Reach Your Climbing Goals With The Best Rock Climbing Shoes In 2022

Built for beginners, the Black Diamond Momentum rock shoes are practical in design yet highly functional in performance. Available at a more modest price, these are comfortable, flat shoes that allow you to focus on technique and improvement.

These are the perfect indoor climbing shoes for getting started or when moving outside for the first time. Once you have a better idea of the type of climbing you will be doing, you can find something that fits your specific needs better.

The Black Diamond Momentum shoes use Engineered Knit Technology, a synthetic knit fabric that provides exceptional breathability and stretch. A microfiber liner adds comfort and minimizes stretch, while two velcro straps create the climbing shoe closure. Built for all-day comfort on moderate terrain. Many newer climbers hesitate to take off their shoes between climbs (we all know about the classic climbing shoe stink) and the breathable upper helps reduce odor and bacterial growth.

Make sure to size up from your street shoe size (unlike most climbing shoes) as they tend to run small.

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Best bang for your buck: Climb X Rave Strap Rock Climbing Shoes

• Padded collar and heel
• Polypropylene midsole
• Come pre-downsized
• A good budget option

Pros

• Great value for money
• Durable

Cons

• Not as comfortable or precise as other shoes

When I first started rock climbing, I bought a pair of Climb X shoes on Amazon. It was the most accessible way for me to get started. They were affordable and they did the trick for me to learn the basics. These are a good option for someone who doesn’t want to spend $100 dollars on a new activity that they don’t even know if they will like yet.

With double stitch construction and a soft padded collar and heel, these climbing shoes not only offer a tight, snug fit, but they also boast an anti-microbial hemp footbed which helps to reduce foot odor. Size up for a comfortable fit.

See Climb X Rave Strap Rock Climbing Shoes on Amazon

Best shoes for wide feet: Butora Acro Climbing Shoes

• High tension rand provides power in big toe
• Custom blend ABS injected mid-sole
• Great bouldering shoe
• Wide options

Pros

• An excellent climbing shoe for wider feet
• Durable yet sensitive
• Lower price than other aggressive shoes

Cons

• Awkward fit if you don’t have wider feet

Down-turned for peak performance, Butora Acros are particularly loved by climbers with wide feet, as they have a wide option, giving you a wider toe box and heel. From limestone pockets and small edges to overhanging bouldering, these shoes are ready to send on technical terrain. The high-tension rand brings power to the middle of your foot, giving your big toe lots of control while toeing in on tiny edges.

NEO Fuse sticky rubber covers the soles, plus extends to much of the rest of the shoe. The toe is covered in rubber, making these some of the most secure toe hooks in any shoes we’ve tested. The heels are also covered in rubber, but our tester found that there was too much space in the heel which made heel hooking slightly awkward.

Because of all the rubber covering the shoe, these aren’t as breathable as an all-leather rock climbing shoe. The Butora Acros excel as a bouldering shoe but could be used for gym climbing.

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Best competition climbing shoe: SCARPA Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoes

• Vibram XS Edge rubber with 2mm at heel and 3.5mm at toe
• Flexan dynamic midsole
• Great sport climbing and bouldering shoe
• Bi-tension active rand

Pros

• Stickier rubber on heel for heel hooking
• Toe box includes extra rubber for toe hooks
• The Scarpa Instinct VS is great at edging

Cons

• Might not fit those with low volume feet
• Not great at crack climbing or smearing right away

A favorite of many competition climbers, the Scarpa Instinct VS are popular climbing shoes for lovers of steep climbing. The stiff design puts your big toe in the perfect spot for edging or toeing into pockets. Plus the rubber over the toe makes them great for toe hooking and the shape of the heel excels for heel hooks. The toe box is wider than some, making them less ideal for small pockets and thin crack climbing. Also, due to the stiffness of the shoes, these aren’t the best for hard slab climbing routes out of the box. After a while, they soften up and become better for smearing.

