05 Best All Around Climbing Shoes of 2021

Making all those climbs on mountains and rock might give you a thrill inside your veins. However, as exciting as it looks, it is much more dangerous than what you can imagine.

You need to buckle up with everything you need to get to the top. Most importantly, a good pair of all-around best climbing shoe always increases your chance of success.

However, finding the best all around climbing shoes is a hard game as what the market mostly offers you are junks. This is where I play my part.

I’ll make sure you get the perfect set of all-around climbing shoe.

Top 5 All-Around Rock Climbing Shoes

Below are the top 5 that have been dominating the marketplace right now. Get to read these reviews and pick the one that fits your taste.

Five Ten Anasazi VCS

Best For Technical Climbing

It’s not your mainstream climbing shoe, trust me. And you get to agree with me when you see the premium aesthetics. The Anasazi has been touching the hearts of millions.

Unlike anything else, it’s 100% manmade. Meaning, the fabric has been completely handcrafted without the touch of machines. So, you can have your quality confirmed.

pros

  • 100% handcrafted for greater quality
  • Supportive and stiff outsole
  • Increases your convenience for edging
  • It doesn’t stretch over time
  • Gives your heel a snug fit
  • Best all around rock climbing shoe for technical climbs

cons

  • The toe hooks doesn’t provide enough protection and coverage


CHECK PRICE

You’re getting completely supportive and stiff outsole. Let it be outdoor-climbing or small footholds, this shoe can meet your demands when it comes to edging. It’s not only sensitive but also super sticky.

As you wear it, the synthetic upper won’t stretch a bit and cause your heel to slip off, no. It boasts the easy Velcro closure, which you can use for easy and quick adjustment.

When it comes to comfort, the plan curve joins hands with the flat-platform shape so that you can find your ultimate convenience zone.  To make sure you can experience a cozy fit, the shoe allows your heel to press a bit more forward.

You’ll get more rigidity and support in the tension of the heel and the sole as well.  For technical climbs, the Anasazi is one of the best climbing shoes available.

Scarpa Men’s Vapor V

Best For Trad Climbing

When it comes to all around climbing shoes for men, you can’t just ignore the Vapor V from Scarpa. This beast is just one of a kind with its strength and functionality.

First off, as you take a look at it, you’ll love the dominating aesthetic it holds. “It’s meant for MEN” that’s the first thing that will pop inside your head.

pros

  • Premium outlook and aesthetics
  • 3 color variations to choose from
  • Protects your feet from pain
  • Sensitive, stiff shoe, and supportive
  • Suitable for wide-hand crack climbing, trad climbing
  • Tongue with padding gives you comfort
  • Fits your feet snugly

cons

  • The sole is less durable than expected


CHECK PRICE

It comes with 3 color variations. Even though most people prefer the yellow one, you can try the orange or the lime. If you’re more into crack-climbing, the Vapor should be your best pick.

Thanks to the dual-velcro straps it comes with, you won’t get to experience any pain at all in cracks. You can charge up granite splitters very easily and even for days if you find the right size.

The fact that the trad climbing shoes can perfectly wiggle into the cracks of your finger is obviously a plus, which helps you up in climbing.

As for sensitivity, they’re very stiff shoes and supportive. In fact, after wearing them for a couple of times, their sensitivity increases a lot. If you’re focusing more on techy-face climbing, the Vapor V can meet your demands.

You’ll have your comfort zone confirmed in wide-hand cracks, thanks to the tongue that comes with padding. No, it won’t stretch out of the blue; rather, your heels will have a snug fit. It might not be the best all day climbing shoe, but it certainly is one of the bests.

Tenaya Oasi

Most Comfortable

At number 3 on our top all around climbing shoe reviews, we have the Oasi from Tenaya. It’s more on the aggressive side, but it’s probably one of the most comfortable ones available.

It comes with a very sharp downturn and can fill the cup of stronger climbers, especially when it comes to winning over the hardest boulder problems.

pros

  • It comes with a sharp downturn
  • Easy length adjustment
  • Suitable for both narrow and wide feet
  • Your toes get to exert enough pressure
  • Inner sock gives you comfort
  • The microfiber construction enhances durability

cons

  • Its heel cup needs to be smaller


CHECK PRICE

The blue straps the shoes come with will perfectly connect your heel to the arch. On the other hand, the dual-strapped hook teams up with the loop closure that lets you adjust the length very easily.

As a result, it doesn’t matter if you have wide feet or narrow ones, your feet get enough space inside the shoe.

On top of that, you get to exert the pressure you’ve been craving for with your toes. How? The Oasi boasts the dual-layer midsole that has your back completely covered.

One of the wow-factors it offers you is the sock. As you wear it, this somewhat of a sock grabs on to your feet, and you get the ultimate comfort. Most importantly, your feet won’t slip off if you get the right size since there’s no way the shoe will stretch.

As far as durability is concerned, it’s been made of microfiber that comes with a cotton lining. So, the next time if you wonder why the Oasi is one of the best all around rock climbing shoes, you should remember about these awesome features.

La Sportiva Men’s Miura

Most Durable

If you’re still on the hunt for the best all around shoes for climbing, you might want to take a look at the Miura from La Sportiva.

This footwear is specially made for men. Let it be mountain climbing, rock climbing/ slab climbing, sport climbing or whatever, this one certainly can meet your demands.

pros

  • Made of pure synthetic materials
  • Boasts a premium outlook
  • Ease adjustments and settings
  • Fits your feet snugly
  • Better hooking, smearing, sport climbing and edging
  • Keeps your feet dry

cons

  • You can have a hard time finding the right size


CHECK PRICE

The shoe is made of pure synthetic. Meaning, you won’t face any issue when it comes to durability.  As you take a look at it, the premium aesthetics will catch your eyes instantly.

Thanks to its quick-pull lacing system, you can experience the precise regulations. You can wrap your feet up within a snap. After your feet have made their way inside the shoes, you’ll have nothing but ultimate comfort.

It gives you a snugly fit while ensuring a slip-resistant attribute. All you have to do is get yourself the right size and wave off your worries about the shoes getting stretched.

When you take the step for the climb, the Miura will allow you to have the edging experience you’ve always wanted.

The Vibram XS edge rubber sole teams up with the Slingshot Rand so that your toes get to exert the force they need. Smearing, hooking, and edging is just a piece of cake from now on.

Let’s not forget the classic leather upper, which gives you supportive feedback. Thanks to the moisture-wicking Dentex lining, your feet never sweat up even for a bit.

La Sportiva Katana Lace

Editors Choice

Being made of pure synthetic, the Katana Lace from La Sportiva is probably one of the best climbing shoes for women.  The durability is just mind-blowing, and you’re not going to experience any damage anytime soon, that’s for sure.

The P3 midsole, along with the Vibram XS edge rubber have your back when it’s all about getting the edging. As your feet go inside, you’ll experience a semi-asymmetric fit.

pros

  • Strong and durable
  • Lets you experience great edging
  • Can be used on steep terrain
  • The toes get to exert full pressure
  • Holds your feet tightly
  • Offers you enough rigidity

cons

  • Has a mid-class heel-hooking


CHECK PRICE

Since it has a downturned toe, you won’t have any problem tackling the steeper terrains at all. Your toes will be able to put the amount of pressure they need so that you can climb easily with more convenience.

I would’ve taken this shoe with my eyes closed if I was a crack climber. Why? Well, the design it boasts is more on the aggressive side. In addition, since the shoes hold your feet pretty tightly, your feet do not have any chance to get slipped off.

The shoes are very sensitive, and the sensitivity increases as you keep wearing them. Besides, if you stand flat, the Katana lace lets you experience enough rigidity.

Signs That Determine Good All Round Climbing Shoes

If you don’t know what features you should look for inside an all-round climbing shoe, chances are you’ll end up buying the wrong product. To make sure you don’t waste your cash, get to learn the things you need to look for before buying it.

FIT:

If your shoes don’t fit your heel, they’ll slip off easily. Therefore, this will give you a hard time climbing rocks, crack climbing or mountains. This is why you have to make sure you get yourself a set of shoes that comes with the right size.

 Shape:

Often overlooked, yet important factor you should consider before buying a climbing shoe is the shape it comes with. If you’re going for overhanging climbs, you can go for the downturned toe.

Stretch:

As you keep wearing the shoes, they’ll stretch over time. Some shoes stretch so much that they become very loose, and you never get to have the perfect fit. Make sure the shoes you’re buying do not stretch that easily.

Wrapping Up!

Well, that was pretty much everything about the best all around climbing shoes. Yes, there are a lot of options in the marketplace as well, but I just talked about the best ones over here so that you don’t get to waste your time reading about junks.

You want to take your climbing experience to the pinnacle? Get yourself one of these shoes, and you won’t regret it.

More Climbing Shoe Guide

07 Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Beginners

best rock climbing shoes for beginners

La sportiva Finale

Our Top Pick

The LA Sportiva Finale with unlined leather and stiff XS Edge sticky rubber has all the essential ingredients to make it probably the best entry level shoe for climbing. We call it ‘the best’ simply because of its versatility in climbing indoors and outdoors (to some extent).

The top notch feature is the P3 system that maintains the downturn longer. The slightly narrow toe box and sharper tip helps to gain precise footwork and edging― good for sport climbing. You can expect it to perform quite well on most terrains and efficiently for crack climbing too! That’s not something you’re gonna find in every beginner climbing shoes.

pros

cons

For the first two/three times, you can feel it rub on your heel. But after that period, the shoes will fit comfortably. Being a lined leather, it can stretch from half to full size. It has a slightly tighter fit than the Tarantulace.

What really matters is the durability as a beginner. With a 5mm sole, it feels a little chunky but the added benefit is the durability. It doesn’t provide a whole lot of sensitivity but enough to feel in control.

