Best Climbing Shoes for Indoor and Outdoor

All Equipment

What Are Climbing Shoes?

Climbing shoes are tight-fitting, rubber-soled shoes designed for gripping rock and climbing holds. They have sticky rubber outsoles, a snug fit that eliminates dead space, and a shape that concentrates force on your toes for precise footwork. Unlike any other shoe, they’re intentionally uncomfortable — the tighter the fit, the better the performance on small holds and edges.

Every climber needs climbing shoes. Rental shoes at the gym will get you started, but owning your own pair that’s moulded to your feet changes everything about your climbing.

Who Needs Them?

Anyone who climbs regularly — even once a week. Rental shoes are fine for your first session, but they’re worn out, over-sanitised, and never fit properly. Your own shoes will fit better, smell better (initially, at least), and improve your footwork immediately.

The type of shoe you need depends on your level and climbing style. Beginners want comfort and a neutral shape. Intermediate climbers benefit from a moderate downturn. Advanced climbers use aggressively downturned shoes for overhanging routes and bouldering.

What to Look For

Shape is categorised as neutral, moderate, or aggressive. Neutral shoes are flat and comfortable — best for beginners and long multi-pitch routes. Moderate shoes have a slight downturn that helps on steeper terrain. Aggressive shoes are heavily downturned and asymmetric, designed for overhanging bouldering and sport climbing. They’re powerful but not comfortable.

Fit should be snug with no dead space, especially around the toes and heel. Your toes should be curled slightly but not painfully crunched. New shoes will stretch — leather stretches up to a full size, synthetic stretches very little. Size down accordingly.

Rubber varies by brand. Vibram XS Grip and Edge are industry standards. Softer rubber smears better on slabs but wears faster. Harder rubber edges better on small holds and lasts longer. The rubber thickness also matters — thinner rubber gives more feel but wears through quicker.

Closure comes in three types: lace-up, velcro, and slip-on. Lace-up shoes offer the most precise fit. Velcro is convenient for bouldering where you take shoes on and off between problems. Slip-on (slipper-style) shoes are lightweight and sensitive.

Heel shape and rubber should fit snugly for heel hooks. A loose heel that lifts off during heel hooks is useless on overhanging routes.

Top Picks

La Sportiva Tarantulace — The best beginner shoe on the market. Comfortable, durable, and affordable. The lace-up closure lets you dial in the fit. Excellent for gym climbing and easy outdoor routes.

Scarpa Origin — Another outstanding beginner-to-intermediate shoe. Slightly more structured than the Tarantulace with a moderate last shape. Comfortable enough for all-day wearing.

La Sportiva Solution — The benchmark aggressive shoe for advanced climbers. Heavily downturned with a powerful toe and excellent heel rubber. Designed for steep bouldering and sport climbing. Not for beginners.

Where to Buy

• La Sportiva at Banana Fingers
• Scarpa at Cotswold Outdoor
• Climbing Shoes at Decathlon

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