This post explores some of the best climbing shoes on the market, each pair made to accommodate various limbing styles and foot shapes. Climbing is one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports, and it requires the right gear to optimize comfort and performance.
One vital piece of gear to incorporate into your radar is climbing shoes. The best climbing shoes should support your progress rather than encumber it. Whether you are a newbie or an expert, picking the right shoes goes a long way toward making your outdoor experience enjoyable.
Selecting the right pair can, however, be quite the endeavor. Ensuring that the chosen climbing shoes meet your needs effectively is essential. We have dug the market and brought forth top brands to suit various users and needs. Let’s dive in:
1)Black Diamond Equipment-Women’s Momentum Climbing Shoes
Made specifically for women’s feet, the Black Diamond momentum climbing shoes are designed for optimal comfort but outperform competitors in performance.
These shoes are the perfect entry-level partners for all-day comfort such that any problems you encounter will entirely be your fault, as you can no longer blame the shoes. A soft flex midsole is included for sensitivity and additional comfort.
They feature an upper fabric that consists entirely of Engineered Knit Technology, which provides stretch, outstanding breathability throughout, flexibility where you need it, and support where it matters most.
The durable rubber of the shoes is unique as it is molded to provide consistency, performance, and comfort. The softer toe rands offer a better fit, while the updated midsole enhances edging ability.
Other features include an updated heel rubber geometry for consistent tension and hemp footbed.
Features
- 3mm rubber made for durability and molded for maximum consistency and performance
- Two Velcro straps for adjusting the fit
- Neutral, flat last for ascending upwards
- Updated midsole for improved edging ability
- Soft flex midsole for more sensitivity and comfort
Pros
- Fair price tag
- Well made
- Breathable
Cons
- Tight in toe box
2)La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes
The La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulance rock climbing shoes are suitable if you are a beginner climber who spends plenty of time outside. It is one of the best climbing shoes for slab and cracks as a newbie.
The all-leather upper fits the contours of your feet while being breathable and durable. A padded and lined cotton internal tongue protects the delicate top of your foot.
An updated heel cup holds the heel in place for a secure and tight fit. Thanks to the quick-pull lacing, the foot can be precisely fitted for optimal comfort, fit, and support all the way around. The foot is wrapped snugly. Easy on/off is made possible with one tongue tab and two heel pull-tabs.
In addition, the shoes are made with a rounded forefoot and higher volume to fit more climbers without causing pain to their feet.
Besides that, an aggressive rubber heel rand and the sticky FriXion RS rubber provide a robust edging platform that is both gripping and hard-wearing, resulting in outstanding durability. Maximum torsional rigidity is provided by a very thin LaSpoflex midsole.
Features
- Lace-up style
- Comfortable enough for outdoor climbing or a trip to the gym
- The all-leather upper is robust and breathable
- Ultra-thin LaSpoflex midsole
- Made with rounded forefoot and higher volume
- A precise fit is ensured across the length of the foot using quick-pull lacing.
- Two heel pull tabs and one togue tab make putting on and off a breeze
Pros
- Admirable smearing capabilities
- The flat midsole is comfortable all day long
- Impressive performance at a bargain price
Cons
- Ineffective design for steep terrain
3)La Sportiva Men’s TC Pro Rock Climbing Shoes
The TC Pro rock climbing shoes stand out because of their comfort, stiffness, and protection. The shoes are made with a medium-wide last to accommodate climbers’ flat feet, which minimizes discomfort when toes and feet are jammed into cracks.
Padded, mid-high ankles and a rand covering most of the bottom half of the shoe lead to a very secure feeling. The shoes can take plenty of abuse and eliminate any discomfort.
The TC Pro’s oversized, sturdy midsole makes it effortless to stand on thin edges, which is imperative for multi-pitch climbing shoes on challenging terrain. Even with this stiffness, TC Pros manage to smear very well on steep slabs and slippery dihedrals.
