The La Sportiva Women’s Katanas were my first pair of climbing shoes. They’ve since been discontinued by La Sportiva, which is an absolute shame. The Katanas are the perfect all-around shoe, geared towards newer and experienced climbers alike. Once broken in, they could last on your feet for hours, without extreme pain. I currently have 1.5 pairs (lost a shoe bouldering at the Zephyrs, it’s size 35.5, holler if you find it), and I know that one day, they will no longer be resole-able. In anticipation, I’ve been testing out a bunch of other shoes from La Sportiva. Here’s my list of La Sportiva Katana alternatives.
Table of contents
La Sportiva Katana Lace
What’s the same
- The shoe
What’s different
- Laces
- Unisex
Buy through Backcountry for $195. Use code PAULINAD15 for 15% off your first purchase, exclusions apply.
La Sportiva Otaki
The La Sportiva Otakis have come closest to the La Sportiva Katanas. They are a solid all-day shoe that excel at every discipline.
What’s the same
- Velcro
- Solid all-around climbing shoe
- Can wear all day
- Comes in a men’s and women’s version
What’s different
- Slightly more aggressive
La Sportiva TC Pro
The La Sportiva TC Pros are specifically designed as a trad climbing shoe. However, it excels at all disciplines and can be worn all day, making it a great La Sportiva Katana alternative.
What’s the same
- Solid all-around climbing shoe
- Can wear all day
- Similar silhouette
What’s different
- Laces
- High top
- Extra padding for crack climbing
- Unisex
La Sportiva Kataki
The La Sportiva Katakis are similar to the La Sportiva Otakis, which makes them similar to the La Sportiva Katanas, with laces.
What’s the same
- Solid all-around climbing shoe
- Can wear all day
- Similar silhouette
- Discontinued
What’s different
- Laces
- Slightly more aggressive
Buy for $70 at Steep and Cheap. Limited sizes available.
La Sportiva Muira
I’m hesitant to include the La Sportiva Muira because they do not fit my feet at all. I get terrible hot spots from them, which means they aren’t a great La Sportiva Katana alternative. However, many folks love these, so they begrudgingly get a mention.
What’s the same
- Solid all-around climbing shoe
- Can wear all day
- Similar silhouette
What’s different
- Slightly more aggressive
- Some come with laces
Buy for $165 (velcro) or $185 (laces).
Am I missing a shoe that’s like the La Sportiva Katana? Let me know of any other La Sportiva Katana alternatives in the comments.
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