Trad climbing shoes review Apr 16, 2025 · Whether you're trad climbing, bouldering, or crack climbing, climbing shoes are a must, no matter your style. Jan 26, 2022 · Trad Climbing. Jan 3, 2023 · Especially for climbers who like their shoes to flirt with an old-school, full-foot supportive feel but also have a dash of flair and downturn for technical sport climbing. I plan to pickup a pair 1/2 up from my street shoe size for all day. Black Diamond's contribution, the Aspect, is a great addition and worthy of consideration for those desiring more sensitivity or a low-top design that's Related Searches. Dec 9, 2021 · Trad Climbing. If you add into the mix its flexible, adaptable fit and the soft rubber toe patch it makes those toe/foot jams feel super solid. We know. 9. While I was passing by a decathlon store I saw that they had some climbing equipment made by simond and couldn't find any reviews online. The form-fit heel and medium-stiff midsole offer a blend of sensitivity and support for all-purpose climbing. The Vibram rubber will ensure your stability no matter what obstacles you face. The Black Diamond Aspect Pro is an absolute beast when it comes to trad climbing. Mar 20, 2022 · The greater adjustability of laces compared to single closure velcro shoes makes this a better climbing shoe for narrow feet. They are stiff enough to stand on small edges and smears, but still work well in cracks. Apr 16, 2024 · The Generator Mid is Scarpa’s shoe specifically designed for trad climbers. Jun 26, 2019 · Check out our Climbing Shoe Collections Ocun Ozone Plus Climbing Shoe Review, by Dave Westlake. Mar 10, 2025 · Read Review: A Precise, Supportive, Light-on-the-Foot All-Arounder: SCARPA Arpia V Climbing Shoe Review The Scarpa Arpia V the TC Pros are the best overall trad climbing shoe on the market. Durability, Resoling, Sustainability, and Animal Welfare Apr 25, 2024 · These shoes are best used for technical face climbing on vertical to gently overhung terrain – techy limestone, granite edging, and bouldering are the best uses for the Miura VS. The soft unlined leather is cozy the first day you put it on and stretches as the temps increase and your feet swell. Feb 9, 2024 · If you’re serious about climbing and want a shoe that can handle any challenge, the EVOLV Zenist Pro Climbing Shoes are a must-have. Read our review these 7 brand new climbing shoes: Tenaya Mastia, Evolv Kira, Evolv Phantom, Red Chili Voltage Lace, Scarpa Booster, Scarpa Maestro Mid, La Sportiva Theory, Scarpa Drago LV, La Sportiva Zenit, La Sportiva Cobra 4:99. What I Love About Climbing: It is a chance to yell and show off my muscles in a socially-acceptable way. The SCARPA Maestro Eco , released in spring 2018, departs from the idea that trad shoes Apr 24, 2025 · We’ve also updated pricing as well as shoe specs and info throughout. It's a fraction of an ounce heavier than some of the other lightweight contenders in this review, but a heck of a lot cheaper. However, I particularly think this climbing shoe excels in a traditional climbing setting, on slabby terrain and cracks. The only real complaint I’ve ever heard is that “it doesn’t fit my foot,” which is hardly a critique of the shoe design, as not every shoe can fit every foot perfectly. $165; trango. Nov 20, 2020 · The shoe is perhaps built for a foot with a medium width, though the single strap can secure the shoe very tight. This is a high-end, niche shoe for thin face climbing, technical slabs with micro holds (not smeary slabs), cracks up to hands or fists, and all-day trad/multi-pitch. But, for highly technical trad climbing routes with thin finger-sized cracks, seams, and face holds, the VSR’s sensitivity and suppleness become an advantage over stiffer and burlier shoes. The Ra had a precise, pointy toebox—great for pockets, flat edges, jibs, and thin cracks—but suffered in the smearing/grabbing department due to a stiff midsole and a flat last that, over time, developed into an upward “swoop. The shoe performs well in cracks and on moderate face climbing, but not so well on thin face climbing and friction. MATERIAL: 1200-denier Polyester PRICE: $$$ PROS: Extremely durable, offers easy packing CONS: A bit pricey The mighty king of crag packs – the Black Diamond Creek 50 can swallow up all your equipment on route development days, giving it the title of a true gear dumpster! I'm new to climbing and I was looking for some entry level climbing gear. Dec 27, 2023 · A comfortable shoe for moderate trad and alpine climbing, this expensive shoe is ultimately overshadowed by higher performing high-tops: An awesome shoe for long climbs requiring a variety of crack climbing and edging techniques: With this shoe, you can climb pitch after pitch without pain: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing Dec 17, 2024 · Types of Climbing Shoes: Trad, Sport, Bouldering, Gym. Available at: amazon. Finding the right climbing shoes can feel overwhelming with so many choices out there, each designed for different climbing needs. Our testers have ground down the rubber on hundreds of shoes over the years, on everything from cracks to slabs to the steepness. This relatively flat, lace-up climbing shoe may never climb 5. The Maestro Mid Eco is a solid contender for the best trad shoe on the market. Sticky rubber, a neutral shape, and premium leather make the Helix an essential piece of gear for climbers doing longer, multi-pitch climbs too. This is a comfy, well built shoe. 