Choosing the best climbing shoes isn't a decision you want to rush. There's never been such an array of choice, with styles to suit every kind of climber. Whether you're looking for something comfortable for long sessions in the gym, eyeing up your first outdoor sport climb, aiming to progress into multi-pitch trad, or you're hoping to finally send a particularly challenging boulder problem, there's a shoe that's ideally suited to your ambitions – the challenge is finding it.
Climbing shoes are unique in the world of outdoor footwear, as unlike a hiking boot or even an approach shoe, they're not designed to walk in. Instead, climbing shoes are specifically designed to fit snugly, closely matching the shape of the foot. Rather than mud gripping lugs, the outsole is flat and features sticky rubber designed to grip the smallest rock features.
We're here to provide the beta on some of the world's best climbing shoes in 2024. From comfortable classics like La Sportiva's Mythos, to aggressive, high performing shoes like Scarpa's Instinct Lace, whatever your ambitions, we've got you covered here.
The quick list
This is the quick list, a brief overview of the best climbing shoes available today. To delve deeper into each shoe, see our more detailed write ups further down the guide.
We love these lightweight, sensitive shoes that provide feet with support even when extreme edging
We're huge fans of the way the Masai supplies maximum efficiency on micro edges on vertical or slightly overhanging routes and boulder problems
A versatile, well-balanced climbing shoe that’s easy to adjust and technically suited to multiple rock surfaces
This climbing shoe is ideal for limestone cragging and is versatile, precise and great on vertical terrain
If you're looking for all-day comfort, look no further. The classic La Sportiva Mythos is a soft shoe that's been popular for ages
We like these familiar-feeling shoes that will still appeal to die-hard fans of the old Five Ten Pinks for your future wall adventures
A super-aggressive, high-performance climbing shoe suitable for steep climbing, and powerful pockets and smears while bouldering
This is a pair of retro-styled, classic-looking but comfortable climbing shoes for crack climbing on big routes and long days
We approve of these comfortable and relaxed shoes, among the best options for beginners to both indoor and outdoor climbing
The best climbing shoes 2024
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
The best climbing shoe overall
When wearing the Scarpa Instinct Lace, "there's no excuse for anything other than precise foot placement", according to our climbing expert Jessie Leong. She rates the Instinct extremely highly, recommending it for technical sport climbing adventures, as well as projects featuring extremely steep ground or overhangs.
The lacing system provides a very precise fit, providing oodles of confidence on what would otherwise be intimidating terrain. Jessie said that she was able to "get purchase on holds I wouldn't normally trust", thanks to the aggressive last. The only drawback is that they tend to get tight in hot weather as your feet start to expand – though this is to be expected for an aggressive shoe like this.
Read our full Scarpa Instinct Lace review
The best climbing shoe for small holds
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. Jessie asserts that it's "a go-to lace up climbing shoe for vertical or slightly overhanging routes".
The Masai has a strong reputation among trad climbers, who value its stiffness. It provides purchase on tiny holds, is sensitive when edging and the Vibram XS Grip rubber provides sticky traction. Despite all this, they're comfortable enough to wear during longer adventures, though, like the Scarpa Instinct, they can get a little tight towards the end of a long summer day on the crag.
Read our full Tenaya Masai review
The best climbing shoe for women
This low volume (hence the LV in the name) iteration of the popular Ra shoe blends high-performance precision with flexibility and comfort. It provides sensitivity, perfect for climbers who want to feel every nuance of the rock beneath their feet.
Our expert tester Jessie Leong was initially unsure about the use of Velcro instead of laces. However, she says that her "expectations were completely exceeded by the technical performance". Not only this, she found that they were a highly practical and versatile pair that were quick to put on and take off. This all adds up to a shoe that's great for newbies and crag veterans alike, providing solid performance and comfort on everything from boulder problems to multi-pitch climbs.
Read our full Tenaya Women's Ra LV review
The best climbing shoe for precision
Our expert tester Jessie Leong was very impressed with these very capable climbing shoes, saying that they're a good option for "anyone looking for versatility and precision". They're particularly well suited to routes on steep limestone, though it'll comfortably take on any form of climbing. There's also solid foot protection thanks to the generous rubber rand.
There's no Vibram in the outsole here – instead they make use of Unparallel's proprietary rubber, a firm favorite among the vertically inclined. Performance when edging or smearing is excellent, perfect for bouldering or for technical sport climbing routes. Jessie recommends going a size down for comfort and another half down for a more performance-orientated, technical fit.
Read our full Unparallel Up Lace Climbing Shoe review
The best climbing shoe for comfort
"I've been wearing the Mythos for years and it's never let me down," says our expert tester Alex Foxfield. The big draw to these shoes, which have been around the block more than most, is their almost unrivalled comfort, making them a great fit for multi-pitch routes. Their secret is the soft suede upper, which expands along with your feet on longer days.
