La Sportiva Kataki review

Who should buy the La Sportiva Kataki

The La Sportiva Kataki is a beast of a product—one that wears its incredible climbing performance on its sleeve. It is a solid option if you:

• Prefer a climbing shoe that is designed to take on edges with as much precision as possible
• Prefer a climbing shoe that can prevent the heel from deforming and improve heel-hooking maneuvers
• Prefer a climbing shoe that is built primarily as an outdoor rock climbing shoe for intermediate climbers

Excellent surface traction

When it comes to surface traction, male climbers have the Kataki’s Vibram XS Edge outsole to thank. This particular component has a kind of firmness intended for edging maneuvers. Female senders, on the other hand, owe their gratitude to the XS Grip 2 outsole (also by Vibram). Both outsoles cover mainly the upper half of the shoe’s underside, and both have an overall thickness of 4 mm.

Excellent underfoot support

The number of underfoot support users gets from this La Sportiva offering is sourced from the shoe’s LaspoFlex midsole with P3 technology. It comes at a thickness of 1.1 mm.

Provides climbing support and protection

The La Sportiva Kataki’s low-cut upper is a combination of microfiber and suede leather. It has a liner front and back called Pacific. The lateral zone of the shoe is engineered with a rand for added climbing support and protection. 

Grants additional support and grip in heel-hooking situations

This rand has a slight extension around the toe box to give climbers extra purchase when toe hooking. The shoe’s S-Heel grants additional support and grip in heel-hooking situations.

Easy to wear 

Managing the fit in this leather climbing shoe is a tandem between combination eyelets and synthetic lace. A pair of synthetic pull loops at the heel is for on and off.