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. Create your own playground in climbing with So iLL shoes - now available in the UK! With a range of shoes suitable for indoor, outdoor, slabs, overhangs, vert, heel hooks, toe catches, and everything in between, the So iLL range by Fred Nicole Jul 5, 2020 · Learn why the Altura is hailed as the ultimate crack climbing shoe. Because these are a mellower-type of design, they work great on trad routes. May 8, 2021 · Best Women’s Trad Climbing Shoes. Though it may not be ideal for all foot shapes, this shoe if fitted well has the potential to be great at nearly every aspect of climbing. With smaller cracks, you’ll likely find that the shoe crimps your feet. Step into a pair of Zenist Pro shoes and unlock your climbing potential. Designed with a simple, yet functional neutral profile and a form-fitting leather upper, the Five Ten Anasazi Lace are a comfortable, yet versatile pair of climbing shoes. Feb 12, 2024 · The Five Ten Anasazi Lace Pink (a. The shoes, which one tester labelled “semi-precise” (she hankered for a pointier, more asymmetrical toe), did work on smaller footholds by applying concerted force, though Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. There are as many styles of climbing shoes as there are rocks, and for best performance, these two factors should be matched appropriately. Nov 12, 2024 · The Alpha feels like more of an all-rounder than some of the other shoes on test here, and if you mix and match indoor and outdoor climbing this may make it doubly good value for money - in a previous review we used it mainly for trad and sport climbing! Feb 8, 2024 · You can use soft, supple, sensitive slip-on climbing shoes like the Unparallel Up Mocc in virtually any terrain, from thin cracks to boulder problems. If it's all-day comfort you're looking for, or you just want a more supportive climbing shoe, then the TC Pro has a lot going in its favour. 4mm midsole and 4mm XS Edge outsole)—or straight-up comfort. La Sportiva TC Pro climbing shoe review Best climbing shoes for multi-pitch trad climbing Flat profile climbing shoes for comfort Durable climbing shoes with Vibram XS Edge rubber Climbing shoes with stiff midsole support Unlined leather climbing shoes for optimal fit Lightweight climbing shoes for long routes Precision fit lace-up climbing shoes Eco-friendly leather climbing Aug 26, 2008 · I've used this shoe on roughly 3000 ft of trad climbing in Eldorado Canyon and on California Granite. Jun 8, 2022 · Trad and Crack Climbing. The truth is the Five Ten Hiangle probably won’t last as long as some similarly targeted but more expensive offerings from La Sportiva or Scarpa. a. Unlike a lot of other trad shoes, though, the Aspect is a low-top design. Dec 8, 2023 · Also, as Scarpa notes in their marketing copy, the toe profile is well suited for jamming thin cracks, making it suitable for some difficult trad climbing challenges. The Scarpa website told me: "If you're after one shoe for indoor climbing, bouldering, sport climbing and even multipitch traditional climbing then the Vapour V is the shoe to Dec 19, 2024 · Saltic is a well-established brand known for its exceptional classic climbing shoes, and they’ve leveraged their extensive experience to create these groundbreaking barefoot climbing shoes. Discover its standout features, materials, and real-world testing insights. Mar 4, 2020 · The Grandstone is a shoe designed primarily for traditional rock climbing. True Miura aficionados may own two or three pairs in an array of sizes for that reason. In the case of the TC Pro, La Sportiva worked closely with their athletes—particularly Tommy Caldwell—to create a shoe that was designed to merge high-end performance with big-wall functionality. (4mm of Vibram’s stiff XS Edge rubber complete the ensemble. Aug 1, 2012 · Any shoe trying to fill this “trad/performance all-arounder” niche has its work cut out for it. It doesn't excel in the steep and gymnastic world of high-end sport climbing or bouldering but is an ideal choice for almost any type of trad climbing. Expect to replace the shoe laces before you have to get your Bananas resoled. This stiff, aggressive shoe is perhaps best known for its ability to perch on tiny edges, and climbers love it for steep boulders, technical sport climbs, and vertical granite trad routes alike. com. Comfort: 7/10 Grabbing Apr 21, 2022 · Trad / Crack Climbing. Oct 23, 2019 · Unlike most leather climbing shoes, Scarpa purpose-built the Maestro Mid Eco with the goal of mitigating its environmental impact. Sep 3, 2019 · BUY NOW. The Generator and its mid-cut companion buck that trend in a big way, says Rob Greenwood, combining all-day comfort with an impressive level of performance. 