10 Best Climbing Shoes in 2022

Last updated 06. December 2022

Your rock climbing shoes can make the difference between a safe, comfortable and fun climbing experience, and one that could potentially end tragically. You will need more than just a pair of bouldering shoes that look good, because when it comes down to it – climbing is a high-risk sport and should be treated as such, for you to get the most out of your adventure.

You will need the best climbing shoes available, but here it is relevant to know that not all top climbing shoes will fit everyone. These climbing shoe reviews will narrow down your options, while still giving you enough alternatives for you to find your perfect fit.

The best rock climbing shoes will sit comfortably on your feet, provide you with enough traction to get up the wall you are climbing, and they should also have other features that we will cover in this article.

View The Best Climbing Shoes Below

1. La Sportiva Men’s TarantuLace Performance Rock

La Sportiva Men's TarantuLace Performance Rock

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These men’s climbing shoes have a fast-lacing system, where a quick-pull lacing harness provides ultimate fit, comfort and foot support. They are great climbing shoes for wide feet thanks to this, and the rubber heel rand and the sticky rubber soles will make sure that you can get safely up whatever it is you plan to climb next.

Get them in kiwi/gray or flame, depending on what your favorite color is or what goes better with the rest of your climbing equipment, or why not get a pair of each while you are at it? The midsole is made of 18mm LasboFlex material, combined with 5mm FriXion RS, to provide stability both or outdoor and indoor climbs

Pros:
+ 18mm LasboFlex material
+ Sticky rubber soles for grip
+ Two different color options
+ Synthetic leather overlay

Why We Like It – All the special features of these men’s rock climbing shoes makes them stand out, and they are among the most comfortable climbing shoes available.


2. Mad Rock Men’s Drifter Climbing Shoe

Mad Rock Men's Drifter Climbing Shoe

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If you are looking for the best intermediate climbing shoes to get you up any mountain or wall, and if you want a product that frequently shows up in rock climbing shoes reviews – then you have come to the right place!

These are good climbing shoes that come in grey, blue and red; they have a thick and cushioned rubber sole, are made with 100% quality leather with full-grain leather uppers, and a slightly asymmetrical last that promotes maximal comfort.

It comes from one of the best climbing shoe brands that is known for producing the best sport climbing shoes for both men and women, and it is a product you’ll be able to use for many years.

Pros:
+100% quality leather
+ 3D molded heel
+ With split neoprene tongue
+ Available in grey, blue and red

Why We Like It – The best shoes for rock climbing are right here, with their incredible comfort, their unique colors, and lightweight design.


3. Black Diamond Men’s Momentum

Black Diamond Mens Momentum

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Slate, Curry, Ash, Blue Ash, and Black are the color you can choose between when you get a pair of these climbing shoes men and women rave about, which is great for those who like to personalize their climbing equipment and have it go with their personality. The midsole is soft and flexible, and they have two thick Velcro straps to keep them in place.

It is the best all-around climbing shoe you can find for such a great price. 4.3mm Neofriction rubber is molded to give you the ideal grip and stability while also remaining comfortable also when you plan to be out for a whole day (or longer).

Pros:
+ 4.3mm Neofrictin rubber
+ Four colors to choose from
+ Soft and flexible midsole
+ Practical Velcro strap features

Why We Like It – These are the best bouldering shoes both for beginners and for more experienced climbers, especially if you value quality and for your climbing shoes to be lightweight.


4. Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe

Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe

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Here we have an Evlov rock climbing shoe that will appeal to anyone who wants to look great while they climb, feel comfortable and get a good grip on both indoor- and outdoor walls. The anti-microbial mesh – a new addition to this product – helps eliminate bad odors, which are otherwise likely to occur after a long day of climbing.

It allows your feet to breathe and provides maximal comfort, and the upper material is Synthratek VX makes it good rock climbing shoes for the climbing enthusiast! You should never have to settle for anything other than the best climbing shoe, and when reading through this Evolv climbing shoe review – you’ll hopefully realize why this is an excellent option for you.

Pros:
+ Fresh and an updated design
+ Anti-microbial mesh for odor control
+ With Synthratek VX material
+ Quick-drying and lightweight

Why We Like It – The best indoor rock climbing shoes, or the best aggressive climbing shoes for getting up a mountain, are those that will stay on your feet and keep you comfortable! These tick all the boxes, and while the shape and fit are adapted for a woman’s foot, they fit many men too.


5. Scarpa Men’s Helix Climbing Shoe

Scarpa Men's Helix Climbing Shoe

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Easy-on heel pull makes these very quick and simple to put on and take off, without it meaning they’ll come off or slide around. They stay in place thanks to the asymmetric lacing and the thin, flexible midsole.

Scarpa climbing shoe reviews often list this product among its top sellers, which is not hard to understand once you take them out for a test climb. Rubber soles with a TAC 100 outsole, 100% Suade and shape that has clearly been adapted for the foot movements of someone who climbs, and the total weight of the shoes is 8oz (228g).

They can easily be carried with you when you go out or a hike or another type of outdoor adventure, which makes it an incredibly versatile product. A Scarpa climbing shoe review is great for discovering a product, but when you try these on you will instantly understand why everyone is raving about them.

