9 Best Quality Climbing Shoes Under $100
Climbing Shoe pricing is mainly based on comfort, edging, sensitivity, proficiency on steep terrain, and crack climbing. We’ve tried to find out the best shoes for bouldering, and gym sessions for beginners and climbers on a budget. Climbing can drain your wallet faster than a smoothie shop in July, especially if you’re a bargain hunter. On average climbing shoes budget calculation comes to around $100+ for a pair of shoes which is not a pocket change. Climbing isn’t exactly a budget-friendly hobby. It has a never-ending need for expensive gear. Mostly the shoes that are budget-friendly, have low-quality rubber as compared to expensive shoes. Ultimately the shoe lifespan becomes shorter and the rubber starts to separate from the shoe. It is challenging to find quality shoes on a budget, but with a little effort, you can find some gems under $100. Budget shoes are inexpensive because they’re quite basic. However, this simplicity often means they won’t be winning any climbing performance awards. This is usually okay if you’re new to climbing, but not ideal for scaling walls like Spider-Man. A great climber should spend more time with intermediate climbing shoes for better performance. These shoes are made with care and can kick some climbing butt. For finding climbing shoes that won’t make your wallet cry, stay tuned. We’ll reveal the secret climbing shoes under $100 in 2023.
Best Climbing Shoes Under $100
Black Diamond Momentum
Shoe Appearance
Black Diamond Momentum Structure Description
The Black Diamond Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes are entry-level climbing shoes that provide all-day comfort for both gym and outdoor climbing. The upper fabric of the shoe has a special Engineered Knit Technology for stretching and exceptional breathability. The forefoot of the shoe contains a micro-fiber liner that minimizes stretch and maximizes comfort. A 4.3mm rubber sole has the ability to mold to give optimal consistency and performance. This flat, neutral shoe is comfortable for vertical steep climbing. Its Velcro straps are easy to fit and adjustable. The midsole is called soft flex midsole which adds sensitivity and comfort while climbing. Its molded rubber is unique in creating a balance between weight, consistency, and comfort.
Black Diamond Momentum Characteristics
- Price: $99.95
- Weight: 2.09 Pounds
- Color: Black Alloy/ Merlot/ White Alloy
PROS
Perfect for beginners
Supportive and Stretchable
Consistent Performance
Easy Straps Adjustment
CONS
Tough to wear in the Break-in Period
Fabric at the back becomes uncomfortable when worn out
Rubber outsole damage on edging
Mad Rock Remora High Volume Climbing Shoe
Mad Rock Remora Structure Description
The Mad Rock Remora has an all-around design that makes it ideal for women in bouldering, sports routes, and gym climbs in cold weather conditions. The SynFlex in the upper provides a tremendous comfort-to-performance ratio, making it suitable for women’s long climbing sessions in cold weather. The Science Friction 3.0 and R2 rand rubber has good traction and performance on hard surfaces during climbs. It has a slight downturn to perform well on vertical to steep climbs. The upper part of the shoe has a climbing-grade rubber for excellent toe hooking and crack climbing capabilities.
Mad Rock Remora Characteristics
Price: $98.20 – $109.00
Weight: 0.62 Pounds
Color: Blue/Black/Gray
PROS
It is easy to wear.
The Syn Flex upper balances comfort and performance
CONS
Limited size available
Evolv Skyhawk Women’s Climbing Shoe
Evolv Skyhawk Structure Description
This climbing shoe is suitable for beginners and advanced climbers. Its design has a new shape that fits lower volume and slightly narrower feet. The upper shoe has unlined leather for maximum comfort and molds according to the shape of the foot. Its synthetic overlay and lace closure system provide a secure fit and performance in the gym and on rocks. Trax SAS rubber outsole gives excellent friction and durability. The Evolv Skyhawk Climbing Shoe is a good choice for women climbing in cold weather. It has comfort and warmth, a secure fit for control and precision, and a durable outsole that makes it reliable on cold, slippery surfaces. The Skyhawk is suitable for cold-weather climbing but not for extremely cold or icy conditions. In such cases, specialized materials and layering are necessary for proper insulation and protection from harsh weather.
Evolv Skyhawk Characteristics
Price: $79.00
Weight: 0.62 Pounds
Color: White/Blue
PROS
The shoe’s unlined leather molds to the foot as you wear it.
The lace closure ensures a secure fit
The Skyhawk is a versatile climbing shoe.
The Trax SAS helps climbers grip better.
CONS
Not suitable for icy weather.
