Brand: La Sportiva
Category: Sport Climbing
Recommended by Teddy Dondanville, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide & Certified Single Pitch Instructor — Albany, NY
Highlights: comfortable, true to size, all day comfort, stiff sole
The Katana Lace by La Sportiva is a high-performance climbing shoe designed for all-day comfort and exceptional versatility. With its slightly downturned toe and subtle asymmetry, it excels on both steep routes and thin cracks, making it the perfect choice for climbers seeking precision and support. 1. Slightly downturned toe design for enhanced precision and power on edges. 2. Subtle asymmetry allows for effective pocket hooking and crack climbing. 3. Engineered for comfort, enabling all-day wear without sacrificing performance. 4. Versatile construction suitable for both single and multi-pitch routes. 5. Available in Men’s and Women’s styles to cater to diverse climber needs. 6. High-quality materials ensure durability and long-lasting performance in various climbing conditions. 7. Excellent grip and traction for optimal performance on slabs and steep terrains. The Katana Lace is ideal for climbers of all skill levels looking to tackle challenging routes in outdoor environments. It performs best on steep single or multi-pitch climbs, as well as on technical slabs and thin cracks. This shoe is perfect for both sport and trad climbers who require a reliable and comfortable option for extended climbing sessions, making it a must-have for any serious climbing enthusiast.
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.
Teddy Dondanville's review
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 by Teddy Dondanville, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide & Certified Single Pitch Instructor
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 Teddy Dondanville say about the Katana Lace?
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.
Why does Teddy Dondanville recommend La Sportiva?
Teddy Dondanville recommends the La Sportiva Katana Lace for sport climbing. 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.
Is the Katana Lace a good sport climbing?
Yes — Teddy Dondanville recommends the Katana Lace by La Sportiva as their sport climbing pick. 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.
More from Teddy Dondanville's Rock Climbing Footwear
View Teddy Dondanville'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
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
John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
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 in Rock Climbing
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
