Brand: La Sportiva
Category: Crack / Trad Climbing
Recommended by Chris Johnson, Apprentice Climbing Guide, Professional Ski Patroller — Boulder, CO
Highlights: long distance, durable, comfortable
The TC Pro climbing shoe, designed in collaboration with legendary climbers Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold, represents the pinnacle of performance and comfort. With innovative updates to a classic design, this shoe is engineered to enhance your climbing experience, whether you're tackling challenging routes or enjoying a day at the crag. 1. Premium leather upper for durability and a comfortable fit that molds to your foot. 2. Aggressive downturned shape for optimal power transfer and precision on small footholds. 3. Vibram® XS Edge rubber outsole for exceptional grip and stability on various surfaces. 4. Padded tongue and ankle for added comfort during extended climbs. 5. Adjustable Velcro straps for a secure fit that accommodates different foot shapes. 6. Lightweight construction to minimize fatigue during long climbing sessions. 7. Ideal for both sport climbing and trad routes, making it a versatile addition to any climber's gear. The TC Pro is designed for climbers seeking high performance in both sport and traditional climbing environments. It excels in challenging conditions, providing support and precision on technical routes. Ideal for intermediate to advanced climbers, this shoe is perfect for tackling multi-pitch climbs or bouldering sessions, ensuring comfort and confidence on every ascent. Suitable for year-round use, it performs best in dry, rocky terrains where grip and stability are paramount.
Price: $239
- Who it's for
- Trad climbers, crack climbers, and multipitch/big wall climbers who prioritize all-day comfort and foot protection over gym or steep sport performance. Multiple hosts flag it as unsuitable for gym or very steep routes.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the stiff sole for edging endurance, ankle protection for crack climbing, and long-term comfort on extended routes. One host notes a second, smaller pair for precise performance, suggesting fit strategy varies by use.
- Worth noting
- Nearly every host recommends sizing up 0.5 sizes or to street size for all-day wear and cold-weather sock use; the shoe stretches slightly over time. Multiple hosts resole repeatedly, pointing to strong long-term durability value.
Chris Johnson's review
Shoes are very individual, but I'm a big fan of La Sportiva shoes. I typically wear the TC Pro for trad climbing. I enjoy the extra ankle protection for crack climbing and the stiff, precise edge for feeling confident on small edges.
Recommended by Chris Johnson, Apprentice Climbing Guide, Professional Ski Patroller
Frequently asked questions
Who is the TC Pro for?
Trad climbers, crack climbers, and multipitch/big wall climbers who prioritize all-day comfort and foot protection over gym or steep sport performance. Multiple hosts flag it as unsuitable for gym or very steep routes.
What do experts say about the TC Pro?
Hosts consistently praise the stiff sole for edging endurance, ankle protection for crack climbing, and long-term comfort on extended routes. One host notes a second, smaller pair for precise performance, suggesting fit strategy varies by use.
What should you know before buying the TC Pro?
Nearly every host recommends sizing up 0.5 sizes or to street size for all-day wear and cold-weather sock use; the shoe stretches slightly over time. Multiple hosts resole repeatedly, pointing to strong long-term durability value.
What does Chris Johnson say about the TC Pro?
Shoes are very individual, but I'm a big fan of La Sportiva shoes. I typically wear the TC Pro for trad climbing. I enjoy the extra ankle protection for crack climbing and the stiff, precise edge for feeling confident on small edges.
Why does Chris Johnson recommend La Sportiva?
Chris Johnson recommends the La Sportiva TC Pro for crack / trad climbing. Shoes are very individual, but I'm a big fan of La Sportiva shoes. I typically wear the TC Pro for trad climbing. I enjoy the extra ankle protection for crack climbing and the stiff, precise edge for feeling confident on small edges.
Is the TC Pro a good crack / trad climbing?