The LA Sportiva Finale Women version offers exactly the same features and benefits. This shoe is equally comfortable for lady climbers as well.

Evolv Defy

Most Comfortable

The Evolv Defy is a strictly beginner climbing shoe for relatively less difficult bouldering problems! At a reasonable price, this shoe is your best bet when starting out.

The shoe has a flatter profile with a synthetic upper that doesn’t stretch. That means you will get comfort and start climbing straight out of the box. On the contrary, you won’t have too much sensitivity and need to strive harder on overhangs and vertical terrains.

pros

cons

The TRAX high friction rubber sole adds a lot of grip. As beginners, you really want that. The shoe is on the stiffer side but still it will require more footwork from the go. Good for learning the basics and focusing more on technique rather than gear upgrades.

For sizing, you don’t want to buy a smaller shoe as synthetic doesn’t stretch at all. In fact, we found that the Evolv Defy has a relatively tighter fit compared to the regular sizes. So, you might have to go at least 1-2 size up for a comfortable fit. The width is absolutely perfect for people with wide feet.

La Sportiva TarantuLace

Beginner Bouldering

The LA Sportiva Tarantulace is one of the best rock climbing shoes for beginners. Intended for mainly rock climbing and bouldering, you can take it one notch higher and use it on a little bit more difficult terrains due to the slight downturned design.

This shoe is best known for comfort rather than grip. The 5mm thick rubber, flat bottom, rounded edge and symmetrical shape supports climbing for hours without any discomfort. The rubber falls in between soft and stiff, so that’s great for performance to some extent.

pros

cons

We think this shoe is great for less than 5.9 or V2 boulder problems and moderate multi-pitch terrains. Being a lined leather, you will only need to adjust half a size more than your regular size.

The Tarantulace doesn’t require a lot of technical knowledge to get it going. It’s simple and makes your training sessions a breeze. You probably will outgrow them sooner but before that, you will absolutely love the feel of wearing it.

La Sportiva Mythos

Best Performance Shoe

Need the best intro climbing shoes that can support even when you transition into real rock climbing? The La Sativa Mythos is for you! It’s a weightless shoe for sending problems in the V0-V5 range.

When it entered the market it was mainly a go-to shoe for trad climbing. The rugged rubber makes it feasible in varied types of terrains and even outdoor cracks and boulders. It might not be super efficient for small footholds but the advantage of comfort outweighs these small issues.

pros

cons

What we love most is the toe to ankle lace up option. This makes the shoe extremely convenient whether you have a wide or narrow toe box. As it’s a leather shoe, you will have to size down a bit and wait for the break-in.

For ladies, the good news is there’s a Mythos women version. The lacing system just makes it easier for women to gain a proper fit irrespective of your feet shape.

The soles in the range of 4mm are neither too thick nor too thin. So,  you get both grip and durability in a single package. It might be a bit expensive for beginners but if you want to transition to outdoor rock and sport climbing soon, you can’t get better than this.

Scarpa Origin

Most Durable

We won’t be boasting too much about the Scarpa Origin. Nevertheless, it does make for a good beginner climbing shoe. With a flat bottom and a stiff sole, it will support you on multi-pitch days and the starting days when you aren’t looking for performance at all.

The comfort is noticeable straight out of the box as the padded tongue feels very soft on the feet. The shoe is well built and for non regular users, it should last quite a while.

pros

cons

The thicker sole makes edging a lot easier— good enough for bouldering but not the best for technical terrains. The rubber feels a bit imprecise especially when you expect grip. If you are not focusing on vertical routes and stay below V3 or V4 range, that shouldn’t be much of a problem.

Despite being a leather shoe, it doesn’t stretch quite a lot. So, go for the regular size or a half a size down. This makes the break-in period whole lot less. If you want to feel comfort from the get go, the shoe is absolutely perfect.

As for fit, the dual power straps enables a lot of adjustability with the added benefit of easy on and off.

Evolv Nighthawk

Best Value

If you want the best beginner climbing shoes in an affordable price range, the Evolv Nighthawk is a feasible option. The lower price tag doesn’t compromise on the quality and comfort.

It has a neutral profile that keeps users relaxed and going for longer. But limits usage on overhanging terrains. You can expect further comfort from the antimicrobial mesh that enables breathability and keeps odors at bay.

pros

cons

As far as the sole is concerned, it’s a bit on the thinner side. So, you will gain sensitivity and grip. This is a compromise on durability. However, for novice users it will still last quite long.

It’s made from lined leather, which means you will need to get at least one size smaller fit. Our experience with Nighthawk has revealed that leveling up from half to 1.5 size should fit most users depending on their feet shape.

The Nighthawk is a dream come true for entry level climbers as prices of other gears can add so much, a shoe like this can help to get started easily.

Black Diamond Momentum

Narrow Fitting Shoe

The Black Diamond Momentum is a great choice for entry level climbers. The breathability and comfort promotes increased gym time. It’s not a game changer but definitely worth purchasing if you both sensitivity and edging.

pros

cons

The value you are going to get from it is pretty much comparable to the Scarpa Origin and Evolv Defy. The only notable difference is the breathable synthetic upper which is a bit different than traditional synthetic material. You can expect to sweat a little less with this shoe on.

The midsole is softer with a moderately thicker rubber. The performance is great on the overhangs but not much effective on the roofs. Yet, we think it’s a good climbing shoe for beginners who will keep it indoors mostly.

The velcro closure disappointed us as it has a limited adjustability. That’s not a problem if you manage to find a proper fit. Usually, the Momentum fits nicely if you go up a 0.5-1 size.

This is a superbly stylish shoe and the aesthetics ever so slightly makes up for little issues. After all, you want to look like a professional climber from the beginning.

Beginner Climbing Shoes Buying Guide

Ideal Characteristics of Beginner Climbing Shoes

Here’s a quick guide to know what features define a beginner shoe for climbing. You  can definitely go with different features, but the lengthy guide following this section will clear out your confusion.

  • These shoes are usually flat and has less aggressive downturn.
  • The toe isn’t pointed and more on the rounded side with very little asymmetrical design
  • Beginner shoes are simple and cost somewhere around $80-$120. Climbing shoes above this price range should be still effective for novice climbers but that will be overkill and unnecessary.
  • The sole is thick and focused more on durability rather than grip.
  • They are more on the loose side in terms of fitting and size. So, comfort is prioritized over performance.

Here comes everything in more detail…

2. Uppers: Leather or Synthetic

Whether to go with leather or synthetic uppers is a totally personal choice.

The only difference between these two materials is leather stretches and synthetic doesn’t.

You will find two kinds of leather uppers. Lined and unlined leather. An unlined leather will stretch to a full size whereas a lined leather will stretch less.

What makes leather ideal for beginners is the higher level of durability and comfort. The only issue is you need to buy a tighter fit and bear some pain before it stretches out.

With synthetic, your shoe will stay true to size. So, you can feel comfortable from day 1, but in the long run leather outruns synthetic.

3.Types of closures to Consider

Whether you go with a lace, velcro or elastic, it really doesn’t matter when starting out. However, all of these closures have subtle differences that might entice you to choose one over the others.

Here are the strong points and weak points of each:

#1- Lace

  • Strong points: Adjust the tightness easily, shift from comfort to performance mode
  • Weak points: Time consuming when putting on and off frequently
  • Best use: Crack climbing

#2- Velcro

  • Strong points: Easier to put on and off
  • Weak points: Limits the degree of tightness or looseness, Chances of failure becomes high with time
  • Best use: Gym climbing and bouldering

#3- Elastic/slipper

  • Strong points: Super easy and fast to put on and off, Comfortable, 
  • Weak points: No way to tighten when stretches, have to wear a tighter fit that causes pain
  • Best use: Crack climbing, gym climbing and bouldering

Final recommendation: If you have the ability or are willing to transition to crack climbing and outdoor climbing sooner, the lace closure should be a better option. Otherwise, either velcro or elastic closures are perfect.

4. Sizing: Loose Fit Vs. Tight Fit

As a novice climber, there’s no point in focusing on performance. The first thing you will need is to feel comfortable and keep the learning curve going upwards.

Shoes that are extremely tight fit will give you greater grip and enhanced performance. But the painful period you are going to live will ultimately decrease your performance and might even force you to quit.

We don’t recommend very loose shoes that will put stress on your footwork. So, get a shoe with comfortably tight fit. This means, opt for the same size as your regular shoes or just half a size down.

If you are a leather guy, then a full size down is needed. Don’t worry. Just endure the pain for a few sessions and then enjoy the comfort later.

5. Sole: Soft or Stiff

You can either choose a sole and midsole that is soft or stiff. Depending on your usage, your purchase will vary.

Soft shoes provide greater sensitivity between the rock and foot. That means, you will have a better grip and ability to flex your feet around holds. The downside is you’ll need stronger feet muscles for that increased flex.

Stiffer shoes are a lot supportive and you will have the advantage of edging and stability. Your feet will have to work less harder with these shoes. The only downside is these shoes won’t last long.

It seems stiffer shoes are the way to go for beginner climbers. But considering the fact you will be starting out at gym climbing or steep bouldering problems and then transition to outside climbing, a moderately stiff midsole should be perfect.

6. Rubber: Grip, Durability & Thickness

You have two options:

  • Thinner rubber (3-4 mm): A thinner rubber means you have more sensitivity and grip when climbing. Unless you are planning for smearing on slab routes, it’s best to avoid thinner shoes.
  • Thicker rubber (4-5.5 mm): A thicker rubber is perfect for durability and support of your feet. As a beginner, you want the best bang for your bucks as you learn and develop better muscles. These shoes won’t give you high levels of grip.

Start with thicker rubber. Later on, when you transition to outdoor climbing or want to focus on performance, you can shift to a thinner rubber.

