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Climbing Shoes Review: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Adventure
Published: February 19, 2024
Looking for the ideal climbing shoes? Discover top picks and expert advice to ensure a perfect fit for your next adventure.
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Are you ready to take your climbing adventures to the next level? Choosing the right pair of climbing shoes is crucial for a successful and comfortable climb. In this Climbing Shoes Review, we will explore the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect fit for your next adventure. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, finding the right pair of shoes will make a significant difference in your performance and overall climbing experience. Let's dive in and find the perfect fit for your next climb.
Overall Score: 8/10
The Climb X Ravestrap Climbing Shoe in Phantom Black is a great option for both beginners and intermediate climbers. It features a rubber sole, padded collar and heel for comfort, and is available in the color Phantom Black and size 9. The shoe comes highly recommended for outdoor climbing and has received positive reviews about its durability, comfort, and fit. However, some customers have noted that the sizing runs small, so it's advisable to order a size up. Overall, it's an affordable and reliable option for those looking to invest in their first pair of climbing shoes.
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- Padded Collar and Heel for Comfort
- Refer to Sizing Chart for Recommended Size
Specifications
- Color: Phantom Black
- Size: 9
Pros
- Durable and comfortable for outdoor climbing
- Affordable and great for beginners
- Provides good grip and power for climbing
Cons
- Sizing runs small, may need to order up
- Shipping may take longer than expected
The Climb X Ravestrap Climbing Shoe is a solid choice for climbers looking for a reliable and affordable option. While the sizing may run small, the shoe offers great performance for outdoor climbing and has received positive feedback on its durability and comfort. It’s a good investment, especially for beginners who are looking to upgrade from rental shoes.
Overall Score: 7/10
The BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes offer a comfortable and durable option for beginner to intermediate climbers. With a neutral, flat last and soft flex midsole, they provide all-day comfort and improved edging ability. The two Velcro straps allow for fit adjustability, while the 4.3mm rubber ensures durability and optimal consistency. The materials are completely vegan and include a hemp footbed. The updated knit with softer lining provides exceptional breathability and improved comfort, making these climbing shoes a solid choice for any climbing enthusiast.
Key Features
- Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort
- Updated midsole for improved edging ability
- Two Velcro straps for fit adjustability
- 4.3mm rubber is built for durability and molded for optimal consistency and performance
- Soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort
- Materials in entire shoe are completely vegan
- Hemp footbed
- Updated knit with softer lining provides exceptional breathability and improved comfort
- Softer toe rands for better fit and comfort
- Updated heel rubber geometry for consistent tension
Specifications
- Color: White/Black
- Dimension: 9.45Lx9.45Wx6.30H
- Size: 11
Pros
- Comfortable and durable for beginner to intermediate climbers
- Provides all-day comfort and improved edging ability
- Materials are completely vegan with a hemp footbed
- Updated knit with softer lining for exceptional breathability
- Includes two Velcro straps for fit adjustability
Cons
- Some users experienced tearing in the toe area after a few months of use
The BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes offer a solid and comfortable option for climbers of all levels. While there may be some durability concerns, the overall performance and comfort make these shoes a great choice for those looking to enhance their climbing experience.
Overall Score: 7/10
The BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes for Women are designed for vertical climbing or all-day comfort, featuring an updated midsole for improved edging ability. These shoes have a women’s specific last to provide a customized fit and two Velcro straps for fit adjustability. With 4.3mm rubber built for durability and molded for optimal consistency and performance, they also include a soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort and a hemp footbed. Update features such as softer knit lining for better breathability and comfort, softer toe rands, and updated heel rubber geometry all aim for a better fit and performance. Despite some complaints about the sizing, these shoes have generally positive reviews and are suitable for beginners and experts alike.