Pros:
+ Great gripping ability
+ Made with 100% Suade
+ With TAC 100 outsole
+ Easy to put on and take off

Why We Like It – The revolutionary fit and design of this product make it a top contender in many Scarpa Climbing shoe reviews, and it is made with a material that is durable quick-drying and soft.


6. Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoe

Scarpa Men's Instinct VS Climbing Shoe

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If you want to take your climbing to the next level, you need the best men’s climbing shoes you can find! These Scarpa climbing shoe review favorites use Vibram XS edge and Vibram XS grip 2, and the highly charged bi-tension active randing gives these aggressive climbing shoes maximum toe power.

The mid-strength outsole construction provides further stability, and the products are made by a family-owned business where the passion for climbing is obvious, and that makes gear for a variety of outdoor sports. They come in a combination of black and orange, adjust perfectly to your foot and withstand rough use and all the elements.

Pros:
+ Made by a family-owned business
+ With Vibram XS edge and grip rubber
+ Stable mid-strength outsole
+ For professional climbers

Why We Like It – Climbing shoe reviews are crazy about these crack climbing shoes, which has to do with the great quality combined with a good price, and we bet you will love them too!


7. La Sportiva Men’s Miura Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Men's Miura Climbing Shoe

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La Sportiva climbing shoes’ reviews are usually good, as it is a brand known for making quality products for climbers and other sports lovers. These shoes have a fast lacing system that allows you to not only get them on fast, but that also provides you with a snug fit that is both comfortable and practical.

A 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber sole gives you fantastic grip while you climb, and it makes the toe area both stronger and more protected. The midsole is made with LasboFlex, which gives ultimate stability for climbing, and it is the kind of climbing shoe that both beginners and experienced climbers can enjoy.

The high-performance material and all the features make these the best gym climbing shoes in the opinion of many, while others prefer to use them for outdoor climbing.

Pros:
+ 1.1mm LasboFlex forefoot midsole
+ 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber sole
+ Highly tensioned slingshot rand
+ Snug and comfortable fit

Why We Like It – The asymmetrical build of these shoes makes them ideal for climbing both indoor walls and mountains, and they are good for anyone who wants to get extra good grip and comfort.


8. Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe

Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe

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With the anti-microbial mesh, you will no longer have to worry about odor and bad smell when you go climbing, so that you can focus all your energy on enjoying your outdoor adventure. This is a product that comes from a leading climbing gear brand, and it offers comfort and innovative design, with a fit that is perfect for female climbers, and it has been recently updated with new features.

The Synthratek VX further improves the fit, so that you won’t ever have to worry about your climbing shoes sliding around or coming off, and the Velcro straps make them easy to take off and put on. The light blue color makes you stand out while you climb, and they come in all sizes.

Pros:
+ Upgraded design
+ Built-in odor control
+ Synthratek VX material
+ Unique and inviting color

Why We Like It – You can’t go wrong with these innovative climbing shoes for women, and we especially like the anti-odor mesh, that allows you to climb for hours in these shoes without having to worry about unpleasant odor.


9. La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe

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The flat fit of these climbing shoes gives you maximal comfort, which is convenient when you plan to climb for longer periods of time, or if you are planning to climb for several days in a row. The tongue has a dry-best lining so that your shoes will dry up fast if they get wet, while also transporting moisture away from your body.

They have a unique design that you won’t find in any other product, and the leather features elevate the whole look when you head out to climb. What is so unique about this climbing shoe is how soft it is, while also being durable and providing unbeatable stability, and provided you choose the right size – these climbing shoes won’t hurt your feet even during longer climbing sessions.

Pros:
+ Vibram rubber heel rand
+ Unlined soft leather
+ Durable and stable
+ Great sensitivity

Why We Like It – The combination of softness and reliable sturdiness is only one of the things that make these rock climbing shoes so great, because they also happen to look elegant and classy, which is what makes them so different from most other models.


10. Scarpa Men’s Vapor V Climbing Shoe

Scarpa Men's Vapor V Climbing Shoe

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If you want a climbing shoe that gives you everything in one – this might as well be it! It is comfortable, easy to put on and take off, has a variety of features to make your climb both easier and safer, and the material is made to last.

They dry fast if getting wet, are available in three eye-catching colors, the new split sole offers extra flexibility and the lowered tension in the heel area makes them ideal for longer climbs. The toe area is slim enough for you to get good grip also during more difficult climbs so that you can use your new shoes for all your climbing adventures.

A Flexan midsole offers additional comfort, and these can be used by both men and women thanks to the way they adjust to your feet.

Pros:
+ With Dual Power strap closure
+ Available in three colors
+ Flexibility with new split sole
+ Lower tension on the heel

Why We Like It – Scarpa is a company that has all the knowledge and experience to create first-class climbing gear, and these great looking- and comfortable shoes for climbing outdoors and indoors proves this. They are comfortable and stylish and gives you great grip also on small holds.


