Sneaker tees shirts Jordan 5 Black YSL Drip Black | 5 Best Climbing Shoes in 2023
![5 Best Climbing Shoes in 2023](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/buying_guide_primary/56/best-climbing-shoes-15275119-960.jpg)
Nowadays, thrill-seeking rock jocks have hundreds of choices when it comes to climbing shoes. While having a lot of options has its pros, this makes the task of picking the RIGHT one a nightmare.
Lucky you, here at Stefoy-les-lyonShops, we have everything you need - from the list of best climbing shoes to the nitty-gritty climbing shoe basics.
We have reviewed and tested over 80 pairs to seek out the top choices for you. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced climber going on some steep terrain, we’ve got a recommendation for you.
Best climbing shoes overall
![La Sportiva Skwama](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_primary/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-profile-16221425-720.jpg)
![La Sportiva Skwama](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_primary/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-profile-16221425-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-skwama-fit.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-fit-16221426-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Skwama Intro New](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-intro-new-19794904-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-skwama-forefoot.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-forefoot-16221427-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-skwama-side.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-side-16221428-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Skwama Foot Nub Angled Edge](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-foot-nub-angled-edge-19794906-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-skwama-foot-chip-angled.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-foot-chip-angled-16221429-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-skwama-outsole.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-outsole-16221430-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-skwama-upper.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-upper-16221431-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-skwama-foot-nub.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-foot-nub-16221432-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-skwama-flexibility.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-flexibility-16221433-120.jpg)
Sneaker tees shirts Jordan 5 Black YSL Drip Black | What makes it the best?
Pros
- True to size
- Snug fit
- Excellent heel and toe hooking
- Comfy for a performance shoe
- Durable
- Short break-in period
- Flexible
- Suitable for gym and crag
Cons
- Less breathable
- Expensive
Today's best price
![Black Yellow (BY)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32794/la-sportiva-skwama-climbing-shoes-yellow-black-size-40-1-2-2019-sport-shoes-black-yellow-e4ea-60.jpg)
Best climbing shoes for beginners
![Climbers who want a soft climbing shoe for extra flexibility on their ascents](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_primary/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-profile-16145019-720.jpg)
![Climbers who want a soft climbing shoe for extra flexibility on their ascents](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_primary/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-profile-16145019-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-tarantulace-heel.JPG](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-heel-16145020-120.jpg)
![Climbers who want a soft climbing shoe for extra flexibility on their ascents Intro](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-intro-19794912-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-tarantulace-climb.JPG](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-climb-16145021-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-tarantulace-laces.JPG](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-laces-16145022-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-tarantulace.JPG](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-16145023-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-tarantulace-sole.JPG](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-sole-16145024-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-tarantulace-forefoot.JPG](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-forefoot-16145025-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-tarantulace-upper.JPG](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-upper-16145026-120.jpg)
What makes it the best?
Pros
- True to size
- Perfect fit
- All-day comfort
- Durable
- Flat midsole
- Value for money
- Leather lining
Cons
- Poor breathability
- Thick sole
Today's best price
![Topaz Red Plum (624502)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-topaz-red-plum-6202-60.jpg)
![Black Poppy (999311)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-black-poppy-50c0-60.jpg)
![Turquoise (TU)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-woman-turquoise-chaussures-d-escalade-femme-000-35-5-eu-turquoise-turquoise-000-114e-60.jpg)
![grey hibiscus (901402)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-grey-hibiscus-cdd5-60.jpg)
![Olive/Tiger (719206)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32797/la-sportiva-tarantulace-olive-tiger-fedf-60.jpg)
Best climbing shoes for crack climbing
![la-sportiva-miura.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32788/la-sportiva-miura-15291055-720.jpg)
![la-sportiva-miura.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32788/la-sportiva-miura-15291055-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Miura Intro](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32788/la-sportiva-miura-intro-19794901-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-miura-comparison.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32788/la-sportiva-miura-comparison-15291056-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-miura-heel-cuff-gap.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32788/la-sportiva-miura-heel-cuff-gap-15291057-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Miura Small Hold](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32788/la-sportiva-miura-small-hold-19794902-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Miura Crack New](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32788/la-sportiva-miura-crack-new-19794903-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-miura-unlaced.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32788/la-sportiva-miura-unlaced-15291058-120.jpg)
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- Great for crack climbing
- Very Comfortable
- Durable
- Air Jordan Green 1 Zoom Comfort "Stadium Green" sneakers
- Stands the test of time
- Good value
Cons
- ботинки ecco babett boot мембрана gore-tex
- Take a while to dry
- Leather will eventually become uncomfortably stiff
Today's best price
![Black (706706)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32788/la-sportiva-miura-climbing-shoe-men-s-yellow-38-yellow-13f8-60.jpg)
![White/Jade Green (000704)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32788/la-sportiva-miura-white-jade-green-ac50-60.jpg)
Best climbing shoes with a moderate turndown
![scarpa-instinct-vs-onfeet.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32813/scarpa-instinct-vs-onfeet-15001667-720.jpg)
![scarpa-instinct-vs-onfeet.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32813/scarpa-instinct-vs-onfeet-15001667-120.jpg)
![Scarpa Instinct Vs Intro](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32813/scarpa-instinct-vs-intro-19794918-120.jpg)
![scarpa-instinct-vs-side.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32813/scarpa-instinct-vs-side-15001668-120.jpg)
![scarpa-instinct-vs-edging.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32813/scarpa-instinct-vs-edging-15059551-120.jpg)
![scarpa-instinct-vs-onfeet-side.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32813/scarpa-instinct-vs-onfeet-side-15001669-120.jpg)
![scarpa-instinct-vs-climbing.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32813/scarpa-instinct-vs-climbing-15001670-120.jpg)
![scarpa-instinct-vs-design.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32813/scarpa-instinct-vs-design-15001671-120.jpg)
Sneaker tees shirts Jordan 5 Black YSL Drip Black | What makes it the best?