Key Features
- Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort
- Updated midsole for improved edging ability
- Women’s specific last provides customized fit
- Two Velcro straps for fit adjustability
- 4.3mm rubber is built for durability and molded for optimal consistency and performance
- Soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort
- Hemp footbed
- Updated knit with softer lining provides exceptional breathability and improved comfort
- Softer toe rands for better fit and comfort
- Updated heel rubber geometry for consistent tension
Specifications
- Color: Black-alloy
- Dimension: 9.45Lx9.45Wx6.30H
- Size: 8
Pros
- Durable and comfortable
- Improved edging ability
- Customized fit for women
- Soft flex midsole for added comfort and sensitivity
- High-quality rubber for durability and performance
Cons
- Sizing runs smaller than expected
- Challenging to break in initially
- Some complaints about glue staining and appearance
Overall, the BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes for Women offer a great combination of durability, comfort, and performance. While there are some concerns about the sizing and appearance, these shoes have received mostly positive feedback, making them a suitable choice for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
Overall Score: 8/10
The La Sportiva Mens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are designed to provide a snug, precise fit with quick pull lacing harness while offering great grip and durability with the FriXion RS rubber compound. The all-leather upper is breathable and durable, with a lined tongue for moisture management. However, they tend to run small and it is recommended to go up a size when ordering. The shoes are popular among beginners and intermediate climbers, and some people have reported rough loops on the heel contributing to blisters. Overall, they are well-made, affordable, and reliable climbing shoes perfect for indoor climbing.
Key Features
- Quick pull lacing harness for precise fit
- Durable Fri Xion RS rubber compound for grip
- Breathable all-leather upper with moisture management
- Lined tongue for moisture management
Specifications
- Color: Olive/Tiger
- Dimension: 10.00Lx3.00Wx8.00H
- Size: 10.5
Pros
- Great grip and durability
- Breathable and durable design
- Affordable and reliable for beginners and intermediates
Cons
- Tend to run small, recommend sizing up
- Rough loops on the heel may cause blisters
The La Sportiva Mens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes offer excellent grip and durability, making them highly suitable for beginners and intermediate climbers. Despite being tight for their size, the shoes are well-made, affordable, and provide reliable performance for indoor climbing. However, potential buyers should consider sizing up due to the tendency to run small and be cautious of the rough loops on the heel causing discomfort.
Overall Score: 7/10
The La Sportiva Mens Tarantula Rock Climbing Shoes are designed for both comfort and versatility, making them ideal for beginner climbers. They feature a breathable and durable all-leather upper, an adjustable hook & loop closure, and a grippy yet hard-wearing rubber sole. The shoes are designed to fit a range of foot shapes and sizes, while offering excellent grip and a snug fit. However, some users have reported durability issues and sizing discrepancies.
Key Features
- All-leather upper for breathability and durability
- Adjustable hook & loop closure for a secure fit
- Grippy and hard-wearing rubber sole for increased durability
- Designed to fit a range of foot shapes and sizes
Specifications
- Color: Black/Poppy
- Dimension: 10.00Lx3.00Wx8.00H
- Size: 10.5-11
Pros
- Breathable and durable all-leather upper
- Secure and comfortable fit with adjustable closure
- Grippy and hard-wearing rubber sole
Cons
- Some users reported sizing discrepancies
- Durability issues after prolonged use
The La Sportiva Mens Tarantula Rock Climbing Shoes are a solid choice for beginner climbers, offering comfort, versatility, and a secure fit. While they have received some reports of durability issues and sizing discrepancies, many users have found them to be a durable and reliable option for indoor and outdoor climbing.
Overall Score: 9/10
The La Sportiva Men's Solution Rock Climbing Shoes are a high-performance shoe designed specifically for modern bouldering problems and challenging climbs. They feature laser-cut leather and microfiber uppers, a pointed, large down-turned performance fit, and a 3D molded heel cup. With a single-strap, slipper design and highly adjustable fast lacing system, these shoes offer a precision fit for top performance. The P3 technical randing system delivers power to the sole and retains the downturned shape of the shoe, making them an ideal choice for experienced climbers. However, they may not be suitable for beginners due to their aggressive design.
Key Features
- Performance fit with high asymmetry
- Laser-cut leather and microfiber uppers
- P3 technical randing system
- Highly adjustable fast lacing system
Specifications
- Color: White/Yellow
- Dimension: 12.00Lx8.00Wx7.00H
- Size: 7.5
Pros
- Precision fit for top performance
- Molded 3D heel cup for stability
- Highly adjustable lacing system
Cons
- May run small, recommended to size up
- Not suitable for beginners
The La Sportiva Men’s Solution Rock Climbing Shoes are a top choice for experienced climbers seeking high performance. With their precision fit and advanced technical features, these shoes offer excellent stability and grip. However, they may not be the best option for beginners due to their aggressive design.
