Best Beginner Climbing Shoes (Tried & Tested)

When it comes to climbing as a beginner the first thing that comes to your mind are the climbing shoes, the most crucial element of your climbing journey. If you’ve got a craze to start climbing then, shoes like Tarantulas and Drifters are good choices. They are affordable and will work well without hurting your feet or your budget. There are different types of climbing shoes. Somewhat expensive shoes last longer than cheaper ones for better climbing.

How to Select Climbing Shoes for Beginners

There are two options to buy climbing shoes

• Buy from the store.
• Buy online.

Buying shoes from the store is considered good because you can test different sizes and styles to find the perfect fit before spending your money. Sometimes nearby store doesn’t have enough collection of new style climbing shoes like you can find online. Online, prices are often lower, and you’ll get quick delivery.

10 Best Beginner Climbing Shoes

La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace

La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace Description

The La Sportiva Men’s Tarantula Rock Climbing Shoes, are designed for a variety of climbing activities, whether outdoors or at the gym. The Tarantula’s have a leather upper which is breathable and durable and gets adjusted according to the shape of the foot. The inner side of the shoe has a padded internal tongue with cotton lining for protection and comfort. As the shoe adjusts itself according to the size of the foot one should buy one size lower than normal for regular or medium feet, small feet, and wide feet. This quality of shoes is due to its rounded forefoot and higher volume to accommodate a variety of foot shapes. The heel box holds the heel securely, and a quick-pull lacing system allows for a precise fit along the length of the foot, for optimal fit, and comfort. The shoe grip and durability are enhanced by a rubber heel rand and sticky FriXion RS rubber. A 4mm Vibram XS Edge/Classic sole and toe edge is for reliable traction.

La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace Characteristics

• Price: $88.95
• Weight: 1.3Pounds
• Color: Olive/Tiger

Evolv Defy

Evolv Defy Structure Description

The EVOLV Climbing Shoes are comfortable in fit with an average amount of performance. Their upper is Perforated synthetic for breathability. It has Straps for securing the shoe with a midsole MX-P 1.4mm sensitive and full-length for enhanced performance. Their grip increased with a 4.2mm TRAX SAS outsole. The shoe is asymmetrical with a thicker toe area design for climbing efficiency. The Shoe provides balanced comfort and performance, making it suitable for a climber’s comfortable climbing experience. Synthetic and vegan-friendly material is better for environmentally conscious consumers.

Evolv Defy Characteristics

• Price: $103.99-$109.00
• Weight: 0.5Pounds
• Color: Black/Grey

Black Diamond Momentum

Black Diamond Momentum Structure Description

The Black Diamond Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes are entry-level climbing shoes and provide all-day comfort for both gym and outdoor climbing. The upper fabric of the shoe has Engineered Knit Technology for stretching and exceptional breathability. The forefoot of the shoe contains a micro-fiber liner to minimize stretch and maximize comfort.  A 4.3mm rubber sole has the ability to mold for optimal consistency and performance. This flat, neutral shoe is comfortable for vertical steep climbing  Its Velcro straps are for easy fit adjustability. The midsole is a soft flex midsole adding sensitivity and comfort while climbing. The molded rubber optimizes weight, consistency, and comfort.

Black Diamond Momentum Characteristics

• Price: $99.95
• Weight: 2.09 Pounds
• Color: Black Alloy/ Merlot/ White Alloy

SCARPA Origin

SCARPA Origin Structure Description

The SCARPA Origin Rock Climbing Shoe is for both gym and sport climbing, prioritizing comfort, and provides the necessary grip and support for climbing techniques.  The Shoe is flat and has slight asymmetry, which ensures comfort and performance for climbing. Scarpa has two hook-and-loop straps, for a customized fit based on the shape of feet. A thick Vision rubber outsole provides excellent grip for proper footwork. This shoe of Scarpa has a unique heel system that divides the force of the heel reduces pressure on the heel, and maintains active forward pressure. The shoe creates a balance between comfort and power for long-time wear without causing foot fatigue. Various Uses: This shoe is most suitable for sports climbing and gym climbing activities.

SCARPA Origin Characteristics

• Price: $112.56-$118.95
• Weight: 1.4 Pounds
• Color: Covey Black/ Iron Grey

La Sportiva Finale

La Sportiva Finale Structure Description

The Finale Rock Climbing Shoe is comfortable with a high level of performance, especially in cracks and edges. This La Sportiva design is highly breathable with a padded mesh tongue and cotton lining for all-day comfort. It uses an ecological tanning process free of heavy metals and is biodegradable. The upper part of the shoe has soft, unlined leather that stretches and molds for a comfortable, tight fit. La Sportiva designed this shoe with an updated heel design and full-length microfiber lacing made from recycled raw materials. The Finale looks like a thin-faced. With ultra-thin LaSpoFlex midsole for maximum rigidity. Its unparalleled Vibram XS Edge provides grip and durability.

La Sportiva Finale Characteristics

• Price: $128.95-$220.44
• Weight: 1.28 Pounds
• Color: Aloe/Moss, Brown/Orange

SCARPA Helix

SCARPA Helix Structure Description

Scarpa has a classic lace-up design suitable for beginners, and all-day climbers. The material used in the upper of the helix is 100% Suede for durability and comfort. Scarpa uses Vibram XS Grip 2 sole for excellent traction and support. And don’t forget about the Padded heel cup for secure fit and comfort without pinching the tendon. Scarpa Helix has an almost symmetrical profile, matching the natural shape of the foot, suitable for slab and crack climbing. The shoe is lightweight, weighing approximately 8.3 ounces for half a pair. It is moderately downturned in shape for a good balance.