7. Price Factor: Keep it Low

The upfront costs of rock climbing is huge!! For gym climbing, you will need at least $200 dollars with recurring monthly costs in chalk and gym membership. When outdoor climbing, the cost increases further with addition of rope, crash pad, etc.

The last thing you want is an expensive climbing shoe and you are using only half or less of its potential.

As a beginner, you don’t need a super aggressive downturn, powerful rand or precise edging. You will need them at some point but by that time your shoes will wear out and need change. Invest more in the second shoe.

For now, an affordable and midrange priced shoe should be more than perfect.

8. Advanced Vs. Beginner Climbing Shoes

Advanced climbing shoes are built to support precision and performance. We have included a few models in this review like the La Sportiva Mythos and La Sportiva Tarantulace.

These shoes are inclined a little towards performance. If you are one of those few climbers who have a huge passion and are willing to learn quickly to get beyond the gym walls, then go ahead buy these ones.

Otherwise, beginners who want to take time and learn slowly, a good time to upgrade is when you start to feel that you have reached your shoe’s limit. Until then most shoes in this list will do a great job for you.

Final words....

Still confused? In terms of overall value, we think La Sportiva Finale is the best intro climbing shoe. Aside from comfort, you will get decent performance on outdoor terrains.

For beginners who want to start trad and crack climbing in a few months, you can increase your budget a bit and go for La Sportiva Mythos.

Keep in mind, these shoes will help you reach the top of the learning curve and then, you can shift to high performing and mainstream rock climbing shoes.

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6 Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet Reviewed in 2022

rock climbing shoes for wide feet

Let’s be honest. Finding the right pair of shoes for an above the average feet size is a great hassle. It becomes an even bigger problem when you try to find the best rock climbing shoes for wide feet.

And for an adventure-exposed climbing expedition, you need to find a pair of compatible shoes.

In this article, I have reviewed 6 good climbing shoes for large feet.

Therefore, you can work towards your climbing ambitions with the most confident strides!

Let’s get started:

Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet

A good pair of rock climbing shoes not only give you comfort, but it is also a defense mechanism that can facilitate and safeguard climbing activities across challenging tracks.

Keeping this important feature in mind, here are the top 6 best rock climbing shoes for wide feet that deserve attention in the year 2021.

BUTORA ACRO

Our Top Pick

Occupying the number 1 spot on this list is the Butora Acro. Coming from a company whose name directly translates as “to stick.” This is a climbing shoe that has all the persistence you require to undertake a mountaineering adventure.

In appearance, the Butora Acro draws a slight resemblance to ballet shoes in design. You are going to realize that when you put the pair on as they are highly flexible.

Available in two different colors, the shoes weigh only 1.55 pounds and come within a diverse range of 3 to 14 inches

The blue version, however, is slightly narrower in construction compared to the orange one.

PROS

CONS

However, flexibility or size diversity isn’t the point that makes Acro a game-changer in the field of wide climbing shoes. Rather the appeal lies in its aggressive styling that leaves no room for dilly-dallying with climbing technicalities. 

Take, for example, the high-quality heat molded Neo Fuse rubber that is used in its construction. Sticky in composition, the heat molding process ensures that the material is completely bonded as a single structure. This highly decreases the chances of wear and tear under great duress.

Thus, long-lasting in design, the toe box has a convex or down-cambered shape with a large surface of sticky rubber toe-patch. This ensures an excellent sensitivity that guarantees extra secure footwork for toe hooking at times of technical climbing. 

The custom blend mid-sole composed of ABS, together with the high-tension heel rand, allows Butora Acro to feature amongst the most powerful boulder climbing shoes in town.

Finally, the signature ‘triple fork hook’ system provides slipper-like comfort. Thus it will ensure putting on and off comfort with the added security of no-slipping lace-up shoes.

SCARPA DRAGO

Most Lightweight

Italy has always been renowned for producing great shoes. Hence, when a popular manufacturer such as Scarpa from Italy takes to producing comfortable shoes for wider feet, everyone is bound to be in for a treat.

Aimed to survive challenging activities like climbing steep boulders, strenuous overhanging routes, and gym climbs, the Drago is the epitome of perfect climbing shoes.

Featuring a minimalist design, the Drago is one of the most sensitive climbing shoes for wide feet. Wearing the shoe feels like donning into a pair of comfortable socks.

These snugly fit lightweight shoes give one the lively feeling of walking barefoot without the threat of getting injured.

PROS

CONS

One of the major reasons why Drago feels extremely lightweight is the inclusion of the material microsuede in its design – known as a polyester fabric that consists of 100% pure polyester fibers. This material has the natural-soft suede leather feel without the leather’s drawbacks.

Plus, the microsuede top layer goes around to wrap the T45 Rand in the Scarpa Drago. Along with providing superior elasticity, strength, and dynamic friction, this wrap system also provides an overall pressure balance within the shoe.

That is why people who have Greek feet will see Scarpa Drago as an antidote to all their problems. Moreover, it allows higher room for adjustments and flexibility when climbing through tricky footholds.

The dynamic friction that Drago is seen to offer is all thanks to the inclusion of the Vibram XS Grip2 element in its construction. 

Built for reaching ultimate friction levels, this rubber component becomes useful in situations where the primary focus is the maximum grip for wide feet.

Finally, the randing in the Drago is made extra durable through the successful combination of the PCB tension and SRT system. 

The former system retains the foot’s natural movement, and the later contributes to outstanding hooking capabilities throughout.

La Sportiva Men's Low top

Budget Friendly

Any person who has ever taken a liking to sport climbing would agree that the particular hobby doesn’t come cheap. And if you happen to have wide feet, the scenario becomes much more scary.

Now, the price of climbing shoes can even make the hobbyists sweat, let alone the budget considerate ones. And this is where the generosity of La Sportiva Men’s Low Top comes into play.

Less than half the price of high-end brand shoes, La Sportiva offers a pair of beginner shoe that is really close to premium sports shoes in terms of quality.

This makes them ideal practicing shoes for wide feet as they provide high-performance benefits without costing extra cents. This is especially appreciated by beginner climbers and recreational sports climbers alike who have just started to take a liking to the sports.

PROS

CONS

Fitted with 5 mm FriXion RS rubber, La Sportiva is extra durable compared to other contemporaries. But that’s just the initial highlight.

With a suede leather upper body, the shoe ensures a flawless balance between elasticity and snug-fit structure.

This structure allows your toes to have ample room, providing the utmost comfort to people having Roman feet.

Combined with these features, the inclusion of 1.8mm LaspoFlex midsole gives this shoe a mid-level rigidity and an average edging performance. 

However, it does make up for the lack of edging by providing superior crack climbing properties for people with wide feet.

La Sportiva has a low-profile toe box that allows climber’s foot to lie comfortably flat within the shoes. 

Also, the shape of the toe box is ideal to fit easily into thin cracks. Both factors make the shoe extremely compatible for resting on footholds over a long time (if needed be), thus facilitating crack climbing.

Lastly, the innovative twofold velcro strap closure system ensures that the shoe is tightly secured in place at all times.

LA SPORTIVA MIURA VS

Premium Quality

Once again, from the La Sportiva company, I bring forth another shoe that is bound to appeal to all big feet sport climbers out there. The Miura VS is already considered a cult classic in the world of premium-quality climbing shoes, and there are reasons for that.

To start with Miura VS, it provides a balanced performance that is consistent, no matter the type of terrains you are walking on.

Stiff and aggressive in design, the Miura VS makes it possible for your wide feet to stand balanced on tiny pebbles and narrow edges with confidence. That’s why the model is praised for its highly supportive edging performance.

PROS

CONS

Whether you are thinking of taking up a trad climb, steep boulders, or technical sport climbing, the Miura VS is bound to impress you. 

The upper body of the shoe, also being made of genuine leather, gives it a durability that is time-tested to survive even the toughest of environments.

Miura VS, along with authentic leather, is composed of Vibram XS grip rubber. Known for their exceptionally sticky property, the material delivers a mighty holding power – ensuring maximum support for your wide feet.

Needless to say, this goes on to provide climbers with additional heel hooking and technical climbing support whenever required.

Moreover, La Sportiva Miura VS is equipped with the unique combo of the slingshot rand and power hinge system

This means when a climber needs to weigh down on edge, only the back part of the shoe stretches, leaving the toe box to maintain its grip undisturbed.

Now, this flexible sensitivity will surely come in handy while facing technical challenges. we consider this shoe as the most perfect intermediate shoe for rock climber 

MAD ROCK DRIFTER

Most Durable

The first thing you are going to notice about the Mad Rock drifter is its 100% premium-quality leather assembly. Genuine leather is widely recognized for being highly weather resistant.

This is why the addition of leather in the manufacture of Mad Rock Drifter certifies its durable prowess. Alongside the entire body of the shoe body, except the sole, is seam taped to increase its weather resistibility ten folds. 

PROS

CONS

Science Fiction 3.0 rubber sole is used in the Mad Rock Drifter. Known to provide optimum friction, this rubber sole is extremely useful for your wide feet to hike on a wide range of climbing terrains.

It provides a strong overall grip surface, and the 1.8mm polyester midsole ensures to maintain the sensitivity aspect as well.

Added to that, the heel of the shoe is 3D molded with cushy EVA and sticky rubber. That means, it would feel more like wearing a snug custom fit model, especially for wide feet, rather than a chance store-bought product.

Sleek and stylish, the Mad Rock further has padded piping (colored) along its structure to strengthen the entire design. Lastly, Velcro straps are used to provide a secure foot grip and prevent slippage possibilities.

Five Ten Men's Anasazi Moccasym

Most Comfortable

Comfort is guaranteed when we are talking about the Five Ten Anasazi Moccasym. Made up of 100% unlined leather, the shoe is designed with particularly soft and ultra-sticky Stealth® C4™ rubber sole.