Despite being a neutral shoe, they're noticeably narrow at the front, which is great for jamming into cracks. They're not perfect for bouldering or technical sport routes, as their edging isn't great. However, if you want to take on longer routes in relative comfort, these are a great shout.
The best neutral climbing shoe
An update of the classic Five Ten Pinks, the attractive Five Ten NIADs feel familiar to those that are already advocates of the much-loved model. Five Ten have managed to shave some of the weight off the Pinks, while still retaining the technical features that made them such a trusted friend on the crags. Our expert tester Jessie Leong found that she "had the confidence to trust them on a variety of rock surfaces thanks to the Stealth C4 rubber outsole, which works really well on hot rock".
They're a little stiff to begin with, but once broken in, they provide great all-round performance. Strong levels of all-day comfort and the lacing are the standout features, making them a good shout for multi-pitch routes. Fit wise, they're slightly narrow, so large-heeled climbers may want to look elsewhere.
Read our full Five Ten NIAD Lace review
The best climbing shoe for indoor competitions
Championed as a shoe for indoor competition climbers, the La Sportiva Solution Comp is designed to provide maximum performance. Features like a rubber toe cap for toe hooks on overhangs and a tapered heel for heel hooks hint at the kind of technical difficulty these shoes have been created for.
Our tester Jessie Leong admits that she's neither an indoor wad, nor a passionate boulderer, though she noticed that "the way I climbed was dictated by the form and fit of these shoes". They allowed her to take on tricky footwork manoeuvres, such as scumming and toe hooking, with confidence. She's also keen to point out that these aren't an all-day comfort shoe due to their aggressive, performance-orientated design. This means they're not a good option for beginners or those looking for a multi-purpose climbing shoe. However, for indoor competitions or technical boulder projects, these are a solid option.
Read our full La Sportiva Solution Comp review
The best climbing shoe for multi-pitch routes
Comfort is key on multi-pitch routes and with cushioned ankle support, a stiff midsole and a high cut collar, the retro-feeling Ballet from Boreal is ideal. The lace closure provides a precise fit, while there's protection at both the toe and ankle. So, if you're into trad or big wall climbing, these are an option worth exploring. Crack climbers will also value the level of reinforcement here.
All this protection and their higher cut means that the Ballets weigh more than most, so they're not ideally suited to shorter, technical routes. Our expert tester Jessie Leong points out that they can "feel a bit baggy at the front for those who prefer a narrower, more precise fit". One for long days on the crag then, rather than for snatched hours attempting difficult moves at the boulder.
Read our full Boreal Ballet review
The best climbing shoe for beginners
Affordable and comfortable, the flat-lasted Black Diamond Momentum is perfect for beginners. Comfort is the number one priority here, rather than performance on tiny holds and technical boulder problems. A soft midsole and a breathable upper join forces with the neutral profile to create a very accommodating shoe. Velcro-strap closure adds to their fuss-free nature.
Our tester Jessie Leong found that, while the soft-flex midsole provided comfort, it didn't inspire confidence or aid footwork on the crag as well as other shoes in this guide. However, she had plenty of positives to say too, asserting that it's "a product I'll be recommending to friends who are starting out, thanks to their combination of comfort and decent entry-level performance".
Read our full Black Diamond Momentum review
How we test the best climbing shoes
Our expert reviewers test climbing shoes on the kind of crags and climbing disciplines they were intended for, judging grip, precision, comfort, performance, durability and value for money to arrive at the final judgements.
Meet the testers
Jessie Leong’s lifelong outdoor odyssey began with Duke of Edinburgh’s Award walks in the Peak District. This segued into long hill hikes in the Yorkshire Dales, multi-day treks in the Lake District, scrambles in North Wales and adventures scaling alpine pinnacles. These days, she can often be found climbing in some of Britain's most iconic rock, from Peak District grit to the island nation's many sea cliffs.
Former President of the London Mountaineering Club, Alex is passionate about exciting outdoor pursuits. He enjoys all forms of climbing, whether trad, sport, scrambling, alpine mountaineering or taking on snow-covered peaks in winter.
The best climbing shoes comparison table
| Shoe | RRP | Weight | Outsole | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarpa Instinct Lace | $209 (US) / £150 (UK) | 221g / 7.8oz | Vibram XS Edge | Precision on technical climbs |
| Tenaya Masai | $169.95 (US) / £128 (UK) | 170g / 6oz | Vibram XS Grip 4mm | Slightly overhanging routes and boulder problems |
| Tenaya Women's Ra LV | $140 (US) / £107 (UK) | 170g / 6oz | Vibram XS Grip 4mm | Women looking to do all kinds of climbing |
| Unparallel Up Lace | $156.65 (US) / £125 (UK) | 255g / 9oz | 4.2mm UP RH | Limestone cragging and vertical terrain |
| La Sportiva Mythos | $159 (US – Eco version) / £125 (UK) | 255g / 9oz | Vibram XS Edge 4mm | All-day comfort at the crag |
| Five Ten NIAD Lace | $150 (US) / £130 (UK) | 200g / 7oz | Stealth C4 rubber outsole | Versatility and comfort |
| La Sportiva Solution Comp | $180 (US) / £145 (UK) | 210g / 7.4oz | Vibram XS Grip 2 3.5mm | Sport climbing competitions |
| Boreal Ballet | £120 (UK) | 155g / 5.5oz | Boreal Zenith Pro outsole. 4–4.5mm | Crack climbing, big routes and long days |
| Black Diamond Momentum | $99.95 (US) / £85 (UK) | 155g / 5.5oz | NeoFuse | Beginners, indoor climbing |
How to choose the best climbing shoe
Choosing the best climbing shoes involves a number of considerations. A major one, of course, will be what you’re going to be using them for – climbing indoors, or sport climbing, trad climbing and bouldering or a combination – but personal preference in terms of material, designs and your climbing style will determine whether a shoe feels right for you.