9–5. Most of our testers found it to be a supremely comfortable and effective shoe for trad and crack climbing. Name “Score” out of ten Best price; Top. Related Searches. On more vertical and slabby terrain, the stiff midsole provides the support needed for standing on a dime’s edge. Read on for our 2025 picks. Nov 12, 2024 · Serious Climbing Distribution welcomes So iLL to the UK . These five top options are all designed with trad climbing in mind, and they will help you maneuver the cracks and rock features you’re likely to come across on a trad route. Because these shoes are designed for all-around trad climbing performance, the Maestro lands in the middle of the road in terms of edging performance and softness. The trend is very much for softer and softer shoes, and the new Boostic reflects that fashion. ) The upper is made with 2mm of suede and lined with a comfortable neoprene sock. Nov 22, 2019 · These shoes have many of the same redeeming qualities of Five Ten shoes of days past — most notably super sticky rubber soles. Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. Don't let the overall “low” score fool Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. Nov 14, 2024 · Best Trad Climbing Shoe La Sportiva TC Pro $219 at REI Check Price at Backcountry. com; See more 2020 Gear Guide reviews: Editors’ Choice Awards; Bouldering Kit; Sport Climbing Kit; Alpine Climbing Kit; Gym and Training Kit; Multi-pitch and Trad 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 Shoes Mar 18, 2020 · A stiff, moderately downturn climbing shoe has a myriad of applications, and the Scarpa Instinct Lace is no exception. The Iati offers decent support for longer routes, but its aggressive profile means foot pump may be an issue for multi-pitch trad climbs. Feb 21, 2025 · Related Searches. The Bi-tension rand creates a feel and performance similar to the classic La Sportiva Katana Lace , but with a slightly more narrow fit, particularly in the heel cup. Sep 5, 2023 · These days rock shoes seem to be getting softer and softer, making the quest to find a supportive trad shoe increasingly tough. “That said, the continuous one-piece outsole retains some stiffness which, when sized down, makes the Vapor S a pretty decent edging shoe. Butora Narsha will work best when climbing hard routes and when you need to rely on your shoes to stay on those micro holds. They offer the grip, precision, and control you need to send it on any problem or route. My Favorite All Around Shoes. Over the past decade, our team has tested over 45 of the best climbing shoes for women. Czech brand Ocun are a growing presence in the UK, and I’ve spotted more and more climbers wearing their shoes, harnesses and clothing recently. Sizing is tricky due to the small size of the collar, and it is always worth trying on climbing shoes in a shop before purchasing in any case. Great for trad climbers needing a reliable, versatile shoe. Bouldering Sep 21, 2022 · These climbing shoes don’t come with extra protection and support for jamming in cracks. Posted by Neil Skilton April 26, 2021 October 12, 2021. Oct 1, 2020 · The very best trad climbing shoes are fantastic for trad, but really not so great for other kinds of climbing, especially steeper sport or boulders. Jul 15, 2022 · Whilst they're undoubtedly a natural edging shoe, and amazing in cracks, they're also remarkably good on smears - you've just got to learn to trust them. The Scarpa Instinct Lace is probably the best all-around climbing shoe on the market. This shoe is indeed a decent all-rounder, but it still can’t be called the best shoe for trad or crack climbing. Also, the shoe provides such a snug fit that it is detrimental for crack climbs. We’ve spent countless hours on different forms of climbing, and along the way we’ve learned that when it comes to trad climbing, it’s crucial to have shoes that meet the specific demands of the type of rock for trad, rather than looking for a one-size-fits Nov 1, 2024 · There's nothing fancy about it, but it still gets the job done and is an excellent option for those just breaking into trad climbing who need to purchase a lot of gear at once. In these situations, comfort can be an essential factor. They will soften over time, and you can always size up for comfort. Apr 18, 2010 · The Mythos are one of the oldest climbing shoes out there and still one of the best selling. Sport climbing, bouldering, and trad climbing tend to be as similar as apples, oranges, and bananas—which is to say, rather dissimilar. The mid-height shoe is best suited for mid-to-wide cracks and long routes where you want solid edging performance (thanks to the Talyn 1. VOLUME: 50 L WEIGHT: 4 lbs. Dec 6, 2016 · In my selection of rock shoes beyond the Ras, I have Scarpa Force Xs (two pairs in different sizes; my comfortable moderate multi-pitch guiding shoes and my Indian Creek crack climbing shoes), Five Ten Anasazi Velcros (my longtime favorites for climbing my hardest sport climbs and boulder problems), La Sportiva Tarantulas (for gym climbing The trad and crack climbing shoe scene has been dominated by the TC Pro for several years now. In trad climbing circles, the La Sportiva TC Pro is almost universally heralded as the best climbing shoe ever made. As mentioned earlier, the Simond Rock+ is one of the most popular shoes at the gym. Whereas standard climbing shoe leather is prepared using toxic chemicals, the Maestro’s Eco Leather is tanned and dyed using a more environmentally