This gives the shoe a superior level gripping ability that is bound to impress even the most professional climbers with wide feet. 

Highly ideal for edging and rock climbing, the Moccasym, due to its super sticky component, can even maintain a secure footing on a newly polished gym floor!

It has a neutral profile that keeps users relaxed and going for longer. But limits usage on overhanging terrains. You can expect further comfort from the antimicrobial mesh that enables breathability and keeps odors at bay.

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The split-grain genuine leather upper front of the shoe characterizes its breathability by helping proper air ventilation. In the long run, this goes on to prevent sweat and odor build-up.

Surely, your wide feet will thank you for the custom-fit that you’ll get from the elastic bands that are incorporated throughout the leather front. It is one of the best bouldering shoes for wide feet in market which we recommend

Extremely easy to put on and take off, the slipper-like Moccasym is further lined with soft material inside to prevent skin discomfort or rashes. 

Also, the shoe tongue is fully padded to ensure that climbers are comfortable enough to focus their concentration only on their climbing techniques.

Not to forget the soft flexibility of the shoe also makes the Mocassym a highly sensitive shoe, even for wide feet. 

This means wearing the shoe you would be able to feel every rocks, pebbles, cracks, or crevice that your feet may tread upon.

Features to look for when buying Climbing Shoes for wide Feet

Any type of climbing, whether professional or otherwise, is largely dependent on precision footwork.

Here the emphasis is on the word precision footwork. This is a feat which is nearly impossible to achieve, especially for wide feet,  if you don’t have a good pair of shoes to boost up your confidence both psychologically and physically.

However, getting your hands on a good pair of climbing shoes for big feet requires a lot of considerations.

Although there are lots of things to take into account when choosing the perfect pair of wide climbing shoes, we are going to help you know them.

The Model Type Of Rock Climbing Shoes

Generally, three models of climbing shoes are available nowadays. Commonly identified as aggressive, moderate, and neutral. All these three versions of climbing shoes have their advantages and disadvantages that make them stand out.

  • Aggressive Shoes:

To begin, aggressive climbing shoes have a downturn curve, especially around the toe and heel section (picture ballerina feet). Aesthetically pleasant, the shape is more to do with physics rather than the beauty aspect.

Precisely the ergonomic curvature design helps to achieve a strong and powerful stance when going for overhang climbing challenges. This is a reason that makes it more compatible to be used in short-lived single terrain climbs such as gym routines as opposed to outdoorsy multi-terrain pitches.

  • Moderate Shoes: 

These shoes, on the other hand, are very less curved compared to aggressive climbing shoes. This makes them more comfortable to be used for time-consuming technical climbing.

Crack climbing, multi-terrain routes, overhung climbs, etc. everything can be handled by a moderate shoe.

  • Neutral Shoes:

Being flat and comfortable, these shoes can be worn all day long. They are made especially for beginners or amateurs who are just learning the technicalities of the sport.

best climbing shoes for wide feet

The Associated Factors Of Climbing Shoe

Every shoe model has a lot of features that make or break the product. And the aspects that come into play are:

  • The closure system: (slip-on, lace-up, strap,etc.)
  • Shoe material (synthetic fiber, lined leather, unlined leather, etc.)
  • Lasting (slip last, board last, downturned, asymmetric, straight, etc.) 
  • The sole type (thick or thin)

The closure system is important for securing the shoe to your feet. Along with providing anti-slip protection, this system also determines how easy it is to wear and take off the shoes.

Moreover, the material the shoes are made of determines their weather resistance, durability, adaptation capabilities, elasticity or stiffness, as well as foot-hygiene dynamics. And the ‘lasting’ property simply indicates the shoe shape.

Based on how a shoe is shaped or constructed, aspect such as shoe volume, heel and toe tension, movement flexibility, instep height, changes drastically. These are all factors that help identifying the terrain and work regime that would best compliment the shoe.

Lastly, the volume of the sole is linked directly to the sensitivity ratio. Also, needless to say, sole thickness or thinness dynamically affects the footing grip, climbing performance, and durability.

The Climbing Shoe Size

Once you have determined the shoe model and features that best meet your specific requirements, the final step is to get them to align with your feet size.

Of course, the best way to understand whether the shoes will be a perfect fit is to try them on physically. But even then, there are some rules you can follow to make your purchase a success.

For example, never buy extremely fitting shoes. This is because tight shoes with no space for the toes and heel to breathe or shift can directly affect your climbing performance. 

This is specifically painstaking for people with wide feet. Early fatigue and foot pain is also a common issue with tight fit shoes.

Hence when determining perfect shoe size, it is always advisable to buy one that allows your feet to stay comfortable and flat. It leaves a little space all around for the air to circulate and the feet to move. 

Final words....

Now that you have the list of the best climbing shoes for large feet, what are you waiting for? Just go on and give them a try.

No matter which climbing shoe you select, don’t shy away from sharing your findings and personal experiences in the comment section below.

Until next time! Sayonara!

06 Best Intermediate Bouldering Shoes of 2021

best intermediate bouldering shoes

Five Ten Hiangle

Our Top Pick

If you really want to know what it feels like to wear the best intermediate bouldering shoes, you might want to go for the Hiangle from Five Ten. Five Ten Hiangle has got everything it needs to fill your cup.

It’s been made with 100% pure split-grain leather, for which, if you’re confused about its durability, you can just wave off the worries. The water-resistant attribute, on the other hand, makes sure your shoes don’t lose their quality at all, even if your feet touch the water.

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Thanks to the rubber sole it comes with, you’re getting higher traction no matter what type of surface you’re dealing with. when you’re up for the climb, you don’t get to experience those accidental slips at all.  

Besides, unlike the typical ones, you get to have the perfect air circulation to your feet, so they don’t sweat up anytime soon.  The outsole, on the other hand, is made of high-quality C4 rubber to take durability to its peak.

As you wear it, there’s no way you’re going to feel that your feet are not getting the space they need. The shoes are spacious, and most importantly, they stretch according to the shape of your feet.

Scarpa Men's Vapor V

Best For Crack Climbing

At number 2 in the top intermediate climbing shoe reviews, I’ve got the Vapor V climbing shoe from Scarpa. This one is one of a kind for its great aesthetics and features with budget-friendly attributes. 

Unlike anything else in the marketplace, Scarpa Vapor V offers you the ease and comfort you need for crack climbing. Let it be granite cracks or desert sandstone; once you put on the Vapor V, you’ll see how it easily wiggles into your finger cracks. 

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Besides, the dual-Velcro straps, on the other hand, won’t cause you any pain in the cracks, which is an impressive plus.

As for sensitivity, this one is a bit better than what you can find in soft shoes like some models from Five Ten. It’s a bit on the aggressive side, but thanks to the downturned toe, you can have full control over it while going for the steeper climbs.

When you’re talking about comfort, the Vapor V from Scarpa intermediate climbing shoes has it all to make you feel comfortable.  As you put them on, the padded mesh tongues will offer you the comfort zone you deserve. 

Mad Rock Remora

Best For Transition

As the name says it, the Remora from Madrock lets you dominate the rock climbing while you take your experience to a whole new stage. Style, durability, functionality, you name it, this beast has everything to be on your preference list.  No wonder it’s one of the best intermediate rock climbing shoes.

It has a very moderate profile while it holds a little downturn. Even though you may find it a bit tricky to put it on first but once you get the hang of it, I think it’s going to be a good fit.

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As you put it on and go for a climb, one thing, I can tell you there’s no chance for this one to slip off of your feet in any way if you picked the right size. 

This is because the Remora from Mad Rock, unlike the typical ones, does not stretch a bit even if you wear it for a long time. As a result, it remains perfectly adjusted to your feet 24/7. 

Surprisingly, it is edged in a very well manner, thanks to the Science Friction 3.0 rubber. The rock texture won’t have a problem digging in on all those thin cuts at all, and all the credit goes to the soft outer rubber. As for the smearing, you’ll be able to stick to the wall quite easily.

As for comfort, this pair of climbing shoes for intermediate climbers takes you to a zone you’ll have your convenience confirmed. The sole, along with the upper, is soft as a marshmallow. And as you put it a couple of times on your feet, you’ll be able to have the ultimate flexibility you need while going for a climb. 

La Sportiva Kataki Women's

Best For Women

So you’ve gone through all the best men’s intermediate climbing shoes, but why should boys have all the fun, right? Well, if you’re a woman who’s into climbing, you can go for the Kataki by La Sportiva.

First off, as you take a look at it, you’ll know for sure that this one is one of a kind. The premium aesthetics will make you go wow, and the color combination it comes with simply makes it an X.

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It’s a bit on the downturned side. This is more like an upgrade to the Katana Lace (only if you’ve used it). The shoe fits perfectly to the heel, and there’s no chance for this one to get stretched even if you wear it for months. 

To make yourself feel comfortable, you can stretch its tongue towards yourself, and before you lace it up, you can smoothen it. It doesn’t matter if you’re making a climb on a hot summer day, there’s no way your feet will slop or slide around. 

On the other hand, the toes are not only supportive but also allows you to experience the precision you deserve. To give you the sensitivity you’ve always been craving for, it comes with a very soft midsole. Besides, this also allows your feet to stay flexible on steeper routes.

Heel deformation is probably women’s greatest fear when it comes to footwear. Well, guess what? The Kataki from La Sportiva Intermediate climbing shoes comes with the innovative S-Heel construction, which eliminates all types of deformation surrounding your heel within a snap. 

Besides, you get to experience easy re-soling, thanks to the 3/5 sole it comes with. It may not be in the cheap intermediate climbing shoes list, but it certainly is something you want to spend your money on.