SCARPA Helix Characteristics

• Price: $107.12-$128.95
• Weight: 0.8Pounds
• Color: Hyper Blue/ Smoke

La Sportiva Mythos Eco

La Sportiva Mythos Eco Structure Description

This Shoe is a versatile and popular climbing shoe known for its comfort and performance. It is mostly used for intermediate-high-performance climbing.

It can be a good choice for all-day comfort, for extended climbing sessions. The upper part of the shoe is made from Eco Idro-Perwanger biodegradable leather. Its rubber sole has varying thicknesses for optimal grip and durability.

It has an easy and customizable lace closure system for a proper fit and performance. The side width of the shoe can be accommodated with laces and leather sidewalls. The pointed downturn shape provides precise footholds and edging capabilities. The shoe’s lightweight contributes to enhanced flexibility and ease of movement. It is suitable for various range of climbing styles, from trad climbing to gym climbing.

La Sportiva Mythos Eco Characteristics

• Price: $154.99-$158.95
• Weight: 0.5Pounds
• Color: Taupe/ Terra

SCARPA Veloce

SCARPA Veloce Structure Description

These are for gym climbing and also for beginner to intermediate climbers looking for a more technical shoe that provides comfort during long gym sessions. These shoes are suitable for indoor climbing environments. The Veloce shoes have a wide toe box and breathable upper for prolonged climbing. Its asymmetric design is boasted by the DTS system, for transferring power directly to the big toe while the shoe maintains its downturned shape. The S-72 ultra-soft rubber used in this shoe adjusts according to the shape of any foothold and increases the surface area friction for better grip. The fit of the shoe becomes relaxed near the 4th and 5th toes, reducing the foot fatigue. The thin rubber of the heel and the DTS active rand are broken over the Achilles tendon to provide a comfortable fit without sacrificing performance.

SCARPA Veloce Characteristics

• Price: $174.95
• Weight: 1.26 Pounds
• Color:  Black Yellow

Five Ten Niad Moccasym

Five Ten Niad Moccasym Structure Description

It is Suitable for climbing in various terrains, including crack or cliff, granite or sandstone. Five Ten Niad Moccasym shoes have a rubber sole that provides optimal grip on various climbing surfaces. It is designed in such a way that they are  convenient and simple to wear and remove. They have a full leather upper that is shaped according to the foot for a comfortable fit. The shoes’s fit is maintained with an elastic closure for foot security during climbing. It can be worn for all-day, suitable for both gym training and outdoor climbing routes.

Five Ten Niad Moccasym Characteristics

• Price: $125.00-$129.00
• Weight: 2.45 Pounds
• Color: Power Red/Core Black/Cloud White or Core Black/Crew Red/Acid Mint

Butora Endeavor

Butora Endeavor Structure Description

The Butora Endeavor Climbing Shoe is an all-around performance and comfort. The shoe is made with high-quality materials, mostly organic hemp lining that controls stretch and odor. It has a split leather footbed for comfort.

The midsole is moldable because of a 3D injection molded ABS material, providing precise edging and rigidity. The tongue has highly breathable mesh for added comfort and ventilation. It contains a Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber sole for superior grip and traction.

Butora Endeavor Characteristics

• Price: $88.94-$114.95
• Weight: 1.05 Pounds
• Color: Sierra Gold-Tight fit/ Moss-wide fit

Comparison Table

Climbing Shoe	Price	Lace System	Shoe Type	Upper Material
La Sportiva Tarantulace	$88.95	Lace-Up	Neutral	Leather
Evolv Defy	$103.99-$109.00	Lace or Velcro	Neutral	Synthetic Leather
Black Diamond Momentum	$99.95	Velcro/ Hook&Loop	Neutral	Synthetic Knit
SCARPA Origin	$112.56-$118.95	Strap	Neutral	Leather
La Sportiva Finale	$128.95	Lace-up	Neutral	Leather Microfiber
SCARPA Helix	$107.12-$128.95	Lace-up	Neutral	Suede Leather
La Sportiva Mythos Eco	$154.99-$158.95	Lace-up	Neutral	ECO Idro-Perwanger biodegradable; leather
SCARPA Veloce	$174.95	Velcro	Neutral	Synthetic
Five Ten Niad Moccasym	$125-$129	Elastic-slip on	Moderate	Leather
Butora Endeavor	$114.95	Strap	Neutral	Suede Leather

Features of Cold Weather Climbing Shoes

Cushioning: Well-cushioned shoes feel like a cozy hug for feet while. Materials like EVA and PU foam EVA and PU foam are best for this purpose. 

Support and stability: These are the climbing shoe’s secret for Rough terrains, demanding some serious foot care. 

Comfort: No one wants to feel like their feet are trapped during climbing. A well-fitted, well-designed shoe takes climbing to the next level. 

Traction: Gripping the icy Surfaces like Eagle Claw as a pro. Good Traction avoids slipping and sliding because of a rubber heel. 

Breathability and protection: Climbers always want their toes to feel fresh and dry, even on the most challenging routes. Mesh fabric materials upper is the solution to it. 

Hardness and durability: Rough terrains require rigid and rugged soles and regular trails can be managed with flexible soles. In the world of footwear, Leather and laced shoes handle rocky surfaces just like a champion.

Fit and Weight: Climbing shoes fit just like finding your soulmate. One usually wants a match that fits as made in heaven, it’s complicated.  Wear shoes So, not too tight, and not too loose. Lightweight shoes are the way to go. Don’t go for shoes weighing like a bag of rocks, lightweight shoes take you to new heights.