The 10 Best Rock Climbing Shoes of 2024
Rock climbing is an exhilarating sport that demands precision, strength, and the right equipment. Among the most crucial pieces of gear for any climber is their shoes. The right pair can make a world of difference in your performance and comfort on the wall. Let’s explore how to choose the perfect rock climbing shoes for your needs.
Why Proper Climbing Shoes Matter
Your climbing shoes are your direct connection to the rock. They provide:
- Grip and traction on various surfaces
- Support for your feet during challenging moves
- Protection against rough rock textures
Investing time in finding the right pair can significantly enhance your climbing experience.
Factors to Consider
When selecting climbing shoes, keep these key factors in mind:
- Climbing Style: Are you into bouldering, sport climbing, or trad climbing?
- Skill Level: Beginners may prefer more comfortable shoes, while advanced climbers might opt for aggressive designs.
- Foot Shape: Everyone’s feet are different, so consider your unique foot structure.
- Material: Leather stretches more than synthetic materials.
Types of Climbing Shoes
There are three main categories of climbing shoes:
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Flat profile, comfortable | Beginners, all-day climbs |
| Moderate | Slightly downturned | Versatile, intermediate climbers |
| Aggressive | Highly downturned, asymmetrical | Advanced climbers, overhanging routes |
Fitting Tips
To ensure the best fit:
- Try shoes on later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen.
- Wear the socks you’ll use while climbing (if any).
- Expect a snug fit, but not painful pressure points.
- Test the shoes on a sloping surface if possible.
Remember, climbing shoes should fit more snugly than regular shoes, but they shouldn’t cause discomfort.
Here are Our Picks
Best climbing shoes to learn to climb
The SCARPA Men’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes are a top-notch choice for both trad and sport climbers. With their durable construction and excellent design, these shoes provide the perfect balance of performance and comfort.
The sturdy lace-up system ensures a secure and personalized fit, allowing climbers to confidently tackle challenging routes. The leather upper is not only built to last but also molds to the shape of the foot over time, enhancing overall comfort and precision. The Vibram XS Edge rubber sole provides exceptional grip on a variety of surfaces, ensuring reliable traction on even the most technical climbs.
Overall, the SCARPA Men’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes are a reliable and versatile option for climbers of all levels. Whether you’re scaling the cliffs or hitting the gym, these shoes deliver on performance and comfort.
Best beginner climbing shoe
The Rave NLV Green Women’s Performance Rock Climbing Shoe from the CLIMBX Store is an excellent choice for female climbers. With its sleek design and vibrant green color, it not only looks great but also performs exceptionally well. The shoe features a durable rubber sole that provides excellent grip on various surfaces, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor climbing. The shoe’s snug fit ensures maximum comfort and support during climbs, reducing the chances of slipping or injuring oneself. Overall, the Rave NLV Green Women’s Performance Rock Climbing Shoe is a high-quality product that combines style and functionality, making it a must-have for all female climbers.
Best climbing shoes for aggressive climbing
The BUTORA Unisex Acro Rock/Indoor Climbing Shoes are a solid choice for climbers of all skill levels. With their sleek design and high-performance features, these shoes are sure to enhance your climbing experience. The rubber soles provide excellent grip on both rock and indoor surfaces, allowing for precise foot placement and improved stability.
The shoes fit snugly around the foot, providing a secure and comfortable fit. The innovative closure system ensures that the shoes stay in place even during the most demanding climbs. Additionally, the shoes are durable and built to last, making them a worthwhile investment for climbers who want a reliable and long-lasting pair of shoes.
Overall, the BUTORA Unisex Acro Rock/Indoor Climbing Shoes deliver on both functionality and style. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your climbing skills or an experienced climber pushing the limits, these shoes are definitely worth considering.
Best for narrow feet
The Crush Lace NLV-Purple Women’s Rock Climbing/Bouldering Shoe is a fantastic addition to any climbing enthusiast’s gear. With its sleek design and vibrant purple color, it adds a touch of style to any climbing adventure. The shoe is made with durable materials, ensuring that it can withstand the toughest of outdoor conditions.
Not only does the Crush Lace NLV-Purple look great, but it also delivers exceptional performance. The laces provide a secure and personalized fit, allowing for maximum control and precision while climbing. The shoe’s construction offers excellent support and grip, making it ideal for both indoor bouldering and outdoor rock climbing.