friendly process. Evolv Yosemite Bum Shoe review Best climbing shoes for trad climbing Comfortable shoes for long technical climbs Durable climbing shoes for big walls Supportive shoes for off-width cracks Flat profile climbing shoes for crack climbing Evolv Yosemite Bum features and benefits Mid-rise climbing shoes for ankle protection Lightweight climbing shoes for extended wear Trax SAS The Trad climbing shoe Over two years of study and research have led to the creation of the GENERATOR, the shoe that guarantees top performance for traditional Climbers combining excellent comfort and protection for prolonged use on big walls and cracks. Check out our women's climbing shoe review to see how it ranks versus other top shoes. For over a decade, our climbing experts have tested over 75 shoes side-by-side to bring you the most comprehensive climbing shoe review in existence. Foot shaped shoes seem to go against the ethos of climbing, but these are made by a company that also makes regular climbing shoes so maybe they're… Skip to main content Open menu Open navigation Go to Reddit Home Aug 11, 2022 · No climbing shoe review would be complete without discussing how long you get from a pair. ET TC pros are kind of the gold standard for crack climbing though, and for good reason. With a stiffer shoe you change the way you use certain holds and this requires a little adaptation – first try out indoors at the Depot there were a few amusing episodes (for my ever supportive mates!) with popping off smears. The Scarpa Vapor V is competent to excellent at a specialized niche of crack climbing, particularly thinner cracks that lean more toward more technical footwork inside and outside of the cracks. Their advanced features, superior quality, and versatile performance make them an excellent investment. Apr 18, 2023 · T he all-round comfy climbing shoe is something we don't talk about much. Extended toe rubber maximises contact area for increased friction. It is a stiff shoe, but not overly so. m. The Pinks) are a traditional climbing shoe with a modern twist. Oct 13, 2017 · By most accounts, the La Sportiva TC Pro is the shoe to beat in the world of trad climbing. Jan 2, 2024 · As with any jack-of-all-trades, the TC Pro falls behind some specialized shoes in their respective niches. 13 or V7 gracefully. May 13, 2022 · Interestingly, as time went by, I found myself - more often than not - just packing the Instinct SR, particularly whilst bouldering or low to mid grade trad climbing, because they were not only a supremely comfortable shoe, but also gave me a good level of performance and sensitivity. May 5, 2021 · This shoe isn't the highest performer in our review, but it's a bargain for someone looking to train in the gym: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing: A bargain price for a climbing shoe with respectable performance: A great deal for an adequate climbing shoe: This super comfy shoe is perfect for folks who are just starting to May 6, 2025 · Aside from technique and willpower, climbing shoes are the most important piece of gear for a climber. Further Reading Review: Our Top 11 Rock Climbing Shoes We regularly test climbing shoes that are released over the year. It is the only shoe our reviewer, Matt, owns, and he lead climbs, trad climbs, and boulders in them. The lace model offers more protection and support and may be more appropriate as an all-round trad climbing shoe. Given its combination of comfort for all-day wear and underfoot support for edging performance, the ideal use for this shoe is long sessions of trad climbing, be that a big multipitch route or a high mileage day at a single pitch crag. Sep 3, 2023 · Unlike regular shoes, trad shoes are designed to handle the rugged terrain of most climbing routes. Best Uses for Simond Rock shoes Gym Climbing. Jan 2, 2024 · The Aspect is Black Diamond's entry into the crowded field of climbing shoes marketed for trad climbing. I went street shoe and it is performance fit for me. Nov 7, 2024 · Another climbing shoe that got the 5-star seal of approval from expert tester Jessie Leong, the Tenaya Masai is a shoe with a neutral footbed that can nevertheless hold its own on everything from easier multi-pitch trad to boulder problems. Any shoe that’s suitable for sport climbing will almost certainly be capable of some trad climbing – if a little over-engineered. Jun 16, 2020 · Its ultra-stiff sole provides ample support while the thick leather upper supplies plenty of padding and ankle protection. You want a shoe that’s stiff enough for edging, not so downturned you get “foot-binding torture” in cracks, soft enough for face-hold sensitivity and smearing, but also durable enough to withstand grotty, grainy, crystalline trad rock, all-day mileage (read: being on your smelly, sweaty Apr 17, 2024 · S ome pieces of climbing equipment have stayed unchanged for many years because they just do the job well and you know what you're getting. NEW MEMBER OFFER! Get 40% off KAYA PRO, the ultimate climber’s toolkit Aug 19, 2024 · Its construction feels beefed up, pointing to the shoe holding its precision and withstanding resoles longer than the old version. During this test, the Masai was one of the best for pitching as