Best climbing shoes for big feet It seems my heel just doesn't stick out much the way climbing shoes expect. Climbing shoes give you a precise fit and added grip that helps your feet stick to small footholds and sloping surfaces. The best brand, for myself and big-footed friends, because they cover all the bases, is ACOPA. I'm looking for B2/B3 boots for alpine terrains (snow, ice, low-technicity climbing). The softer construction will enable you to hook and pull at pockets significantly easier than their stiffer counterparts. If you’re a climber and you need a little extra space, these shoes can be your saving grace in function and comfort. Before you even consider strengthening, check that your big toe has a decent range of motion. Climbing shoes are all designed around the slingshot rand, which is a tensioned piece of rubber that wraps around your Achilles and forces your toes forward, providing more support when you try to stand up in small edges. All Garra climbing shoes use Vibram’s Xs Grip rubber, which is a win in our books. If you are looking for an inexpensive approach shoe for aid climbing, the La Sportiva Boulder X is a highly supportive and comfortable shoe that excels at standing in aiders and crushing miles on the trail. 75 ounces; semi-stiff Pros: High performance; relative comfort; versatility Cons: Not aggressive enough for Moderate shoes. Nov 2, 2023 · Take shoes off in between climbs – Climbing shoes are designed to channel power onto the big toes and can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Climbing shoes commonly incorporate a downturn or “camber,” heel tension, and centralized pressure over the big toe for power on small Apr 29, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is our favorite approach shoe, hands down. I currently have a pair of LaSportiva Skwama's which fit me really well and I'm super happy with them on volumes but they aren't as good on small edges. The cheapest shoe on this list—and, consequently, one of the best-selling climbing shoes in the U. What are the best climbing shoes for big feet? Jun 8, 2022 · Consider also training—your toes!— in soft shoes. Take them off after climbing and let your feet, and shoes, take a break. Editor’s note: We updated this guide on March 10th, 2025, adding 2 awesome shoes from SCARPA. Taking them off while belaying or in between sending boulder problems will go a long way to helping your feet breathe, stretch, and recover. 5. Mar 23, 2023 · The 9 Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Every Type of Climber From the gym to the crag, whether you’re bouldering at your limit or climbing a big wall, these shoes will help you achieve new heights Feb 27, 2022 · Leather shoes will stretch significantly more than synthetic shoes, often up to an entire size. Good all-around shoe. Nov 24, 2023 · Climbing is one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports in America. La Sportiva TX4 Evo ($169) Category: All-around/scrambling Weight: 1 lb. Now you know the key factors you should be thinking about when choosing climbing shoes, it’s time to start searching. Climbing shoes aren’t made for walking in. This article covers the best ways to break in your shoes, along with a few things you should keep in mind for proper fit and sizing. The ideal pair will offer the fit and performance that match your climbing style so you can tackle the wall more confidently. More info provided below :) Hey guys, I am currently looking to update my La Sportiva Mythos (been climbing through three pairs in the past few years). 7. In this article, we will take a look at the best cheap climbing shoes available on the market today. Though amazing for face climbing, the shoes hurt in our feet in hand cracks because they are so narrow, and the toe is too high volume to fit in thin cracks. 6 inches) with an Egyptian shape (the big toe is the largest; see image below). Although the rubber on the Acro isn’t the stickiest when compared to the rubber on the Scarpa Instinct VS, they offer a purpose-built wide fit and an aggressive downturn at a Shop Neutral Rock Climbing Shoes. Feb 16, 2023 · The suitability of the fit can therefore depend on the foot shape and the shoe model. Nov 11, 2023 · Like every climbing shoe, the right one for you ultimately comes down to how well the shoe fits your foot and how well-suited it is to the climbing terrain. During alpine climbing you usually stay in the shoes for a long period of time. The fit of these shoes tends to be quite downturned (often referred to as aggressive) and will be tightly tensioned between both the toe box and heel for toeing in on small edges and aggressive heel or toe May 27, 2022 · La Sportiva TC Pro ($199) (Photo: Courtesy La Sportiva) Best for Trad and Big Walls. You want the best fit to help you send your project or redpoint, but many climbing shoes are narrow and uncomfortable. Dec 3, 2021 · Break-in is an important part of the process. I don't know how long you've been climbing or at what grade, but I've always been advised to buy shoes that were too small, after a while I decided to buy shoes which were comfortable instead, my grade increased, because I was climbing much more and Oct 23, 2024 · Tuff is a tricky sort of rock, and climbing it involves alternately toeing into pockets (something the pointy-toed Ondra Comp is great at) and smedging on grape-like bubbles; soft shoes (like Scarpa’s Veloce Lace) tend to feel too unsupportive for me on these bubbles, but stiffer shoes (like La Sportiva’s Miura VS) don’t mold around the Aug 2, 2021 · Even in a competitive field of the best bouldering shoes on the market, the Solution remains our Top Pick. May 16, 2024 · These shoes don’t contort your feet into a croissant and help take stress off your big toe, allowing for longer wear. "I climb V8-V9" means nothing when it comes to suggesting shoes. It’s really all about last shape, so even laces can not help if the shoe is flat (and wide) under the arch, since the sole is too stiff. 