Climbing Shoes Buyers Guide

Whether you are an experienced climber or if you have just started out, it can be hard to find those perfect climbing shoes that will help you climb the types of walls you hope to conquer. We have listed quality products for you to choose from, but fact remains that no two shoes are the same, and there are still a few things you need to know before you can find the ultimate pair for you.

Have you ever heard of an aggressive climbing shoe? Or do you know how to choose shoe size when climbing? How they should fit?

This is buyers guide with a few key things to consider when shopping for your next pair of rock climbing shoes, and it will make it a lot easier to find that one pair that is going to keep you comfortable and safe while you climb..

Type

When picking out your climbing shoes, you will realize there are three different kinds. We have the neutral climbing shoe, the moderate and the aggressive shoe. What sets the neutral shoe apart is the comfort it offers; it has a flat sole that makes it ideal for long-term use, and many beginners prefer this type of climbing shoe.

It allows the foot to rest the way it would when wearing regular shoes, and experienced climbers that are heading out for a full day might also prefer this kind.

A moderate climbing shoe is also called a “Camber,” where the toe is slightly angled downwards, to better accommodate for technical climbing. The rubber used for these is often stickier and thinner compared to neutral climbing shoes, which makes it easier to “feel” through the material and to get a better grip. It is a good middle-ground to land on if you are unsure whether to choose a neutral shoe or an aggressive shoe.

The aggressive climbing shoe a whole different level of climbing gear, and it is a lot more angled and asymmetrical in its shape and design. These are excellent for challenging climbs and to get up walls that you would otherwise struggle with, but most climbers wouldn’t use them for longer climbing sessions or when going out for a full day.

Fit

When you pick out your new shoes, you should make sure you pick a size that will have them fit snuggly on your foot. There should not be any additional space on either side of your foot, but they should also not be painful to wear.

If the shoes hurt when you put them on – then you are wearing climbing shoes a size too small. All climbing shoe brands have their own way of measuring sizes, so it is a good idea to check the sizing guide before you order or purchase.

Features

There are different features you may find on a climbing shoe, and these affect whether they will be the best trad climbing shoes you’ve ever had, or just average. These features are for example the types of laces or straps that are there to keep your shoes in place, the lining and the type of rubber used in the sole. These are things you might not think about if you haven’t climbed much before, but all will affect the overall climbing experience.

Lace-up climbing shoes are the most common climbing shoe type, and the benefit is that the laces can be loosened or tightened if your shoes would swell during a climb. Climbing shoes with a strap are convenient for those that want to be able to get in and out of their climbing shoes fast, and many experiences that they are excellent options for when climbing indoor at the gym, or for bouldering climbing.

There is also the slip-on shoe where elastic bands are what allows you to slip them on. Shoes like these are usually very lightweight and great for walls where you need to be able to fit your toes into very small openings.

Why do I need climbing shoes?

It may seem tempting to just use your regular sneakers when climbing, especially if you are only planning to do it once, but this is a bad idea. Regular shoes and sneakers do not have good enough grip to keep you safe when you climb, and you will end up working twice as hard, and expose yourself to a much higher risk.

Are the best indoor climbing shoes different from the best outdoor shoes?

There is no real difference between climbing shoes used for indoor- and outdoor climbing, but some climbers choose to use a softer shoe when climbing indoors, as it does not need to be quite as resistant to the outdoor elements.

Is there a difference between men’s and women’s climbing shoes?

When it comes to climbing shoes men’s products may be slightly wider and adapted to the size and shape of a male foot, while a woman’s climbing shoe is made with a slimmer design, but this does not necessarily mean that a woman can’t wear men’s shoes and the other way around. It depends on what you feel comfortable with, and what fits your feet.

Conclusion

Climbing is the kind of sport that has the adrenaline pumping; you can go climbing both indoors wherever there is a climbing wall, or you can choose to venture outdoors and climb a rock or mountain wall that is adequate for your experience level.

To do this safely, you need good climbing gear, and this includes more than just clothes, a harness, and a rope. You can’t go climbing in your regular sneakers, as it won’t give you enough grip to get to where you want to go, and this not only makes climbing harder but also unsafe.

This climbing shoes’ review is meant to make the process of choosing a product easier, as it only features quality climbing shoes, but it is ultimately up to you to consider what you need, and what will work for you.

Expert Tip

When you try on climbing shoes, try to do so later in the day, as your feet tend to be slightly larger compared to in the morning, which guarantees a better fit.

Did You Know

When you climb, you burn approximately 500-900 calories per hour, making it an excellent form of exercise.

Amazon Recommends:

Bestseller No. 1
Climb X Ravestrap Climbing Shoe, Phantom Black
  • Rubber sole
  • Please refer to the Sizing Chart for Recommended Size
  • Padded Collar and Heel for Comfort
Bestseller No. 2
BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes - Men's - White-Black...
  • Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort
  • Updated midsole for improved edging ability
  • Two Velcro straps for fit adjustability
Bestseller No. 3
La Sportiva Mens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes, Olive/Tiger, 9
  • Quick pull lacing harness that delivers a snug precise fit
  • Durable FriXion RS rubber compound for great grip and durability
  • Lined tongue for moisture management

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