an ultra-sticky, technical climbing shoe, sensitive for edging and finding purchase on the smallest of holds. Most high-top shoes are characterized by seriously stiff flexes and thick rubber that impedes sensitivity, but the Aspect Pro is a far more sensitive and nimble shoe thanks to a relatively softer rubber. . They stand out for just how soft and comfortable they are. With its high level of comfort, ease of entry/exit, and awesomely sticky Vibram XS Grip 2 outsole, we also think the Vapor S makes an ideal all-around indoor climbing shoe. Trad and crack climbers out there: definitely go ahead and give them a go anyway. The rand is dialed in for weight, consistency and comfort, and the rubber gives you just enough stiffness to stick to tiny edges and low friction Jun 21, 2023 · The La Sportiva Futura 2024 climbing shoe is made mostly for lead climbing and hard bouldering. Easy to moderate trad climbing routes should be no problem. Finding an all-day climbing shoe that can crush hard across all terrain and climbing styles is a tall order. That's starting to change as several companies have added their own stiff-soled, high-top mimics. Mar 20, 2019 · The Katana Lace by La Sportiva is a well-rounded shoe that excels at almost all types of climbing. May 5, 2021 · Used by many big names in climbing, it excels at both sport climbs and long trad routes: An awesome shoe for long climbs requiring a variety of crack climbing and edging techniques: With this shoe, you can climb pitch after pitch without pain: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing Jan 11, 2022 · This La Sportiva climbing shoe is often named one of the best beginner climbing shoes, and it is undoubtedly a winning choice for that purpose. Best shoes for trad climbing Lightweight shoes for comfort Durable climbing shoes for trad routes Affordable trad climbing shoes High-quality shoes for all levels Guide to choosing trad climbing shoes Recommended brands for climbing shoes Comfortable shoes for long climbs Shoes with superior grip Essential shoes for trad climbers That said, if you really want a stiff pair of shoes for long multipitches, boreal makes some good quality stiff shoes at a competitive pricepoint. Hard single pitch - whatever shoe is right for what I’m climbing. Not because there’s anything wrong with that shoe. Shop for La Sportiva Men's Climbing Shoes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. 3 Most of the climbing shoes in our review are priced around the $200 range, which is typically what you Nov 10, 2023 · For many, an all-around climbing shoe is called for. Its a soft climbing shoe for the advanced climber who goes both indoor and outdoor climbing. 5 Women/6. For a sport as abrasive as ours, the way a shoe holds up is a major factor. The only difference is that the entire sole material is composed of XS Grip2 rather than XS Edge rubber. It features a stiff, flat sole that provides an excellent platform for exploiting marginal edges while supplying adequate support for sustained foot jams. 7 oz. Especially longer ones. Nov 17, 2019 · When compared to a more traditional, flat climbing shoe, the difference is mind-boggling in its ability to grab, pull and hold onto foot holds by powering everything to the front of the foot. Jun 11, 2013 · The Tenaya Ra is an elegant Spanish shoe representing a solid marriage of precision and comfort for trad, face, and sport climbing. Scarpa set out to design the perfect shoe for crack climbs, spending two years of research and testing over 100 prototypes to design the Generator Mid. May 14, 2003 · Summary: The Phoenix is Mad Rock’s take on a trad-climbing rock shoe, with the addition of its aggressive heel cup. The seamless heel and breathable tongue add to your comfort. The Masai first hit the shelves in 2010 and almost 15 years later it’s still delighting trad slab fiends with its awesome ability to balance all-day comfort with a confidence-inspiring level of performance. 5 Men | Classic For A Reason | With more than a few awards to its name, the Helix offers a classic lace-up design that’s a fan-favorite among climbing guides, beginning climbers, and anyone looking for an all-day climbing shoe. Jul 2, 2021 · In contrast, I feel like there are fewer and fewer stiff/supportive shoes that are ideal for a lot of the trad and sport climbing in the British Isles. “Trad shoes” usually just means stiffish and flattish, sometimes designed to be worn true to size, and sometimes high top (I’ve never understood the need for a high-top shoe except in offwidth or if you need ankle support though). May 2, 2021 · We know one person that owns this shoe in three sizes: tight for hard climbing, bigger for multi-pitch free climbing, and roomy for El Cap in a day missions. While it’s a comfortable shoe that you can wear all day (and smears well), the Phoenix comes up short in crack-climbing performance — the lacing extends too far down the chiseled toe, leaving no room for an adequately Aug 15, 2023 · In a day and age where shoes seem to be getting softer and softer, the quest to find a supportive trad shoe feels increasingly tough. Sport Climbing and Bouldering Oct 8, 2020 · The Butora Endeavor climbing shoes are a great option for beginners. Sep 15, 2022 · TC Pros are rock climbing shoes specifically designed and marketed for trad and crack climbing. com; backcountry. It might surprise you! The added bonus of comfort will prolong your time on the rope. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Oct 4, 2018 · All testers said the shoes excelled at smearing, pockets, and trad (jamming, slabs), and were good on face holds down to “medium-sized edges”—the 5. Jan 12, 2023 · Trad and Crack Climbing. You’ll feel comfortable relying on your Katanas to support your every move on your trad ascent. ” Jul 13, 2014 · I’ve found that most “trad”-specific shoes on the market are clunky, poor-performing shoes designed for moderate climbing. Mar 10, 2025 · From trad climbing to pockets to bouldering, the best climbing shoes just keep getting better. Something that can help send your bouldering project, clip the chains on a pumpy sport route and even top out a tasty trad line, if that’s your thing. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns. Jul 29, 2022 · For these reasons, a beginner climbing shoe is generally designed with thicker rubber on the sole. See how it measures up versus the competition in our best climbing shoes review. My first impression of the Grandstone out of the box was, “Wow this shoe is more aggressive then I was imagining!” The arch is slightly concave and there is a more defined toe shape which I was pretty excited to try out. Dec 27, 2023 · Utilizing the latest climbing shoe technology, Black Diamond has added a fresh face to the class of high-top trad shoes. Feb 24, 2025 · It’s a more versatile climbing shoe than the original Drago. The outsole thickness of high-end rock climbing shoes ranges from about 3 – 4 mm, while shoes made for the entry-level market run from 4 – 5 mm. Jun 29, 2018 · Namely, trad shoes are comfortable for all-day climbing, can withstand twisting into cracks, and are stiff. I ordered two pairs (one street shoe size, other 1/2 size up) and was only planning on keeping Jul 30, 2021 · The adidas Five Ten NIAD VCS Climbing Shoes deliver all-around performance. May 29, 2021 · For that reason, here are the best trad climbing shoes on the market today. May 8, 2022 · Trad climbing is the Mythos Eco’s highest calling. To ensure these shoes are truly exceptional, we put them to the test by handing them over to two professional climbers who also have a passion for Aug 28, 2020 · In early 2020, my search for the trad climber’s holy grail–the perfect high-top climbing shoe–continued when I got a pair of Acopa JBs (“JB” as in climbing legend John Bachar; more about that later). EU Size: 39 – US Size: 7. La Sportiva wanted to develop a futuristic climbing shoe with their newest Futura as well. I was looking for something better than the La Sportiva TC Pro. Prior to 2015 Ocun shoes were sold under the ‘Rock Pillars’ brand name, and they had gained solid a May 15, 2019 · The Scarpa Maestro Mid Eco climbing shoe. Tenaya Mastia climbing shoes review Nov 15, 2019 · The new Jett LU climbing shoe combines accuracy with comfort that you will appreciate on day-long climbs. Jul 7, 2015 · W hen Scarpa wanted a pair of the newly updated Vapour V shoes put through their paces, I slapped the name in to Google to see what kind of shoe we were talking about. Shoes for trad climbing should be flat and stable, so you can squeeze them into the smallest crack without bunching up your toes! When it comes to trad climbing, you’ll most likely spend more time on the rock than with sport climbs or even go on a multi-pitch day out, so comfort is key! Dec 20, 2023 · “It’s also a great all-day sport shoe for terrain that doesn’t rely on sustained thin edging,” he said, citing the Red, Maple Canyon, and Rifle. With lace protection on the upper, you can stuff your foot into gnarly cracks without shredding your laces to bits. Their stiff, supportive construction holds up equally well on long pitches of calf-straining edges and 100-foot splitter cracks with continual heel-toe camming and jamming. Katanas are my goto do everything shoe. Mar 19, 2024 · Best for Trad Climbing: Scarpa Vapor S; Best for Narrow Feet: Red Chili Voltage LV ; Best Climbing Shoes: Reviews & Recommendations Most Comfortable: Ocun Jett QC. Written by Austin Beck-Doss and Matt Bento Mar 10, 2025 9:59 a. Jan 31, 2025 · Related Searches. How to Find the Perfect Climbing Shoes As a Beginner? Mar 11, 2023 · Related, on how to size - some say street shoe, others recommend 1/2 size down. 11 range. Nov 11, 2023 · Trad climbing can encompass a diverse range of rock types, crack sizes, and wall angles, so it can difficult to point at any one shoe that performs perfectly on every type of terrain. Bottom Line: Comfortable, high-performing trad shoe that can swing sport climbing, too Apr 6, 2016 · Bouldering, sport, hard trad, single-pitch, or multi-pitch—the Tarifa can do it all. Mar 24, 2014 · However, the laces also tend to blow out early. Ideal Uses: Hard, technical trad routes; all-day wear. It’s not impossible, but other climbing shoes more specialized for trad climbing do a much better job. 6 days ago · Since 1970, Climbing Magazine has been the voice of the climbing world, publishing climbing news, interviews, features, opinions, and