La Sportiva Katana Lace

Most Durable

You see, while I was talking about the Kataki from La Sportiva above, I did talk about the Katana Lace. If you’re wondering what it is, you might want to see what it has got to offer you.

The Katana is made of pure synthetic, which makes it one of a kind when it comes to durability. Do you want to climb to the mountains? Well, go for it, there’s no way you can have this one damaged anytime soon.

When it comes to the edging, this one comes with the P3 midsole that joins hands with the Vibram XS Edge, which obviously makes it an edging beast. Yes, this one also has a downturned toe, but it also comes with a semi-asymmetric fit. 

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It is designed in such a way that you’ll be able to tackle all the steeper terrains just like that while putting more power underneath the big toe you use.

Even though it lacks the thin ankle padding but the Katana has got a more aggressive design, making it suitable for you to go for crack climbing. On top of that, the Katana Lace will keep on holding your feet while you feel the tight comfort.

It is surprisingly quite sensitive and as you wear it for a long time. As you climb the rocks, it will give you enough rigidity so that while you’re standing flat, you don’t feel that you’re on your very own metatarsals.

Evolv Supra

Best For Comfort

The Supra from Evolv is one spot-on thing when it comes to rock-climbing. If I didn’t talk about this one, the best intermediate rock climbing shoe reviews would remain incomplete. It’s a moderately downturned climbing shoe with slight asymmetry that comes across its midsole. 

This midsole, on the other hand, teamed up with the toe tox to make sure you get the precise footwork when you reach the edges. That being said, you should know that the Supra from Evolv is not that aggressive. 

As a result, you can not only use it for your climbing days, but you can take it to places like the gym as well.  When you wear it, the shoe adapts to the shape of your feet pretty easily.

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No, it’s not one of those typical ones that stretch up too quickly, and you end up losing your shoes or slipping off, not at all. Instead, if you buy the correct size, you’ll have the comfort you need.

If you focus on the sole a bit, you’ll see that the manufacturers have used the TRAX XE rubber, which obviously is the newest rubber-compounds Evolv has to offer. For edging, this sole is hands down, one of a kind with mind-boggling sustainability. 

On the other hand, the rubber that comes with a toe cap is a molded one. This is not the typical shaved down one you’ll find pretty often. As a result, the shoes last longer than ever.

As far as performance is concerned, the shoe is shaped in such a way so that it has all the support towards the front that you’ll find with the edge inside. For which, when you work with your front toes, you work with precision. 

Signs That Determine Good Intermediate Climbing Shoes

So, you’re going to buy the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers, eh? Cool. However, before judging if they are going to fill your cup, you should know what features you should look for inside them. 

It’s time to dig deeper into the things you should consider before buying a climbing shoe.

FIT

You don’t want your shoe to slip off your heel, do you? Sometimes people tend to buy a bigger shoe, but that can cause a bummer as the heel slips out or rise up while you move. 

This is why, make sure no matter which one you go for, you have the perfect shoe size.  Make sure it’s so tight so that as you wear it, your toes curl down. As you climb on the rock, this will maximize your grip. 

If you want to perform well in cracks, you can go for the one that is more on the comfy zone.  This will allow you to wear it all day as you go for multi-pitch climbs. 

You can go for an aggressive shoe if you want to go for steeper terrain.

Shape

The profile or the shape of your shoe is pretty essential.  You can go for downturned toe if you want to go for overhanging climbs or let’s say a harder boulder-problems. 

You also need to keep an eye on the asymmetry of your shoe. 

Stretch

New shoes often stretch over time. If you go for leather shoes, they’ll stretch at some point a bit faster. In case you want a less stretchable shoe, you can go for the synthetic ones.

Rubber

It’s probably one of the most important features of your shoe. If the rubber of your show sticks pretty well, you have to know that it’s softer, but at the same time, it is less durable than others.

The hard rubbers last pretty longer than the soft ones. However, if you want to go for good friction for smearing, the soft rubber should fill your cup.  If you’re someone who deals with multi-pitch trad climbs, you should go for a shoe that has harder rubbers.

Also, make sure the shoe you’re buying can be re-soled anytime you want. As a result, you won’t have to go for a new pair of shoes once in a while, and this will save you money and time.

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

Well, if you’re a pro, I wouldn’t say it’s more of a mandatory thing, but then again, it’s of course, recommended to wear climbing shoes. 

If you don’t use climbing shoes, you may face a hard time climbing up.  Besides, your street shoes won’t have your back as they’re not specially made for climbing.

Usually, climbers don’t go for socks while climbing. This is because socks can make your feet slippery, and your shoes may not have their perfect fit. But then again, it totally depends on you whether you want to go for socks or not.

It depends on your shoes, to be honest. If your shoes have got uppers that maintain a good shape, you can go for it multiple times.

If you think you’ve already known how to climb the rocks or the mountains, you can go for an intermediate climbing shoe rather than going for the ones that beginners use.

Yes, however, you might want to talk to the seller about the duration.

Wrapping Up!

Well, that was everything about the best intermediate climbing shoes. There are plenty of shoes in the market right now, but getting the best one can give you a bummer. To make sure you don’t get your hands on the wrong one, I talked about the hottest shoes over here.

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05 Best Women’s Climbing Harnesses 2022 | In-depth Guide

best women's climbing harnesses

The La Dura Dura in Oliana might seem a little bit easier if you manage to hold on to the right harness (Not kidding though). A climbing harness will pack you up with comfort, essential gears and aid you in sending better.

If you are in a quest to find the best women’s climbing harnesses, you are in the right place. The models we reviewed have all sorts of features to support YOUR type of climbing, whether it’s a gym, trad, sport, big wall, or the alpine.

And… If you are a beginner climber, you could start from our “how we picked” section which is more like a buying guide. you can also check our best climbing harness for beginner article to get beginner friendly suggestion.

Without further ado, let’s get started!!

Misty Mountain Cadillac
best trad harnesses

Our Top Pick

The Misty Mountain Cadillac is the most comfortable climbing harness for women looking to hang on belays for longer periods of time. The overall features make it perfect for trad and big walls and to some extent alpine climbing.

At 18.7 oz., this is the heaviest of all in this review but still lightweight compared to some of the other bulky women’s climbing harnesses in the market. There’s foam padding around the waist and adjustable leg loops. That’s the reason you can hang with total comfort— good for multi-pitch routes.

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The Waist belt is made extra wide and heavy. That’s justified when you have 6 gear loops for carrying the bulk of your trad gears. The addition of ice clippers slots does give you freedom on alpines, but the weight is a big disadvantage for that. Even then, beginners will love that for testing out what kind of climbing they want to pursue.

It has adjustable leg loops and waist. Despite being padded, it aids more mobility compared to other padded models. That’s a deal-breaker!!

Keep in mind, this women’s climbing harness is something that you don’t want to carry deep into mountains and use for steep bolt-clipping. If a big wall is your destination, then it shouldn’t be much of a problem.

The only thing that really puts us off is the design. It’s certainly not the most modern-looking climbing harness available, still effective by all means.

PETZL SITTA
best harness for women Professionals

Most Lightweight Climbing Harness

If you are on a hunt for the best women’s climbing harness for women for alpine and sport purposes, the Pretzl Sitta is just unbeatable when compared to every other one in the scene. That might sound like an overstatement, but rigorous testing by independent climbers has proven it all.

First up, it’s the lightest climbing harness in this review. That translates to superior comfort when standing or climbing! The Wireframe technology distributes the load equally and makes it robust. Despite being minimalist, Pretzl Sitta is durable.

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Keep in mind, Sitta is not known for its versatility. There is no adjustable leg loops and gear loops are minimal— not favorable for mountaineering. Still, we loved the front gear loops having a sliding separator, which is helpful for putting anchors behind the draws.

In terms of hanging comfort, it doesn’t rate high. So, the Misty Mountain Cadillac would be a better option for specifically hanging belay.

When you are on the alpine routes or doing summer sport climbing, you will have the advantage of high mobility and breathability. The pricing is a little over the top, however, that’s justified considering the specific use of this climbing harness.

All in all, it’s a climbing harness for high-end women sport climbers. For beginners, it’s not the most ideal one partly because of the high price and lack of versatility. If that’s not a big deal for you, then definitely go for it.

mammut womens harness
best climbing harness for women

Extremely adjustable

The Mammut Togir is one of the most versatile and one of the best women’s climbing harnesses for women and rightly so. It’s moderately lightweight, extremely durable, and perfect as a women’s harness for almost all seasons.

It uses a split webbing construction that results in weight reduction and balanced load-bearing. The streamlined flat design makes room for mobility.

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If you are one of those ladies, who love wearing higher on the waist, you would be satisfied with the Togir. The 3 slide Bloc buckles allow adjustability even when you wear layers of clothing. Longer routes become a breeze with the drop-seat buckles.

It doesn’t have a hell of a lot of padding. This makes hanging a bit hectic. Nevertheless, the climbing harness doesn’t pinch or squeeze into the legs. On top of that, the tie-in loops with plastic molding prevent abrasion and add durability.

And.. How does Togir become versatile? You get four reinforced gear loops along with two loops for holding four ice screw slippers. That means you can do sport, trad and alpine climbing altogether. For beginner lady climbers looking to test out different styles and terrains, this is just heavenly.

The only issue we could find was the loops had a rearward setting. But that can be an advantage for climbers who don’t want gears covering their front.

We wouldn’t term this as a super-light best women’s climbing harness, but it’s a lot more practical and keeps a balance between everything.

Black Diamond Primrose
best women's climbing harness

All Around Climbing Harness

If you have been searching for a budget-friendly women’s safety climbing harness that doesn’t compromise on quality & comfort and is still effective for trad and sport climbing, the Black Diamond Primrose is your only option.

