Top 10 Best Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes provide the right support and grip between the rock and you. It is important, therefore, to have the right type of shoes whether you are going bouldering or belaying. While there are many differentkinds of climbing shoes to choose from out in the market, it is important for you as an individual to consider if the shoes are the right fit and shape for you and have the required features you will need when climbing. The best climbing shoes will do the perfect job when climbing.
After thorough research, we came up with the 10 best climbing shoes that every rock climber should consider buying. We will go into details and describe these shoes in this article, as well as their features, functionality, and price. Before you go buying climbing shoes, you should read this article to get more information that will definitely come in handy.
Climbing Shoes FAQ
1. What Are Climbing Shoes?
2. What Do Climbing Shoes Do?
3. What Features Do Climbing Shoes Have?
4. Where Can You Buy Them?
5. Which Shoe Type Should You Buy?
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on the following parameters: Features, Pros & Cons, Price, Where to Buy and .
Overall Price Range of Climbing Shoes
The price of the best climbing shoes ranges from $50 to $240 depending on the features of the shoes. The most expensive climbing shoes come with features such as hyper-responsiveness, advanced material, and fast lacing systems.
What We Reviewed
Climbing Shoes for Women
Climbing Shoes for Men
Comparison Table
- Patented P3 permanent power platform retains downturned shape for the life of the shoe
- Patented lock harness system creates a support system which wraps the foot and offers a...
- Molded 3D heel cup
Features
This particular climbing shoe provides the solution for the problems experienced in modern bouldering. These Velcro shoes are down-turned to lock the foot into a position perfect for toe hooking, grabbing holds, and for powerful edging. The tension rand comes in a figure eight to provide optimal power required for all your bouldering needs.
It comes with a heel cup outer rubber which is super-sticky to ensure secure heel hooking and a Lock Harness System. The patented P3 Permanent Power Platform ensures that the down-turned shape of the shoe is retained. These shoes tend to be narrower than the male shoes and lower in volume.
PROS
CONS
- A major upgrade to Evolv's all time best selling shoe
- New anti microbial mesh to eliminate odor
- Improved fit
Features
These climbing shoes come with a lower cut on the ankle area and heel so they can fit women better. If you are looking for precision, then Endeavor are the best shoes for you. The toe shape is slightly asymmetrical and follows the natural line of the foot to increase the comfort level. These shoes come with a triple-fork webbing system for custom fitting.
These shoes are great for rock climbing as they have surpassed people’s expectations with features such as the 100% organic hemp fabric which fully aligns the shoes along with their moisture-wicking abilities.
PROS
CONS
Features
Being the ultimate rock climbing shoes for steep and overhanging climbing, the Shaman LV is designed to incorporate unique materials, exclusive technologies, and to be perfect for low-volume feet. They differ from the male version and more comfortable when you wear them. They come with a sticky sole and a great down-turned shape.
These shoes are great for bouldering and overhanging. Their three Velcro straps supportive and the double tongue is comfortable. The sole is made of rubber and comes with a lining of microfiber to add to the comfort and makes the shoes very durable. The forefoot is put in a power position by the love-bump midsole.
PROS
CONS
Features
This high-friction footwear is known for its great performance in rock climbing, downhill mountain bike racing, kayaking, and wing-suit flying. It is made from polyester in the USA with a rubber sole to increase its comfort levels and a Velcro brand strap which is great and supportive.
PROS
CONS
No products found.
No products found.
Features
If you are on a budget when you buy shoes or you are purchasing climbing shoes for the first time, these are one of the best shoes to consider. They are very comfortable to wear and have that welcoming fit. This shoe has a flat shape unlike the others with the downturn and is not an aggressive shoe. It climbs better than other shoes with the rubber sole which is durable.
PROS
CONS
- Upper Material: leather
- Lining: synthetic
- Closure: laces
Features
If you are looking for a climbing machine, then these shoes are for you. They are great in granite, vertical, and less than vertical terrain. The make-up of the shoe is stiff with XS edge rubber which is sticky to enable an easy climb. These shoes let your toes lie flat which is an added advantage when encountered with thin cracks.
The shoes come with laces instead of Velcro straps which can be easily untied.
PROS
CONS
- Highly charged bi-tension active randing provides maximum toe power
- Vibram xs edge in forefoot provides incredible grip and durability
- Vibram xs grip 2 makes heel hooking simple
Features
The Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoes are made from 100% textile and have a synthetic sole. Each shoe has a single Velcro strap and is very supportive. With this shoe, you can easily climb crystals which are found on granite faces and on small edges with no difficulty. It has XC-edge rubber with non-slippery heels, fits comfortably, and a no-stretch upper.
PROS
CONS
- Stealth C4 rubber outsole
- Medium Stiff Midsole
- Lined Cordura upper
Features
These climbing shoes have an incredible sticky rubber and are very comfortable. They are made from polyester and have laces instead of Velcro for a precise fit. They are great for outdoor, and because of their design, they are not suitable for steep overhang but are great for all the other types of climbing.
They come in the color pink and to minimize stretch after a while, they come with a synthetic Cowdura upper. This shoe is available in different versions and you can choose the one you like best.
PROS
CONS
- Microfiber lining in forefoot for comfort and durability
- Love Bump" midsole puts your forefoot in a comfortable position of power and fills the...
- Knuckle Box" works in combination with the "Love Bump" to provide room for your big toe...
Features
If you have wider feet and you have trouble finding the right climbing shoes, give Evolv Shaman a try. This shoe is specifically designed to fit wide-footed climbers. It is an aggressive shoe but comfortable when you wear and you can comfortably use it to climb steep terrain.
The knuckle box ensures the toe is comfortable even when curled and the love bump pushes the toes towards the box. For a down-turned foot, these features are comfortable especially if it is the right-fitting shoe.
PROS
CONS
No products found.
No products found.
Features
This climbing shoe is one of the best for beginners who desire to climb and advance as fast as they can. It is easy to put on and take off with a hook and loop closure which is easily adjustable. It helps improve your overall performance because of its simplicity. For comfort, the leather upper is unlined to help with moisture management.
The rubber soles have a strong grip and are long lasting even when you grab onto materials such as plastic, rocks, and other synthetic materials. The Tarantula has a low asymmetry to help the beginning climbers keep up at a faster pace and remain very comfortable.
PROS
CONS
The Verdict: The Best Climbing Shoes
Picking the right climbing shoes can make a big difference between having a great climb, and having a not-so-great climb. Comfortability and fit are just the beginning—the shoes must also offer the right grip and style to match your skill level and experience. It’s also important to take the terrain you intend to climb into account. The right shoes can make all the difference.
All the climbing shoes above are comfortable to wear during rock climbing. However, it all depends on which type of climber you are. The beginners for women should give Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe a try, and the men should try the La Sportiva Men’s Tarantula Beginner Rock Climbing Shoe. These shoes fit beginners really well and give them an easy first time experience.
For the moderate learners, we recommend they go for shoes that are not that aggressive like the Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV Climbing Shoe for women and Five Ten Men’s Anasazi Climbing Shoe for the men.
The advanced climbers find that aggressive shoes are okay as they are used to the terrain. For them, we recommend La Sportiva Men’s TC Pro Climbing Shoe and La Sportiva Women’s Solution Rock Climbing Shoe.