5 Million products from 400 globally sourced brands, including sneakers, shoes, apparel, and accessories. And for an adventure-exposed climbing expedition, you need to find a pair of compatible shoes. Offering over 1. My feet are extreme wide too and until yesterday I thought there is just no optimal shoe for my hobbit feet. I have size 11 for bouldering, a bit tight and 11. Sport climbing 5 days ago · Comparison Chart for Best Climbing Shoes For Greek Feet. With input from Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold, the latest TC Pro is built for the long haul, thanks to a single-piece rand (less chance of delamination over time) that extends higher up the foot for increased protection, and reinforcements on all the lace eyelets (extra on the lower ones). In this guide, we’ll explore the best climbing shoes for people with small feet. This shoe won the 2012 Climbing magazine Editor’s Choice award, which speaks for itself really. Material: Suede leather upper . Jun 27, 2024 · Wide feet? No problem! Below, you’ll find the top 5 climbing shoes for wide-footed climbers categorized by the style of climbing or experience level they’re best suited for. The document has moved here. I think it works the other way around. Top picks for beginners, intermediate, bouldering and under $100 plus COMPLETE buyer's guide! Feb 11, 2025 · These shoes climb nearly as well as the best shoes on the market, at a lower price. These shoes are good for comfort and standing on small edges, although their stiffer profile usually means that they lack the sensitivity of their asymmetrical counterparts, and will likely I figured I would start a thread for people to post about climbing shoes for people with bigger feet. There are three different ways to tighten or wear your climbing shoe. The toe part is worn down now, and I think I can find better shoes for morton's toe or Greek feet, where my 2nd toe is longer than my big toe (3rd toe is same length as big toe). Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, pain, and even limit your climbing performance. Mar 7, 2025 · Burkhardt liked these shoes but noted that they ran quite tight true to size (even for climbing shoes), and sometimes has to wrestle them onto his feet. During fitting, your toes should be crunched and angled downward; this allows you to pull on steeper terrain. My shoes/boots are 10. If you need climbing shoes size 14 and up, this is for you. 5. Dec 14, 2023 · See the Women’s Butora Acro (Wide Fit) Climbing Shoes. Believe me when I say, this was quite the process. 0. Note: these pricey shoes are best suited for outdoor climbing. I've been wearing La Sportiva Mythos in size EU 47½ / UK 12½ / US 13½ for many years, and they have the perfect length, but they push my big toe towards the middle of the foot, causing pain in the MTP joint (where the toe connects to the "palm" of the foot) and possibly The evolv Shaman was designed by Chris Sharma, one of the best and most famous climbers of all time. Many people are flocking to the sport as it increases in popularity, and subsequently a great range of budget friendly climbing shoes under $100 have entered the market. Rather than mud gripping lugs, the outsole is flat and features sticky rubber designed to grip the smallest rock features. Weight: 1 lb. When I started rock climbing in 1996 I didn't feel like there were too many good rock shoe options. . Moderate Scarpa Quantic Climbing Shoes. Mar 28, 2024 · Steep Climbing. The five shoes I will share with you on this page are some of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers available in 2023, all of which are suited to a variety of foot shapes and || This is the official Site of EVOLV Buy the best Rock Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Free shipping over $49! Nov 10, 2023 · Once happy, simply return the other shoes that didn’t fit. e. And time-consuming. Bouldering shoes are sports cars. Nov 11, 2023 · Sizing climbing shoes is without a doubt one of the most difficult challenges when buying new climbing gear. A slightly downturned shape and stickier rubber makes them good for technical climbing. It becomes an even bigger problem when you try to find the best rock climbing shoes for wide feet. May 13, 2023 · Recommended Brands and Models for Wide Toe Box Climbing Shoes. Jun 10, 2012 · All my life I've had “large” feet. The reason it’s probably the best climbing shoe for sweaty feet is the Engineered Knit upper. The linked