Brand: La Sportiva
Category: Sport Climbing
Recommended by John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides — Conway, NH
Highlights: comfortable, true to size, all day comfort, crack climbing
The Katana Lace by La Sportiva is a premium climbing shoe designed for all-day comfort and exceptional performance on challenging terrains. With its slightly downturned toe and subtle asymmetry, this shoe excels in both steep outdoor routes and intricate crack climbing, making it the ultimate choice for serious climbers. 1. Slightly downturned shape enhances precision and power on edges and pockets. 2. Subtle asymmetry provides a natural fit while optimizing performance for technical climbs. 3. Versatile design suitable for both single and multi-pitch routes, excelling in outdoor environments. 4. Comfortable fit allows for extended wear during long climbing sessions without sacrificing performance. 5. Engineered for excellent grip and stability on slabs and in thin cracks, enhancing overall climbing confidence. 6. Available in both Men’s and Women’s styles, catering to a wide range of climbers. 7. Durable materials ensure longevity and resilience against the wear and tear of outdoor climbing. The Katana Lace is ideal for climbers seeking a high-performance shoe for technical rock climbing. It performs best in outdoor settings, particularly on steep and challenging routes, making it suitable for both seasoned climbers and ambitious beginners. This shoe excels in scenarios that require precision footwork, such as sport climbing, trad climbing, and multi-pitch ascents. Its design is optimized for year-round use, ensuring reliable performance in various climbing conditions.
Price: $239
- Who it's for
- Climbers tackling vertical to steep sport routes, edgy face climbing, or thinner cracks who want stiff support without sacrificing all-day comfort. Works across a wide range of terrain, making it a strong choice as a single do-it-all performance shoe.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the stiffness, edging precision, and relative comfort for a performance shoe. Several keep multiple pairs in different sizes—one snug for hard sends, one roomier for longer routes.
- Worth noting
- Sizing comes up repeatedly: at least one host warns against going too small in a stiff sole, while another recommends a half-size down for a tighter send fit—so try before committing. The lace closure gives a wide range of fit adjustment.
John Willard's review
These are my go-to for sport climbs. By far some of the comfiest shoes I've worn. I tend to rock these for sport or crack climbs or climbs that demand hard edging. I wear 43.5 and they fit loosely. If you want to have a send shoe in this, I would suggest sizing a half size down.
Recommended by John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Katana Lace for?
Climbers tackling vertical to steep sport routes, edgy face climbing, or thinner cracks who want stiff support without sacrificing all-day comfort. Works across a wide range of terrain, making it a strong choice as a single do-it-all performance shoe.
What do experts say about the Katana Lace?
Hosts consistently praise the stiffness, edging precision, and relative comfort for a performance shoe. Several keep multiple pairs in different sizes—one snug for hard sends, one roomier for longer routes.
What should you know before buying the Katana Lace?
Sizing comes up repeatedly: at least one host warns against going too small in a stiff sole, while another recommends a half-size down for a tighter send fit—so try before committing. The lace closure gives a wide range of fit adjustment.
What does John Willard say about the Katana Lace?
These are my go-to for sport climbs. By far some of the comfiest shoes I've worn. I tend to rock these for sport or crack climbs or climbs that demand hard edging. I wear 43.5 and they fit loosely. If you want to have a send shoe in this, I would suggest sizing a half size down.
Why does John Willard recommend La Sportiva?
John Willard recommends the La Sportiva Katana Lace for sport climbing. These are my go-to for sport climbs. By far some of the comfiest shoes I've worn. I tend to rock these for sport or crack climbs or climbs that demand hard edging. I wear 43.5 and they fit loosely. If you want to have a send shoe in this, I would suggest sizing a half size down.
Is the Katana Lace a good sport climbing?
Yes — John Willard recommends the Katana Lace by La Sportiva as their sport climbing pick. These are my go-to for sport climbs. By far some of the comfiest shoes I've worn. I tend to rock these for sport or crack climbs or climbs that demand hard edging. I wear 43.5 and they fit loosely. If you want to have a send shoe in this, I would suggest sizing a half size down.
More from John Willard's Rock Climbing
View John Willard's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
8 experts recommend the La Sportiva Katana Lace.
Ben Lim, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide
The best climbing shoe made. I keep a few in various sizes based on the objective!
Recommended in Rock Climbing Essentials
Teddy Dondanville, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide & Certified Single Pitch Instructor
The Katana is an excellent climbing shoe for nearly vertical, steep, and slightly overhanging terrain. It’s stiff, precise, and confidence-inspiring. It’s the perfect shoe for the Gunks. I like the Katana in a “sendy size” for my hard trad projects. I have a second pair in a comfier size that I can wear on longer routes where I desire some comfort as well as performance.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Footwear
Spencer Huffman, Rock and Alpine Guide | Climbing Instructor and Coach
An all-time classic, this is the ultimate all-around stiff performance shoe. Great for longer routes with more challenging climbing or for vertical, edgy sport routes when sensitivity is less critical. Also excels in thinner cracks!
Recommended in Climbing Footwear
Gal Weinstock, AMGA Apprentice Rock & Alpine Guide | PSIA Instructor | Avalanche Professional
The Katana lace works great for my feet, each person feet are different, find a model of shoes that works for your feet, do not go too small in sizes - especially if you're going with a stiffer type sole like the Katana lace
Recommended in Beginner Sport Climbing Gear
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
My shoe quiver varies, but these have been fabulous on most terrain I encounter here in PA.
Recommended in Guide Kit
Brent Smith, AMGA Rock Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide
The Katana is the most aggressive full-sole shoe out there; and is a staple for many climbers. Fit for comfort on long routes these will provide the support and precision you need. The adjustable lace system allows for a wide range of fit, and the stiff mid sole helps support edging on vertical/steep footholds
Recommended in Climbing Shoes
Excellent shoe that can perform on steep sport routes and vertical cracks while still being quite comfortable.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Mentorship Program
