Climbing is a fun and challenging sport that can take you to amazing places. Whether you are climbing indoors or outdoors, you will need a pair of climbing shoes that suit your level and goals. Climbing shoes are different from regular shoes because they have sticky rubber soles that help you stick to the rock. They also have a shape and fit that allow you to use your feet more effectively. However, as a beginner, you don't need the most expensive or aggressive shoes on the market. You need shoes that are comfortable, durable, and versatile enough to handle different types of climbing. In this article, we will show you how to choose the best beginner climbing shoes for your style and budget.

 

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: La Sportiva Finale

The La Sportiva Finale is our top pick for the best beginner climbing shoe because it offers a great balance of comfort, performance, and quality. The Finale has a flat and slightly asymmetric shape that fits most foot types and provides good support and sensitivity. The lace-up closure allows you to adjust the fit to your preference and the leather upper molds to your foot over time. The Finale has a 5mm thick FriXion RS rubber sole that is durable and sticky enough for most types of rock. The Finale is ideal for beginners who want a versatile and reliable shoe that can handle gym, sport, trad, and bouldering.

 

2. Best Budget: Mad Rock Drifter

The Mad Rock Drifter is our best budget pick for beginners who want a cheap but decent shoe that can get them started in climbing. The Drifter has a flat and neutral shape that is comfortable and easy to wear. The velcro straps make it quick and easy to put on and take off. The Drifter has a 3.8mm thick Science Friction rubber sole that is surprisingly sticky and durable for its price. The Drifter is suitable for beginners who want a simple and affordable shoe that can perform well on moderate routes.

 

3. Best for Women: Evolv Elektra

The Evolv Elektra is our best pick for women beginners who want a shoe that is designed specifically for their feet. The Elektra has a low-volume and slightly downturned shape that fits narrow and low-profile feet well. The synthetic upper is soft and breathable and does not stretch much over time. The velcro straps allow you to adjust the fit easily. The Elektra has a 4.2mm thick Trax SAS rubber sole that is sticky and durable enough for most types of rock. The Elektra is ideal for women beginners who want a comfortable and feminine shoe that can handle gym, sport, trad, and bouldering.

 

4. Best Design: Black Diamond Momentum

The Black Diamond Momentum is our best pick for beginners who want a shoe that looks good and feels good. The Momentum has a flat and neutral shape that fits most foot types comfortably. The knit upper is soft and breathable and provides a sock-like feel. The velcro straps allow you to adjust the fit quickly. The Momentum has a 4.3mm thick NeoFriction rubber sole that is durable and sticky enough for most types of rock. The Momentum is perfect for beginners who want a stylish and cozy shoe that can handle gym, sport, trad, and bouldering.

 

5. Best for Kids: La Sportiva Tarantula Jr

The La Sportiva Tarantula Jr is our best pick for kids beginners who want a shoe that is easy to use and fun to wear. The Tarantula Jr has a flat and neutral shape that fits kids' feet well and provides good support and sensitivity. The velcro straps make it easy for kids to put on and take off their shoes by themselves. The Tarantula Jr has a 3mm thick FriXion RS rubber sole that is durable and sticky enough for most types of rock. The Tarantula Jr is ideal for kids beginners who want a colorful and playful shoe that can handle gym, sport, trad, and bouldering.

Buying guide

If you are new to climbing, you might be wondering what are the best beginner climbing shoes for you. Climbing shoes are designed to fit your feet snugly and provide grip and sensitivity on different types of terrain. However, not all climbing shoes are the same, and there are some factors you should consider before buying your first pair.

Black Diamond Mens Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes, White-Black, 10

  • One of the most important things to consider is the shape of your foot. Climbing shoes come in different shapes, such as narrow, wide, flat, or curved. You want to find a shoe that matches your foot shape and size, so that it is comfortable and supportive. A shoe that is too tight or too loose can cause pain, blisters, or injuries.

  • Another thing to consider is the type of climbing you want to do. Climbing shoes have different levels of stiffness, downturn, and closure. Stiffness refers to how flexible the shoe is, downturn refers to how curved the toe is, and closure refers to how the shoe fastens. Generally, stiffer shoes are better for edging and smearing on vertical walls, while softer shoes are better for hooking and jamming on overhangs. Downturned shoes are more aggressive and precise, while flat shoes are more comfortable and versatile. Closure can be lace-up, velcro, or slip-on, depending on your preference and convenience.

FAQs

How do I know if my climbing shoes fit properly?

A good fit for climbing shoes is snug but not painful. You should be able to wiggle your toes slightly, but not have any dead space or gaps in the shoe. Your heel should not slip out when you stand on your toes. You should also try on the shoes with socks or without socks, depending on how you plan to wear them.

Core Climbing Shoes - Lightweight Breathable Rock Climbing Shoes - Dual-Strap Closure Hiking Shoes- Snug Fit Non-Slip Wall Climbing Shoes Black

How do I break in my climbing shoes?

Most climbing shoes will stretch a bit after some use, so you should expect them to feel tight at first. To break them in faster, you can wear them around the house or on easy climbs for a few hours at a time. You can also use a hair dryer or a shoe stretcher to loosen them up a bit. However, avoid getting them wet or putting them in the dryer, as this can damage the rubber and the shape of the shoe.

How do I care for my climbing shoes?

To keep your climbing shoes in good condition, you should clean them regularly with a damp cloth or a soft brush. You should also air them out after each use and store them in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposing them to extreme heat or cold, as this can affect the rubber and the glue. You should also resole your shoes when the rubber wears out or gets holes.