Outdoor gear lab climbing shoes If it were a slightly flatter shoe with the same smearing performance, it would be an incredible slab climbing platform. If you need the best climbing performance for lots of 5th-class climbing, these might not perform as well as you need, but they're great for most terrain. The sole is comfortably cushioned, and the laces help refine the fit. Nov 21, 2019 · There are two schools of thought with climbing shoes: that your shoes should be extremely tight to the point of pain, or that your shoes should be bigger and more comfortable. Dec 19, 2023 · These shoes seriously impressed us with their excellent climbing ability, hiking comfort, durability, and overall support. — Apr 19, 2024 · With a downturned shape, a precise toe, and a well-fitting heel, this shoe is a powerhouse for steep climbing. May 2, 2015 · If the shoe fares well overall in our first round of tests and it continues to be popular on the market then we will do a full Hands-On Review soon. The very tapered toe box of the Boostic provides little extra room for the arching of your toes and the sole and upper are both extremely stiff. Sep 3, 2015 · The Boostic thrives in the beyond-vertical world of hard sport climbing and bouldering. If you have narrow feet, we highly recommend trying these on before buying because there are likely better options to fit your foot. These shoes are best used for technical face climbing on vertical to gently overhung terrain – techy limestone, granite edging, and bouldering are the best uses for the Miura VS. For this reason, we don't consider these shoes to be an exceptional value. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. It is a specialty climbing shoe that will enable serious grade pushing, at the expense of comfort and wearability. The big thing that sets approach shoes apart from hiking shoes is their sticky rubber and technical climbing abilities. May 12, 2020 · The climbing-centric outsole of the Technician has more climbing edge and 'climbing zone' than any other approach shoe. , cams or nuts) while they ascend the rock. Climbing shoes, in general, will be less comfortable than shoes worn around town. However, if the type of climbing you prefer demands maximum sensitivity while still allowing ample opportunities to rest your feet, then the Scarpa Veloce is an affordable shoe to consider. Our lead tester raves, “I love the waterproof and non-waterproof version of this shoe. Both shoes have a highly aggressive downturned toe, but the Solution is a bit lighter weight and has thicker rubber on the sole. May 4, 2011 · The outside of the shoe edges incredible well, but the toe did not feel quite as precise. A half size down might make these shoes better for harder climbing, but would compromise the comfort factor, which is paramount for a great day of climbing. Fairly durable and quite affordable, this shoe will also help keep the soles on your sending shoes newer longer if used as a second shoe for the gym days and warm-ups at the crag. We also liked the Lowa Alpine Expert for standard rock climbing. 6 stars from Amazon customer reviews and 4. Jan 22, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoe for Beginners: Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe Under $100: La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe for All-Day Comfort: evolv Kronos / evolv Kira; Best for Trad Climbing: La Sportiva TC Pro Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe for Overhung Bouldering: Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. — Jul 14, 2015 · The Five Ten Siren is an all-around climbing shoe that has the option of a regular lace system or a speed lace system and it has a breathable mesh upper. This is particularly pronounced if you get the shoe a little bigger (something we don't recommend). It has the same sticky Trax rubber as other Evolv approach shoes and plenty of sensitivity compared to heavier models like the Salewa Firetail 3. Feb 11, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX4, our preferred shoe for big wall climbing, has excellent support, in addition to bomber durability, plenty of comfort, and good climbing performance, all attributes needed for the world's largest rock faces. Editor's Note: We updated our climbing shoe review on April 16, 2025, to remove a discontinued shoe from our lineup and ensure current pricing for each shoe. Dec 29, 2017 · As a shoe for steep climbing as well as pitches that are vertical require precise footwork, the Lotus is an excellent option. This shoe's pointy toe supplies an outstanding sensation of precision to ensure your toes are properly placed on the tiniest footholds. But, I am opting for the non-waterproof shoes for warm desert hiking. The Genius, in contrast, comes with rounded edges right out of the box. Jul 23, 2024 · The toe box has a narrow and precise fit, allowing the direct transfer of force from the foot to the shoe's “climbing zone”, and our testers were impressed by how the TX Guide can hold an edge on the moderately small (but still obvious) holds that mid-5th class climbing often involves. We can't wait to bring them on winter sport climbing trips to Spain and then use them for springtime adventures on desert sandstone. La Sportiva chose this design because it matches the rounded shape of a human toe and allows the toe to be positioned inside the shoe as close as possible to the rock. May 27, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. These approach shoes have sensitive yet supportive soles, which enable excellent smearing, edging, and crack climbing. At $124, these are $6 cheaper than the Mythos. Related: Best