You're looking for the best climbing shoes to take your performance to the next level, and with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair that meets your specific needs and climbing style. Consider factors like fit, comfort, and durability, as well as your preferred climbing type, whether it's bouldering, sport climbing, or trad climbing. From the EVO 2 Climbing Boots to the SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes, we have you taken care of with our top picks for 2024. Check out our top 8 recommendations to find the perfect fit for your next climb.
Key Takeaways
- For peak performance, choose climbing shoes that fit snugly with minimal dead space, considering specific models for wider or narrower feet.
- Select shoes suitable for your climbing style, such as aggressive downturned shapes for bouldering or relaxed fits for trad climbing.
- Prioritize quality and durability, looking for reinforced stitching, high-quality materials, and the ability to withstand multiple resoles.
- Balance budget and functionality, recognizing that higher-priced models often feature advanced technology and durability for better long-term value.
EVO 2 Climbing Boots for Arborists, Water Resistant
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If you're an arborist seeking a high-performance climbing boot that excels in tree climbing, the EVO 2 Climbing Boots, with their 25mm higher ankle support and custom-made high grip Vibram sole, are designed to provide the support and traction you need.
You'll appreciate the stronger stitching and reinforced lacing system, which guarantees a secure fit.
The premium quality 'Perwanger' leather upper and Event membrane provide breathability and water resistance, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
With a slim design and custom-made Vibram sole, these boots are perfect for maneuvering tight spaces and gripping tree bark.
Just remember to take into account ordering a half size up, as European sizing may run smaller than US sizing.
Best For: Arborists seeking high-performance climbing boots for tree climbing.
Pros:
- Provides excellent support and traction for tree climbing with 25mm higher ankle support and custom-made high grip Vibram sole.
- Offers breathability and water resistance with premium quality 'Perwanger' leather upper and Event membrane.
Cons:
- May not be suitable for prolonged ground work or pole work due to softer soles that can wear out faster on hard surfaces.
- Some users have reported issues with heel slipping and the need for tight gaff straps.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GB4V3FL
La Sportiva Mens Finale Rock Climbing Shoes
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For climbers seeking exceptional edging performance, La Sportiva Mens Finale Rock Climbing Shoes are a top contender, particularly for those who value precision and support on smaller footholds. You'll appreciate the shoe's ability to deliver on this front, making it a great choice for tackling challenging routes.
However, be aware that sizing can be an issue – the actual size may be smaller than what the size chart indicates, so it's important to try them on before buying.
Additionally, some users may find the fit uncomfortable, particularly if they've wider feet, as the shoe can be narrow at the 4th and 5th toes.
Best For: Climbers seeking exceptional edging performance, particularly those who value precision and support on smaller footholds.
Pros:
- Delivers exceptional edging performance, making it a great choice for tackling challenging routes.
- Provides precision and support on smaller footholds.
Cons:
- Sizing can be an issue, with the actual size being smaller than what the size chart indicates.
- May be uncomfortable for users with wider feet, particularly at the 4th and 5th toes.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M5SMDZB
La Sportiva Mens Skwama Performance Rock Climbing Shoes
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Climbers with wider feet looking for a high-performance shoe for bouldering and climbing will find the La Sportiva Mens Skwama an excellent choice, thanks to its improved S-heel and pointier toe box design.
You'll appreciate the comfort and support this shoe provides, especially during long climbing sessions. However, be aware that sizing can be inconsistent, and you may need to size down.
You'll want to try them on to guarantee a snug fit, as the heel cup may feel too large for narrow feet.
Once you've got the right fit, you'll enjoy the Skwama's excellent edging and smearing performance, as well as its sticky sole that grips well on both rock and gym holds.
Best For: Climbers with wider feet looking for a high-performance shoe for bouldering and climbing.
Pros:
- Excellent edging and smearing performance
- Sticky sole that grips well on both rock and gym holds
Cons:
- Sizing can be inconsistent, requiring sizing down for some users
- Heel cup may feel too large for narrow feet, leading to slight slippage during heel hooks
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01015UHVA
La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe – Mens
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With its unique lacing system and exceptional comfort, the La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe is an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile, all-purpose shoe that can keep up with their varied climbing pursuits.
You'll appreciate the shoe's ability to adapt to different climbing styles, from bouldering to crack climbing, friction, and gym use.
The lace-up design provides a snug fit without excessive pressure, making it suitable for climbers with wider feet.
As you climb, you'll notice the shoe's durability and performance, even on longer traditional routes.
With proper care, the Mythos can withstand multiple resoles, making it a worthwhile investment for climbers of all levels.
Best For: Climbers of all levels seeking a versatile, all-purpose shoe for various climbing styles, including bouldering, crack climbing, friction, and gym use.
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort, particularly for those with wider feet, due to the lace-up design and snug fit without excessive pressure.
- Durable upper capable of withstanding multiple resoles, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent climbers.
Cons:
- Not primarily an edging shoe, which may affect performance on certain types of climbs.