Overall Score: 7/10
The La Sportiva Womens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are perfect for climbers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber, these shoes offer a secure, comfortable fit for all-day climbing. The breathable all-leather upper is durable yet conforms to your foot shape. It features an updated heel cup for a snug fit and a secure closure. The grippy rubber and ultra-thin midsole provide excellent support and grip. However, there have been concerns about the durability of the sole. Overall, these shoes are great for gym or outdoor climbing, with a stylish design and comfortable fit for various foot shapes.
Key Features
- Ideal for all-level climbers
- Breathable and durable all-leather upper
- Runs big – size down for regular or wide feet
- Updated heel cup for a secure fit
- Grippy rubber with ultra-thin midsole
Specifications
- Color: Topaz/Red Plum
- Dimension: 10.00Lx3.00Wx8.00H
- Size: 6.5
Pros
- Comfortable for all-day climbing
- Secure and snug fit
- Versatile for various foot shapes
- Great grip for climbing
Cons
- Issues with sole durability
- May run large – size down for fitting
The La Sportiva Womens Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are a versatile and comfortable option for climbers of all levels. While they offer great support and grip, there have been concerns about the durability of the sole. Overall, these shoes are a stylish and functional choice for indoor or outdoor climbing.
Overall Score: 7/10
The BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Lace Climbing Shoes for Men are designed for vertical climbing or all-day comfort. These shoes feature an updated midsole for improved edging ability, a soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort, and softer toe rands for better fit and comfort. The materials in the entire shoe are completely vegan, and the updated knit with softer lining provides exceptional breathability and improved comfort. The 4.3mm rubber is built for durability and molded for optimal consistency and performance. The updated heel rubber geometry ensures consistent tension, and the hemp footbed adds an environmentally friendly touch. With a neutral, flat last and lace entry for fit adjustability, these climbing shoes are suitable for beginner or intermediate climbers.
Key Features
- Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort
- Updated midsole for improved edging ability
- Lace entry for fit adjustability
- 4.3mm rubber is built for durability and performance
- Soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort
- Completely vegan materials
- Hemp footbed for environmental friendliness
- Updated knit with softer lining for breathability and comfort
- Softer toe rands for better fit and comfort
- Updated heel rubber geometry for consistent tension
Specifications
- Color: Black-anthracite
- Dimension: 9.45Lx9.45Wx6.30H
- Size: 10.5
Pros
- Durable construction
- Suitable for beginner or intermediate climbers
- Fast break-in for comfortable wear
- Completely vegan materials
- Soft flex midsole for added comfort and sensitivity
Cons
- Small fit for some
- Toe may wear out quickly
The BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Lace Climbing Shoes are a great choice for climbers looking for a durable, comfortable, and environmentally friendly option. With features like vegan materials, soft flex midsole, and updated rubber geometry, these shoes offer great value for beginners or intermediate climbers. While some may experience a small fit and quicker wear on the toe, the overall performance and build quality make them a reliable choice for climbing adventures.
Overall Score: 7/10
The EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes are designed for both comfort and performance. Made with a perforated vegan synthetic upper, they boast a breathable design. The closure features straps and the midsole is equipped with MX-P: 1.4mm SENSITIVE FULL-LENGTH technology. The outsole is constructed with 4.2mm TRAX SAS for superior grip. The climbing shoes are designed with an asymmetric profile and a thicker front toe area for added durability. They are vegan-friendly and come in a black/grey color. However, some users have reported issues with the size ranges and build quality. Overall, these shoes are well-priced and suitable for indoor climbing, making them a good option for beginners and casual climbers.
Key Features
- Perforated vegan synthetic upper & breathable
- Closure: Straps, Midsole: MX-P: 1.4mm SENSITIVE FULL-LENGTH
- Outsole: 4.2mm TRAX SAS
- Profile: Asymmetric, Rand: Vtr (Thicker front toe area)
- Liner: NYLON MESH, Materials: Synthetic
- Weight: 8.5oz Per Shoe (Size 9 Men's), Vegan Friendly!
Specifications
- Color: Black/Grey
- Dimension: 2.00Lx5.00Wx7.00H
- Size: 10
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Breathable design
- Good grip for indoor climbing
- Vegan-friendly
- Well-priced
Cons
- Build quality issues
- Sizing problems reported by users
The EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes are a solid choice for those looking for comfortable and affordable climbing footwear. While there have been some issues reported by users regarding build quality and sizing, the overall performance and value for money make them a good option for beginners and casual climbers, especially for indoor use.
