Our verdict
Route smashers who are in need of a remarkable trad climbing shoe—one that eats fissures for breakfast—might find one in the TC Pro. Those who have been looking for a pair that breezes through edges might also find it in this superbly comfortable climbing piece. There can always be a discussion about its affordability, but past that, the TC Pro is yet another banger offering from La Sportiva.
Pros
- Trad champ
- Crack scaler
- Edging master
- Your climbing day translates to multi-pitch ascents, whether indoors or outdoors
- Supportive
- Sticky
Cons
- Expensive
- Climbers adore the TC Pros highly tenacious Vibram outsole
updated 11 Jun 2023
Co-developed by American professional rock climber Tommy Caldwell, the La Sportiva Cobra is a moderate piece that revels in its multifacetedness. It is for you if:
- You prefer vertical routes to short boulder projects.
- Extra comfort and rigid support on fist-size or smaller edges are what you're after in climbing shoes.
- Edges are its thing.
La Sportiva TC Pro
With an MSRP of approximately $200, the TC Pro is definitely not for the faint of heart. If you find that price tag towering, consider the budget-friendly La Sportiva Cobra instead. Also, if you value longevity above all else, the equally pricey Katana Lace Something to prove durability-wise.
Something to prove durability-wise
Reviewers in droves consider the La Sportiva Cobra a magnificent shoe for trad climbing, thanks to its stiffness and sticky rand.
Top 17% most popular climbing shoes
Its combination of support and lateral adhesion makes it handle cracks like a king, as mentioned by many consumers and bloggers.
Who should buy the La Sportiva TC Pro
The shoe's rubber rand detaching from the upper way too soon is a big disappointment to a couple of climbers.
The La Sportiva Cobra's dreamy confines
Gear authorities find the TC Pro remarkably comfy. They liked the plushness of its mid-high collar in particular.
The TC Pros dependable collar
Mounting nubbins and edges in this rock climbing shoe is a spectacular experience, according to numerous experienced senders.
The TC Pro's dependable collar
Testers are impressed with the shoe's incredible ankle support.
But it comes at a price
Track and field.
Magnetic outsole
Climbers adore the TC Pro's highly tenacious Vibram outsole.
La Sportiva Cobra vs. Genius
La Sportiva puts out rock climbing shoes that many people deem as high-quality. Case in point: the TC Pro. This product, however, shares the limelight with another climbing shoe from the same brand—the Genius. Choosing only one between the two can be a real dilemma. Fortunately for you, they have differences that can help you decide which one to keep and which one to pass up. These differences are as follows:
Downturn. The TC Pro has a moderate downturn. Its competitor, on the other hand, has an aggressive down camber. Both their downturned beaks, however, have the same shape-retaining P3 technology.
Weight. In this area, the featured rock climbing shoe loses the crown to its rival. Yes, the La Sportiva Genius is lighter than the TC Pro by roughly 25 grams per shoe.
Price. While both offerings may not be considered the cheapest rock climbing shoes out there, the TC Pro has a slightly more appealing price tag. Indeed, it is about $5 less expensive than the Genius.
Outsole technology. The La Sportiva Cobra comes with the Vibram XS Edge outsole, while its competition is equipped with the XS Grip 2 from the same outsole maker. There is a 1-mm difference between the two outsoles in terms of thickness, with the Genius being the thinner component.
Cuff height. The La Sportiva Cobra climbing shoe has a mid-top collar height, while the Genius is designed with a low-cut ankle cuff.
VERDICT: If your preferred routes require you to deal with ledges and smears mostly, the ankle-supportive TC Pro is the way to go. On the other hand, opt for the Genius if you need that extra toeing precision.
