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La Sportiva Katana Lace Vs Scarpa Chimera
When it comes to climbing shoes, the La Sportiva Katana Lace and the Scarpa Chimera are two of the most popular and sought-after models on the market. Although they are both designed to offer the same kind of performance, there are some key differences between them that climbers should consider when it comes to choosing the right shoe for them. In this article, we will be taking an in-depth look at these two models, comparing them in terms of fit, type of climbing, sole stiffness, shape, closure system, materials, price, personal preference, toe box shape, heel cup, weight, and ventilation.
| Feature | La Sportiva Katana Lace | Scarpa Chimera |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Snug, curved shape | Slightly wider |
| Type of Climbing | Technical, bouldering, sport | Trad, long routes |
| Sole Stiffness | Stiff | Softer |
| Shape | Slightly curved | Flatter, wider toe box |
| Closure System | Lacing | Velcro |
| Materials | Synthetic uppers and sticky rubber sole | Leather and suede uppers, Vibram sole |
| Price | $140 | $100 |
| Toe Box Shape | Narrower | Wider |
| Heel Cup | Narrower | Wider |
| Weight | 7.2 oz (204g) | 8.3 oz (235g) |
| Ventilation | Breathable | Good for cold |
Fit
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has a snug fit, with a slightly curved shape that wraps around the foot and a heel that is slightly narrower than the toe box. This creates a glove-like fit and helps to keep the foot in place for better performance. The Scarpa Chimera, on the other hand, has a slightly wider fit. It is slightly less curved than the Katana Lace, which makes it a great option for those who need a little extra room in their climbing shoes. Both shoes should fit true to size and provide a secure fit for all-day performance.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Katana Lace is designed for technical climbing, with its sticky rubber sole providing excellent grip over all kinds of terrain. The curved shape of the shoe is also great for edging, making it a great choice for bouldering and sport climbing. The Scarpa Chimera, on the other hand, is designed for comfort and all-day performance. It is less aggressive than the Katana Lace, making it a great choice for long routes or trad climbing.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has a stiff sole, which is designed to provide maximum support and power when edging. The Scarpa Chimera, on the other hand, has a slightly softer sole that is great for comfort and smearing. This makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a versatile shoe that can handle a wide range of climbing styles.
Shape
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has a slightly curved shape that is designed to wrap around the foot for a secure fit. The toe box is slightly narrower than the heel, while the midsole is slightly downturned to provide extra power when edging. The Scarpa Chimera has a slightly flatter shape, with a wider toe box and a straighter midsole. This makes it a great choice for all-day comfort.
Closure System
The La Sportiva Katana Lace features a traditional lacing system, which provides a secure fit and allows for precise adjustment of tightness. The Scarpa Chimera, on the other hand, has a velcro closure system. This makes it easy to take off and put on, but it can be difficult to achieve a precise fit with this closure system.
Materials
The La Sportiva Katana Lace is made of a lightweight synthetic upper, which is designed to be breathable and durable. The sole is made of sticky rubber, which provides excellent grip on all kinds of terrain. The Scarpa Chimera is made of leather and suede, which provide a comfortable fit and long-lasting durability. The sole is made of Vibram rubber, which provides excellent grip but is slightly less sticky than the Katana Lace.
Price
The La Sportiva Katana Lace retails for around $140, while the Scarpa Chimera retails for around $100. Both shoes offer excellent value for money and are great options for climbers of all levels.Personal Preference
When it comes to choosing the right climbing shoe, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The La Sportiva Katana Lace is a great option for technical climbers who need a precise fit and maximum edging power. The Scarpa Chimera, on the other hand, is a great option for those who are looking for comfort and all-day performance.
Toe Box Shape
The La Sportiva Katana Lace features a slightly narrower toe box, which is great for edging but can cause some discomfort for those with wider feet. The Scarpa Chimera, on the other hand, has a wider toe box, which is great for those who need a little extra room in their climbing shoes.
Heel Cup
The La Sportiva Katana Lace has a slightly narrower heel cup, which helps to keep the heel in place for maximum edging power. The Scarpa Chimera, on the other hand, has a slightly wider heel cup, which provides improved comfort and all-day performance.
Weight
The La Sportiva Katana Lace is a lightweight shoe, weighing in at just 7.2oz (204g). The Scarpa Chimera is slightly heavier at 8.3oz (235g). Both shoes are lightweight and offer excellent performance for their respective weights.
Ventilation
The La Sportiva Katana Lace features a breathable synthetic upper, which helps to keep the foot cool and comfortable even in hot conditions. The Scarpa Chimera, on the other hand, has a leather and suede upper, which is more effective at keeping the foot warm in colder conditions.
Both the La Sportiva Katana Lace and the Scarpa Chimera are great options for climbers of all levels, and both offer excellent performance for their respective prices. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the type of climbing that you are doing. If you are looking for a performance-oriented shoe for technical climbing, then the La Sportiva Katana Lace is a great option. If you are looking for comfort and all-day performance, then the Scarpa Chimera may be the better choice.
No matter which shoe you choose, it is important to make sure that it fits properly and that it is suitable for the type of climbing that you are doing. With the right pair of climbing shoes, you can take your climbing performance to the next level and enjoy your time on the rock.