It’s one of the fewer models that fit well for curvy women. With an appropriate size selection, you can get a tighter fit around the waist and the legs as well. The waist belt buckle uses a speed adjust system to fasten up tying. Keep in mind that it has just a single adjustable strap. So, you need to find the perfect fit from the start.

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The waist belt is quite well padded and has dual-core construction that makes hanging on belays comfortable. Other than summertime, this is a great addition considering how lightweight the women’s climbing harness is. The adjustable leg loops with trak Fit offer both adjustability and security (just like fixed-leg loops).

It has gear loops with plastic covering. As the loops are more to the front of you, you can easily clip and unclip your gears. Together with the haul loop, you are more than ready for trades. However, Primrose loses points on versatility simply because it isn’t equipped with ice clipper loops.

PETZL Selena
best price woman's climbing harness

Best For Women with shorter rise

Petzl’s newer version of Selena has gone through an update. You will find Luna to be more comfortable than before but it lost some versatility in the process. If sport climbing is your thing, this should suit you.

The women’s climbing harness is moderately lightweight with gear loops at the front and back. The rear haul loops might be a bit hard to reach. This isn’t a big deal as the front gear loops can accommodate 6 draws. There’s a haul loop that can aid you during trad but not the strongest.

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Selena is designed in a peculiar way. It’s peculiar because of the extra width around the hips. If you are one of the few women who like to wear it around the hips (not the waist), you will feel comfortable. If you decide to wear it around the waist, this is not the most ideal thing.

The adjustable leg loops have an elastic spreader that gives you room for different thigh sizes. If you have larger legs compared to your waist, you do have an alternative— Petzl Luna. It offers almost the same value as Selena but has adjustable leg loops.

It has decent padding around the waist. Semi-hanging belays or even hanging belays should be comfortable. It loses versatility as the newer version doesn’t have ice clipper slots.

The facts— Selena lacks breathability, not suitable to carry loads of gears, and comfortable padding. It’s a sports climbing harness perfect for cold conditions!!

Women’s Climbing Harness Guide

Ideal Characteristics of Women’s Climbing Harness

With a mammoth 30+ hours of research and analysis and more than 15 rock climbing harnesses in consideration, we finally got to the Best 5 women’s rock climbing harnesses. Independent testing is done by Wirecutter, OutdoorGearlab and UkClimbing certainly helped a lot to make a thorough decision.

All that was left was our own researchers and fellow climbers combining their experience and knowledge to filter out “the not so effective” ones.

Every brand has its own female version and individual definition of how a female climbing harness should be. But usually these climbing harnesses have few things in common:

  • The waist is smaller than the men’s version, keeping the adjustable leg loops the same size
  • The waist belt and the adjustable leg loops have more distance in between them. That means, in most cases, it will fit around the waist, rather than the hips.

As far as the pricing goes, we tried to keep it within $70-$200. So, beginners and experienced climbers can both find the best climbing harnesses for women in their budget.

Our review primarily focused on the following factors:

1. Nature of your climbing

The first thing to consider is the type of climbing you want to pursue. Depending on that, your decision will largely vary.

Trad climbers need to ensure the following things:

  • Fully featured with at least four gear loops with a haul loop
  • It should have good padding for extra comfort on hanging belays
  • Durable enough to encounter difficult chimneys

Best fit: Misty Mountain Cadillac, Black Diamond Primrose

Big wall climbing harnesses are usually highly padded and have lots of gear loops. These are not the most lightweight and you can expect them to be heavier than sport climbing harnesses.

Best fit: Misty Mountain Cadillac

For gym, you don’t need extra bells and whistles. What you need is something inexpensive, has enough padding, and is durable. Gear loops or ice clipper slots are not mandatory, however might be necessary, if you want to gain versatility.

Best fit: Black Diamond Primrose, Petzl Selena

Sport-climbing requires shedding off weight. So, preferably a lightweight model with walking comfort rather than hanging comfort is the best option. But these usually come at a higher price.

Best fit: Petzl Sitta, Petzl Selena

For alpine, you need a lightweight women’s climbing harness with the addition of adjustable leg loops and ice clipper slots. The gear and haul loops remain just as same as the trad harness.

Best fit: Mammut Togir, Petzl Sitta

2.Comfort: Standing vs. Hanging

Whether you need hanging comfort or standing comfort largely depends on your climbing type. If you are hanging most of the time on belays, you need more standing comfort. These climbing harnesses are generally lightweight.

Petzl Sitta is the clear winner standing, because of its minimalistic design and climbing comfort. The Petzl Selena is equally as comfortable as the Cadillac. The least comfortable model for standing is Misty Mountain Cadillac, just because of its enormous padding and extra weight.

When it comes to hanging comfort, the Cadillac beats them all. Black Diamond Primrose is the next best for this purpose but lacks versatility.

4. Loops: Gear and Haul

Gears loops are simply small plastic rings attached around the waist Belt. These rings help you to carry gears like quickdraws, cams, belay device, and so on.

The more difficult and challenging your route is, the more gear loops are needed. The Misty Mountain Cadillac has 6 gear loops, which makes it extremely handy for big walls.

For trad and alpine, four gear loops are enough. When you are doing sports or gym climbing, these loops become unnecessary.

The haul loop is an additional loop at the back needed to carry a haul line and shoes when trad/multi-pitch climbing. These loops are not designed to carry heavy stuff.

5. Durability

The durability of a climbing harness depends on the following things:

Thick belay loops

  • Abrasion-resistant fabric
  • Reinforced tie-in points
  • More stitching

Durability becomes a priority when you are doing trad climbing, alpine, and big wall climbing. For sport, this isn’t a big deal. In this review, we found Mammut Togir to be more durable than the others because of the reinforced tie-in loops.

6. Mobility

The climbing harnesses that aid mobility has a minimalistic and ultrathin design. This factor is important when you are on alpine routes where you would be hanging less and climbing more. The Petzl Sitta fits this criterion simply because of the lack of padding and lightweight design. Mammut Togir is also a great contender for mobility as it has a flat design and split webbing build.

7. Versatility

If you are already a seasoned rock climber, you shouldn’t care much about versatility. You only need a specific climbing harness for a specific type of climbing.

For those of you just starting out and don’t know what road to pursue, versatility becomes crucial. You might want to test out different terrains before you stick with a particular type of climbing.

The Mammut Togir is your ultimate option. It will support you year-round, whether it’s on ice or just a simple gym and sport climbing.

Final words....

Before you buy a women’s climbing harness, you must choose your climbing type as it will help you to niche down your considerations. Pinpointing a single best women’s climbing harness is tough and not the most effective way to analyze climbing accessories.

However, in terms of versatility and beginner-friendliness, the Mammut Togir beats others. Otherwise, the Misty Mountain Cadillac takes away all the credit with superior comfort and fully featured design.

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Best Beginner Climbing Harness of 2022

best beginner climbing harness of 2022

Long gone are those days where a harness used to be a ‘just in case’ gear for climbers. Mountaineers and climbers are demanding more and more, and the brands are feeding them up accordingly. 

That brings us straight to the struggle of picking up the best beginner climbing harness that checks all the boxes. If chosen wrong, a bad harness can be the cause of a terrible loss of yours. But, out there in the market, you can find literally hundreds of models from dozens of brands ready to overwhelm you right away! 

So how would you put hands on the best harness for beginner climbers

Worry not. We’ve taken the mammoth task over for you. We’ve done a weeks-long research to filter out 7 of the top rated climbing harnesses for beginners, and listed them up. Throughout the unbiased, benefit-driven starter climbing harness review, you’re going to learn every single know-hows that does matter while you’re climbing wearing one of those. 

Best Climbing Harness for
beginner Review

Seems interesting? Let’s dig deep and find the right harness for beginners like you-

PETZL Sama
best climbing harness for gym

The biggest selling point of the PETZL Sama Climbing Harness is its weight distribution capacity. Using the technology called ‘EndoFrame’, it distributes the weight around the waist and leg areas. So, you won’t have to deal with localized pinching or stress while you’re climbing high wearing the PETZL Sama. And that’s what makes it one of the best beginner rock climbing harnesses

Just like what good harnesses do, the PETZL Sama has got four size variations. The smallest one would fit waists of 71-77cm, where the largest one(XL) would grab waists within 92-100cm.

PETZL Sama Climbing Harness

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For anything in between, there are two other sizes available. 

Just like the waist sizes, the leg sizes for these versions also range within a decent dimension range. As a matter of fact, these leg loops are made of elasticated material. So, you’re going to have a comfortable feel out there. These loops will also empower you with a complete freedom of movement, which is quite out of the range of those low cost harnesses out there in the market. 

To adjust these leg loops and the waist one, you have to spend almost no time. Through the DoubleBack light buckle, it’s quite easy and quick to do that. 

Now, everything isn’t sweet about this harness, we have to say. The first point of complaining is- it’s not got an adjustable leg loop, which might bother tall people. Secondly, it can pinch the grundle a bit if too much pressure is applied.

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Petzl Corax
Best Climbing Harness For Transition

The next harness on the podium is the Petzl Corax Harness, a climbing harness for beginners made to fit waist sizes within 25-42 inches. With 4 gear loops and a perfect weight distribution scheme, this unisex climbing harness can be your next big break for climbing. 

Offering a decent weight distribution, there are two double back buckles that would help to center the weight. This would also give you a hand to connect the double back configuration as per your preference.

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Talking about adjustability, you’ve got a bit of those into the leg loops as well. For various body types, this always helps to set the harness with ample optimization. 

Do a beginner user gets to carry a number of stuff along while climbing? The good news is, there are four equipment loops(2 on the front and 2 on back) to keep your stuff safe. On top of that, the accessory loop located on the rear center will let you transport ice screws. Therefore, your hands are all-free to use on climbing only, all the way!