advice. Interesting Facts: I learned to rock climb in Japan and I learned to use chopsticks in America. The Trad climbing shoe GENERATOR V is the shoe with excellent rigidity and robustness, it is capable of utilizing the smallest of footholds. Features Overview Mar 11, 2021 · The Butora Narsha climbing shoes are a great climbing shoe for edging and for overhanging boulder and sport routes. Performance is cool, performance shoes look cool, and people performing feats of amazing strength are cool to watch. MSRP: $79. Jun 6, 2023 · This shoe has obvious relevance to trad climbing, with its flat last and low volume fit around the forefoot being particularly attractive to crack climbers. This high-performance shoe has a full-length rand and sticky CAT 1. The heel is definitely best suited to those with narrow heels. However, relegating this model to the ranks of newbies sells its capabilities short as a low-cost all-around climbing shoe. Indeed, trad routes take longer, on average, and are more likely to be multiple pitches. Other Interests: Photography, snowboarding, travel, and reading. This is a shoe that can be sized super tight for bouldering and sport-climbing, or loose for all-day wear. 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) Sep 17, 2021 · Full review: The Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes. Jun 14, 2024 · In use. May 1, 2022 · Black Diamond’s Aspect shoe is a great addition to the trad climbing shoe scene. We think its edging prowess, paired with its impressive sensitivity, makes it an ideal shoe for techy sport and trad climbs. Versatile Stealth® C4™ rubber edges, grips and smears across all surfaces, indoors and out. Jun 14, 2022 · With the arrival of the Red Chili Magnet for review it was a (pleasant) surprise to climb in a stiff, flat lasted shoe again. The Mythos’ high comfort level, durability, size adjustability, and crack climbing abilities all combine into a climbing shoe that is more than the sum of its parts. The flat shape supports the foot without tiring it even during prolonged use. The shoes perform quite well in all areas of climbing and they are really affordable. La Sportiva Oct 1, 2020 · BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND TRAD PERFORMANCE. Lovely though it is to feel each and every rugosity beneath your feet, there's no benefit to that if you're not able to stand on it for 30 minutes whilst fiddling in a wire, building a belay, or trying not to have a panic attack. This stiff-soled slipper is especially well-suited to any trad line, slabs, or routes with plenty of edging and cracks. If you’re looking for top performance in an easy-to-wear package, look no further than this all-around ass-kicking pick. Here's where the low-to-mid-grade shoe comes into its own. 5 sole. Normally I wouldn't put climbing shoes in this category because pretty much every shoe on the market over the last decade seems to have undergone updates that make the current version feel very different from the original - and that's assuming your Aug 2, 2023 · As noted, this shoe isn’t designed with the features normally desired for trad and crack climbing. If you are looking for a more advanced shoe you can read about other Butora climbing shoes here. Nov 15, 2023 · The Masai Legacy. Now, if Scarpa made a Drago XT LV and a slightly softer, asymmetrical, more downturned version (compared to the Drago), I’d have a The Anasazi Lace, known throughout the climbing world as the ‘Pinks’, is a truly iconic shoe. Oct 5, 2020 · The reason why this shoe best bouldering climbing shoe in La Sportiva's line-up (in my opinion the Solution is the best of all for bouldering shoe that you can find) is; The Solution has an adjustable and precise fit, solid rubber, aggressive, unique heel, and opportunity to give you a chance of sticking even the smallest footholds. Jun 2, 2008 · The low cut of the shoe allowed for good ankle mobility on slabs and cracks, while its medium stiffness handled smearing (thanks to 4mm Vibram XS Grip rubber), edging, and jamming like a pro. Trad climbing arguably places the toughest demands on a climbing shoe. Like crack climbing, climbing shoes have to support you on the challenging terrain that comes with trad. Aug 16, 2023 · The Generator is Scarpa’s new flagship trad-climbing shoe. Combining a robust design with superior comfort and performance, this shoe excels in various climbing environments. This Velcro version is more geared to overhanging terrain than the lace-up Miura, which is even a touch harder and offers more support for adventurous routes in less-than-vertical terrain. Jan 2, 2024 · The La Sportiva Miura VS belongs in the world of tough climbing, where it can use its diamond-hard edges and asymmetric shape to power down on invisible rock features. As someone who spends a lot of my time on the trad routes around Colorado, I was eager to try out the Maestro Mid Eco and see how it compares to the other trad-specific options on Jan 2, 2024 · A bargain price for a climbing shoe with respectable performance: A simple shoe with solid performance for trad climbing: A great deal for an adequate climbing shoe: This super comfy shoe is perfect for folks who are just starting to climb: This shoe isn't