Best Climbing Shoes of 2024

BEST OVERALL CLIMBING SHOE

The Katana Laces are among the most popular climbing shoes across a wide range of disciplines and experience levels. These shoes feature a low volume toe that allows for placement into thin cracks and pockets, precision edging, and a downturned design that is comfortable enough to allow for all-day wear. The Vibram XS Edge sole is as sensitive as it is stiff. In a nutshell: Except for on the most overhung of boulder problems, the Katana Laces will keep you feeling sendy.

What I like most about these climbing shoes is how versatile it is for wearing for pretty much any style of climbing.

BEST FOR CLIMBERS ON A BUDGET

If you’re a beginner climber or shopping on a tight budget, you can still get a pair of quality climbing shoes made by the premier climbing shoe manufacturer for under $90.

La Sportiva designed the Tarantulace to provide for a high level of quality and performance in an affordable package that’s hard to beat. These shoes feature a flat sole designed to be sized comfortably and 5mm of Frixion RS rubber — more than most other climbing shoe options and adding to the Tarantulaces’ long-lasting durability but do detract from its sensitivity, which combined with having a soft sole, isn’t ideal. Being constructed primarily from unlined leather, these shoes are designed to stretch and mold to your feet over time, making them a comfortable — albeit insensitive — option.

What I like most about these climbing shoes is that they’re comfortable and precise enough for wearing in the gym or outdoors at the crag.

BEST FOR: STEEP SPORT CLIMBING & BOULDERING

If you’re looking for an aggressively downturned shoe with a fabulous edging platform, take a peak at the Sportiva Comps — you won’t find a higher quality pair of shoes designed specifically for competition style climbing.

The Solution Comps build off the original Solution design but with increased softness and sensitivity as well as a pared-down heel now equipped with a layer of sticky rubber. There is an increased volume of rubber over the toe, as well, which offers better toe hooking performance. The hook and loop lacing system is intuitive and allows for you to quickly dial in the perfect fit for your foot while the tried and true P3 Power Platform ensures retention of the shoe’s aggressive design.

What I like most about the La Sportiva Solution Comps is the Vibram XS Grip2 rubber which makes it feel like you’re climbing with glue-on feet.

BEST FOR: CRACK CLIMBING

If you’re addicted to crack climbing, the La Sportiva TC Pros should be your first choice for a climbing shoe. Designed by pro climber Tommy Caldwell (of “The Dawn Wall” fame), these shoes definitely are pro caliber in cracks. With high tops that provide ankle protection and padding in the toes, the TC Pros make jamming in cracks much more comfortable.

To fit the needs of Tommy Caldwell, the shoes are also excellent at edging and using tiny footholds, due to the proprietary P3 platform that distributes power through the sole of the shoe. The Vibram XS Edge rubber is the standard for stickiness so you’ll never feel like you’re slipping off the rock.

BEST FOR: LESS-THAN-VERTICAL SLAB CLIMBING

When you need exceptional comfort on micro edges, the lace-up Aspects are sure to fit the bill.

This is mostly because of the combination of the NeoFriction Force molded rubber and slightly asymmetrical shape. The Aspects offer a medium level of flexibility, which improves the shoe’s ability to edge while retaining its overall comfort. Especially for those of you whom experience pain through the Achilles while you’re climbing, the Aspects’ low-top upper make this shoe a gentle option that combined with the stiff sole is also effective at keeping foot fatigue to a minimum.

What I like most about the Black Diamond Aspects is that the lining is made from hemp, making for a more sustainable alternative than most other climbing shoes.

BEST FOR: BOULDERING

If bouldering is your favorite style of climbing, you will love what the Scarpa Instincts can do for you. The sole of the Instinct is split into two separate parts, letting the front and back of your foot move independently. Stiff Vibram XS Edge rubber covers the toes for precise placement on small footholds, and the heel is made of softer rubber, which is more comfortable but still provides heel hooking power.

While the stiff rubber is excellent for powerful climbing, it is not the most sensitive on smaller footholds or for smearing, so the Scarpa Instincts might not be the best choice if you’re looking for an all-around shoe.

BEST FOR: POWERFUL PERFORMANCE

An extremely aggressive shoe that will give you the power to climb the hardest routes, the La Sportiva Solutions have sticky rubber and a very downturned profile. You can trust that your toes – and heels – will not slip off any surface.

Though the aggressiveness of the Solutions can make them a somewhat uncomfortable shoe, the Solutions have been designed to conform well to your foot. The closure system is the trademarked Lock Harness which brings the rubber outsole up to join the leather upper and locks your foot in place. The midsole is created to maintain the shape of the shoe over time while providing extra support while you climb.

BEST FOR: BEGINNERS

The Black Diamond Momentum stands out due to the unique fabric upper. The mesh knit is meant to fit comfortably as soon as you put them on. It also provides extreme breathability to keep your feet cool and dry no matter how long you climb. The fabric also comes in multiple colors, so you can pick your favorite or even choose a few pairs, especially since the price is quite a value for a climbing shoe.

With a molded rubber sole and a moderate downturn, The Momentums combine good performance and comfort, though they are not the best choice on steep or technical routes. But these are a great shoe for beginners to put in mileage while learning to climb.

BEST FOR: PRECISION FOOTWORK

When footwork is your focus, the La Sportiva Miuras are your secret weapon. From thin edges to small pockets, the aggressive shape along with the Vibram XS Edge rubber allows you to place your feet with precision on the tiniest footholds. With a flexible midsole, the Miuras are also great for smearing on slab (less than vertical terrain).

You do sacrifice some comfort with the stiff rubber of the Miuras, but the 3-strap closure system allows for a precise fit adjustment. The shoes have a breathable wicking lining which will minimize sweat and odor while keeping your feet dry.

BEST FOR: STEEP ROUTES

The La Sportiva Testarossas are made for those seeking power on steep, overhanging routes. A special bilateral stretch technology strategically places Lorica (which doesn’t stretch) and leather (which does stretch) in a pattern designed to create the most power when you need to edge on the thinnest of holds.

A patented 3D cupped midsole gives your toes control without sacrificing comfort, and the asymmetric lacing system allows you to fit the shoes precisely to your feet. The downturn created by the P3 platform is made to keep its shape over the life of the shoe, so you’ll never lose performance.