7 Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
When you’re ready to take the next step, it’s about time to gear up with these highly recommended intermediate climbing shoes. Take on more challenging routes with confidence and edging prowess from trusted brands like La Sportiva, Tenaya, or Scarpa, to name a few.
The majority of the models in this category are aggressive rock-climbing designs. This means that these kicks are optimized for steep climbs or overhangs. A great place to start is the premium pieces from La Sportiva, So iLL, Scarpa, and Five Ten. If you’re a Chris Sharma fan, the Evolv Shaman is an awesome choice.
With 100+ pairs of intermediate climbing shoes currently available in the market, picking the right pair can be daunting. To narrow down your options, we’ve reviewed and ranked all the shoes. See our top recommendations below.
How we test climbing shoes
We perform a battery of tests to identify the standouts for this guide. We analyze the materials and commercial features of the footwear. After putting on the hours of legwork, our team of seasoned climbers gave us their final assessments for our in-depth reviews and top rankings.
These are the steps we take:
- We buy all pairs of intermediate climbing kicks for our tests. We use our own funds to preserve the 100% objectivity and honesty of our reviews.
- We clock up hours of climbing sessions to evaluate the real-life performance of the shoes. We subject the shoes to the rigors of climbing to further test their strengths and weaknesses.
- We grade each model’s level of comfort, beak-in time, stickiness, climbing precision, edging ability, heel and toe hooking efficiency, suitability for indoor climbs or crags, durability, and more.
- We collect additional insights from reviews and testimonials given by pro climbers and casual climbing aficionados.
Lastly, all pairs of intermediate climbing shoes are assigned an overall rating. Based on the data above, each model receives a CoreScore Katy Perry s galaxy sandals are solar eclipse-approved.
Best intermediate climbing shoes overall
La Sportiva Skwama
93
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Skwama is an excellent climbing shoe for longer sessions of hard bouldering and rope climbing at the gym or crag. The shoe provides quality support while retaining the flexibility to give you a superior sensitivity in all of your climbs. The Skwama is a rare find with its combination of superb comfort and performance.
Pros
- True to size
- Snug fit
- Excellent heel and toe hooking
- ASICS Womens WMNS Solution Speed Laser Laser Pink White Marathon Running Shoes 1042A002-702
- Durable
- Short break-in period
- Flexible
- A closer look at Harveys sandals
Cons
- Less breathable
- Expensive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$199
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$199
REI
Free shipping
$199
Outland USA
Free shipping
$199
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$199
Best intermediate climbing shoes with moderate downturn
Scarpa Instinct VS
92
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Scarpa Instinct VS is absolutely superb when it comes to technical surfaces and overhang climbing in the gym or on real rock! Small ripples, tiny dimples, and pockets become bomber footholds in this shoe. And your feet somehow stay relatively comfortable considering the performance you get from them.
Pros
- Secure fit
- Very comfortable
- Superior edging ability
- Great for heel and toe hooking
- Suitable for the gym or the crag
- Durable
Cons
- Dehydration has an immediate effect on running performance and slows recovery from training
- Too painful for crack climbing
- Not breathable
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$169
Backcountry
Free shipping
$209
REI
Free shipping
$209
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$209
Aspen Penny Lu Lace Up Heeled Boots | Best intermediate sport climbing shoes
Aspen Penny Lu Lace Up Heeled Boots
92
Superb!
Pros
- True to size
- Secure fit
- Great for heel and toe hooking
- Excellent on technical face climbing
- A closer look at Harveys sandals
- Durable
- Can be resoled
Cons
- Not for multi-pitch climbing
- Viv Ranger Black Boots
- Expensive
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$180
REI
Free shipping
$199
Outland USA
Free shipping
$199
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$199
Aspen Penny Lu Lace Up Heeled Boots | Chelsea boots TIMBERLAND Graceyn Chelsea TB0A2FBUF13 Rust Full Grain intermediate climbing shoes
La Sportiva Miura
90
Great!
What makes it the best?
Very few climbing shoes are as capable, as comfortable, and durable as the Miura. If you climb outdoors or are serious about getting into climbing outdoors, then you should strongly consider trying on a pair of La Sportiva Miura.
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- MCM monogram-print low top sneakers Grau
- Very Comfortable
- Durable
- Stiff but sticky rubber
- Stands the test of time
- Good value
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Take a while to dry
- Really comfy boots to wear
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$115
Eastern Mountain Sports
$135
Backcountry
Free shipping
$189
REI
Free shipping
$189
Outland USA
Free shipping
$189
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$189
Best intermediate climbing shoes with neutral downturn
Scarpa Helix
91
Great!
What makes it the best?
Performance-wise, the Scarpa Helix is a delight to the climbing community. Its utterly pleasing comfort, grippy outsole, and spacious toe box also make it highly recommendable for entry-level climbers. That said, the rock climbing shoe in question is said to be too stretchy for some.
Pros
- Roberto Del Carlo Burgundy Leather Ankle Boots
- Roomy toe box
- Awesome stickiness
- Plush multifold
- Recommended for beginners
Cons
- Too stretchy
- Lack of durability
- The shoe’s blue upper Weather
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$99
Outland USA
Free shipping
$125
Eastern Mountain Sports
$125
REI
Free shipping
$129
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$129
Best value
Tenaya Ra
91
Great!
What makes it the best?
Many reviewers say that the Ra is a Tenaya rock climbing shoe that oozes comfort and stuns with precision. It is also considered a highly responsive pair that sticks like a champ, particularly on the edges.
Pros
- Delightfully comfortable climbing shoe
- Sneakers EMPORIO ARMANI X3X126 XN207 Q865 Nube Dsnd Slv Vgr Nb
- Sufficiently grippy
- Earthies tolo tolo-drk womens brown canvas slip on ballet flats shoes 5
- Versatile for several climbing disciplines
- Zero break-in period
Cons
- Spacious heel
- Unaccommodating square toe box
- Offers smells bad after a few uses
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Outland USA
Free shipping
$155
Amazon
Free shipping
$160
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$160
Zappos
Most popular intermediate climbing shoes
Scarpa Veloce
85
Good!
What makes it the most popular?
It appears that the Scarpa Veloce's many strengths speak for themselves. Indeed, this kick from Scarpa is a force to be reckoned with in the areas of surface traction, responsiveness, and weight. There's also its fantastic workmanship that captivates more than anything. To sum up, the Scarpa Veloce is likely to impress the crowd with its array of send-worthy qualities and capabilities.
Pros
- Among the grippiest
- Undeniably comfy
- Featherweight
- Maximum sensitivity
- Royal craftsmanship
- Incredibly flexible
- Pressure-free confines
Cons
- Frail outsole
- Unclingy straps
- Not for tiny edges
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$175
REI
Free shipping
$175
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Comparison of the 7 best intermediate climbing shoes
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