Introduction
For climbers looking to find the perfect shoe for their next indoor or outdoor climbing adventure, the Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula are both excellent options. These two shoes are very popular among climbers, and both have distinct features that make them stand out from the competition. In this article, we will compare the two shoes in detail and discuss which one might be better suited to your individual needs.
Comparison
| Scarpa Origin | La Sportiva Tarantula | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Neutral | Neutral |
| Type of Climbing | Trad, Sport, Bouldering | Trad, Sport, Bouldering |
| Sole Stiffness | Med-stiff | Med-stiff |
| Shape | Symmetrical | Asymmetrical |
| Closure System | Lace | Slip-on with adjustable hook-and-loop strap |
| Materials | Leather upper, Vibram XS Grip2 sole | Leather upper, Vibram XS Grip2 sole |
| Price | $$ | $$ |
| Personal Preference | Neutral | Neutral |
| Toe Box Shape | Rounded | Rounded |
| Heel Cup | Heel tension is adjustable | Heel tension is adjustable |
| Weight | 10.6 oz | 10.9 oz |
| Level of Ventilation | Low | Low |
Fit
The Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula both have a neutral fit that is suitable for a wide range of foot shapes. The shoes have a snug fit and provide a good level of support, making them suitable for a wide range of activities. The Scarpa Origin has an adjustable heel tension which makes it particularly versatile, while the La Sportiva Tarantula has a slip-on design with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap.
The Scarpa Origin has a fairly symmetrical shape, and the toe box has a rounded shape. This makes the shoe more comfortable for long days on the wall. On the other hand, the La Sportiva Tarantula has an asymmetrical shape and the heel cup is adjustable. This makes the shoe more suitable for technical climbing, as it provides more control over the foot’s position on the wall.
The upper materials of both shoes are made from leather, which is highly durable and resistant to abrasion. The sole of both shoes is made from Vibram XS Grip2, which provides excellent grip on a variety of surfaces. The shoes also have a low level of ventilation, which makes them suitable for climbing in warm weather.
Type of Climbing
The Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula are both suitable for trad, sport and bouldering. Both shoes have a medium-stiff sole, which provides good support and stability while climbing. The Scarpa Origin has a more symmetrical shape, which makes it more suitable for trad climbing, while the La Sportiva Tarantula has an asymmetrical shape which makes it better suited for technical climbing.
The Scarpa Origin also has a slightly softer sole, which makes it ideal for slab climbing and smearing. The La Sportiva Tarantula has a slightly stiffer sole, which makes it better suited for edging.
Sole Stiffness
The sole stiffness of the Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula are both medium-stiff. This makes them suitable for a wide range of activities, from trad climbing to bouldering. The sole of the Scarpa Origin is slightly softer than that of the La Sportiva Tarantula, which makes it better suited for smearing and slab climbing. The sole of the La Sportiva Tarantula is slightly stiffer, which makes it better suited for edging.
Shape
The Scarpa Origin has a symmetrical shape while the La Sportiva Tarantula has an asymmetrical shape. The symmetrical shape of the Scarpa Origin makes it more comfortable for long days on the wall and better suited for trad climbing. On the other hand, the asymmetrical shape of the La Sportiva Tarantula makes it more suitable for technical climbing, as it provides more control over the foot’s position on the wall.
Closure System
The Scarpa Origin has a lace closure system, which allows for a snug and secure fit. The laces are made from a durable material, which makes them less prone to tearing and fraying. The La Sportiva Tarantula has a slip-on design with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap. This makes it easier to put on and take off, as well as provide a secure and comfortable fit.
Materials
The upper materials of both shoes are made from leather, which is highly durable and resistant to abrasion. The sole of both shoes is made from Vibram XS Grip2, which provides excellent grip on a variety of surfaces. The shoes also have a low level of ventilation, which makes them suitable for climbing in warm weather.
Price
Both the Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula are priced in the mid-range and offer excellent quality for the price. They are both durable shoes made with high-quality materials, making them suitable for a wide range of activities.Personal Preference
The Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula both have their own individual advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for different types of climbers. Ultimately, the decision of which shoe is best suited to your individual needs is a personal preference.
The Scarpa Origin is best suited to climbers who are looking for an all-around shoe that is comfortable and supportive. The La Sportiva Tarantula is better suited to climbers who are looking for a more technical shoe that offers better control over the foot’s position on the wall.
Toe Box Shape
The toe box shape of both the Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula is rounded. This makes them more comfortable for long days on the wall and better suited for trad climbing. The rounded toe box also allows for better foot placement on small footholds.
Heel Cup
The heel cup of both shoes is adjustable, which allows for a secure and comfortable fit. The adjustable heel tension of the Scarpa Origin makes it particularly versatile, as it allows for a custom fit that is suitable for a wide range of activities.
Weight
The Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula both weigh 10.6 oz and 10.9 oz, respectively. The lightweight design of both shoes makes them suitable for long days on the wall.
Level of Ventilation
Both the Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula have a low level of ventilation, which makes them suitable for climbing in warm weather. The leather upper of both shoes also helps to provide some breathability.
Conclusion
The Scarpa Origin and La Sportiva Tarantula are both excellent options for climbers looking for a versatile shoe that is suitable for a wide range of activities. The Scarpa Origin has a symmetrical shape and adjustable heel tension, making it better suited to trad climbing. On the other hand, the La Sportiva Tarantula has an asymmetrical shape and adjustable heel cup, making it better suited to technical climbing. Ultimately, the decision of which shoe is best suited to your individual needs is a personal preference.