blog post summarizes my attempts to find climbing shoes for my large wide feet. Although models like the Boreal Fire and the La Sportiva Mariacher marked a big step forward in the climbing shoe evolution, these shoes still didn’t have the skin-tight fit modern climbing shoes have. Yes, I could choose from a few different models of entry-level FiveTen shoes, but on the whole I didn't feel like there were many choices. our awesome climbing shoes. Thus, even if a particular climbing shoe sounds perfect for your needs, it might not be sized appropriately for your foot type and you may have to Jan 8, 2021 · 21 of the LATEST new and updated best climbing shoes Jan 2021. Evolv Shaman Wide Climbing Shoes Best Climbing Shoes For Wide Feet (Editor's Choice) Our top choice on the market for the best climbing shoes for wide feet would be, without a doubt, the Evolv Shaman Climbing Shoes. As others have said, try them on. The very downturned toes put your feet in a powerful position for challenging sport routes and bouldering; less comfortable than the neutral or moderate shoes. Climbing shoes come in two main types: soft and stiff. I just got into climbing right around New Year's. I quickly realized the gym doesn't actually have any rental shoes in my size. Nov 16, 2023 · This is the preferred style for indoor shoes because gym climbing is significantly more dynamic and three-dimensional than traditional outdoor rock climbing. First, I selected two dozen of the most popular shoe models from top manufacturers. Feb 6, 2025 · Best Overall Approach Shoe 1. There are several things to think about before making a purchase, such as: Foot Shape: Take into account the width, arch, and toe form of your foot Jan 29, 2025 · What Features To Look For In Climbing Shoes? Consider wide toe boxes, lightweight design, and non-slip soles. S. These are by using Oct 2, 2020 · Name Closure Upper Downturn Best Use Price Rating Review; Butora Acro: Velcro Straps: Suede Leather: Aggressive: Steep Sport Climbing or Bouldering $$ 4. (Photo: Alison Osius) Big-toe mobility. Aggressive shoes also use thinner rubber for the soles which means that it wears faster than neutral and even some moderate climbing shoes. Jan 8, 2025 · A good fit is essential for comfort, control, and performance. Feb 24, 2025 · Find your perfect fit in GearJunkie’s guide to Best Climbing Shoes. I'm happy with them for now, but am interested in other options that those with similar feet might have found. Evolv Defy. CHOOSE YOUR CLIMBING SHOES . For those with wide feet, finding the perfect pair of approach shoes can be a daunting task. Read Also: Best Basketball Shoes For Wide Feet: Comfortable Fit Best Cycling Shoes for Wide Feet: Comfortable Fit Best Golf Shoes for Wide Feet: Mens and Womens Mar 19, 2023 · What are The Best Climbing Shoes For Wide Feet? In our research, La Sportiva is one of the best and top-notch climbing shoes for wide feet. Hi Y'all! I'm a new climber but have been climbing on and off for a few months. Their size 11. Aggressive shoes. That’s the ultimate use for Five Ten’s new NIAD VCS, the updated version of the discontinued Anasazi line of shoes, which includes lace and slipper style shoes. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, the right pair of climbing shoes is essential. Scarpa Helix Climbing Shoes. ‘Squared’ shoes with a wider toe area are best suited for people with a square, less tapered forefoot area (Roman feet). For those with slightly wider feet, it can be doubly as hard Jun 1, 2023 · Most beginner climbers will enjoy climbing more with special climbing shoes, whether they decide to buy or rent shoes when starting. Nov 11, 2023 · What makes a climbing shoe suitable for Greek feet? Finding a climbing shoe for Morton’s Toe, things can be a little tricky. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) Best Training Shoe: Scarpa Veloce L ($175) Best Pure Slipper: La Sportiva Mar 17, 2025 · Flat Feet Climbing Shoes: Comparison Table. These all-purpose shoes can handle slab routes, crack climbs, long multi-pitch climbs and slightly overhung sport routes. The Butora Narsha is a well-engineered shoe for slightly overhanging sport climbs where small edges define the route. 0 oz. 5-2 from street, good amount of stretch for the leather version) Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. However, it's crucial to note that not all climbing shoes are created equal when it comes to edging. Comparison Chart of Top 10 Climbing Shoes For Greek Feet Mar 5, 2021 · In reply to. The SCARPA Arpia V is a great shoe for intermediate climbers or climbers who need a comfortable shoe Jun 30, 2021 · It features a full-length Vibram XS Edge outsole with added arch support for powering down on micro edges. 2 Tips for Breaking in Climbing Shoes – Before You Begin 1. 