The Scarpa Instinct VS features Vibram XS Edge rubber and excels at edging on steep routes, helping the shoe’s toe-hooking ability. They include a stretch-resistant microsuede upper and a single power strap to keep your foot locked in. Overall, a great option for high-performance sport climbing or steep bouldering shoes.

See SCARPA Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoes on Amazon

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Great for trad climbing: Five Ten Grandstone Climbing Shoes

• High-top design adds protection
• Stealth C4 rubber soles
• Microfiber uppers
• Softer than other similar shoes

Pros

• Comfortable for all-day use
• Slight downturn helps for steeper terrain
• Stickiest rubber on the market

Cons

• Expensive
• Potentially painful while jamming due to softer design

Five Ten released the Grandstone as an alternative to the TC Pros. And they do perform (albeit differently) similarly well to the iconic Yosemite-inspired shoes. The high-top shoe means that you won’t scrape your ankle bones on the side of a wide crack and the Grandstone has a microfiber upper which reduces stretch and adds comfort. These shoes are well suited to all-day outings.

The Grandstone has more of a downturn than other trad-specific shoes and is softer. The softness leads to more sensitivity but they are still stiff enough to excel at edging. The downturn helps with steep terrain, allowing these shoes to fold and move with your foot compared to stiffer shoes. With the addition of Stealth C4 Rubber, these shoes are ready to stick to whatever rock you throw them at.

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Best all-around aggressive shoes: La Sportiva Skwama Rock Climbing Shoes

• S-heel construction provides optimal heel hooking
• 4mm Vibram XS-Grip2 sole
• P3 patent system rand design minimizes stretch
• Good all-around climbing shoe for hard routes

Pros

• Impressive smearing ability
• Perform well indoors and well outdoors
• Great sensitivity

Cons

• The single Velcro strap is not easily adjustable

Another well-loved shoe for gym climbing and steep bouldering, La Sportiva Skwamas have been around for a long time. Super sensitive and ready to toe in on small holds on steep sport routes. They’re also surprisingly good for crack climbing, with the thin toe fitting well into thinner cracks. Plus, because they are softer shoes, they smear well in crack-less corners and on slabs. Trad, sport climbers, and boulderers alike will love these shoes for indoor and outdoor climbing.

P3 technology and a split-sole construction reduce edge deformation on the Vibram XS-Grip2 sticky rubber sole. And the unlined leather upper keeps some odors at bay compared with synthetic uppers. A patch of rubber on top of your toe allows them to feel secure on heel hooks. The heel is lower volume and uses S-heel construction for heel hooking maneuverability and a good fit.

See La Sportiva Skwama Rock Climbing Shoes on Amazon

See La Sportiva Skwama Rock Climbing Shoes on La Sportiva

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Best budget climbing shoe: Evolv Nighthawk Rock Climbing Shoes

• Comfortable
• Good for climbing progression
• Good for long days of outdoor climbing

Pros

• Comfortable
• Good for climbing progression
• Good for long days of outdoor climbing

Cons

• You might eventually want a more specialized shoe

One of the best moderate climbing shoes for the money, the Evolv Nighthawk is an affordable option for those wanting to progress with their climbing. Suitable for indoor or outdoor climbing, they feature a lace-up design that is easily adjustable for different-shaped feet. These flat shoes have a leather unlined upper with an antimicrobial split tongue and are comfortable enough to wear for hours. That makes them great for multi-pitch routes.

Good at standing on a variety of footholds including pockets, edges (but not the smallest), smears, and foot jams. A good intermediate shoe, the Evolv Nighthawk won’t help you send your hard bouldering project, but it will provide the comfort and feel of a beginner shoe, with the performance of something a bit better. Size up from your street shoe size.