Overall, the Crush Lace NLV-Purple Women’s Rock Climbing/Bouldering Shoe offers a winning combination of style and functionality. With its durability and performance, it’s a reliable choice for climbers of all skill levels.
Best shoes for vertical sport climbing
SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes are a game-changer for sport climbing and bouldering enthusiasts. With Visit the SCARPA Store’s brand name backing them up, these shoes deliver exceptional performance and comfort for intense climbing sessions.
The aggressive downturned design of the Instinct VS provides optimal precision and sensitivity, allowing climbers to confidently tackle difficult routes. The Vibram XS Grip2 rubber sole offers excellent grip on various surfaces, ensuring secure foot placements even on slippery holds. Additionally, the synthetic suede upper molds to the shape of the foot, providing a snug and customized fit.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, the SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes will enhance your climbing experience, helping you conquer new heights with ease and confidence.
Best Beginner Climbing Shoes for Men
The BLACK DIAMOND Men’s Momentum Lace Rock Climbing Shoes are a game-changer for avid climbers. With their exceptional performance and durability, these shoes are a must-have for any serious climber. The lace-up design provides a secure fit and allows for easy adjustments, ensuring maximum comfort and support during every climb.
The shoes are made with high-quality materials that offer excellent grip on various surfaces, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor climbing. The rubber sole provides great traction, giving climbers the confidence to easily tackle challenging routes. Additionally, the shoe features a breathable and moisture-wicking lining that keeps feet dry and comfortable, even during intense climbing sessions.
Overall, the BLACK DIAMOND Men’s Momentum Lace Rock Climbing Shoes are a top-notch product in the climbing industry. Their performance, durability, and comfort make them a great investment for climbers of all skill levels.
Best cheap climbing shoes
The Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe 2019, available at the CLIMBX store, is a top-notch choice for climbers of all skill levels. With its sleek design and reliable performance, these shoes are sure to enhance any climbing experience. The adjustable strap provides a secure fit, ensuring maximum comfort and stability throughout each ascent. The rubber sole offers excellent grip on various surfaces, allowing climbers to confidently tackle even the most challenging routes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, the Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe 2019 is a must-have addition to your gear collection.
Best Budget Climbing Shoes
The La Sportiva Mens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are top-notch gear for rock climbing enthusiasts. These shoes, sold by the reputable brand La Sportiva, offer unparalleled grip and support on various terrains. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just starting out, these shoes are sure to enhance your climbing performance.
The Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes boast a comfortable fit with a quick-lace system, allowing for easy adjustment on the go. The sticky FriXion rubber sole ensures reliable traction, giving climbers the confidence they need to make those daring moves. Additionally, the shoes offer excellent breathability, keeping your feet dry and comfortable during long climbing sessions. With their durable construction and reliable performance, the La Sportiva Mens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are a must-have for climbers of all levels.
The best climbing shoes for bouldering
The La Sportiva Mens Skwama Performance Rock Climbing Shoes are a top choice for experienced climbers. The shoes provide excellent grip and precision on various types of rock surfaces. Made by the renowned brand, La Sportiva, these shoes are built with durability and performance in mind.
The Skwama features a sticky rubber sole that offers exceptional traction, allowing climbers to feel confident and secure with each step. The shoe’s low profile and snug fit provide maximum sensitivity, making it easier to navigate even the trickiest footholds. Additionally, the shoes have a unique hook-and-loop closure system that ensures a personalized fit and easy on-off functionality.
Overall, the La Sportiva Mens Skwama Performance Rock Climbing Shoes are a fantastic investment for any climber looking to enhance their performance on the rock. Whether you’re bouldering or tackling multi-pitch routes, these shoes deliver the comfort, grip, and versatility needed to excel in your climbing endeavors.
Best high-performance climbing shoe
The SCARPA Men’s Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are a game-changer for sport climbing and bouldering enthusiasts. Designed by the reputable brand SCARPA, these shoes combine comfort, performance, and durability in a sleek and stylish package.
The Vapor V shoes feature a Bi-Tension system that provides excellent support and allows for maximum energy transfer, giving climbers an edge on the wall. The suede and microfiber upper offers a snug and precise fit, ensuring a secure grip on even the smallest footholds. Moreover, the Vibram XS Edge rubber sole provides exceptional traction and durability, making these shoes perfect for long climbing sessions.
Overall, the SCARPA Men’s Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes are a top-notch choice for climbers looking for superior performance and comfort. Whether you’re tackling challenging sport routes or pushing your limits in bouldering, these shoes are sure to elevate your climbing experience.