0) and noticed that my toes would move from the deadspace, so I’d recommend a half-size down from your street shoe for the optimal fit. Finding a climbing shoe that gives a comfortable, close fit can be a challenge for any climber. I am 6’8” and wear a size 14-15 US and unfortunately the options for climbing shoes are somewhat limited. Some go up to 48 EU or 14US but the shoes have little stretch. Aug 11, 2016 · I'm a 12. Stiff Climbing Shoes. Mar 22, 2022 · I'm writing this because it's a post I wish I would've found when I started climbing in 2015. Best Intermediate Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva Miura. Dec 7, 2023 · This trend carried on after the emergence of specialized climbing shoes in the ’70s and ’80s. Mar 17, 2025 · Climbing shoes are an essential piece of gear for any rock climber. Hi, I'm looking for tips for climbing shoes that have a wide toe box. When unrestricted by climbing shoes, it should be able to perform extension and flexion (bend up and down) between an angle range of approximately 40 and 90 Feb 11, 2023 · If we had to choose just one of these five great pairs of climbing shoes for wide feet, we’d likely go with the Butora Acro as the best climbing shoes for wide feet. Wide feet: feet with a fairly vertical metatarsal bone, accentuated plantar arch and rather short and square toe. Narrow feet often mean struggling with extra space or pressure points in regular climbing shoes. I have the Scarpa Vapor and they’re pretty true to size. Fortunately, there are many options for budget-conscious climbers that provide good performance without breaking the bank. I took a class and the instructor mentioned my shoes might be too big in my arch because my feet are so narrow. What’s making us rave: The blend of classic design with a fit that caters wonderfully to the wide-footed climber. The bottom line is you have to get to a gear store to try on a bunch of different climbing shoes to see what fits your foot best. $123 at Amazon $125 at Adidas MATERIALS: Leather and microfiber, Vibram XS Grip2 CLOSURE: Single Velcro strap DESIGNED FOR: Hard climbing PROS: Extremely precise toe placement, extra heel sensitivity CONS: Can be too tight for wide feet, expensive Climbing Shoes – What are the best climbing shoes to edge? Some shoes work better for edging, and some don’t. However, they can also be quite expensive. Nov 10, 2023 · The size of Adam Ondra’s feet compared to his climbing shoes… ouch. Best for: Beginner climbers. Apr 12, 2018 · Foot pain causes me to dislike climbing. Let’s face it — overall it’s a tough process. We have considered users feedback on the Climbing Shoes For Greek Feet and our suggestions includes only the finest of them in this article. Easily the best edging shoe of the bunch, it also combines width options, formidable toe and heel hooking and impressively sticky rubber to make it the top choice in specific climbing areas. Some of the top brands and models of climbing shoes with a wide toe box include: Mad Rock Drone HV/Black HV; Scarpa VELOCE; SCARPA INSTINCT VS; La Sportiva SKWAMA / Skwama Vegan; Evolv Shaman 2; Soft vs. Soft bouldering shoes are ideal for gym climbing where large volumes and fiction moves are used in abundance. I have Greek feet and shoes designed for Egyptian feet do not fit me well since there is usually not enough room for my smaller toes to crimp them enough to also get some crimping on my big toe. Nov 25, 2019 · Best Big Wall and Crack Shoe (Scott Griesser) La Sportiva TC Pro ($190) Specs: 8. The biggest crushers of the day (John Bachar However, this review on the best climbing shoes for wide feet can help you make a better choice on shoes that would protect your feet and keep them comfy. I’ve had the best luck with high end soft shoes (which tend to have less of a / more tolerable break-in period) — standard and low volume drago and women’s comp solutions — as well as women’s solutions (stiffer). The ceramic microsuede and alcantara upper is soft — it fits like a glove with easy on/off and adjustment via the velcro closure. Nov 11, 2023 · The Best Climbing Shoes for Roman Feet If you’re not sure where to start on your shoe search, then allow me to offer a couple of suggestions. —the Tarantulace is a comfort-first shoe with an unlined leather upper, a mildly asymmetric shape, a stiff last, and a relatively roomy toe-box. Mar 19, 2024 · Best for Sport Climbing: La Sportiva Solution Comp; Best for Trad Climbing: Scarpa Vapor S; Best for Narrow Feet: Red Chili Voltage LV ; Best for Wide Feet: Tenaya Mastia ; How We Tested the Best Climbing Shoes. These are personally favorite “all-rounder” shoes: 1. I understand the importance of selecting the best climbing shoes for a comfortable and supportive fit because I have wide feet. If you're climbing that hard, you should know that a big cave will be best suited by totally different shoes than a slab problem, which will be best suited by totally different shoes than a crack problem, and so on. I'm typically around a US men's 10. Egyptian feet can fit most shoes very well because just your big toe determines how crimped your toes are. Finding the best climbing shoes for wide feet can enhance your climbing experience. Using the logic I just shared above, I have picked 10 shoes that I think represent the best selection of climbing shoes for narrow feet in 2023. La Sportiva Tarantulace: Flat: Lace-up This is true for at least sportiva and the few scarpa and evolv that I’ve tried. I think this is the best answer so far. The asymmetry in these aggressive shoes further allows your big toe to engage. In this context, terrain refers to the vertical incline, the