When Choosing Climbing Shoes
When it comes to selecting the right climbing shoe, the decision can be a bit overwhelming. With so many models and brands on the market, it can be difficult to decide which shoe will suit your needs best. To help narrow down the choices, it is important to look at the features of each shoe and compare them. This comparison will help you determine if the La Sportiva Tarantulace or the Oxygym is the right choice for you.
| La Sportiva Tarantulace | Oxygym | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Medium level of comfort | Maximum comfort |
| Type of Climbing | Beginner to intermediate | All levels of climbing |
| Sole Stiffness | Medium-stiff | Slightly stiffer |
| Shape | Slightly downturned | Slightly downturned, slightly curved |
| Closure System | Three-strap | Velcro |
| Materials | Synthetic leather, shaped foam, sticky rubber | Lightweight mesh, synthetic fabric, injected EVA, sticky rubber |
| Price | $90 USD | $105 USD |
Fit
The La Sportiva Tarantulace offers a medium-level of comfort, featuring a padded tongue and collar for extra support and cushioning. The toe box is medium-wide, allowing for more room for your toes. The shoe’s upper is made of synthetic leather, which is durable and offers a snug fit. The midsole is made of shaped foam, which provides a better connection to the ground and a more consistent fit. The footbed is lined with microfiber for an even better fit.
The Oxygym is designed for maximum comfort and performance. It has a slightly wider toe box than the Tarantulace, allowing for more toe movement. The upper is made of lightweight mesh and synthetic fabric, which ensures breathability and a snug fit. The midsole is constructed of injected EVA, which provides excellent cushioning and support. The footbed is lined with foam and synthetic microfibers for added comfort and breathability.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Tarantulace is designed for beginner to intermediate level climbing. It has a flat profile and a medium-stiff sole, which makes it well-suited for bouldering, sport climbing, and all-day cragging. The shoe also features a sticky rubber sole, which provides excellent edging and grip on slippery surfaces. The toe box is slightly more downturned, which gives you more power when climbing overhangs and steep terrain.
The Oxygym is designed for all levels of climbing. It has a slightly stiffer sole and a slightly more curved profile, making it well suited for all types of climbing, from bouldering and sport climbing to trad and alpine climbing. The sticky rubber sole provides excellent grip and edging, and the toe box is slightly more downturned than the Tarantulace, giving you more power when climbing steep and overhanging terrain.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Tarantulace has a medium-stiff sole, which provides a good balance between sensitivity and support. This makes the shoe suitable for beginners and intermediates who are just starting out in the sport. The medium stiffness also allows for the shoe to be used for longer routes and multi-pitch climbing.
The Oxygym has a slightly stiffer sole than the Tarantulace. This gives the shoe an added level of stability and support, making it well suited for more experienced climbers. The stiffness also makes the shoe suitable for more technical routes and multi-pitch climbing.
Shape
The La Sportiva Tarantulace has a slightly downturned shape, which gives you more power when you’re climbing overhangs and steep terrain. The toe box is slightly wider than the Oxygym, providing more room for your toes. The shoe also has a flat profile, which gives you a better connection to the ground and makes it easier to maneuver on small holds.
The Oxygym has a slightly more curved profile than the Tarantulace. This gives the shoe an added level of stability, making it well suited for more experienced climbers. The toe box is slightly narrower than the Tarantulace, providing less room for your toes. The shoe also has a slightly stiffer sole than the Tarantulace, making it better suited for more technical routes and multi-pitch climbing.
Closure System
The La Sportiva Tarantulace features a three-strap closure system. This system provides a secure and comfortable fit, and it is easy to adjust when you are on the go. The straps are made of nylon, which is lightweight and durable.
The Oxygym features a Velcro closure system. This system provides a snug and secure fit, and it is easy to adjust when you are on the go. The Velcro straps are made of synthetic material, which is lightweight and durable.
Materials
The La Sportiva Tarantulace is made of a synthetic leather upper, which is durable and provides a snug fit. The midsole is made of shaped foam, which provides a better connection to the ground and a more consistent fit. The outsole is made of a sticky rubber, which provides excellent edging and grip on slippery surfaces.
The Oxygym is made of a lightweight mesh and synthetic fabric upper, which ensures breathability and a snug fit. The midsole is made of injected EVA, which provides excellent cushioning and support. The outsole is made of a sticky rubber, which provides excellent edging and grip on slippery surfaces.
Price
The La Sportiva Tarantulace is priced at around $90 USD, while the Oxygym is priced at around $105 USD.Personal Preference
When it comes to choosing the right climbing shoe, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The La Sportiva Tarantulace is a great option for beginner to intermediate level climbers who are looking for a comfortable shoe with good edging and grip. The Oxygym is a great option for more experienced climbers who are looking for a lightweight and breathable shoe that offers excellent edging and grip.
Toe Box Shape
The La Sportiva Tarantulace has a medium-wide toe box, which allows for more room for your toes. The toe box is slightly downturned, which gives you more power when climbing overhangs and steep terrain.
The Oxygym has a slightly wider toe box than the Tarantulace, allowing for more toe movement. The toe box is slightly more downturned than the Tarantulace, giving you more power when climbing steep and overhanging terrain.
Heel Cup
The La Sportiva Tarantulace features a slightly aggressive and asymmetric heel cup, which provides a secure and snug fit. The heel cup is designed to provide extra support and power when climbing steep and overhanging terrain.
The Oxygym features a slightly less aggressive and symmetrical heel cup, which provides a comfortable fit. The heel cup is designed to provide extra support and power when climbing steep and overhanging terrain.
Weight
The La Sportiva Tarantulace weighs in at 8.3 ounces (235 grams). The Oxygym weighs in at 7.7 ounces (218 grams).
Level of Ventilation
The La Sportiva Tarantulace features a synthetic leather upper, which is breathable and durable. The midsole is lined with microfiber for an even better fit.
The Oxygym features a lightweight mesh and synthetic fabric upper, which ensures breathability and a snug fit. The midsole is constructed of injected EVA, which provides excellent cushioning and support. The footbed is lined with foam and synthetic microfiber for added comfort and breathability.
When it comes to choosing the right climbing shoe, it is important to consider all of the features and compare them to your own needs and preferences. The La Sportiva Tarantulace and Oxygym are both great options, each offering their own set of features. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber, these shoes can provide you with the support and performance you need to reach your climbing goals.
No matter which shoe you choose, make sure you take the time to break it in properly and get used to the specific fit and feel of the shoe. Doing so will ensure that you have the most comfortable and enjoyable experience when you are climbing.
In conclusion, both the La Sportiva Tarantulace and Oxygym offer great features and comfort for climbers of all levels. They both provide excellent edging and grip, and their closure systems are easy to adjust when you are on the go. The choice ultimately comes down to your own needs and preferences. Consider the features of each shoe and decide which one best suits your needs and budget.