Best Climbing Shoes

Best climbing shoes guide and latest bestsellers

Did you know that it is advised to choose climbing shoes one size smaller than what you normally wear?

That is what the pros advise. Climbing shoes are specialized footwear for rock climbing, indoor climbing, mountaineering or bouldering. There are there main types of climbing shoes which are mainly different in the curvature of the soles.

The flat or neutral climbing shoes have the flattest sole, and they are usually best for beginners. That said, many experts and pros prefer neutral climbing shoes as per their needs. They have a thicker rubber sole than the other two types and are the most comfortable.

The moderate climbing shoes have a slight downturn at the toes, which enables climbers to get their feet into small cracks and crevices with ease. The soles of moderately shaped climbing shoes are thinner and allow your foot to feel the terrain and grip it better.

The aggressively shaped climbing shoes have an aggressive downturn at the toes, and is used for the most advanced climbs. These shoes have a very thin rubber sole and the toes are squeezed into a pointed shape to allow climbers to use the smallest of edges and cracks effectively. These shoes have the thinnest rubber soles, and are less comfortable than the other two types. These shoes are best for single pitch sports climbs, and are not used for longer multi pitch climbing sessions. These shoes are also good for bouldering.

Most climbing shoes are worn just before the climbing begins, so that the feet do not get sore or become sensitive due to long periods of wearing climbing shoes.

The important thing to consider is what kind of surface or terrain you are planning to climb, when choosing the climbing shoes. For indoor climbing and relatively easier beginner climbing the neutral flat climbing shoes are the best. You also need to consider how much support you need for your feet.

This list of the top 10 bestselling climbing shoes is a great place to begin your search for the best pair of climbing shoes. Have a look at the specifications, read the reviews, compare a few of them and go for the one that works best for you.

Happy climbing!

1. Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoe

Synthetic
4″ high
6″ wide
Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort. Engineered Knit Technology upper provides exceptional breathability and comfort. 4.3mm NeoFriction rubber is built for durability and molded for optimal consistency and performance.
Soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort. Two Velcro straps for fit adjustability.

2. Sportiva Mens TarantuLace

FAST LACING SYSTEM – Quick-pull lacing harness allows for precise regulation of inner volumes; Wrapping the foot snugly for excellent support, fit, and comfort
ALL-AROUND PERFORMANCE – Designed to help intermediate climbers smear, hook, and edge like pros; The aggressive rubber heel rand, sticky FriXion RS rubber soles, and low-asymmetry RN45 build let climbers find purchase on edges with great sensitivity and without pain or cramping
CLIMB IN COMFORT – From the gym to the crags, the classic unlined leather upper is soft and comfortable; Lined tongue controls moisture and enhances breathability; Synthetic leather overlay adds just the right level of support
BUILT TO LAST – This indoor/outdoor climbing shoe is constructed from high quality materials; 1.8mm LaspoFlex at the midsole and 5mm FriXion RS at the sole make the TarantuLace as stable as it is durable
TIPS FOR BUYING – Rock climbing shoes are designed to fit differently than other footwear; Be sure to reference the La Sportiva size chart in the product images for more accurate sizing

3. Mad Rock Men’s Drifter Climbing Shoe

100% Leather
Rubber sole
2 Strap closure
223 grams

4. Five Ten Men’s Rogue VCS Climbing Shoe

100% Leather
Made in the USA or Imported
Rubber sole
Heel sling shot rand
Reinforced arch
Dual hook-and-loop strap closure
3.5mm Stealth C4 Rubber sole

5. La Sportiva Tarantula Climbing Shoe

100% Leather
Made in the USA or Imported
Rubber sole
Heel sling shot rand
Reinforced arch
Dual hook-and-loop strap closure
3.5mm Stealth C4 Rubber sole

6. Maniamixx Mens Womens Trail Running

Rubber sole
Most barefoot shoes cannot achieve true breathable drainage. As a unisex hiking water shoe, we have some holes in the bottom to help the water drain quickly, but the small holes design and removable insole can prevent the entry of pebbles during mountaineering.
Multifunctional barefoot shoes—Minimalist trail running shoes and casual water shoes. Breathable and lightweight. Anti-collision shoes toes can protect your feet from any sports.
High quality flexible fabric uppers are skin-friendly and smooth,which create a cool and healthy environment for your feet.
Sturdy & Quick dry: Ungraded rubber soles are non-slip,whether at the waterside or in the wild. Seven drainage holes on the bottom can help water flow out.
Ajustable elastic band closure makes the shoes more fit to the foot. Speed lace system allows for quick-and-easy adjustments.

7. Evolv Shaman Climbing Shoe

microfiber
Improved fit
Added toe rubber for toe hooking
Inset front strap for better medial side toe scumming

8. Butora Narsha Climbing Shoe

Unique heel and rand system stretching four ways for a fit you can count on – no more heel slippage!
Injection molded sole with formed arch support and 3D molded heel cup
Internal NFS strap that allows for all day comfort or extreme precision – customize by tightening the strap
Beautifully designed toe cover made for toe hooking
High-quality German leather

9. La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoe

Synthetic
UNIVERSAL PERFORMANCE – Ideal for every type of climbing, the Katana Lace overperforms from the gym to the boulders and craggs
ADVANCED EDGING – Vibram XS Edge compound allows you to focus your weight on the tiniest of foot holds; PD75 last means a pointed & downturned shape for proper weight distribution and support while edging
PRECISION & SENSITIVITY – The medium-asymmetrical toebox allows for great precision & sensitivity; It’s aggressive enough for steeper pitches where edging is key, comfortable enough for gym wear, and super-sticky for smearing
QUALITY BUILD – Leather / Lorica upper and Pacific lined forefoot keep the fit tight yet comfortable; The 1.1mm Laspo flex midsole combined with P3 patented technology provides solid support even after years of hard use
TIPS FOR BUYING – Reference the La Sportiva size chart in the product images; The Katana has a medium interior volume, designed for feet with a medium instep circumference, medium joint circumference

10. Climb X Rave Climbing Shoe

Leather
Rubber sole
FREE Climbing DVD Included ($30 Value)
High-grade center cut leather.
Organic Hemp foot beds to keep them smelling fresh
Breathable mesh tongue
Padded ankle cuff

Review of Sportiva Mens TarantuLace Climbing Shoes

The Sportiva TarantuLace climbing shoe delivers an excellent fit, and is a well designed climbing shoe with no pain points or tight spots. These shoes have been designed for comfortably wearing for hours while you climb.

One user has commented that he wears this shoe for hours at a time and feels no discomfort at all.

Another quality noted by users is that there is almost no stretching in the shoe, and the laces hold up very well.

These top ranking climbing shoes are easy to put on and off, and the leather used to make them is of a very high quality. One pro climber stated that the shoes were flexible yet sturdy and had a great fit.

Another great feature of the shoe is its durability and build. They are great even for the climbing gym and will hold up against wear and tear very well. Surprisingly these climbing shoes are quite affordable.

One user even went on to say that his climbing performance was boosted when he wore these shoes in place of the usual climbing gym rentals. A highly recommended climbing shoes for all level of climbers.