surface and types of holds. Our Pro climbers at Climbingreviewed reviewed each model after using them in multiple climbing expeditions. The Nov 22, 2022 · While brands large and small have developed shoes with tacky rubbers and soft, durable fabrics, the best climbing shoes should ultimately cater to your needs and feel like an extension of your Sep 14, 2017 · Hey everyone, I vaguely remember this coming up a few times over the years (mostly on threads asking for recommendations) and I am cursed with PITA feet (longer 2nd/3rd toe, wide toebox with extremely narrow/low volume heels) so I thought it might be nice to get a running list of people's impressions of the fit of various popular shoes and companies, especially since there are so many new What are the best shoes for big feet for men? Men with big feet need shoes with wide-width options, cushioned insoles, and adjustable straps. “This shoe climbs incredibly well, and its snug, sock-like fit felt secure on my foot while I was standing on small edges,” our lead tester shared. I size my TC Pros one full European size down from what my street size would be. See full list on thewanderingclimber. Profile: Flat, for comfort and prolonged wear. These are climbing shoes for when the moves are at your absolute limit. SHOES WEIGHT UPPER OUTSOLE CLOSURE; Best Climbing Harnesses for Big Guys 2025 March 16, 2025 Mark Stewart I've been climbing for several months now and have been wearing used Climb X shoes that I got from my cousin that fit and felt like I could climb well in them. Whether you love ’em, hate ’em, or can’t wait to rip ’em off your feet after every climb, climbing shoes are our most crucial pieces of equipment. Apr 27, 2022 · The Black Diamond Momentum isn’t just a great entry-level shoe – it’s also the most breathable climbing shoe on the market. We found 42995 reviews when researching. The Katana has been a beloved shoe by many for years, and La Sportiva just Nov 9, 2024 · Wearing socks in your climbing shoes considerably reduces the feeling of wet feet, which is very interesting from a hygienic and comfort point of view. Jan 11, 2022 · 1. My feet are quite narrow with long toes and these seem to fit the best. Taking into consideration the factors I just mentioned, here are, what I consider to be the best climbing shoes for Roman feet currently available. Thankfully, many brands now offer designs tailored for slimmer feet. Scarpa Drago XT The sample Drago XT in size 43 weighs a verified 1 pound, 1. 5 in 'street' shoes, after trying numerous brands I've settled on five ten anasazi. Feb 21, 2018 · This is very typical of Five Ten shoes for me. Over the past decade, our team has tested over 45 of the best climbing shoes for women. Nov 6, 2023 · The 10 Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet I am going to jump straight into my top 10 climbing shoes for wide feet, but if you want to learn what makes a good wide climbing shoe, or what brands are known for their wide-toe box designs, then make sure to stick around until the end of this article. Jan 11, 2022 · Sometimes they’re climbing “moderate” 2,000-3,000-foot big walls that are a technical mix of face climbing, smearing, and crack climbing from fingers to off-width. This is a chronic issue for me always! Can anyone recommend a good narrow shoe for a newbie? I think it would help me May 5, 2021 · The Tarifa is so narrow in the midfoot that crack climbing in these shoes was painful for all of our testers except those with the absolute narrowest of feet. Key characteristics of indoor climbing shoes include; I take my shoes off whenever I rest for a while so my feet can catch a break. These shoes can either be made of top-quality leather, top-quality fabric, or both materials. Black Diamond has been a staple in the climbing industry for decades but only started making climbing shoes more recently. Mar 10, 2025 · Editor’s note: We updated this guide on March 10th, 2025, adding 2 awesome shoes from SCARPA. 5 cm / 11. In my case: an 11. Apr 16, 2025 · What to look for in sport climbing shoes; Ten things you need to know about climbing shoes; Our favorites; Honorable mentions; Most gear roundups cover new releases. Makes a big difference for me personally. Intermediate climbers can’t go wrong by picking shoes that are slightly aggressive, medium- to high-performing, and decently comfortable. In this article, I have reviewed 6 good climbing shoes for large feet. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! Sizing: Best for slightly narrow feet; size down slightly from street shoe size Apr 16, 2025 · Fortunately, several shoes meet these basic criteria, so the choice comes down to finding the model that is the best fit for your foot and best suits your climbing goals. Y&Y Vertical , EB or La Sportiva climbing socks are perfectly suited for all types of climbing shoes. We tested crack climbing performance on various crags across the country, including Idaho's City of Rocks, Utah's Indian Creek, and the hallowed walls of Yosemite Valley. Sole: Vibram XS Edge . I had originally purchased these shoes in my street shoe size (8. Evolv is well-known for creating high-quality performance climbing shoes, but don’t ignore their entry La Sportiva