Climbing Shoes for Women Feb 27, 2024 · Climbing shoes are an essential piece of equipment for rock climbers, providing the necessary grip, sensitivity, and support needed to conquer the vertical world. Although our testers do appreciate that the heel is fully encased in rubber and the extra coverage on the rand enhances toe hooking, these niceties do little to differentiate it in a Jun 7, 2015 · If your local crag has a ton of pocket climbing, check out the Tenaya Tarifa; the pointier toe make it veritable pocket climbing machine. Climbing Ability. This shoe would be a better choice for granite, gneiss, gritstone, and sandstone. May 5, 2021 · Their affordability is unmatched by other high-end climbing shoes, they climb all styles well, and they don't hurt our feet. We examined sales at online retailers, perused customer comments, and read formal reviews from our competitors to select the top 27 models that are currently available. Apr 29, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is our favorite approach shoe, hands down. Nov 21, 2019 · We found the Instincts to be a nice middle ground between a flat, stiff shoe ideal for vertical climbing and an aggressively downturned, softer shoe for the steeps. All-American trad warriors, however, will probably be better off with a stiffer pair of climbing shoes for cracks or low-angle romps. These versatile shoes are an excellent addition to anyone's climbing shoe quiver. The rock climbing shoe review began like any other review at OutdoorGearLab, with extensive online research. Different-shaped feet need differently lasted shoes, and that is why we stock over 50 models of rock climbing shoes. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Jul 23, 2024 · The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is a lightweight climbing machine that excels while climbing 5th-class terrain. Sep 20, 2014 · Offering comfort that will make you wonder what all the veterans are whining about and a neutral shape that functions in many climbing scenarios. If you're looking for a shoe for your next trip to Indian Creek or up the big stone, look elsewhere. Jul 23, 2024 · This shoe is a godsend for any runner who likes to incorporate technical moves into their running itineraries. The La Sportiva Tarantulace is exactly that. To that end, our expert reviewers unselfishly tied their laces and took to the desert, valleys, coasts, and mountains to test the full roster of shoes and boots. The Instinct is able to do both — making it a great shoe for technical, yet slightly steep climbing. Comfort. For example, you might have a heavy pack to carry to a remote peak but will also be traveling over large sections of boulder and scree fields to get to the base of your chosen route. Apr 30, 2021 · Ultra-soft climbing shoes are not ideal for every situation or climber. . Feb 19, 2010 · One dislikes is the lacing system is not as good as the Mythos. May 27, 2025 · Updated April 2025: We added seven new shoes to this guide, including the Scrapa Arpia V, our favorite all-rounder for outdoors. Although it can involve various techniques to climb an array of rock features, when people refer to a “trad shoe,” they usually mean flat-soled shoes designed for crack climbing. Our lead testers assessed these approach shoes while climbing in the High Sierra, around the Bishop, Lake Tahoe, and Boulder regions, and on numerous other climbing adventures in California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. May 6, 2021 · Traditional climbing is a type of rock climbing where the climber places their own gear for protection (e. com is one of the best-selling shoes in the world. The result is a high-performance climbing shoe specifically designed for climbing steep or overhanging boulders and sport climbs. Sep 30, 2024 · The Finale was rated as a winner for best women's climbing shoe by My Trail Company and Climbing Shoe Review also holds it in high esteem; it was awarded an overall score of 70 from Outdoor Gear Lab. First and foremost, it should be noted that these shoes run very small! We ordered a US women's size 8, with a street shoe size of 7. Weight is an important consideration for almost any piece of gear we use in human-powered activities. Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. Used purely as a sport shoe and not nearly as comfortable or as adaptable as many other high-end shoes in this application, they won't do it all. Jan 2, 2024 · A bargain price for a climbing shoe with respectable performance: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing: A great deal for an adequate climbing shoe: This super comfy shoe is perfect for folks who are just starting to climb: This shoe isn't the highest performer in our review, but it's a bargain for someone looking to train in Nov 5, 2024 · A well-constructed approach shoe with a durable design that was built for alpine terrain: Thanks to its lightweight design, comfortable build, and top-notch climbing ability, this shoe is an all-around favorite of our testing team: A solid shoe that excels in climbing ability and overall durability, but is not our first recommendation for comfort Jan 2, 2024 · As with any jack-of-all-trades, the TC Pro falls behind some specialized shoes in their respective niches. The upper part of the shoe feels a little bulky, not as streamlined as other high-performance shoes. Nov 3, 2020 · Compared to a top-shelf premium climbing shoe, the Main Street presents some modest savings. For now check out the similar and very popular La Sportiva Solution. They excel in so many styles of climbing and types of rock, and we find that we reach Whether you are bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, or top-roping, we have a shoe for you. We devised an updated set of evaluation metrics that balance climbing ability with hiking ability. g. May 5, 2021 · While climbing on the sharp, tiny knobs in Tuolumne Meadows, one of our testers moved confidently over techy terrain in the sensitive Tarifa and then regressed to whimpering on the same runouts in older, clunkier shoes. Aug 17, 2017 · Pockets. Feb 8, 2014 · Climbing shoes that are designed for steep climbing are often very down-turned and aggressively fit so they will sometimes feel extra tight. While not as precise as rock climbing shoes, they are meant to carry you over talus slopes and boulder fields, while also providing confidence when moving through third- and fourth-class terrain. The outsole has less of a 'climbing zone' and outside edge than other shoes we tested. Also, the rubber doesn't feel as sticky as my other shoes, so have avoided using them on face climbs. This Velcro version is more geared to overhanging terrain than the lace-up Miura, which is even a touch harder and offers more support for adventurous routes in less-than-vertical terrain. Some people size their shoes small to get the tightest fit possible for maximum performance. Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Kids of 2024: Encourage Adventure and Skill Development The 3 Best Mountaineering Boots: Conquer New Heights with Confidence The 10 Best Hiking Boots of 2024: Step into Adventure with Confidence GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. These bouldering beasts are best suited for those with the foot strength that Jan 9, 2025 · Most climbing shoes feature right-angle edges on the sole that climbers place precisely on footholds. See how it measures up versus competitors in our review of women's climbing shoes. As for application, these are an all around climbing shoe that work for trad, sport, and gym. Nov 5, 2024 · This type of shoe combines the best features of both a hiking shoe and a climbing shoe but can be either more climbing oriented or more hiking oriented. May 15, 2018 · Climbing Ability. 4 stars from REI customer reviews. Though billed as a supportive hiker, easy scrambling, and the occasional stepping-out-of-your-aiders free move are more this shoe's MO. The M5 is actually relatively comfortable considering how well it performs on steeper angles. Frankly, it's our favorite approach shoe for climbing 4th and 5th-class rock, receiving our nod for its prowess in alpine settings and objectives where approach shoes might replace climbing shoes. Jan 2, 2024 · The La Sportiva Miura VS belongs in the world of tough climbing, where it can use its diamond-hard edges and asymmetric shape to power down on invisible rock features. May 9, 2025 · The Vibram TC5 rubber outsoles with a multi-directional lug pattern provide excellent grip, and the non-waterproof design ensures breathability in warmer weather. Tight shoes are great for sport climbing and bouldering where sensitivity on edges, tiny foot chips, and smears can be the difference between sending and whipping. If you mostly climb in the gym, we would go with something less expensive like the La Sportiva Scorpion or Mantis. May 3, 2021 · It is one of the best-selling shoes at many climbing gyms and according to evolvsports. As climbing technology continues to evolve, the year 2024 brings forth a new generation of climbing shoes designed to enhance performance and comfort. The Futura doesn't treat footholds in the same way a traditional climbing shoe does, so it's almost hard to judge their performance for this metric. It’s also popular with customers, scoring 4. With its emphasis on approaching the mountains, the shoe is decidedly less sensitive for precision big toe placement than other shoes in the review. For less than half the price of a high-end shoe, you get a quality-made Italian shoe fitted with sticky rubber that would make the Stone Masters of a bygone era madly jealous. May 5, 2021 · Depending on how you use them, you may only need one shoe to meet all your climbing needs. Comfort is often the last concern in this genre of shoe. We proudly stock shoes from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Evolv, Mad Rock & Scarpa. If this is your quiver-of-one climbing shoe, then the value increases considerably. They climb almost as well as the top climbing performers and do it at a much lower price. 5 and these shoes were very tight at first. It is not the most precise or aggressive climbing shoe, but fits comfortably and can be worn for longer periods of time. Furthermore, the shoes are relatively comfortable to wear while hiking and scrambling. Nov 20, 2019 · One of several new additions to the Five Ten lineup — and also one of the priciest — the Aleon performs like a lot of other single strap shoes from the past. The wide-ish fit in the toe doesn't cram into smaller pockets like the pointy Tenaya Tarifa, but they are much stiffer than the Tarifa, and our testers found them better for standing on the edges of the vertical pocketed limestone of Wild Iris. Although the lower price might be tempting, we believe there are other models that offer better performance at the same price point. Jan 2, 2024 · Despite all the new technologies flooding the climbing shoe world, sometimes you just want a simple, inexpensive shoe. Nov 5, 2024 · The climbing shoe inspired lacing system allows you to better customize the overall volume and fit of the shoe specific to your foot shape which greatly increases the overall climbing ability. We’ve also updated pricing as well as shoe specs and info throughout. They