Climbing shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment in your crag pack. More so than most other kinds of sport shoe, they need to fit perfectly – finding the best climbing shoe for your feet can mean looking at both gender-specific shoes (women's tend to be narrower and lower in volume) and unisex versions in order to fine tune the fit.
Oh, and if you just starting your climbing journey and you come across some references here that make you go, “Huh?” feel free to browse our articles on rock climbing terms and rock climbing for beginners.
Do climbing shoes need to be uncomfortable?
Ultimately, climbing shoes don't need to be uncomfortable – this is a bit of a myth. Wearing the best climbing shoes shouldn’t make your feet painful or distract your focus from the climbing – instead you should be able to trust your footwork to commit on steeper, smaller holds.
The tight fitting nature of rock climbing shoes means that they're never going to be the most comfortable pair of shoes you own but they shouldn't be painfully uncomfortable either. If you're an experienced climber, you may want to consider the option of approach shoes for easier routes, which provide some of the performance of climbing shoes along with the comfort of hiking shoes.
Versatility
Ask yourself how much you would like your climbing shoes to do. Will they need to be versatile enough to use across a range of activities, from day-to-day wear, practising climbing at your local wall, to long multi-pitch routes, or technical, precise sport climbing?
For multi-purpose climbing shoes, look for neutral or moderate shoes, which feature less downturned profiles and generally offer greater comfort. For the more technical routes, a performance-orientated, aggressive climbing shoe with a downturned profile for precision will fit the bill.
Support & rigidity
Different climbing shoes will provide a range of rigidity across the foot, from bespoke technical arch support that literally hold the foot in place, to a rigid midsole to support your calves and prevent them from becoming tired on longer, steeper routes.
Conversely, softer soles can allow for greater sensitivity on slabs. Choosing a climbing shoe that has a good rubber sole, such as Vibram XS Grip, will determine the amount of grip and power transference you get on smaller holds, thus inspiring greater confidence from the shoe. If you’re looking to climb on steeper headwalls, a stiffer sole might suit you best, while people who are aiming for shoes that allow them to pad up delicate rockfaces may prefer a softer sole.
Looks
Does the shoe have a neutral profile, or a slight downturn? A downturn will suit boulderers or those wanting steeper sport climbing routes, while a neutral shoe that’s less aggressive and not too tight will be better suited for those who want more of an all-rounder trad/sport and bouldering shoe.
Velcro or laces?
Some climbers may prefer the convenience of velcro, which enables you to take shoes on and off super quickly; this is especially handy for making those tiny micro-adjustments for a better fit when the routes become more technical. Others prefer lacing, which supplies a more secure and evenly-distributed fit.
Sizing
The best climbing shoes can vary widely, and those who want more sensitivity may find that they need to drop down to a size, or half a size than their trainer size. Be careful, though, because brands differ. For instance, Tenaya and La Sportiva sizing came up much smaller, while Black Diamond and Boreal came up larger during the test. Try before you buy if possible.
Protection vs weight
If you’re intending on doing a lot of climbing that involves cracks and toe torques, or balancing on tiny edges, then good toe protection and a supportive midsole both contribute to the shoe’s rigidity; it’s worth paying a weight penalty to have these features. Climbing shoes can vary in weight, and if you’re looking at all-day comfort, a heavier climbing shoe may be more robust and protect your feet more, while a lighter shoe will be less noticeable.
Breathability
The ability to keep your feet dry is good, so a breathable material is a massive bonus in helping towards all-day comfort. Velcro (as opposed to laces) can also help with encouraging feet to vent in-between climbs.
What to do with your old climbing shoes
Climbing shoes are tricky to recycle due to the combination of different materials glued together, and aren't as widely accepted as running shoes in recycling programs. La Sportiva is the exception. In 2022 the company launched a shoe recycling scheme in the UK, with recycling points in 25 locations including stores and climbing walls to collect old footwear.
If you're in the US and have a lot of footwear of different types to dispose of, you can order a Zero Waste box from Terracycle, which includes a postage label to return it. It's not cheap, but the price would be reasonable if several people chip in, so you could arrange a drive with a climbing club.