Finales for me, I believe in the same size as my everyday shoes. ‘Pointy’ shoes with a sharply tapered toe area are better for wearers with more pointed toes (Egyptian and Greek feet). Selecting climbing shoes is no small matter! A lot of variables are to be taken into account, such as discipline, size, indoor or outdoor, level of the climber, etc. Ways to Wear Your Climbing Shoe. My forefoot is very very wide and so is my heel. This applies to overhung climbing too, another style of climbing that soft shoes excel at. Be mindful that depending on your comfort level with climbing/climbing shoes, you can adjust the size accordingly. Backed by AI technology and human experts, our industry-leading "Authentication Before Shipping" service has authenticated Feb 22, 2020 · Also, it’s best to try on shoes at the end of the day, as your feet will naturally swell, up to half a size, just from standing and walking. When surfing the net, I often found posts from climbers with wide feet that can't find a fitting climbing shoe. Tips For Choosing Climbing Shoes. If you're looking for the best climbing shoes for wide feet don't miss out on our top 10 list. Climbing shoes, with synthetic uppers are unlikely to stretch much, if at all. 5 for comfy climbing. ) My problem is, I have VERY wide feet: 277 mm long, 124 mm wide. Climbing shoes so far appear to be torture devices. Greek foot here, which means like you my other toes have to pull back pretty exaggerated to get a proper fit. In 2022, there were nearly six million people climbi ng in rock gyms across the United States — a major increase of over 100,000 Jan 22, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoe for Beginners: Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe Under $100: La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe for All-Day Comfort: evolv Kronos / evolv Kira; Best for Trad Climbing: La Sportiva TC Pro Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe for Overhung Bouldering: Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Mar 7, 2025 · Burkhardt liked these shoes but noted that they ran quite tight true to size (even for climbing shoes), and sometimes has to wrestle them onto his feet. Shoes that have worked well for me: Sportiva skwama leather (sized down 1. Personally these shoes fit best if you have wide feet and a high volume heel. Design May 14, 2021 · Rock climbing is a great way to stay fit, enjoy the outdoors and meet new and interesting people from all walks of life. But with Aug 21, 2023 · In this best climbing shoes review, we have provided an in-depth analysis of 15 of the best climbing shoes on the market today. It designs that guarantee power, control, and comfort, and as well as protect your feet from avoidable damage. Climbing shoes for rock and bouldering  for every climber. And for people with wide feet, buying climbing shoes can be even more difficult. 1-The shape of the foot : There are 3 main families of feet. Very snug to painfully tight is the rule. Scarpa Instinct VS This shoe is also designed for the climber who has a higher volume (wide) foot with a center-shaped shoe toe. In a study of 100 climbers with an average climbing grade of 5. Apr 24, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. Often, shoes best suited for both Steep Climbing and Bouldering (depending on the boulder problem) are interchangeable. They feature minimal (if any) cushion and a sticky, durable rubber sole for grip. Walking around in downturned climbing shoes is the easiest way to destroy that beautiful cambered profile. Softer shoes will conform to those big plastic holds and smear on the sandpaper-textured wall with ease. 12. Apr 14, 2021 · Buying new climbing shoes can be hard. My Best Narrow Climbing Shoes. Many companies stop size production at EU 45. Outside of climbing I wear barefoot shoes so it’s a big change to have my toes squished into a triangular shape for a longer period of time. AI+expert legit check, 24/7 support. Best Budget Climbing Shoe evolv. Whether you're a beginner seeking comfort or an advanced climber Moved Permanently. Comfort and fit are crucial for performance and safety. As noted in it, I ended up with too-long, but wide-enough TC pros during this round of shopping. Feb 19, 2021 · Previous Post Previous post: Big Fit Toe Box: Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet Next Post Next post: Review: Best Rock Climbing Harness For Beginners [2023] Home » Best Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes For Bouldering & the Gym Sep 16, 2024 · La Sportiva Tarantulace. Dec 17, 2024 · See our guide to the best rock climbing shoes of 2025, with reviews of the year’s top climbing shoes from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Evolv, Butora, and more. Moderate shoes are distinguished by their slightly downturned shape (also called camber) that makes them good for technical climbing. When a company designs a new suite of shoes, they send pairs to us and our testers, and we climb in them, compare notes, write a review, and then, later, do a roundup of the latest and greatest releases of the year. This isn’t like slipping your feet into a sloppy pair of old sneakers, when it comes to climbing shoe sizing, it is essential you have a perfect fit in order for you to perform at your best. Nov 11, 2023 · This is why soft climbing shoes are most suited to smearing, large-volume friction moves, as well as some types of slab climbing. We cater to a wide range of climbers from new to veteran and even  amputee adaptive climbers . I have quite long feet (29. 