the highest performer in our review, but it's a bargain for someone looking to train in Oct 23, 2019 · The Miura VS is a time-tested classic from La Sportiva, offering impressive levels of performance on varied terrain. Used by legends of yesteryear like Klem Loskot, Fred Nicole, and Chris Sharma, the Pinks were one of the most loved climbing shoes of the 20th century. Five Ten Grandstone climbing shoe men's review Best climbing shoes for trad climbing Men's high-top climbing shoes for ankle support Stealth C4 rubber climbing shoes for precision Durable microfiber climbing shoes for men Stiff midsole climbing shoes for all-day comfort Lace-up climbing shoes for technical performance Five Ten Grandstone shoe sizing recommendations Aug 31, 2023 · One of the all-time best-selling shoes in La Sportiva’s lineup, and beloved by sport climbers and trad craggers alike, the Miura VS’s subtly updated 2023 re-release includes a slimmed down heel, slightly altered velcro positions, and the inclusion of more recycled materials—none of which diminish the original Miura VS’s strengths. ” Alright, that sounds like a contradiction. k. But for most of us, bread and butter days out climbing are far off the cutting edge. But some shoes are versatile enough to let you climb a variety of terrain, though they won’t have the features of a dedicated trad shoe, like high tops or toe padding. The shoe excels the most for hard bouldering and sport climbing, much like its counterpart the Instinct VS or VSR. 12 or harder on gear, there is no reason to spend $200 on climbing shoes with the exception of TC pros which are worth it if you climb enough to resole em once per year. Top trad shoes let your toes lie flat so you can jam your feet into thin cracks; have semi-sturdy rubber that can be torqued inside cracks but still protect your feet; and Apr 22, 2025 · The Best Climbing Shoes for Women. Apr 14, 2020 · I’d highly recommend this lace-up to beginners looking for an entry-level shoe or any climber looking for comfy all-day wear. Featuring a stiffer midsole and rubber protection over the toe, Ace has been optimised for traditional climbing and cracks. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review ratings make it easy for you to make smarter, more informed, purchase decisions every time. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, the right pair of climbing shoes is essential. 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. Thanks, Doug. It has a close-fitting cut and lacing down to the toes, which you can tighten up to get the perfect fit. A small percentage, however, experienced sharp Achilles pain that made these shoes unwearable. The ideal pair will offer the fit and performance that match your climbing style so you can tackle the wall more confidently. La Sportiva bills it as “the ultimate technical, big wall, free climbing shoe,” which is a bold (though oddly specific) claim. Nov 29, 2021 · Trad Climbing. Finally, the Scarpa Instinct VSR is almost a replica of the Instinct VS. It is very stiff, built for torquing in cracks and edging, and as a result has a flat, neutral last and full-length mid and outsoles. Overall, we loved these shoes on vertical terrain and crack climbs. Wonder if I can get some help in here. Nov 8, 2024 · Favorite Type of Climbing: Indoor Trad Solo. Designed by and named after pro climber Tommy Caldwell (of “The Dawn Wall” fame), the La Sportiva TC Pros are perhaps the most classic and well-known trad climbing shoe, and for good reason. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. If you are an intermediate or more… A stiffer-soled shoe would perhaps be a better option for serious face climbing, but for most objectives, the medium-stiff midsole on the Maestro is more than sufficient. Mar 5, 2022 · The Tenaya Masai is a multi-climbing unisex shoe that combines functionality and form (Image credit: Jessie Leong) Tenaya Masai: on the crag. We've got options from our men's climbing shoes review and our women's climbing shoes review, from all the top Jun 17, 2019 · The world of trad climbing shoes isn’t a big one — most companies only make one or two trad-specific models while making scores of shoes for other disciplines. Mar 10, 2022 · Buy Ocun Jett Crack Rock Climbing Shoes | Performance Shoe for Crack and Trad Climbing and other Climbing at Amazon. The shoe is very comfortable, with a nicely padded heel and tongue. The Aspect offers a comfortable fit, impressive versatility, durability, and excellent build quality at a highly competitive price point. Unless you are climbing 5. I wear TCs on 90% of trad pitches with Katana Laces for the other 10% Apr 26, 2021 · Reviews: Best Trad Climbing Shoes for Muti Pitches. Aug 28, 2020 · The Ace is a classic reborn! With more symmetrical, yet slightly downturned last shape and low volume toe, Ace is a versatile shoe with a less aggressive shape. Jan 20, 2016 · About this item . To ensure that you have excellent climbing experience, it is important that you choose a trad shoe that is comfortable enough for extensive and extended wear and is your right size. Best Trad Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva TC Pro. gkoeu zgxqncy lirml xxymht hmtio zzuq isngaa xqcrzx qbpkpjy jlt