- Requires proper care and maintenance to extend the life of the shoe.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K7UXSDI
La Sportiva Mens Tarantula Boulder All-Day Climbing Shoes
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Are you a beginner climber looking for a shoe that excels in bouldering and complex climbing movements, offering a perfect blend of comfort, affordability, and performance?
La Sportiva's Mens Tarantula Boulder All-Day Climbing Shoes might be the ideal choice for you. They're designed to provide additional toe rubber for durability and toe-hooking, as well as an updated heel for better heel hooking.
When it comes to sizing, keep in mind that they run a bit larger, so you may want to order a size smaller than your usual fit.
With these shoes, you'll be able to tackle top rope and lead climbing in the gym with confidence, and they'll perform well up to V5 levels.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B319XZ34
La Sportiva Womens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes
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Favoring comfort without sacrificing performance, La Sportiva Womens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes stand out as an ideal choice for beginners and those prioritizing a snug yet roomy fit.
You'll appreciate the good support and comfort these shoes offer, making them perfect for long climbing sessions with minimal break-in time.
With a roomier toe width, you can enjoy snug lacing without feeling cramped.
When sizing, consider going up from your street shoe size to avoid discomfort.
Regarding performance, you can expect excellent grip on walls and holds, both indoors and outdoors.
While some users reported quality issues, many have had positive experiences with these shoes, making them a great choice for those looking to develop their climbing skills.
Best For: Beginners and climbers who prioritize comfort and a roomy fit without sacrificing performance.
Pros:
- Offers a comfortable and supportive fit with a roomier toe width, ideal for long climbing sessions.
- Provides excellent grip on walls and holds, suitable for both indoor and outdoor climbing.
Cons:
- Some users experienced quality issues, including the sole ripping away after minimal use.
- Sizing can be inconsistent, with some users recommending trying shoes in-store for a proper fit.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09M83T2CS
SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes for Sport Climbing and Bouldering
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If you're a climber seeking a snug, comfortable fit for wide feet and exceptional edging performance, the SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes are an excellent choice for sport climbing and bouldering.
You'll appreciate the shoe's ability to fit your foot without distinct pressure points, providing a suction-like feel around your foot.
The SCARPA Instinct VS excels in edging performance, with a stiffer toe area and incredible heel hooking capabilities.
You can expect a break-in period of 3-4 outings, after which the initial discomfort subsides, resulting in a bearable fit.
With its well-designed rubber sole and Bi-Tension rand, this shoe is versatile for both sport climbing and bouldering, allowing for extended use without discomfort.
Best For: Climbers with wide feet seeking a snug, comfortable fit and exceptional edging performance for sport climbing and bouldering.
Pros:
- Offers a snug fit with minimal dead space, particularly in the toe box, making it suitable for wide feet.
- Excels in edging performance, with a stiffer toe area and incredible heel hooking capabilities.
Cons:
- Requires a break-in period of 3-4 outings, which may cause initial discomfort.
- Some users find it challenging to put on and take off the shoes, suggesting velcro straps could improve usability.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008PTD9YM
SCARPA Mens Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing
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For climbers seeking a snug, supportive fit and exceptional grip, the SCARPA Mens Origin Rock Climbing Shoes are an excellent choice for gym and sport climbing, especially for those who prioritize performance and durability.
You'll appreciate the shoes' stiff design, which excels on small foot holds and slabs, though they mightn't be ideal for toe hooks.
With a quick break-in period, you'll find them comfortable for extended climbing sessions.
When ordering, keep in mind that they run about half a size small, so consider sizing up for a better fit.
The Velcro straps secure in opposing directions, making them easy to slip on and off.
Overall, the SCARPA Mens Origin shoes deliver on performance and durability, making them a great option for climbers seeking a reliable shoe for gym and sport climbing.
Best For: Climbers seeking a snug, supportive fit and exceptional grip for gym and sport climbing, particularly those who prioritize performance and durability.
Pros:
- The shoes offer a stiff design that excels on small foot holds and slabs, providing increased confidence in climbing performance.
- The quick break-in period makes them comfortable for extended climbing sessions, even for beginners.
Cons:
- The shoes run about half a size small, which can lead to discomfort and pain if not sized correctly.
- Some users may experience tightness that requires them to remove the shoes immediately after climbing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V5ZGPJB
Factors to Consider When Choosing Climbing Shoes
When you're in the market for a new pair of climbing shoes, it's crucial to reflect on several key factors to guarantee you get the right pair for your needs.
You'll want to think about how the shoes fit and feel, as well as whether they're suitable for your climbing style.
Additionally, you'll need to weigh up the durability and quality of the shoes against your budget and the value they offer.
Fit and Comfort
You'll want to prioritize a snug fit with minimal dead space in your climbing shoes, as this is vital for ideal performance and sensitivity on the rock. To achieve this, many climbers recommend sizing down by half to one full size from your street shoes. This tighter fit may feel uncomfortable at first, but it's important for better control and precision on the rock.