2 ounces per pair. I have a size 15/16 street shoe myself so I feel the pain of the search for shoes. Beginner Climbing. La Sportiva TC Pro The TC Pro was designed with input from climbing legends and shows its expertise with your first jam. Oct 13, 2017 · Before we get started learning about how to develop superb bouldering footwork, it helps to know a little bit about the gear we’re working with, i. Any recs would be appreciated! Feb 12, 2024 · For example, La Sportiva tends to make very wide climbing shoes that are best for high-volume feet. Rebecca Heber:. Very small LaSportiva Skwama (they're stretchy like socks Apr 2, 2023 · Okay, After one of the best 6 climbing shoes which they are masters in their field, I have 2 other climbing shoes that I want to talk about. 6 oz. It means the climbing shoes need to be not too tight and not too much heel tension. Know Thy Shoes. My goals for the next two years are Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and Dent du Géant (plus a handful of easy 4000 such as Breithorn, Bishorn, Gran Paradiso, etc. It squeezes down painfully on top of the toes. Moderate and neutral shoes are actually better at smearing than aggressive shoes. I have flat and rather narrow low-volume feet. Beginner climber, very wide feet (prefer 4E in regular shoes). The bottom line, like it is for anyone looking for rock climbing shoes is to try on as many as you can at a gear store to see what fits your foot best. Alpine climbing shoes need to be more comfortable, with no camber. Stiff shoes. The heels aren't great for heavy heel hooks but a great elsewhere Jan 4, 2023 · Best Beginner Climbing Shoes: Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoe; Best Sport Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva Solution Comp Climbing Shoe; Best Trad Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva TC Pro; Best Bouldering Shoes: Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet: Butora Acro Wide Fit Climbing Shoe; Best Indoor Climbing Shoes: Scarpa The La Sportiva Tarantulace stands out as one of the best climbing shoes for wide feet, offering a comfortable fit with a high-volume heel and wide toe box. Shoes like Merrell and Butora Acro meet these criteria. Best of the Rest 6. 5 US street shoe translates to size 45 Euro, so I wear my TC Pros in size 44. My feet don’t feel squished at all, climbing in them feels great. Sleek, flashy, cramped, and all about performance. I've been climbing in five ten niad's for the past year or so and really like the the way they fit my toes but I'm unable to properly use my heel in them. Aggressively downturned shoes tend to not do very well on edges, as they don’t have a lot of contact face with the rock. Mar 12, 2019 · The Climb x Gear Icons are a great entry level price shoe for those looking to dabble in gym climbing. They noticed me slipping a lot. The BD Shadow is its top-tier performance climbing shoe, and an impressive one for a relative newcomer. Hey folks. Nov 7, 2024 · Instead, climbing shoes are specifically designed to fit snugly, closely matching the shape of the foot. 5 shoes were too big and loose, size 9 was too small and painful. Whereas stiffer shoes lend themselves better to micro-edges on hard rock surfaces. com Nov 9, 2024 · Finding the right pair of climbing shoes can be a game-changer, especially for climbers with wider feet. The SCARPA Arpia V is a great shoe for intermediate climbers or climbers who need a comfortable shoe I have wide feet and I wear the men’s version of the Scarpa Instinct Vs. We love how light it is, and it entirely changes our scrambling and multi-pitch climbing strategies. The Solution wasn’t the only contender. Can I find cute shoes for big feet? Of course! there are companies that are designing cute shoes for women with big feet in style and color. Have you tried simply buying some shoes that might be a bit slacker in the foot but comfortable in the toe area. That’s all from me folks! Jul 12, 2019 · Narrow feet: tapered feet with a less pronounced plantar arch, a fairly horizontal metatarsal bone and toes that "drop" from the big toe to the fifth toe, giving the foot a pointed shape. Upper: Leather What we like: Hardwearing leather upper and well-rounded performance; we appreciate La Sportiva’s recent sustainability upgrades. Highly recommend! Mar 17, 2025 · Approach shoes combine the features of hiking shoes and climbing shoes in a brand-new category. While beginner shoes can work well for this foot shape, most performance-oriented climbing shoes are designed with higher degrees of asymmetry, with the power concentrated on the big toe, the largest and strongest Jan 9, 2025 · SHOES DOWNTURN CLOSURE UPPER WEIGHT (PAIR) La Sportiva Katana Lace: Aggressive: Lace-up: Leather/Microfiber: 1 lb. 3: Read Review Apr 29, 2025 · Best for Alpine Climbing: Arc’teryx Vertex Alpine ($220) Best Value: Astral Loyak ($99) Best for Cragging: Arc’teryx Kragg ($160) Most Durable: La Sportiva TX4 Evo ($169) Best Scrambler: Scarpa Gecko LT ($169) How to choose; How we test; Meet our testers; Don’t miss: The Best Climbing Shoes of 2025 TLDR: I am looking for intermediate but comfortable climbing shoes for indoor climbing with slight/medium downturn and low/medium pre-tensioning. You do want a very snug fit to get the best out of your shoes. $125 at Amazon $125 at Adidas Nov 6, 2023 · By reducing the instep volume, shoe width, heel size, and arch curve, low-volume shoes will cater better to narrow feet. Five Ten, on the other hand, is known for making narrow shoes that don’t fit large and wide feet. Basically what I've come to discover is that I need symmetrical to low-asymmetrical lasted shoes that creates a more rounded toe box to fit my foot. The Mocassym is the only exception, but I still cannot wear them because the toe box is not tall enough for my toes. Climbing shoes vary widely in material, construction, and style. Mine are long but narrow size 15's. Are you looking to take your climbing game to the next level? One of the most important pieces of gear you'll need is a good pair of climbing shoes. Find out the perfect pair today! POIZON: Discover, cop, and share authenticated premium goods including sneakers, clothing, accessories & more. funneled into the feet Mar 12, 2025 · While most high-quality approach shoes are priced between $160 and $190, the La Sportiva Boulder X ($149) offers high performance and long-term durability at a slightly reduced price point. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 climbing shoes specifically designed for wide feet, covering their key features, pros, cons, and Mar 8, 2025 · Selecting Climbing Shoes For Wide Feet: Things To Take Into Account. Choose key features. If the shop has a small climbing wall or a board with some foot chips, test out the shoes, how they edge and smear, and how balanced you feel. Nov 6, 2023 · GARRA opened its doors in 2001 and has been proudly making its climbing shoes, by hand, from its small factory in Madrid ever since. 11, 81% of them stated they had experienced acute foot pain whilst wearing climbing shoes. Oct 24, 2023 · Unlike approach shoes or hiking boots, climbing shoes are designed to be worn only on technical rock (5th class and above). Its flat last and durable FriXion RS rubber provide excellent grip on smears and edges, making it a solid all-around performer. From our testing, and from reviews found online, our top pick is none other than the Black Diamond Men’s Momentum Lace Climbing Shoes . Conclusion. Nov 17, 2023 · Remember, if you size these shoes too big, it’s like hobbling a horse’s leg before the race. Apr 22, 2025 · The Best Climbing Shoes for Women. I sized up a bit from my street shoe size, I think they run a bit small so you’d want to try them on to get the right size. The fit of these shoes tends to be quite downturned (often referred to as aggressive) and will be tightly tensioned between both the toe box and heel for toeing in on small edges and aggressive heel or toe Apr 30, 2023 · What kind of climbing shoes are best for edging? As an experienced climber, I often get asked, "What are the best climbing shoes for edging?" The answer isn't one-size-fits-all and depends on the specific nature of the climbing scenario. Nov 14, 2024 · The Women’s Katana Lace from La Sportiva ($219) is one of the best all-around, high-performing shoes on the market. And stressful. This is works better in a street shoes, with climbing shoes what works better is the more performance type shoe, they are more snugged to the bottom of the arch (downturn helps with that). Nov 10, 2023 · Symmetrical climbing shoes are often found on the feet of beginner climbers, or big-wall adventurers, who recognize their benefit as trad climbing shoes. I'm planning to go to a couple stores to try some models but hoping for some suggestions as a starting point, thanks! The typical feature of this discipline is the long climbing demand for your feet with a long-term wear. Nov 10, 2023 · Different climbing terrain demands different shoes. 1. Finding the right pair of shoes for an above the average feet size is a great hassle. The Egyptian foot represents about 50% of the population, the Roman foot 27% and the Greek Sep 17, 2021 · Full review: The Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet. They work well for my feet when the men’s will feel too large. The fully knit upper provides both comfort and breathability—both of which will help out Oct 13, 2017 · If you have wide feet, make sure to try them on beforehand, as they might not be your best fit (here are our favorite climbing shoes for wide feet). Pros: Feb 28, 2022 · Best Indoor Climbing Shoes: Black Diamond Shadow. They have a smaller heel and are lower volume. They offer both stability and traction on rocky surfaces, while also ensuring comfort during long hikes on the trail. We're here to provide the beta on some of the world's best climbing shoes in 2025. 5/11 US. This Spanish company specializes in making climbing shoes and currently has five shoes in their range. mkdnoeismkhrmqsdmqckscdxyfwmlnydvkeuuhuxohasamavujhsryzmqadtknehbbtygdeudic