The La Sportiva Tarantula Women’s rock shoes have become a go-to option for beginners, and it’s easy to see why.
Made with comfort, versatility, and user-friendliness in mind, they provide a gentle introduction to climbing while still offering enough performance for various styles—making them perfect for indoor climbing, bouldering, and those long trad climbs in the Lake District.
The Tarantula truly shines in comfort and all-day wearability, thanks to its flat profile and slightly asymmetric design. This means less pressure on your toes, making it an excellent pick for first-time climbers who are still getting used to the snug fit of climbing shoes.
There is a lot to love about these shoes with a quick, secure, and super easy to use Velcro closure these shoes are perfect for gym sessions or when you need to take them off between outdoor climbs. The FriXion® rubber sole provides solid grip on both indoor holds and real rock, with enough edging performance for low to mid-grade climbs. Plus, they’re tough and durable—essential for beginners who, like me, might drag their toes or scuff the uppers while practicing footwork!
Their forgiving design makes them particularly well-suited for long trad routes in the Lake District, where comfort over multiple pitches is key, rather than just aggressive performance. Prior to upgrading to the La Sportiva Finale, the Tarantula were my go-to shoe for many months and were worn for the duration of my Lakes classic rock routes challenge!
They’re also a dependable choice for indoor bouldering and top-roping, offering enough support to help build your confidence without being overly technical.
They were a great choice for me for my first rock shoe as like many beginners, comfort was my top priority, rather than how aggressive or technical the shoe is (a shoe that causes pain can really throw off your technique and make you dread climbing instead of enjoying it)!
I did do some research and spoke with some more knowledgeable climbers before making my first selection and I learned that the Tarantula is specially designed to help beginners concentrate on mastering footwork, balance, and movement without any distractions. I was told that I would get used to the snug fit of rock shoes, that my feet would adapt: my toes will get stronger, and that I might then find that I can handle (and even benefit from) shoes that are a bit more downturned or technical for certain climbing styles… and they were right!
Starting off with a more forgiving shoe like the Tarantula sets you up for success right from the beginning!
Although great for a beginner, the Tarantula isn’t really made for steep sport routes or for those tricky toe- and heel-hooking moves—it's got limited sensitivity, no toe rubber patch, and a softer heel and more experienced climbers will eventually find its limits. Ideal for beginners, gym climbing, indoor bouldering, and those multi-pitch trad adventures in the Lakes, the Tarantula is a dependable shoe that should be high on the list for anyone new to climbing!