Pros
- Secure fit
- Very comfortable
- zapatillas de running Saucony minimalistas talla 46.5 baratas menos de 60
- Great for heel and toe hooking
- Shoes Reebok Classic Leather GY0954
- Durable
Cons
- Not for smearing
- PUMA x MARKET Slipstream Sneakers
- Not breathable
Today's best price
![Black/Orange (70013000)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/scarpa/32813/scarpa-men-s-instinct-vs-climbing-shoe-black-36-5-eu-4-5-m-us-black-orange-5600-60.jpg)
Most popular climbing shoes
![la-sportiva-solution-side.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-side-15290983-720.jpg)
![la-sportiva-solution-side.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-side-15290983-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Solution Intro](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-intro-19794907-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-solution-comfort.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-comfort-15290984-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Solution Putting On](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-putting-on-19794908-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Solution Superior Edging](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-superior-edging-19794909-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Solution Smearing](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-smearing-19794910-120.jpg)
![La Sportiva Solution Heel Hook](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-heel-hook-19794911-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-solution.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-15290985-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-solution-upper.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-upper-15290986-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-solution-onfeet.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-onfeet-15290987-120.jpg)
![la-sportiva-solution-climbing.jpg](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/32795/la-sportiva-solution-climbing-15290988-120.jpg)
What makes it the most popular?
Pros
- True to size
- Secure fit
- Great for heel and toe hooking
- Excellent on technical face climbing
- Suitable for gym and crag
- Durable
- Saint Laurent Cassandra 100 sandals
Cons
- Not for multi-pitch climbing
- Less support for crack climbing
- Expensive
Today's best price
![White/Yellow (000100)](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/i/la-sportiva/32795/la-sportiva-solution-white-yellow-talla-36-white-yellow-8fc8-60.jpg)
Comparison of the 5 best climbing shoes
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3 smart tips to find the RIGHT climbing shoe
Ideally, your climbing shoe needs to match the type of rock result in your next send. There is, however, no one definite rule to tell you which one would suit you best. Thankfully, there are a couple of tips worth keeping in mind to help jumpstart your hunt.
- Shop for shoes late in the afternoon. Feet tend to swell late in the day.
- Comfort is not necessarily the king
- Try the climbing shoe in-store and on the wall
Prioritize performance over comfort
Hiking shoes, runners, and sneakers prioritize comfort over other things. Climbing shoes, on the other hand, are made to perform in the type of route you want to climb.
If you are a tenderfoot in this sport, you will do well with flat-lasted, straight yet snug-fitting entry-level rock climbing shoes. This will allow you to focus more on learning the basics. Apart from this bit of advice, here are a few more pointers worth keeping in mind:
Forget about your standard street shoe size
The general advice is to start with a shoe that is at least a size smaller than your regular shoe size.
Note: More often than not, when fitting climbing shoes, you’ll need to try on a range of sizes. Sizing systems also vary for each brand, so expect a size 5 shoe from Black Diamond to fit differently from a size 5 Boreal shoe.
Take your foot shape into account
Some would complain about pain simply because their shoes feel tight in the wrong areas. To avoid this, get to know your feet and make sure to find a shoe that matches its shape.
- If you have skinny or slender feet or a small heel cup, look for low volume or women’s climbing shoes. Scarpa and La Sportiva are among the brands that offer the best climbing shoes for narrow feet.
Emporio Armani logo contrast-heel sneakers. Ocun makes it a point to include this helpful fact in their product description.
Dead space is a no-no
Climbing shoes are supposed to feel tight but NOT painful. This means that the heel, toe area, and forefoot area of your shoe should not have any empty space, nor any hot spots. Toes are also expected to be curled up and close to the shoes’ front edge.
PRO TIPS:
- A right-fitting shoe is able to support the toes’ curled up position without pain but expect some discomfort.