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Great for trad climbing: Evolv Shaman Rock Climbing Shoes

• Downturned toe profile
• 4.2mm TRAX XT-5 rubber
• Vegan-friendly synthetic upper
• “Love bump” and “Knuckle box” technology keeps your toes in place

Pros

• More comfortable than other aggressive shoes due to design
• Durable rubber

Cons

• Soft rubber is not ideal for edging
• Not great on vertical terrain

Designed by Chris Sharma himself, the king of steep routes, these shoes are great bouldering shoes and shine on steep terrain. The shape pushes your toe into the front of the shoe, which helps your toe in on tiny footholds. It also helps these shoes remain downturned over their lifespan, instead of losing shape over time. However, they are not great at edging, as the rubber is so soft that it can deform around small nubbins in the rock.

The Evolv Shamans use 4.2mm TRAX XT-5 rubber, which is a lot of rubber. This makes them feel less sensitive than other aggressive shoes, but also adds durability. The rubber extends over the toe giving enough control for toe hooking. They are surprisingly comfortable for how aggressive they are, due to the shape of the toe which keeps your toes in place without needing to size them too tightly, which can lead to pain. You will probably want to size up from your street shoe size for a comfy fit.

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Great for steep terrain: La Sportiva TarantuLace Rock Climbing Shoes

• A quick-pull lacing system for a snug fit
• A lined tongue controls moisture
• Thin LaSpoflex midsole for max torsional rigidity
• 5mm FriXion RS sole

Pros

• Great for beginner climbers
• Lower price point
• Rubber soles are impressively durable

Cons

• Not great for every type of climbing

The La Sportiva Tarantualace are some of the most popular shoes for beginner climbers. They’re comfy, affordable, and easy to adjust. The flat, large toe box provides comfort, but can also make them less precise. The upper of the shoe is made of leather which feels soft to the touch and adds to the shoe’s comfortable, lightweight fit. However, the leather can stretch over time, so size down slightly.

The soles of the Tarantulaces use a 5mm FriXion RS rubber sole, which is pretty thick compared to higher-end shoes. This adds durability and stiffness, which makes these good shoes for edging. The lace-up design makes them easy to adjust, but harder to take on and off. These shoes are just as good for climbing outside as they are at gym climbing, so if you’re looking for a beginner climbing shoe on a budget, look no further.

See La Sportiva TarantuLace Rock Climbing Shoes on Amazon

See La Sportiva TarantuLace Rock Climbing Shoes on La Sportiva

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Why trust us

I’ve been climbing for about seven years and have climbed up to 5.12 and V6. While I primarily prefer a comfy, all-around climbing shoe, I have spent enough time in the climbing industry to have a good understanding of most of the specialized climbing shoes on the market.

I’m also an AMGA certified Single Pitch Instructor, and I’ve been a glacier guide, worked at a climbing gym, and am now an outdoor industry writer and photographer. I love gear and make it a point to learn about new climbing shoe technology as it is released.

Our other tester has spent nearly six years climbing, has worked as a guide, currently competes on the national cup circuit, is a route setter, and coaches youth athletes.

Who this is for

If you’re shopping for climbing shoes, this guide is for you. Whether you’ve never set foot in a gym, or you’ve been climbing for 40 years, there’s always something new.

How we picked

We chose the shoes on this list by looking at some of the best climbing shoe brands and picking based on quality, price, reviews, and personal experience. We chose a variety of different styles that excel at various climbing styles.

How we tested

We’ve tested these shoes around the world, from the overhanging tufas of Kalymnos to the splitter sandstone cracks of Indian Creek. We have put shoes through the wringer, tearing them up, resoling them, and wearing them until they fall apart. We have our favorites, but we also have tried quite a few that didn’t quite work perfectly. So, we used all of that data to bring you this guide to some of the best climbing shoes on the market.

Features to look for in rock climbing shoes

Material 

Climbing shoes are typically made out of either leather or synthetic materials. Leather doesn’t smell as much as synthetic shoes do, but it does tend to stretch more.

Shape

Climbing shoes come in three different standard shapes: flat, moderate, and aggressive. Each of these shapes comes with unique attributes. You also might want to look for specific shoes if you have especially wide or narrow feet.