A proper fit is also vital for comfort during extended use. If your shoes are too loose, you'll experience pressure points that can lead to discomfort and pain during climbs. On the other hand, a snug fit will prevent these issues and allow you to focus on your climb.
Keep in mind that a break-in period is typical for climbing shoes, so don't be discouraged if they feel uncomfortable at first. After a few sessions, the initial discomfort should subside, and the shoes will become more bearable.
If you have wider or narrower feet, consider specific models that cater to your foot shape to guarantee a comfortable and secure fit.
Climbing Style Suitability
The type of climbing you do most often is a key factor in choosing the right shoes, as different styles require distinct features to optimize performance.
If you're a boulderer, you'll want shoes with a rubber patch for toe hooking and an aggressive downturned shape to help you power through overhung routes.
For sport climbing, you'll need shoes that balance comfort and performance, with good edging ability and a snug fit to boost your confidence on vertical climbs.
If trad climbing is your thing, prioritize comfort and durability with shoes that have a more relaxed fit and versatile design. This will help you tackle varied terrain without discomfort.
As a beginner, you'll want shoes that offer all-day comfort and a forgiving fit, while advanced climbers may prefer tighter shoes that enhance precision and sensitivity, even if it means sacrificing some comfort.
Consider your climbing style and what you need from your shoes to perform at your best. By choosing the right shoes for your style, you'll be able to focus on your climbing, not your footwear.
Durability and Quality
Your choice of climbing shoes also hinges on their ability to withstand the rigors of your climbing style, so let's consider the factors that determine durability and quality in climbing shoes.
You'll want to pay attention to the quality of the rubber sole, as softer rubber provides better grip but may wear out faster on hard surfaces. Look for shoes with reinforced stitching and high-quality upper materials, like leather, which offer greater longevity and resistance to wear and tear.
Regular resoling can extend the life of your climbing shoes, with some models capable of withstanding multiple resoles. However, poorly made shoes may experience issues like sole separation or rubber detachment within a few months of use.
To avoid this, invest in a shoe with a solid design and durable materials. Durability greatly impacts performance and comfort during climbing sessions, so it's essential to prioritize it.
Budget and Value
Budget plays an essential role in choosing the right climbing shoes, as higher-priced models often offer advanced features and better durability that can enhance performance and comfort over time.
When considering your options, evaluate the price range and guarantee it aligns with your budget. Investing in quality climbing shoes can be a smart move, as they can provide better value over time by reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Look for shoes that offer a good balance between cost and functionality. While budget options may be tempting, they may lack durability or performance compared to mid-range or premium models.
Consider the cost of maintenance, such as resoling, which can add to the overall expense of owning climbing shoes. Durable options may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Your climbing frequency and style should also influence your budget. If you climb regularly, investing in higher-quality shoes that withstand wear and provide better support may be worthwhile.
Brand and Model Options
When selecting the perfect climbing shoes, consider the diverse range of brand and model options available, each with its unique characteristics, features, and benefits that cater to different climbing styles, terrains, and personal preferences.
You'll find that different brands often have distinct sizing, so it's crucial to try on multiple options for the best fit. Performance features like edging capability, sensitivity, and heel hooking also vary markedly between models, so choose one that aligns with your climbing style and terrain.
Your comfort level and break-in period will also differ by brand and model. Some shoes require minimal adjustment time, while others may need extensive use to become comfortable.
Additionally, the choice of materials, such as leather versus synthetic uppers, affects durability, breathability, and overall performance. Aesthetic design and style preferences can also influence your choice, as many climbers seek models that not only perform well but also look good on the rock or in the gym.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Wear Climbing Shoes for Hiking or Trail Running?
When hiking or trail running, you'll want shoes that prioritize comfort and support. While climbing shoes provide a snug fit, they're not ideal for long distances or uneven terrain, so consider a separate shoe for these activities.
How Often Should I Replace My Climbing Shoes?
As you're lacing up for another climb, you're probably wondering how often to swap out your trusty shoes. Typically, you should replace them every 6-12 months or after 50-100 climbs, depending on your climbing frequency and style.
Can I Use Climbing Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor Climbing?
You can use climbing shoes for both indoor and outdoor climbing, but consider the terrain and conditions. Indoor shoes might not provide enough support for outdoor climbs, while outdoor shoes can be too aggressive for indoor routes.
Do I Need to Break in New Climbing Shoes?
'Are you ready to take your climbing to the next level? You'll want to break in those new kicks to guarantee a snug, comfortable fit. Don't worry, it's easy – just wear them around the house or on short climbs to mold them to your feet.'
Can I Wear Socks With Climbing Shoes?
You're wondering if you can wear socks with climbing shoes. Generally, it's not recommended as socks can reduce sensitivity and performance. However, some climbers wear thin socks for comfort or to prevent blisters.
Conclusion
You're ready to take your climbing to new heights. You've got the skills, the strength, and the determination.
Now, it's time to gear up with the best climbing shoes for peak performance. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the right shoes can make all the difference.
Choose from our top picks for 2024, and get ready to conquer the toughest routes, crush the most challenging boulders, and reach new summits.