The XS Edge rubber used on the shoes is tailored for edging. It works remarkably for this purpose. The pointed toe stands on very microscopic features without issues, and both the inside and outside edges feel precise enough for hard face climbing.
Like many highly regarded La Sportiva shoes, the TC Pro uses P3 technology to increase support. This design uses a tensioned rand across the heel, which extends inside the shoe all the way to the forefoot. The result is a solid platform that is fairly sturdy from heel to toe.
Features
- Ankle protection for cracks
- Thick, rigid midsole
- Constructed on a medium, wide-last
- Ultra-supportive, semi-stiff sole
- The high-top design significantly enhances comfort during painful jams
- ECO Leather upper material
Pros
- Impressive edging
- Unmatched protection and comfort
- Decent all-round shoe
Cons
- Limited bouldering use
- Steep price
4)SCARPA Men’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes
Next up are the SCARPA Men’s Origin rock climbing shoes. SCARPA has a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship and innovative designs, and this tradition is evident in these climbing shoes.
These shoes are ideal for beginners and feature a flat profile and passive rand system, making them ultra-comfortable for lengthy gym sessions and multi-patch escapades. This doesn’t mean they shy away when it comes to performance.
The thick Vision rubber outsole makes these shoes durable and perfect for beginner climbers. The rubber is sticky enough to keep your feet from skating. The PAF heel system breaks tension near the back of the foot, removing pressure from the Achilles tendon.
The shoes’ slightly asymmetric design helps you put pressure over your primary edging platform so you learn to trust your edges without feeling any pain along the way.
Customization is at your fingertips, and the two hook and loop straps allow you to customize your fit for ultimate comfort all day long.
Features
- PDF Heel system enhances all day fit and comfort
- Two hook and loop straps for fit customization
- Vision rubber is sticky enough to prevent your feet from skating
- Passive rand and flat lasted construction
- A slightly asymmetric design
- Pressure absorbing fit
- Machine washable
Pros
- Provide a good balance between comfort and performance
- Excellent fit
- Decent performance
Cons
- The Velcro straps are poorly designed and slip and loosen as you climb
5)Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe
The Climb X Rave Strap climbing shoe is an excellent option for beginner to intermediate climbers. It is reasonably priced but doesn’t cut corners when it comes to durability and effectiveness.
The shoe features a variety of features to handle any climb you throw at it. First, it has the exclusive X-factor rubber that promises a secure hold on any climb.
A secure fit is ensured by the slightly downturned design and unscented hemp footbed, while the cushioned ankle cuff offers substantial comfort.
Additionally, it has a nylon midsole for enhanced edging ability and two Velcro straps for fit adjustability.
The entire shoe is crafted from recyclable materials. It is a true all-arounder, ideal and precise enough for your next climbing adventure.
Features
- Hook & loop closure type
- Hemp insole for less odor
- Made from recyclable materials
- Soft ankle padding and flat last for comfort all day
- Two Velcro straps for fit adjustability
- Nylon midsole enhances the edging ability
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
- Organic hemp footbed
Cons
- Limited comfort compared to expensive brands
6)CAVSOIR Men’s Climbing Shoes
The CAVSOIR men’s climbing shoes are also considered the best climbing shoes in this review. The shoes are made with versatility at the forefront, ideal for climbers who enjoy rock climbing and all sorts of climbing activities, including rock climbing, bouldering, outdoor climbing, and indoor training.
The shoes have high-traction rubber soles that provide slip resistance over rocky terrain, helping them achieve more rock wall moves.
These rock climbing shoes minimize impact for a softer shock and lighter stride. The arched body with wrapped toe offers a better fit, better footing, and better support, letting climbers focus their body weight on their toes and their strength, giving them an advantage on competitive or rock-hugging routes.
As one of the best climbing shoes, they have two Velcro straps for adjustable fit, easy on and off, fast and flexible adjustment, and are excellent for customizable needs.
