the shoe. Maybe climbing during the Texas summer has something to do w that? Not sure.That being said, these are incredibly versatile shoes - trad, sport, bouldering, or gym. They are just the best combo of comfort and aggressive. I will continue to wear these to the bitter end, and then buy another pair.
I've worn the shoe through about a month of climbing now. I sized down from my street shoe size 43 to a 41.5 (slightly more conservative than la sportiva's recommendation of 2-3 sizes). After showering with the shoes to stretch them, the fit is what I would call "performance comfortable." I take them off between boulder problems and sport routes at the gym, but I don't have any pain (for small durations) after wearing them for a month. My feet are on the wide side, and I really like the fit of these compared with something like the Muira, which feel narrower. I ultimately chose these because I plan to use them on slabby Pennsylvania sport climbing as the weather turns again in the fall. These have been stiff enough to edge and downturned enough to stick to ... MoreI've worn the shoe through about a month of climbing now. I sized down from my street shoe size 43 to a 41.5 (slightly more conservative than la sportiva's recommendation of 2-3 sizes). After showering with the shoes to stretch them, the fit is what I would call "performance comfortable." I take them off between boulder problems and sport routes at the gym, but I don't have any pain (for small durations) after wearing them for a month. My feet are on the wide side, and I really like the fit of these compared with something like the Muira, which feel narrower. I ultimately chose these because I plan to use them on slabby Pennsylvania sport climbing as the weather turns again in the fall. These have been stiff enough to edge and downturned enough to stick to overhanging boulder problems. I really wanted a "do it all" shoe, and I think this fits the bill. Rubber is sticky.
First of all, this is my second pair of Otaki’s and I cannot say enough about them. I have a wider foot than most and this shoe performs above any expectations. I utilize this shoe for both gym and crag work. The downturned sole is my favorite feature. Having S3 technology really helps me hook while sending projects. I highly recommend the Otaki for any climber looking to up their game.
I jumped on the Otaki train after trying Solutions and TC Pros. Of the three, the Otakis have quickly become my go-to for pretty much everything except the slabbiest slab and the crackiest crack. I'm pretty surprised by how well these shoes smear for aggressives--the midsole and heel have stayed pretty stiff while the toe's loosened enough to get plenty of rubber on the wall when I need it. The heel hooks are still cheat-code level like Solutions, and grabbing through the toe in these feels incredible. I doubt these are great for toe hooking, but with my bum ankle I'm not really toe hooking much these days anyway.Also, the blue-orange color scheme is sick. Even now that they're covered and chalk and kinda faded, easily the most aesthetic shoe in my rope locker.
| Closing System | Velcro |
| Climbing Shoe Use | Boulder, Crag |
| Climbing Shoe Sole Type | Half Sole |
| Climbing Shoe Technology | P3 |
| Shoe Downturn | Aggressive |