About the size variation, there are two of them, combined covering a waist range from 25.6 to 42.1 inches. Although this might be shallow for many, the four color variations can cover it up anyway.

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Black Diamond Momentum
Best Sport Climbing Harness

Comfort and adjustability- these two had found their way in together in this harness called Petzl Corax Harness. Ask us how? Here you go- 

They call it the ‘dual core’ construction, where two bands go evenly across the waist belt with a spiral pattern. On top of that, there is an abrasion-resistant shell with breathable lining to make the constriction more rigid and supportive. In between, Black Diamond uses a CLPE foam insert to make the whole thing a comfort fit.

 

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So, if you ask us to rate the structural strength of this harness, we’d do a 9.5/10. 

It’s interesting how they’ve got names for every feature of this harness. However, the leg loops with a name of ‘TrakFIT’ is really a state of the art design. They are easily adjustable without any buckles or so. There is just a slide dusted that makes tightening or loosening them quite easy. No mis-threading and no dangling webbing- that’s for sure!

Do you think that’s the end of the good stuff? Wait till the size diversity comes up. 

There are six size variations of this harness, covering up a wide range of waists and legs. The smallest one covers waists of 24-27 inches, where the largest XX size covers waists of 40-45 inches. Besides, the leg size also varies accordingly. From six size variations, one can easily find the best suit right away.

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EDELRID Jay III
Most Comfortable Climbing Harness

The primary material of this harness is Bluesign- a certified material in terms of quality and comfort. Dedicatedly made for men, the EDELRID Jay III Climbing Harness comes with utter comfort and usability. 

The mesh padding that this harness is got is called 3D mesh padding. It gets overlapped on the upper waist belt and creates an extra shade of comfort for the beginner user. These paddings are movable along with the gear loops which grants you an easy access to the gears and tools you’re carrying.

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Talking about the gear loop, let’s check out how many of them are there. For instance, we’ve found 4 gear loops distributed symmetrically around your waist area. Along with that, there is also a belay loop. 

The size diversity is decent. There are three sizes starting from 24.8 inches and ending at 41.3 inches. Following the waist size range, there are leg loops starting from 17.7 inches and ending at 25.6 inches. This covers anyone within a tiny body to a bulky one.

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Mammut Ophir 3 Slide

Around the waist and legs, there is not only the consecutive loops like other models. Alongside this, there is a feature called slide-bloc. Its function is to let the beginner user do quick adjustments within seconds. While doing so, it won’t even bother the double-back configuration that it sports. 

All of the good brands seem to have something patented as they design their top-rated harnesses. In the same way, we’ve found the patented reinforcement technology right at the tie-point of this harness. As a consequence, there will be almost no abrasion effects while you’re climbing wearing it.

 

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 To hold your stuff, there are 4 gear loops and a belay loop. Also, there is a haul loop on the backside. 

As a safety measure, there is a red indicator thread. Once the harness is reaching towards its limits, the red thread will show up and you can take actions instantly to save your life.

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Arc'teryx AR-395a

Hands down to the crown-pick of this list- the Arc’teryx AR-395a. 

Throughout the construction process of this harness, Arc’teryx had used a couple of trademark technology built all by them. In together, the blend of strength, comfort, and aesthetics makes it worthy of the first position in this listing.  

Got a doubt? Wait a bit till we break things into bite-size chunks.

Arc'teryx AR-395a Harness

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The Warp Strength technology drives a firm pressure dispersion and makes sure the strength and weight distribution stay even. No matter whichever position you take while climbing, it will be holding your back to prevent any sort of accidental falls or so. 

Next on, it’s the Burly double weaving across the harness body to keep your climb slipping-free. The thing it does is- it absorbs all of the moisture(sweat, water, dew) and dries them off asap. Externally, it looks hard-wearing, but it is soft enough to forget about its existence right away. 

In terms of the number of gear loops, the Arc’teryx AR-395a is one of the top scorers on the list. There are 4 reversible gear loops along with a rear haul loop. Besides, there are 4 ice clipper slots as well. Carrying all of your essential gears along won’t be bothering you anymore.  

Are you likely to check down on the harness for its safety status? If positive, you’d be glad to have the Orange wear safety indicator right on the belay loop of it. Whenever you feel like inspecting it, just check for the visible orange marks. Got none? You’re as safe as a human is in the womb.

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Misty Mountain Cadillac
Best Climbing Harness For Women

Our next harness might look a bit tangling, but it has got it’s set of USPs. With a good price, you get the good stuff- they say it. And the Misty Mountain Cadillac Harness stands there to prove it all the way. Misty mountain is one of the best climbing harness for women. 

The core material of this climbing harness is 500D Cordura Nylon, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea at first glance. But having the comfy foam and a very lightweight, any climber would consider it as a good fit for them.

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However, the best USP of this pick is it’s 6 different gear loops and an additional haul loop. We’re not sure that you’d need them all every time. But for heavy day-long climbing gigs, you’d thank Misty Mountain for having those loops at the right place at the right time. 

To make it a quick-to-adjust harness, you might see the threads across the straps. And this works for both waist buckle and leg buckles. This is, however, one of the convenient ways of providing adjustability to the climbers. 

From the 5 given size variations, you can find the right one without hassle. Just check out the waist diameter of yours and find the right range. The leg diameter is supposed to be adjusted accordingly.

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Buyer’s Guide for the Best Beginner Harness

As we’ve been through the top rated climbing harness for beginners, it’s time to hone up your purchase decision. Before that, we’d like to share our points on what to consider and what to not as a buying consideration. 

Here goes the buying advices-

What Kind of Climbing You’re Up To?

There are a number of climbing chores that climbers are up to. And each of them comes with a specific demand from the harness of the climbers. For a beginner to find the match, here goes the details- 

  • Gym Climbing: The harness should be durable, comfortable and within a decent price point. No need to have bulky gear loops or packaging whatsoever when you’re looking for the best beginner indoor climbing harness.
  • Trad Climbing: Multi pitching goes hand to hand with this kind of climbing. Therefore, the harness should be as simple as possible. But it should also be more feature-rich than sports climbing harness or gym climbing ones. 
  • Sports Climbing: Lightweight and flexibility- these happen to be two core criteria of a good sports climbing harness.  
  • Mount/Rock Climbing: These two are siblings of each other, as climbing criteria are considered. The harness should be, however, very light weight, rich of gear/haul loop, easy to adjust, tight-fit leg loops etc.

The Structural Strength

For a serious climbing chore, there is no way you would go with a poorly built harness anyway. Starting from the foam, there is the webbing, padding and weight distribution that sport the overall structural quality of a harness. 

Therefore, look for these criterias within each of these departments to check the box of overall built quality of your next harness- 

  • The foam: Should be a single piece of layer that’s 1” or so in dimension. It can also be cushioned and padded for additional shades of comfort. 
  • The webbing: A good webbing happens to be a single-piece, splitted width-wise and able to distribute the weight evenly across the belt. 
  • The weight: Although it’s a rather passive fact about the construction, but lightweight is a sign or careful crafting. For extreme climbing events, this turns to be a more compulsory demand indeed.

Size Matters

If you’ve been through the entire review, you might have noticed how we broke down the size diversity of each of these picks, right? Well, that’s kind of essential for everyone out there who’s tending to get a good fit of harness. 

While picking the right size from whatever options a brand provides with, go for the ‘as close as possible’ fit for your waist and thighs. Measure your waist and thighs up, if you’re uncertain about that. 

Under each of the size variations, there are ranges of these dimensions. Therefore, look for an adjustability feature as well.

Look for Loops

A number of loop variations are found across harnesses from good brands. All of them make sense anyway, based on what kind of climbing you’re up to. 

The three kinds of loops found in climbing harnesses are- The gear loops, the haul loop and the belay loop. We’d explain what does what and you can decide if you need those in your next harness or not. 

The gear loop, just like as it sounds, holds the gears and accessories. These plastic rings are more imprative who’re climbing outdoors(alpine climbing, trad climbing, mountaineering etc.). Usually, there are 4-6 gear loops in climbing harnesses. 

Next on, it’s the haul loop, which can hold a haul line or the second rope for the sake of safety. If not, it can even help your shoes, but not the primary anchor that safeguards you while climbing. 

Finally, it’s the belay loop, which is not compulsory for everyone. If you have one though, you can hang your belay device for belaying.

The Price Point

Based on how serious kind of climbing you’re going to be in, the budget varies. Starting from entry level harnesses that cost a few ten dollars, there are models which might take a few hundred dollar bills from you. With higher price, the quality goes high. But make sure whatever you’re investing after is worthy of your purpose. That’s it!

FAQ

Most Frequent Questions of Boulderers

Is Unisex harness as good as the gender-specific ones?

Not all the way, but unisex harnesses serve quite well. But if you’re looking more aesthetic and tighter fit, you might go with sex-specific models.

What’s a good weight for a climbing harness?

The most minimalist climbing harnesses use to weigh around 9 ounches. But if you’re looking for a feature-rich harness, you have to compromise the lightness of it.

How come the safety measures are reliable in a harness?

With models like Mammut Ophir 3, there comes a safety indicator thread. Once it reaches it’s safe limits, the red fabric becomes visible and you should take respective actions immediately. And yeah, this is safe and accurate enough. 

Can i meet both ends of comfort and weight distribution in a harness?

The one word answer to the question is- Yes! If you look for the split-webbing technology in your next harness, it would check both of the boxes for you.

What’s the price range of both entry level and professional climbing harnesses?

For entry level gym harnesses, you would be within $50-80. The pro-graded ones come with almost triple the price($150-200). There are a number of in-betweeners as well.

Bottom Line

Congratulations, pat your back. Because you’ve just read a 3000 words article reviewing the best beginner climbing harness for every price range. Keeping up the hope that you’ve already made a shortlist of yours, it’s time to come up with a decision. 

