Best All-Around Climbing Shoe

Of all the shoes in our quiver, the Katana Lace is the one we reach for most, whether we’re sport climbing at Smith Rock, multi-pitch climbing in Red Rock’s canyons, or ascending finger cracks at the Creek. What stands out most about the Katana is its ability to do almost everything well—crack climbing, smearing, technical face, slab, pockets, you name it. Sized up and worn in, you get a comfortable all-day shoe with much more precision than a flat design like the TC Pro (a liner at both the heel and toe boosts comfort and breathability, too). Worn tightly, the Katana’s edging prowess is on par with the likes of the Otaki below. And unlike many sport climbing and bouldering shoes, the Katana’s moderate downturn and wide toe box are a great match for wide feet or climbers who aren’t sold on a more aggressive design.