Climbing is an experience like no other, and it’s important to find the best rock climbing shoes before daring to try it.
It’s necessary to consider the:
- Fit
- Material
- Closure
- Comfort
- Performance
- Design of the shoe
Certain shoes are optimized for outdoor bouldering, while others are great for indoor climbs and beginner climbers.
We’ve gathered some of the best rock climbing shoes below, so let’s see them!
Top 5 Best Rock Climbing Shoes – Editor’s Pick
In this table, we have gathered our selection of the top 5 best rock climbing shoes according to the aforementioned criteria.
Product Name |
Upper Material |
Closure Style |
Sole Thickness |
Get It AT |
| Evolv Men’s Defy | Synthetic | Velcro | 4.2 mm | |
| La Sportiva Oxygym Women’s Shoe | Microfiber | Hook-and-loop | 5 mm | |
| La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace | Leather | Lace-up | 5 mm | |
| Scarpa Women’s Force X WMN Climbing Shoe | Synthetic | Velcro | 5 mm | |
| Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoe | Textile | Velcro | 3 mm |
9. Muck Boot Muckster Ll Climbing Shoe
Ideal for: Beginner climbers
This Muck Boot climbing shoe features rubber and neoprene with a 4-mm thick “flex-foam” sole.
It has excellent traction and is designed to keep your feet warm and dry while still being breathable.
These are the best rock climbing shoes for they are versatile enough to wear for any outdoor activities, especially in the rain.
However, they’re not suitable for non-beginner climbers.
Heights:
- Waterproof
- Practical and comfortable
- Easy to put on and take off
Plains:
- Sizing might be off
- The outsole might wear off fast
8. Evolv Elektra Women’s Climbing Shoe
Ideal for: Beginner climbers
This climbing shoe is designed for women or for anyone with narrower feet.
It comes in jade/seapine color and is made of a nylon upper with a 4.2 mm. thick rubber sole.
The sole is designed for high friction and maximum grip, and the thick long-lasting sole makes this shoe ideal for beginners.
Heights:
- Asymmetrical profile
- Great grip
- Very comfortable
Plains:
- Run small
- Accumulates sweat/odor
7. Mad Rock Men’s Drifter Climbing Shoe
Ideal for: Beginner climbers
This climbing shoe from Mad Rock is relatively affordable.
It comes in 3 colors and features a leather upper with a polyester midsole.
It has an asymmetric toe for comfort, and the closure is a two-strap velcro system.
Climbers love that these shoes don’t stretch out much over time.
These are a great starter climbing shoe option.
Heights:
- Good edging and good styling
- Rubber sole for great grip
Plains:
- Not suitable for difficult climbs
6. La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing
Ideal for: All-around climbing, indoor or outdoors
The Tarantulace for women comes with several features, including a leather upper and easy lace closure.
This shoe is not lined, so it fits like a glove and is breathable.
It’s durably constructed with a high-traction rubber sole.
It also features an asymmetric shoe shape to reduce pressure on the toes.
Heights:
- Great fit and traction
- Very comfortable
- Multifunctional
Plains:
- Might run big for some
- Rubber wears out fast
5. Evolv Men’s Defy
Ideal for: Climbers of all experience levels
This men’s climbing shoe from Evolv is made with all synthetic materials.
It uses perforated Synthratek in the upper for ventilation, and the outer fabric is designed to shed water.
The sole is 4.2 mm. thick, making it durable enough for extended use.
The toe is asymmetrical to ease toe discomfort during climbs.
Heights:
- Great fit
- Comfortable
- Affordable
Plains:
- The synthetic material has a smell
- Sizing might be off
4. La Sportiva Oxygym Women’s Shoe
Ideal for: Frequent climbing, indoor climbing
The Oxygym features a design that’s optimal for gym climbing, although it could be used for other climbing as well.
It has a synthetic upper with 3 layers.
The external layer helps to repel dirt and the internal fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking.
It uses a hook-and-loop closure.
This shoe is not only comfortable but is also durable and is suitable for climbers of all experience levels.
Heights:
- Breathable and washable fabric
- Suitable for all experience types
- Easily adjustable fit
Plains:
- Might run small
- Not very durable
3. La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe
Ideal for: All-around climbing, indoor or outdoor
The men’s version of the Tarantulace is quite similar to the women’s — it offers all of the same features, though in two different gender-neutral colors.
The width of the foot is the main difference between the two since the men’s version is designed for the typically wider feet of men.
Heights:
- Leather upper
- High traction rubber sole
- Asymmetric shape
Plains:
- Rubber sole wears away quickly
- Need to be broken into
2. Scarpa Women’s Force X WMN Climbing Shoe
Ideal for: All-around climbing
These Scarpa shoes have a flexible rubber sole and a synthetic upper.
They use a dual-strap closure for a customized fit and are partially lined to balance warmth and breathability.
There’s also a suede footbed for extra comfort.
These shoes should fit tight initially, keeping in mind that they will stretch somewhat over time.
Heights:
- Good and sturdy quality
- Easy to slip on and off
- Very comfortable padding
Plains:
- Might be uncomfortable initially
- Could run small for some
1. Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoe
Ideal for: Experienced climbers, indoor or outdoor climbing
These Scarpa shoes are made with a textile upper and synthetic sole.
They use Vibram grip on the forefoot and heel, providing extra grip and traction.
The sole is also quite durable.
These shoes use a simple velcro closure and have an asymmetric toe profile.
Heights:
- Medium-thickness rubber sole
- Comfortable
- Asymmetric toe
Plains:
- Slightly narrow fit
- Not true to size
Conclusion
These best rock climbing shoes will work for a variety of experience levels and climbs.
It’s important to balance quality with affordability and usability.
However, the most important factor is always how well it fits your specific foot.
Have you used any of the rock climbing shoes we recommended? We’d like to hear all about your experience in the comments below!
Recommended Read: For more on the best shoes, check out our lists of:
- Best cycling shoes
- Basketball shoes
- Boat shoes
- Running shoes for women
- Trail running shoes
- and last but not least, hiking shoes (simple and waterproof as well)