Alongside, look for the price-quality ratio and warranty policies before bringing your wallet out. Finally, double check the accessories and packagings that are often underlooked. 

Good luck for your thrilling climbing adventures! 

05 Best Beginner Bouldering Shoes | Detailed Review & Buying Guide

bouldering

You can either choose to stay indoors at the gym or explore smaller rock formations outside. This form of climbing requires minimal gears. But can you really do without a proper climbing shoe?

Here’s a list of the best bouldering shoes for beginners like you! These shoes are carefully analyzed and chosen specifically for comfort and durability in the initial stage before you start sending more difficult bouldering problems.

Before you decide to make an upgrade and move to a more intermediate stage, these shoes would help you to learn the techniques and develop a climbing habit!

Here you go!

Top 5 Bouldering shoes for beginners

Five Ten Anasazi Moccasym

Our Top Pick

When world famous climbers like Chris Sharma and others wear a Five Ten Men shoe, it’s needless to say that it’s one of the best in the game. It’s extremely easy to put on and works well for newbies and intermediate boulderers as well.

The shoe holds pretty well on cracks and small footholds. It has a flat sole that increases your performance on slabs. However, It’s not really made for difficult overhung routes and precise edging. For beginners, that’s not a big deal..

Five Ten Anasazi Moccasym best bouldering shoes for beginner features

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It’s an elastic shoe, which means no laces or velcros. So, you need to get the size right. For bouldering, half a size down will be perfect for most people. Otherwise, you will end up with loose shoes that will make it hard for you to tackle small footholds.

Yes, these shoes don’t offer the maximum support. But that’s needed to develop muscle strength and learn techniques when starting out.

Overall, it’s a great shoe providing overall value for boulderers of varied skills and experience!

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La Sportiva TarantuLace

Most Comfortable Shoe

The La Sportiva Tarantulace is specifically made for amateur climbers and it’s one of the best beginner bouldering shoes in terms of comfort. The sole is flat with a little bit of downturn, making it usable on slightly more difficult terrains.

The rubber is on the stiffer side with 5 mm thickness and rounded edge. You might not get the precision and grip required for performance but you can wear them all day long with no issues.

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It’s a lined leather, so a half size smaller should give you snug fit after the break-in period. It will support boulder problems up to V2 and multi-pitch terrains with moderate difficulty.

We loved the overall feel and comfort of these shoes. Yes, you won’t find superior support on overhangs but still for entry-level boulderers, these shoes meet the basic requirements and come in an affordable price range.

This gives you the opportunity to upgrade to a more aggressive shoe in a few months’ time when you want to explore more technical terrains and boulder problems.

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Scarpa Helix

Best Performance Shoe

Beginners looking to get started at outdoor bouldering, the Scarpa Helix is just perfect for you! It has been designed to meet both beginner and intermediate climber’s needs.

It’s basically a flat shoe made for comfort. Even so, the rubber sole offers good sensitivity on the rock and you can feel the edges and narrow footholds better. The addition of a padded tongue increases the comfort level.

Scarpa Helix best indoor bouldering shoes for beginners

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At the heel section, there’s a soft chamois that will support your heels. You can expect the shoes to grip quite well without sacrificing durability.

The upper has been crafted from lined leather. But analyzing the dimensions of these shoes, we found that a half size down should give you a snug fit later. The good news is, Scarpa Helix has a women’s version. Usually, one full size down is the perfect fit for ladies.

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La Sportiva Mythos Lace-Up
(women version)

Best For Women Bouldering

Finding a good shoe for bouldering is tough, especially if you are a woman. These are the best women’s bouldering shoes, particularly for bouldering problems within the V4 range.

La Sportiva Mythos is particularly known for its comfort and durability. You can easily do 6-12 months without a resole. The rubber allows you to perform well on cracks and on different kinds of terrains. It won’t give you superior support on smaller footholds but you really can’t complain as this is an entry level shoe.

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The best thing is the lacing system. The toe to ankle lace up helps to gain proper fit. So, even if you have a wider toe box, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Generally, a half size down would be enough.

The shoes have a round design all around. This gives more surface area around the toe box for climbing slabs. It’s a bit on the expensive side. But that won’t stop you from buying this amazing shoe dedicated to women boulderers.

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Climb X Rave Strap

Best Value

The Climb X Rave Strap is the ideal beginner indoor bouldering shoes! If you want shoes that will hold up to everyday climbing and give you room to strengthen your muscles, then this is it!

Although it’s a flat profiled shoe, it does have a bit of a downturn. Anything from VB to V3 should be easily doable with these. However, you can still hit the V4 and V5 mark without much problems.

You can tackle smaller footholds and feel comfortable all day long. These shoes aren’t designed for sensitivity and for novice climbers, that’s a luxury.

Climb X Rave Strap shoe climbing shoes

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The best part is Climb X Rave comes pre-downsized. So, either your present street size or a size up should offer a snug fit. It has dual lace straps for quick put on and off with moderate adjustment opportunity.

Some shoes can get really nasty. But not with these, as there’s a hemp bedding that limits odor from building up.

All in all, it’s a shoe dedicated to gym boulderers and beginner outdoor boulderers who wants to keep practicing in the most affordable way.

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Beginner Bouldering Shoes
Buying Guide

1. Downturn: Aggressive Vs. Flat

When beginners look for bouldering/climbing shoes, they often screw their head over what kind of downturn to go with.

Yes, it’s important though. A shoe with more aggressive downturn and curve, makes edging and hooking a lot more easier. Sending your problems should be a decisive factor… but… only when you have some practice and experience under your belt.

Aggressive shoes fit tighter and you have to compromise a bit on the comfort part. Depending on whether you want to stick with gym bouldering or move outsides, your decision will vary.

For starters, a flat profile works better!

2. Stretch Factor

You might have heard that bouldering shoes stretch. It depends on the material of the upper.

Leathers usually stretch from half to full size depending on whether it’s lined or unlined. An unlined leather will stretch more, so you have to buy a size larger than your usual street size.

If that’s a problem for you, you can get synthetic shoes. They won’t stretch much and give you a proper fit from the first day.

Overall, if you are willing to bear the pain for the stretch out period, leather is the best option.

3. Closure System

You got three kinds of closure system: Lace, velcro and elastic.

For beginners, veclro is the best option. Why? Because you might need to undo your shoes a lot of the time, in between problems. There are different versions of velcro, some that have two straps and some might have 3 straps offering a more customized fit.

Lace is an all time favorite for climbers of all difficulty levels. You can tie it as you want to match your fit. But tying and untying kills is the major problem.

Elastics offer the same advantage as velcros. But not efficient in the long run.

4. Softness and Stiffness

Choosing between a soft and stiff shoe is a matter of debate! There’s no single way to present it.

However, beginner boulderers can enjoy the stability and edging of stiffer shoes. If you want your shoes to last longer and get more sensitivity, softer shoes are preferable.

To get the best of both, a midsole with moderate stiffness should be enough for bouldering outsides and even at the gym.

5. Properties of the Rubber

Boulderers starting out outdoors would definitely gain advantage from thicker rubber. These rubbers range from 4-5.5 mm. The advantage is better grip and durability.

If you want to smear on slabs, you can buy thinner shoes in the 3-4mm range. But we don’t recommend this. As a newbie, you want your shoes to last at least a couple of months.

6. Price Consideration

At V0 and VB bouldering problems, you can get away with a cheaper shoe that’s designed for comfort.

But as you keep exploring more difficult bouldering problems that have more overhangs and steep routes, you can shift to more expensive shoes.

If outdoor bouldering is your top priority, buy a shoe that can offer medium performance as well as comfort.

7. Price Factor: Keep it Low

The upfront costs of rock climbing is huge!! For gym climbing, you will need at least $200 dollars with recurring monthly costs in chalk and gym membership. When outdoor climbing, the cost increases further with addition of rope, crash pad, etc.

The last thing you want is an expensive climbing shoe and you are using only half or less of its potential.

As a beginner, you don’t need a super aggressive downturn, powerful rand or precise edging. You will need them at some point but by that time your shoes will wear out and need change. Invest more in the second shoe.

For now, an affordable and midrange priced shoe should be more than perfect.

8. Advanced Vs. Beginner Climbing Shoes

Advanced climbing shoes are built to support precision and performance. We have included a few models in this review like the La Sportiva Mythos and La Sportiva Tarantulace.

These shoes are inclined a little towards performance. If you are one of those few climbers who have a huge passion and are willing to learn quickly to get beyond the gym walls, then go ahead buy these ones.

Otherwise, beginners who want to take time and learn slowly, a good time to upgrade is when you start to feel that you have reached your shoe’s limit. Until then most shoes in this list will do a great job for you.

FAQ

Most Frequent Questions of Boulderers

How tight should my bouldering shoes be?

If you are buying leather shoes for bouldering, a half size to full size smaller shoe is preferable. Usually, a moderately tighter fit is suitable for bouldering.

Do I need special shoes for bouldering?

Bouldering shoes aren’t quite different from general climbing shoes. But, for bouldering, you can skip sensitive and aggressive downturned shoes and still do quite good.

How to choose bouldering shoes?

Bouldering shoes must be comfortable, have a slightly tighter fit, hold up well on narrow footholds and are durable enough to keep you going. Our buying guide talks in detail on this matter.

What’s the difference between men’s and women’s in bouldering?

The features of both the shoes remain quite the same. The only difference is in the size.

Final words....

If you are at the end of this post, we’re sure you have decided on a particular bouldering shoe! For overall value in terms of price, performance, comfort and stability, the Five Ten Men’s Anasazi Moccasym is the ultimate option. Depending on the nature of your problems, any of the shoes from this list are perfect for newbie boulderers.

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