La Sportiva has revised the popular climbing shoe Katana Laces and now also offers a "low-volume model" that is specially tailored to women and lighter climbers.
La Sportiva has revised one of their most popular climbing shoes, the Katana laces. The 2022 models are no longer strictly based on gender, but primarily on the weight of the climber. In addition to playful adjustments to the design, the Italian shoe specialists have also made functional changes. The yellow model («men's version») with a continuous sole is stiffer, the white model («women's version») with a split sole is softer.
The philosophy of the new Katana Laces, told with a wink
Reference for vertical rock climbing
On the one hand, the heel area of the men's model has been optimized. The new construction improves the pull on the heel, while the Eco-Grip used ensures excellent friction. The sole of the heel has also become thinner and cut more aggressively, which improves efficiency with heel hooks.
On the other hand, the toe area has also been redesigned. This ensures that precision improves, especially when micro-kicking. The sole of the men's model is cut from one piece, which makes the shoe stiffer and the perfect weapon for small kicks. Pietro Del Pra, climbing products specialist at La Sportiva, even speaks of a "reference for vertical rock climbing" in connection with the revised Katana Laces.
Soft model for overhanging routes
The women's model, or the model for light climbers, is black and white. The volume and fitting is the same as the men's model. However, the sole is divided. This makes the shoe softer and adapts better to the different steps.
All in all, this model is particularly suitable for very light climbers or if you decide to wear the shoe on overhanging routes, for example.
Katana Laces: Both models in comparison
Katana laces
- Long lacing (recycled)
- Partially recycled rubber
- Resoleable
- Upper material: suede leather, microfiber
- Liners: Pacific
- Midsole: LaSPoFlex 1.1 mm, P3 system
- Sole: Vibram XS Edge (4mm)
- Level: performance
- Shaft height: low shank
- Weight: 500 g
Katana Laces Woman
- Split sole
- Long lacing (recycled)
- Partially recycled rubber
- Resoleable
- Upper material: suede leather, microfiber
- Liners: Pacific
- Midsole: LaSPoFlex 1.1 mm, P3 system
- Sole: Vibram XS Grip 2 (4mm)
- Shaft height: low shank
- Weight: 430 g
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Credits: Cover picture Matteo Pavana