• Flat climbing shoes: Ideal for beginners, flat-shaped shoes give the most comfort. They tend to be quite stiff with thick rubber soles, which gives good muscle support.
• Moderate-shaped climbing shoes: These shoes perform well on a variety of terrain and are great for outdoor climbing because of the balance of comfort and performance. They might have a slight downturn which makes the shoe better at more technical climbing than fully flat shoes. They also might have a specific purpose like climbing cracks.
• Aggressive-shaped climbing shoes: Aggressive climbing shoes are more focused on performance than comfort. They tend to have a sharp downturn and are asymmetrical in shape. This gives you the ultimate precision on small holes but is often less comfortable than other designs.

Flexibility

Like the shape, the required flexibility will be determined by the climbing you have in mind. Soft shoes are often better for steep climbs or anything where you want a high level of sensitivity. You might choose a stiff shoe for the added edging abilities, or because you want it to protect your feet from jamming in cracks.

Closure

Most climbing shoes come with either a Velcro, lace-up, or slipper-type closing system. The benefits of Velcro or slipper shoes are that they are quick and easy. Lace-up shoes allow you to further customize the fit of each shoe which can, in turn, enhance your climbing performance.

Protection

Protection might be a factor if you are climbing cracks and want to protect your ankles. Or you could be looking for a shoe that protects your toes for toe hooks. However, the vast majority of climbing shoes provide a similar amount of protection.

Comfort

Comfort might be a big factor for you if you’re just getting started, or if you plan to spend all day in your climbing shoes. If you only plan to wear your shoes for short periods of time, like while bouldering, you might not care as much about comfort. Comfort is influenced by the style of shoe, the shape of your feet, and by the materials that are used.

Type of rock

You may want to consider the type of rock you will be climbing (or whether you will be climbing outdoors or indoors). What types of features will you encounter when you climb? If you’re primarily climbing limestone, you will expect to find small edges and pockets. If you’re mostly climbing granite, you’ll want something better at smearing and jamming.

Weight

Weight is possibly the least significant factor when choosing a pair of climbing shoes. However, if you want to lighten your climbing gear in general, then you might want to settle on a lighter pair of climbing slippers over chunkier shoes with big rubber soles.

Types of rock climbing shoes for various terrain

Aggressive climbing shoes

Aggressive climbing shoes have the most downturned design. They also usually come with extra heel tension which allows you to heel hook more securely. Aggressive climbing shoes are popular for their asymmetrical shape which forces the shoe to curve towards the big toe, which gives you more precision on the tiniest of holds.

Because the soles of aggressive shoes tend to be thinner and the design is often less comfortable, these shoes do not do well on multi-pitch routes. Instead, they are at their peak performance when used for single-pitch sports climbs or boulders.

Moderate climbing shoes

Moderate climbing shoes are a step between neutral and aggressive shoes. While they are not as flat as the more neutral types, they only have a slight downturn which makes them ideal for technical climbing. Moderate climbing shoes have been built to handle crack climbs, slab routes, and sports climbs that have slight overhangs or techy vertical climbing.

Neutral climbing shoes

These climbing shoes have been engineered for all-day comfort. Unlike the aggressive and moderate designs, neutral climbing shoes encourage one’s toes to sit flat inside of the shoe, instead of forcing them into a point. These rock climbing shoes are ideal for beginner climbers but are also appreciated by more experienced climbers who often climb long multi-pitch routes and need their shoes to be comfortable enough to wear all day long.

How to correctly fit your climbing shoe

To have fun climbing, it is vital that your rock climbing shoes fit well. So, how do you choose the best shoe for your next outing? Firstly, you need to find a shoe that matches your foot size in both length and width. Some shoes are made for narrow feet while others can accommodate a wider foot.

Different shoes tend to run smaller or larger, based on model and manufacturer. Make sure to check whether the manufacturer and reviewers recommend sizing up or sizing down from your street shoe size.

The best way to correctly fit your climbing shoes before purchasing is just to try them on. It’s really hard to know if something fits you when looking online, so if you do order online, look for free returns. If there is an outdoor gear store near you, go in and try them on in person.