Features
- Elastic rubber dual Velcro fasteners
- Breathable microfiber abrasion-resistant rubber tabs on the shoe body
- Elastic anti-odor midsole
- Arched body with wrapped toe
- Made with a close-to-foot fit
- High-traction rubber soles for slip resistance
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- High quality
- Slip-resistant
Stiff Vs. Soft Shoes
One essential hoe characteristic is its degree of softness. A soft, sensitive shoe can be desirable as it allows one to feel small holds better and possibly optimizes the shoe’s angle and grip. However, overly soft shoes can sag and roll off tiny holds more easily. Also, soft sensitive shoes require more foot and toe strength to keep the stress against the rock.
Stiff shoes are less sensitive but give more power to a climber’s foot to help stay on ultra-thin edges and small nubbins. As stiffer shoes offer a structured, stable base under your toes, climbing a lengthy route on small edges will tax your calf and foot muscles far less.
Buying Guide for The Best Climbing Shoes
Factors to consider before making a buying decision in regards to the best climbing shoes include:
Material
Most climbing shoes include a rubber rand, which constitutes the soles, sides, and toes, and an upper composed of either leather or synthetic material. When it comes to rubbers and uppers, stretch is the main issue when comparing leather and synthetic uppers. Leather stretches slightly. Most synthetic uppers don’t. Therefore, it’s wise to downsize a bit with leather shoes. Synthetic shoes are more of a mixed bag, depending on how they fit. Some shoes include lined leather uppers to reduce the chance of them decreasing to half a size. Up to a full size may be accommodated by unlined uppers. In addition to being generally more resilient than synthetic materials, leather also breathes better. However, this is also situational for climbers.
Downturn
Climbing shoes are available in three varieties depending on the downturn, which is how sharply hooked the shoe is. These are flat, moderate, and aggressive. When examining a shoe’s turn, comfort and performance typically go against one another, yet, there are several comfortable and aggressive shoes available nowadays. Having said that, neutral, flat shoes are generally the most comfortable. They are perfect for extended days on the wall or for novice climbers. The least comfortable but most effective shoes for sport climbing and bouldering are aggressive designs.
Fit
The best climbing shoes should fit as tightly as possible without being uncomfortable. There should be absolutely no air pockets. For maximum power, your toes should be pushed forward into the toe box without getting crushed. This is less crucial for a beginner climber so that you can focus more on comfort. Additionally, big wall or all-day shoes don’t really need it.
Also Read,
Best Climbing Shoes FAQs
What Are the Best Shoes to Wear for Rock Climbing?
Common styles include lace-up, slipper, and Velcro straps. The best climbing shoes should feature a downturned shape, enabling you to better grip holds with your toes. Ensure yours fit very tightly, though not uncomfortably tight. The right fit helps with better power transfer from your legs to your feet.
Can I Rock Climb with Regular Shoes?
The shoes should be snug but not painfully tight, fitting like a second layer of skin. The shoe type is also vital, with neutral shoes being recommended for newbies because of their comfort and versatility. These shoes are appropriate for long climbs as they let your toes lie flat like regular sneakers.
Do Climbing Shoes Really Make a Difference?
Expert climbers can ascend challenging gradients in subpar shoes, but novice climbers would undoubtedly benefit from the right ones. In this case, softer shoes will be better at smearing, but stiff shoes certainly will make a difference on rock with mostly edgy grips.
How Tightly Should I Size My Climbing Shoes?
This is entirely an individual decision. Some old-school climbers will insist everyone downsize 1 or 2 from their standard shoe size. This is insane, mainly because there is no consistency among climbing shoe manufacturers when it comes to sizing. Generally, shoes made with a leather upper will stretch one-half to one size after a break-in period, and those with synthetic uppers or full linings will stretch much less or not at all.
Conclusion
The best climbing shoes elucidated here are suitable models for any climber pushing their limits and conquering challenges. The perfect fit is out there, and we hope you have found the right model for your desired discipline.