crush miles on the trail and can smear when the moves get tenuous. “This shoe climbs incredibly well, and its snug, sock-like fit felt secure on my foot while I was standing on small edges,” our lead tester shared. Sensitivity. The thin STEALTH HF rubber makes this shoe incredibly sensitive. Nov 10, 2021 · The Anasazi VCS is among some great company in the competition for the title of best all-around climbing shoe. While the shoe features a wider toe box than other La Sportiva models that we tested, it does not prevent the shoe from edging and smearing on fifth Dec 27, 2023 · The combination of extra padding and a wider fit make it one of the most comfortable climbing shoes we have ever tested, though the heel felt baggier than similarly built trad shoes. A good edging shoe also does a great job toeing into the lip of a pocket, and the Scarpa Instinct is no exception. If sized right, this shoe is also a technical edging machine, with a narrow profile that allows for precision on small features and twisting into cracks. Credit: Sean Haverstock The narrow last and the enhanced lacing system–which ties into the midsole of the shoe–work together to decrease unwanted movement in the forefoot when climbing. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) Best Training Shoe: Scarpa Veloce L ($175) Best Pure Slipper: La Sportiva Mar 10, 2025 · Read Review: The La Sportiva Katana Lace The La Sportiva Katana Laces ($219) are a tried-and-true all-rounder. Weight. Check out our women's climbing shoe review to see how it ranks versus other top shoes. With only a very marginal price difference, it comes down to what fits your foot the best and where you'll be climbing. See how it measures up versus the competition in our best climbing shoes review. The Bi-tension rand creates a feel and performance similar to the classic La Sportiva Katana Lace , but with a slightly more narrow fit, particularly in the heel cup. Apr 16, 2025 · From boulders to big walls, our roundup of climbing gear on the market has something for everyone. Value For under $100, these shoes are an excellent value. Jan 2, 2024 · What Other Rock Climbing Shoes Should You Consider? If you decide to part with your hard-earned dough in exchange for the Scarpa Drago, you're getting an awesome, well-constructed product. Because it is around half the price of many high-end shoes, we think this model is an excellent choice for beginners that are still developing precise footwork. Nov 5, 2024 · They combine the light, nimble feel of a running shoe with the climbing precision of the top-performing approach shoes on the market. Jun 4, 2024 · This works in conjunction with the Differentiated Tension System (DTS), which pulls tension on the inside and outside of the shoe differently for optimal power transfer to your big toe. Mar 13, 2023 · As with mixed climbing, the Asolo Eiger XT and Sportiva Trango Tower Extreme were favorites. With these shoes, there's no need to bail because your feet hurt. If you try to edge as you would in a shoe like the Kataki, the Futura will likely feel pretty frustrating. Crack Climbing. For folks seeking a technical shoe that can help you smear, edge, and heel hook up steep routes, the Solution Comp is the ticket. The narrow toe box and rubberized toe cap provide good Dec 19, 2023 · These shoes should also be able to climb relatively well for the occasional use while free climbing short sections. May 3, 2021 · The Solution was one of La Sportiva's first shoes to incorporate their P3 platform, a revolutionary design that helps climbing shoes retain their shape and provide a solid edging platform. Not all boots are made for walkin'! From hiking boots to top winter boots to trail running shoes on the market, most footwear is designed for a purpose. Most big wall climbers will bring actual climbing shoes if they plan on free climbing anything serious, so approach shoes for big wall climbing don't need to prioritize climbing ability. We know one person that owns this shoe in three sizes: tight for hard climbing, bigger for multi-pitch free climbing, and roomy for El Cap in a day missions. Jun 7, 2015 · These are a great first climbing shoe, especially if you climb outdoors a lot. We love how light it is, and it entirely changes our scrambling and multi-pitch climbing strategies. Apr 25, 2024 · The La Sportiva Katana Lace is a high-end climbing shoe that earns our nod for its unmatched performance on multi-pitch outings and crack climbing projects. A precise toe and stiff construction combine for a technical climbing prowess on par with low-performance climbing shoes. Nov 12, 2024 · The soft, sticky No-Edge style toe doesn't stand on edges the same way a stiffer shoe does. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review Apr 22, 2025 · Evaluating the comfort of a climbing shoe is difficult, and many folks have different ideas of what makes a comfortable shoe. Jul 23, 2024 · These shoes provide more confidence on dicey rock moves than most other models on the market. It doesn't excel in the steep and gymnastic world of high-end sport climbing or bouldering but is an ideal choice for almost any type of trad climbing. For footwear, this is even truer. They are most certainly not a replacement for climbing shoes, or even climbing-oriented approach shoes, but they are great for routes that involve some scrambling. Aug 17, 2017 · We sized the Quantums the same as our street shoes and were happy with the results on long climbs. May 12, 2020 · The comfort forward design of the Mescalito makes it less adept at edging than other shoes we tested. bha haontu bhu hnwme asmkyw dxarqq ohzhzpo nncm rcedy qnps