Crucial Climber’s Equipment: The Best Rock Climbing Shoes
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LA Sportiva Nago Rock Climbing Shoe -
Evolv Quest-AF Rock Climbing Shoe -
La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe -
La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoe -
Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoe -
Men's Katana Lace Rock Shoe -
Buyer's Guide
Rock shoes allow the climber to stand on smaller holds with more security and are a crucial part of all climber's equipment. Choosing your first pair of shoes can be confusing because fitting them goes against everything you have been told about sizing footwear. The shoes need to be a snug fit - twist the tightened shoe and your foot should move with it without any slippage - and your toes need to be at the end of the boot. It helps to remember when sizing shoes that they will all stretch to some degree.
Rock shoe design is now very sophisticated and shoes are designed for specific types of routes or styles of climbing. It is tempting to choose an advanced, performance shoe, but their asymmetric shape and down-turned soles will make then uncomfortable and difficult to use effectively until you have more experience.
The best rock climbing shoes in 2022 listed below are ideal for those new to rock climbing looking for comfortable, all round shoes that are well built and don't compromise on performance.
All of these shoes are potentially great, but getting one that fits your foot well is crucial - go to a climbing store with a good selection of shoes and try them on with help from store staff who climb.
Comparing the Best Rock Climbing Shoes for 2022
LA Sportiva Nago Rock Climbing Shoe - Best Overall
The La Sportiva TarantuLace is a perfect shoe for those progressing past beginner that does not compromise in any area. They are comfortable and very well built. The potential of this shoe to help you progress in your abilities makes this shoe a perfect first choice for our list.
It is built on a-symmetry that climbers will find comfortable. This is complimented by an unlined leather upper with a perforated synthetic leather overlay for extra support. It allows air to flow into the shoe. The full length lacing system allows a precise fit to be obtained even when the shoe has stretched.
Evolv Quest-AF Rock Climbing Shoe - Consider
The Quest AF is a great shoe that that has been designed and built with the needs of beginners clearly in mind, and they are a great fit for this list because of their features.
The uppers are built from lined, synthetic leather that is both comfortable and will not stretch. This allows you to get a good long term fit is as easy as possible. The Trax rubber is very good and this has been backed up with a tough durable rand that will resist scuffing. This helps the shoes last longer.
La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe - Best Beginner Rock Climbing Shoes
The Mythos has been around for a long time and for good reason. It is a supremely comfortable shoe that performs very well on any hike or rock climb. The comfort comes from the use of a soft sole and soft, unlined suede uppers that makes the shoe feel more like a slipper. This allows the shoe to be easily worn all day long. The shoe does stretch quite a lot. Sportiva counters this by using an innovative lacing system that runs the full length of the shoe. That lacing system allows you to really cinch the shoe tight for harder routes.
La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoe - Best Rock Climbing Shoes Overall
The La Sportiva Miura VS Men's Climbing Shoes are a great choice for our number one spot because of their features. The shoe uses a Velcro strap lacing system that feels secure even on really powerful heel. It feels as if there is a touch more camber on the sole compared to the original Miura. This allows you to pull in on small holds on steep ground.
Crucially the camber is not so much that it restricts use on longer routes or vertical ground and the sole has a well chosen stiffness that provides good support on small edges. The asymmetric toe box pushes weight over the powerful big toe very effectively and fits into small pockets and thin cracks very securely.
Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoe - Best Rock Climbing Shoes Overall
The Five Ten Hiangle climbing shoe was made so you can perform your very best either at the gym or on the rocks. The Hiangle features a Stealth C4 rubber outsole known and trusted to provide stellar grip while climbing. The aggressive downturn shape helps the climber with toe hooks, and thanks to its unlined microfiber upper, break-in is easy and quick. The shoe is capable of performing edging and smearing flawlessly.
Men's Katana Lace Rock Shoe - Best Rock Climbing Shoes Overall
The Katana Lace Rock Climbing shoe is a great choice for our fifth position. La Sportiva created this yellow and black shoe with soft suede leather uppers. The slip resistant sole is Vibram Xs Edge 4. This shoe gives great control when both inside and outside when edging. Non slip rubber sole grips will keep your feet in place, safe and secure. These shoes do stretch a bit and do soften up, but that is a relatively minor complaint for such good shoes. This is a serious contender as best all-round performance rock shoe.
Buyer's Guide
If you are a novice climber scavenging the market to buy the best rock climbing shoes, chances are there that you might end up choosing the wrong pair of shoes. To help you out make the best choice, we have curated this buying guide for you.
Which type of closure system for rock climbing shoes should you consider?
Lace-up
It is the most adaptable style. You should loosen the laces when your feet become hot or swollen after rigorous climbing on the off-routes. However, tightening the shoe's toe during a challenging pitch or climb and instep will eventually maximize performance.
Strap
These closures (alternatively referred to as "hook-and-loop") provide improved ease of on/off. They're ideal for bouldering and rock climbing, as you will be able to easily remove the shoes off while resting or walking on the off-routes.