Yes — Chris Johnson recommends the TC Pro by La Sportiva as their crack / trad climbing pick. Shoes are very individual, but I'm a big fan of La Sportiva shoes. I typically wear the TC Pro for trad climbing. I enjoy the extra ankle protection for crack climbing and the stiff, precise edge for feeling confident on small edges.
Is the TC Pro good for long distance?
Chris Johnson recommends it for long efforts: Shoes are very individual, but I'm a big fan of La Sportiva shoes. I typically wear the TC Pro for trad climbing. I enjoy the extra ankle protection for crack climbing and the stiff, precise edge for feeling confident on small edges.
More from Chris Johnson's Trad Climbing Gear
View Chris Johnson's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
15 experts recommend the La Sportiva TC Pro.
Laurel Walker, Mountain Athlete, Guide, Coach
Fun pro tip: Get these a little big; your toes will thank you on a long and/or cold day. I know mine do.
Recommended in Climbing and Mountaineering
Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
My go-to climbing shoes anytime I'm trad climbing and know I'm going to be jamming cracks.
Recommended in Trad/Multi-Pitch Climbing
Daniel Turner, Bear Lake Mountain Guides Owner Operator
Long days, ultimate comfort, does not compromise on climbability.
Recommended in General Climbing Kit
Teddy Dondanville, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide & Certified Single Pitch Instructor
The TC Pro is a tried and true trad climbing shoe. It excels on most terrain except for really steep stuff. I have a pair of TC Pros that fit me comfortably for all-day wear and tear while guiding or for climbing long, moderate multi-pitch routes. I have a second pair that is smaller for when I need precise performance.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Footwear
Spencer Huffman, Rock and Alpine Guide | Climbing Instructor and Coach
This is an excellent, all-day shoe that has an extremely stiff sole. You can fine tune the fit with the laces (great for staying comfortable throughout the day) and edge all day without your arches getting tired! It also does well in mid to wide cracks!
Recommended in Climbing Footwear
Dan Morley, Rock Climbing Guide
My go-to outdoor climbing shoe. I love that they offer added protection around the ankles for gnarly crack climbs and thorny adventure climbs. Great fit and performance right out of the box!
Recommended in Personal Climbing Gear
John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
This is my go-to shoe for long trad climbs, slab climbs, or crack climbs. This shoe is not only comfortable but also is a slab & crack machine! I size to my street shoes personally to be comfy, these will stretch a tiny bit as a fair warning!
Recommended in Rock Climbing
This is my favorite all day shoe. Great for a variety of climbing styles, they're comfortable and long lasting, and I don't dread wearing them on longer climbs.
Recommended in Shoes
If you climb on granite, this is your shoe. If you climb, period, this is your shoe. A rite of passage. I climb on a few pairs of the older generation but have tried the new edition, and can say they are still excellent shoes.
Recommended in Rock Climbing and Approach Shoes
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Recommended in Robert's Favorites
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
For long days, I reach for this shoe. It's comfy, sturdy, and does what I need it to do. I typically size this one up a smidge so I can wear it with socks on colder days.
Recommended in Guide Kit
Brad Burns, PCGI Single Pitch Instructor, La Sportiva Athlete
The absolute standard for hard multipitch, hard trad, and big wall rock climbing. These shoes are very stiff, incredibly comfortable, and climb cracks better than any shoe on the market. The raised ankle protection keeps the feet and ankles protected in heinous wide cracks, and the stiff XS edge sole keeps your feet feeling good 10 pitches off the deck. I size these shoes about 0.5 sizes above my sport size, which is the perfect mix of comfort and performance. They eat hard granite and cracks for lunch. Don't buy these shoes for the gym. They are way too stiff and expensive to be using on plastic.
Recommended in Climbing Shoes
Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide
My all-around trad and crack climbing shoe. Updated version of the original OG TC Pro, the fabled "Air Tommies". The combination of crack prowess and protection, stiff sole, and edging rubber has kept me coming back for resole after resole, pair after pair.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
Best shoes for trad climbing and multipitch!
Recommended in Rock Climbing Mentorship Program
