Older Katana velcro shoes, men's??

These are my shoes the last few years, for everything. They work and are comfortable. However, they were discontinued. The pair I use now, were the last in my size in the world, apparently, lol! Pair one is awaiting resoling, two is maybe getting there soon.

Anyone who has/had the men's teal and green version have a recommendation for a shoe to replace it with? Similar fit and performance?

Second, I like these as they are, so what do I ask for, where do I send them, for resoling? I'd like the same as they are now, no idea what that is.

Last, I'm a 37, if anyone has a pair they want to sell!

Thanks, all, much appreciated. 

Best, Helen

I’m not 100% on this so take it for what it is. But I’m pretty sure Sportiva Italy still makes the Velcro Katana. You might be able to get a pair directly from them however it will probably be kinda expensive to ship and what not.

I bought a pair from here came no problem. I think they were less when I ordered but they have them and are reliable.

https://www.alpinstore.com/en/outdoor/climbing-mountaineering-viaferrata/slippers/116396-climbing-shoes-katana-yellow-black-la-sportiva.html?search_query=katana&results=6

I have ordered a lot from the EpicTV shop and have had only positive experiences. They have the Katana (frequently on sale, see link).

Happy climbing!

They changed the shoe a couple years ago, and I'm guessing it was more than just a color change. That's why I'm asking for input from people who wear/wore this specific model, and what they have found that is similar.

Thanks, though!

Best, Helen

Jeremy R wrote: I used to have a bunch of pairs of the old velcros....fwiw, OLH....I think the lace version is a much better shoe. I suspect you've already decided for yourself that you prefer the velcros, but if not, try the laces!

Thanks! The velcro is nice to get on and off quickly, but also can be cinched down tighter for cracks, or kept comfy for cragging.

In a town with not a lot of selection, it will come down to trying on literally everything available. I'm just not trusting of buying online, with so few shoes that fit me at all. The first pair of katanas I lucked into at Sierra trading post, brick and mortar. Otherwise, those weren't here.

Best, Helen

I have the green and blue ones used them for year and the new yellow I didn't notice a difference but i'm not super sensitive to small changes. They seemed the same to me. I have the same size as I did with the blue and green .

Thanks, guys!

Lol, Jeremy, my first pair of climbing shoes hurt all the time, that's what the salesperson said was how it was supposed to be. No more. I'm not that good, pain is just dumb, in my case. If my feet keep spreading out, maybe?

Mike, good to hear! I'll try on everything in town. If that's a no go, then I can try the new Katana out.

Best, Helen

hi helen-

we have a new cobbler in the region. he's done some work in the family on a pair of ice boots, working on a pair of climbing shoes now. i'll send you a message with his info if you'd like, since he doesn't have a website.

cheers.

mwoodsh wrote: hi helen-

we have a new cobbler in the region. he's done some work in the family on a pair of ice boots, working on a pair of climbing shoes now. i'll send you a message with his info if you'd like, since he doesn't have a website.

cheers.

Wow! That sounds interesting. Doing resoles, or building shoes? Definitely interested. 

When I send the first pair off to get resoled, I'm hoping to have similar to what they are now. I know different resolers use different rubber, and I have no idea who does what, what I should ask for, or even what they are now, lol!

Best, Helen

Yea, I like the Velcro too and am nursing two pair through old age. They're the best shoe I've found for me on semi-thin cracks (0.5 & 0.75 Camalot size) since the I can squeeze the chisled toe into the crack and the rest of my foot is snug. The lace up version and other shoes I've tried either have a fatter (non-chisled) toe profile or they're sloppy on my feet. I alos like them for variable terrain with some crack and some face. The fit though is very dependent on one's foot shape so it's not for everyone.

Jerimiah Keller wrote: I also use Velcro Katana but I didn't know they discontinued the production. That's bad news for me.

They haven't been discontinued. Don''t believe everything you read! (including what I write). Check for yourself.

You might look at the La Sportiva Otaki as an option.  I have three pairs of Velcro Katanas that I’ve had and loved for years.  Thanks to Rock & Resole, they just keep going.  I have found the Otaki to be a great successor.  

John Walters wrote: You might look at the La Sportiva Otaki as an option.  I have three pairs of Velcro Katanas that I’ve had and loved for years.  Thanks to Rock & Resole, they just keep going.  I have found the Otaki to be a great successor.  

Thanks! I just lucked into a nice pair of Tenayas yesterday that will do (and a great deal, also), so I can send my two pairs of katanas in to resole. 

A funny story: my friend climbed a lot, years ago, and is just getting back into it. I was checking out his shoes this morning, and not only are they an even older version of my Katanas, they're my size! Except stretched out. I size for comfort.

The good news is, we can dump our shoes in together for resoling! 

I'm thinking I'll just order the newest Katana, see how it goes, if we don't get around to sending in the resoles. 

Best, Helen