Slip-on
Often referred to as slippers, slip-on shoes include an elastic closing system and provide the highest level of sensitivity and the lowest profile of any shoe. Slip-on is great for rock climbing training—without the conventional stiff sole and midsole, your feet will strengthen and accelerate. They feature a low profile due to the lack of straps or laces, which makes them ideal for fitting.
Which material of rock climbing shoes should you choose?
Leather or synthetic uppers are used on the majority of climbing shoes. Leather shoes (lined and unlined) are the easiest ones to care about, even when it comes to deodorizing. Numerous high-performance shoes are made of synthetic materials, and many vegetarians and vegans prefer them because they are cruelty-free.
Unlined leather
Shoes made entirely of unlined leather can expand up to a full size. They should fit snugly so that your toes will touch the base, pressing against the leather. Moreover, also consider that an all-leather shoe will bleed the color of the shoe onto your foot.
Lined leather
Lined leather uppers reduce stretch to half size or less. Occasionally, producers line only the toes to keep costs down and minimize stretch where it occurs most frequently.
Synthetic materials
While buying synthetic rock climbing shoes, you should bear in mind that these will not stretch much after wearing them frequently. Moreover, as it has a little give compared to other types of materials, never expect these shoes to change in fit significantly.
Perforated synthetic uppers offer somewhat more flexibility than the solid fabric. Certain materials breathe and wick away moisture from the feet as well.
How should you choose the outsole of rock climbing shoes?
Often referred to as the sole, it is the rubber portion that makes contact with the rock. Rubber type and thickness have an effect on climbing performance.
Rubber outsoles
Numerous varieties of rubber are utilized on the outsoles of rock shoes. While all climbing shoes give adequate grip, several rubber compounds provide more grip being softer and stickier than others.
In general, harder rubbers offer superior edging and stability for your foot, while stickier rubbers offer superior grip for smearing on slabs. However, stickier rubbers are less durable and so will not withstand abrasion as well.
Outsole thickness
The outsole thickness of a shoe can also affect its performance and feel.
Thicker soles range in thickness from approximately 4 to 5.5mm. They give excellent edging support and are quite robust. However, you will lose some of the sensitivity and feel for the rock that you would have with a thinner sole.
If you are a novice climber, we advise you to choose climbing shoes with thicker soles. It will last longer as your footwork technique improves, and it will also give support to your feet, keeping them from becoming uncomfortable and fatigued.
Thinner soles are typically between 3 and 4 mm thick. Once you've mastered your foot strategy, you may choose a shoe with a not-so-thick sole for increased contact with the rock.
Which factors regarding rock climbing shoes should you consider?
Lasting
The majority of contemporary rock shoes feature a slip-lasted construction. This implies that they are constructed around a foot-shaped mold, resulting in a more natural and ergonomic fit. Slip-lasted footwear is lighter and more sensitive than board-lasted footwear.
Manufacturers invest significant time and resources in developing the optimal last for each shoe, and many brands provide a variety of lasts ranging from flat, straight profiles to extremely downturned and asymmetric versions.
Straight profiles are the most comfortable option for easy climbs, whereas boulder difficulties and sport routes require more aggressive models.
Materials & elasticity
The material used to construct a climbing shoe is critical to its performance. Certain materials will stretch as you climb and push force through the shoes (especially on hot, sweaty feet). This is frequent with leather uppers, which have a tendency to expand by around a size.
While some shoes incorporate a lining within the leather to help keep the original fit. Even so, you may experience an overall softening effect that results in an apparent fit increase of half a size. To address this, some manufacturers use materials that do not stretch, such as Lorica. This material will not stretch at all, ensuring that the shoes retain their original fit for the duration of their life.
Rubber
Generally, it's a trade-off between durability and friction. Beginner's shoes often prioritize durability, ensuring that the rubber lasts for an extended period despite being scuffed frequently.
Certain beginner's models may even feature an additional rubber at the toe for added durability. These tougher compounds will often have greater edging strength and will hold their shape under pressure. While stickier rubber is excellent for smearing, it is more prone to wear and thinning at the toe.
How much do rock climbing shoes cost?
As rock climbing shoes are constructed of premium-quality material and handmade, they cost a bit more as compared to ordinary climbing shoes. You can expect to pay an amount of $80 to $200 for a durable and high-quality shoe pair.
We advise you to take time to scour all the options available before making the final decision, as rock climbing shoes are not something you would buy every week or so.
Best Rock Climbing Shoes FAQs
Q: Are climbing and bouldering shoes interchangeable?
A: There is a dizzying array of rock climbing shoes available, some of which are specifically made for bouldering. Each manufacturer claims to offer the greatest fit and the stickiest rubber. You may or may not use these shoes interchangeably, depending on the brand you are considering.
Q: Why are climbing shoes so exorbitantly priced?
A: Climbing shoes are extremely expensive for three reasons: they lack economies of scale, are handmade, and producers use proprietary materials of the highest quality.
Q: Why is rock climbing so costly?
A: The equipment needed for rock climbing cost more, making it a costly hobby. However, if you are a professional, you can get fundings from different sources.