- Really aggressive shoes can feel painful when worn for walking but the pain carbono away once they are used on the rock.
Try the climbing shoe in-store and on the wall
If you are a first-timer who has never tried on a climbing shoe, buying the same HOKA that your friend is wearing isn’t actually a smart choice. What is best for your pal is not necessarily the best climbing shoe for you (unless you two have the same exact foot shape).
As mentioned earlier, climbing shoe designs differ from brand to brand. Each brand also uses different sizing systems, so sizing will vary a lot. Thus, the need to try on the shoe in-store. And while you’re at it, best to try it on the wall.
This is especially needed if you’re trying on aggressive climbing shoes. This type of shoes may be painful while standing but once you’re on the wall, they are expected to hurt less.
3 types of climbing shoes
For a safe and successful send, it is best to find a rock climbing shoe that suits the difficulty of the crag. Cracks and overhangs would require different types of shoes, that is why it is common for one climber to own 2 or more rock shoes.
When it comes to climbing shoes, we can classify them into 3 types based on the amount of their downturn or how curved they are: Neutral, Moderate, and Aggressive.
NOTE: The ratings are based on how each climbing shoe type performs in general. It does not apply to every HOKA that exists. Rating will vary depending on the shoes’ make and HOKA.
When picking the right type of rock shoe for your next send, it is also important to consider the following:
Midsole flexibility
Regardless of type, a rock shoe's midsole flexibility can range from rigid or stiff to soft. Soft climbing shoes are known for their adaptability but offer minimal support. This makes this your ideal companion for smearing and climbing steep terrains and technical overhangs. Rigid-soled rok shoes, on the one hand, feel supportive but lacks flexibility, making it the go-to shoe for vertical routes and edging.
Sneaker Asmc Solarglide shoes that have a medium-stiff sole. With the right shape, these type of shoes provides reliable performance for both crack and technical climbing thanks to its flexible and supportive sole.
Outsole thickness
The thickness of the sole dictates the shoe’s sensitivity, not to mention its durability.
Thin-soled shoes, with a thickness of around 3-4mm, are the most sensitive. This feature lets your feet feel every nub or hold on the rock’s surface. Given its construction, expect this to wear out sooner than thick-soled climbing shoes.
On the other hand, rock shoes with a sole that is around 4-5.5mm thick lack sensitivity but are more durable and supportive. Beginners are often recommended to choose this type of shoe since it lasts longer.
Understanding your climbing shoe’s anatomy
As a newbie, thinking about the materials that make the best climbing shoes the best is not really necessary. However, it’s something worth mentioning and worth considering.
Upper material: Leather vs Synthetic vs Hybrid
Upper Material |
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|
-naturally breathable -custom fit overtime -zapatillas de running hombre trail distancias cortas amarillas |
-stretches up to a full size overtime -painful break in period -Pants for Running & Working Out |
Hybrid/Lined (leather + synthetic) |
-vintage nike air cross trainers shoes clearance -Sneakers 53703-00 Schwarz |
-ground sensitivity is decreased for shoes with lined toe boxes |
|
-little to no KBF -provides out-of-the-box performance -retains its shape -less painful break in -Sneakers PRIMIGI 5354700 S Rosa |
-tends to stink unless it's antimicrobial -less breathable if not made of mesh |
Closure System: Lace-up vs Slip-on vs Velcro
Closure System |
![]() |
![]() |
|
-versatile -lets you customize the fit -zapatillas de running New Balance entrenamiento azules |
-hard to slip on and take off -laces wear off over time |
(hook-and-loop/strap) |
-easy to wear and take off -Adidas Adilette CF MONO Sandals Dark Grey Mens Newest Slippers |
-comes undone in cracks and in overhanging routes -limited ability to dial in the fit -straps often wear out quicker than laces |
Slip-on (slipper) |
-comfortable -convenient wearing -Kiton mesh low-top sneakers Blu |
-tends to KBF over time -can't be tightened |
Note: Some rock shoes use a hybrid closure, which is often a mix of Velcro and slippers. This type is becoming more and more popular since comfort and convenience are achieved while having the ability to tighten the shoes up for a better fit.
How we test climbing shoes
If you haven’t noticed yet, Stefoy-les-lyonShops is an ad-free, pop-up-free site. Unlike others that promote shoes based on what gives them higher commissions, our list consists of top-rated shoes based on our own process of testing shoes, which by the way, couldn't be more extensive!
What we do is first buy the climbing shoes using our own funds. Then we test them ourselves. That's right! We trek, hike, and climb in these shoes. Not just that, but we ascend and descend in them in different terrain and conditions so we can completely report to you the capacity and deficiency of the shoes.
Next, we test each of them in our lab. We measure 30+ parameters and compare them to the average values. This way, all the data become more contextual. Lastly, we cut the shoes in half and into pieces to get a fuller view of what's inside.