Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva Tarantulace Vs TC Pros
When you are out on the mountain and looking for a great pair of climbing shoes, it can be difficult to know what to choose. La Sportiva and TC Pros both offer a range of shoes that are designed to give climbers the best experience. The La Sportiva Tarantulace and TC Pros are two models that are designed for climbing, so let’s take a look at how they compare.
Comparison table
| Feature | La Sportiva Tarantulace | TC Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Snug, with lace-up closure | Relaxed, with velcro-strap closure |
| Type of Climbing | Technical | Sport |
| Sole Stiffness | Stiff | Soft |
| Shape | Asymmetric | Neutral |
| Closure System | Lace-up | Velcro-strap |
| Materials | Suede upper, rubber sole | Synthetic upper, rubber sole |
| Price | $100 | $80 |
| Toe Box Shape | Downturned | Neutral |
| Heel Cup | Stiff | Soft |
| Weight | 11 ounces | 10 ounces |
| Level of Ventilation | Excellent | Good |
Fit
The fit of the shoes is important for providing a comfortable and secure experience. The La Sportiva Tarantulace has a snug fit that is designed to keep your feet secure, while the TC Pros have a slightly more relaxed fit. This relaxed fit can be beneficial for climbers who have feet that swell during long climbing sessions. The lace-up closure on the Tarantulace shoes provides a secure fit and allows you to adjust the fit as needed. The TC Pros have a velcro-strap closure that provides a secure fit, but does not provide as much adjustability as the laces on the Tarantulace.
Type of Climbing
The La Sportiva Tarantulace is designed for technical climbing and offers excellent grip on small edges and pockets. The TC Pros are designed for sport climbing and offer great support and grip on steep terrain. The Tarantulace shoes are more suited to climbers who need a lot of precision and control when climbing, while the TC Pros are better for climbers who need more support and stability on steep terrain.
Sole Stiffness
The La Sportiva Tarantulace shoes have a stiff sole that offers excellent support and stability while climbing. The sole is designed to give climbers the best control when edging on small holds and features a firm midsole that helps to absorb shock when landing. The TC Pros have a softer sole that provides good grip on steep terrain, but does not offer as much support as the Tarantulace.
Shape
The La Sportiva Tarantulace has an asymmetric shape that is great for technical climbing. The shoes have a downturned toe that allows for maximum toe-hooking power and a flat midsole which helps to provide a secure platform for edging. The TC Pros have a more neutral shape that is designed for sport climbing. The shoes have a slightly downturned toe that helps to keep your feet secure on steep terrain, while the flat midsole provides a stable platform for edging.
Closure System
The La Sportiva Tarantulace has a lace-up closure system that provides a secure fit and allows you to adjust the fit as needed. The TC Pros have a velcro-strap closure system that provides a secure fit, but does not provide as much adjustability as the laces on the Tarantulace.
Materials
The La Sportiva Tarantulace shoes are made from a soft suede upper that offers excellent breathability and comfort. The TC Pros are made from a synthetic upper that provides a durable and breathable fit. Both shoes feature a rubber sole that provides excellent grip on a variety of surfaces.
Price
The La Sportiva Tarantulace shoes have an average price of around $100, while the TC Pros are slightly more affordable at around $80.Personal Preference
The decision between the La Sportiva Tarantulace and TC Pros will ultimately come down to personal preference. If you are a technical climber looking for a shoe that offers excellent grip and a secure fit, the Tarantulace is a great choice. However, if you are a sport climber who needs support and stability on steep terrain, then the TC Pros are a great option.
Toe Box Shape
The La Sportiva Tarantulace shoes feature a slightly downturned toe box that provides excellent toe-hooking power and control. The TC Pros have a more neutral toe box that offers good support and stability on steep terrain.
Heel Cup
The La Sportiva Tarantulace shoes have a slightly stiffer heel cup that provides a secure fit and helps to keep your feet in place during technical climbing. The TC Pros have a softer heel cup that offers good support and grip on steep terrain, but does not provide as much security as the Tarantulace.
Weight
The La Sportiva Tarantulace shoes are slightly heavier than the TC Pros, weighing in at 11 ounces. The TC Pros, however, weigh in at 10 ounces, making them slightly lighter and more comfortable for long climbs.
Level of Ventilation
The La Sportiva Tarantulace shoes offer excellent breathability thanks to the soft suede upper. The TC Pros have a synthetic upper that offers good ventilation, but does not provide as much breathability as the suede upper on the Tarantulace.
Conclusion
The La Sportiva Tarantulace and TC Pros are both great shoes for climbing. The Tarantulace is designed for technical climbing and offers excellent grip and a secure fit, while the TC Pros are designed for sport climbing and offer great support and stability on steep terrain. The decision between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference and the type of climbing you will be doing.