Overall Score: 8/10
The XIHALOOK Quick Dry Barefoot Water Shoes are designed for outdoor sports enthusiasts, offering a comfortable, secure and durable option for various activities from kayaking to rock climbing. These shoes feature a flexible and breathable upper, a solid rubber sole with excellent traction, a wide toe box design, and an elastic band for easy adjustment. Whether you're hiking, diving, jogging, or washing cars, these shoes are the perfect companion. They come in a beige yellow color and are available in a size 12 Women/11 Men. Customers have praised their comfort, support, and durability, making them an excellent choice for water sports and outdoor adventures.
Key Features
- Stretch material for fast draining and ventilation
- Durable anti-slip rubber sole with special traction
- Wide toe box design for comfort and stability
- Elastic band for quick adjustment
- Ideal for various outdoor sports and activities
Specifications
- Color: Beige Yellow
- Size: 12 Women/11 Men
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive for water sports
- Durable construction for outdoor activities
- Easy to adjust and put on/off
- Breathable and quick-drying material
Cons
- Slippery on wet rocks
- Take a long time to dry
The XIHALOOK Quick Dry Barefoot Water Shoes offer a reliable and comfortable option for outdoor enthusiasts. With their durable construction, wide toe box, and breathable material, they are ideal for various water sports and activities. While they may take longer to dry and be slippery on wet rocks, their overall performance and comfort make them a great choice for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. If you’re in need of supportive and reliable water shoes, the XIHALOOK Quick Dry Barefoot Water Shoes are definitely worth considering.
Things to consider before buying climbing shoes:
- Your climbing style:
- *Indoor climbing:* Consider shoes with more comfort and less aggressive downturn.
- *Outdoor climbing:* Opt for shoes with more aggressive downturn and better edging ability.
- Fit and comfort:
- Try on different sizes and brands to find the best fit for your feet.
- Consider the type of closure system (lace-up, Velcro, slip-on) that feels the most comfortable for you.
- Material and construction:
- Look for shoes made of high-quality leather or synthetic materials for durability.
- Pay attention to the rand (rubber that wraps around the toe box) for toe hooking and protection.
- Sole stiffness:
- Determine the level of stiffness you need based on your climbing style and preferences.
- Softer soles provide more sensitivity and flexibility, while stiffer soles offer better support on small edges.
- Downturn and asymmetry:
- Consider the level of downturn and asymmetry based on the type of climbing you do and your foot shape.
- More downturn and asymmetry are beneficial for steep and overhanging routes.
- Edging and smearing:
- Look for shoes with a balance of edging and smearing performance based on the type of climbs you frequent.
- Thicker rubber soles provide better support for edging, while thinner rubber is more sensitive for smearing.
- Sensitivity and precision:
- Consider the level of sensitivity and precision you need for your climbing style.
- Shoes with thinner, softer rubber soles offer better sensitivity and precision.
- Breathability and odor control:
- Check for breathable linings and perforations to keep your feet cool and minimize odor.
- Consider shoes with antimicrobial treatments to control bacterial growth and odor.
- Weight and packability:
- Choose lightweight shoes for long approaches and multi-pitch climbs.
- Consider shoes that are packable for travel and easy storage in your climbing pack.
Frequently Asked Questions about Climbing Shoes Review: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Adventure
Climbing shoes are specially designed footwear for rock climbing. They provide better grip and support on the rock, helping climbers to feel more secure and stable while climbing.
Climbing shoes have a tighter and more form-fitting design compared to regular shoes. They often have a special rubber sole for better grip on the rock and a more pointed toe to fit into small cracks or footholds.
While climbing shoes are specifically designed for rock climbing, some people may wear them for bouldering, indoor climbing, or even hiking in rocky terrain. However, they may not be as comfortable or practical for other activities.
Yes, most climbers size their climbing shoes smaller than their regular shoes to get a snug fit and better control on the rock. It’s important to find the right balance between a tight fit for performance and a comfortable fit for longer climbs.
To extend the life of your climbing shoes, it’s important to clean them regularly, avoid walking on rough surfaces, and let them air out after each use. You can also resole them when the rubber starts to wear out.