SCARPA Helix
SCARPA Helix Structure Description
Scarpa Helix has an almost symmetrical profile, matching the natural shape of the foot, suitable for slab and crack climbing. Scarpa Helix 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. 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: $93.77 – $128.95
- Weight: 0.8Pounds
- Color: Hyper Blue/ Smoke
PROS
Classic and reliable lace-up design
Padded heel cup
Nearly symmetrical
CONS
Not highly aggressive downturned
SCARPA Origin
SCARPA Origin Structure Description
The SCARPA Origin Rock Climbing Shoe is for both gym and sport climbing, prioritizing comfort, and providing 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 in order to reduce pressure on the heel to maintain 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: $94.99 – $118.95
- Weight: 1.4 Pounds
- Color: Covey Black/ Iron Grey
PROS
Comfortable design
Secure Dual-Strap Closure
Durable Vision Rubber outsole
Pressure-absorbing heel system
Versatile use
CONS
Rubber is not supportive of advanced Climbing
Expensive
La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace
La Sportiva Men’s Tarantula Structure Description
The La Sportiva Men’s Tarantulace 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
PROS
Budget Friendly
Comfortable and durable
Update hell cup and lacing
CONS
Only for Beginners
Thick rubber starts peeling
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: $86.99 – $109.00
- Weight: 0.5Pounds
- Color: Black/Grey
PROS
Best Beginners Practice
Good for steep surfaces
Durable
Vegan Friendly
CONS
Use of synthetic cause smell
Toe patch missing
Five Ten Adidas Kirigami Climbing Shoes Women’s
Five Ten Adidas Kirigami Structure Description
This shoe is for long routes and beginning climbers. These climbing shoes offer all-day comfort. Its hook-and-loop closure system is easy to wear on and off, making it accessible to wear and adjust. The soft and durable synthetic upper provides a comfortable and secure fit during climbs. It has extended toe rubber that enhances toe friction and provides a better grip during climbs. It has a medium-stiff midsole that supports all-purpose climbing and maintains sensitivity to precise footwork. The Stealth C4 rubber outsole offers a high-friction grip for edging and hard friction on various surfaces.
Five Ten Adidas Kirigami Characteristics
Price: $100.00 – $152.18
Weight: 2.45 Pounds
Color: Dove Grey/Core Black/Solar Red
PROS
It is easy to wear
It has a rounded toe box and a relaxed fit
The synthetic upper ensures performance and durability
CONS
Limited sizes or fit options
Butora Komet Climbing Shoe
Butora Komet Structure Description
These climbing shoes are made from a combination of leather and synthetic materials. They are durable and have enough elasticity to fit. The rubber sole is sticky with excellent grip on rock surfaces. Apart from stickiness, the sole is thick in the center and thinner at the edges for better sensitivity and support. Butora comes in a variety of shoe closure options including lace-up, hook-and-loop (Velcro), or slip-on. The shape of the shoe has three main types, neutral, moderate, and aggressive. The type of last affects the shoe’s fit, comfort, and performance. The rubber strip rand wraps around the toe box for additional protection.
Butora Komet Characteristics
Price: $99
Weight: 1 Pound
Color: Mint/Yellow
PROS
Excellent grip on a variety of surfaces
Precise Edging
Improve Sensitivity
Helps to control foot movement
CONS
Not suitable for extended wear
Break-in period required
Not Suitable for walking
Tips to Buy Cheap Climbing Shoes
Buy Older Models:
When a shoe brand releases new versions or stops selling some of their models, than the older ones often go on sale with big discounts, even up to 50% off. This is because when a new shoe is released no one experiences that ultimately older shoes are preferred as their pros and cons are determined
Check Sales and Outlet Stores:
Most of the stores sell their shoes at discounted prices. If you are looking for cheap and quality climbing shoes surf through these store deals, Some websites like Steep & Cheap and other similar to that offers huge discounts to their customers, sometimes up to 69% off.
Buy Secondhand:
There comes a situation when a person purchases a pair of climbing shoes for him due to some reasons like fit issues or size variation. They consider them to resell them to buy a new one. One should look for these types of shoes to buy them at a price lower than the original and the quality remains same as newly bought pair.
Be Friendly at the Store:
Behaviour Matters a lot. Sometimes your behavior makes the people at the store so that they give you a pair of shoes at a reasonable price. Always be nice at stores and strike up a good conversation with the store assistant, to get a discount. This strategy is just an idea which doesn’t mean that it works 100%.
Conclusion
Climbing Shoes cost is influenced by many factors. In order to find climbing shoes under $100, consider them budget-friendly without compromising rubber quality and durability. Above mentioned shoes are reviewed specifically considering their price range, structure descriptions, features, pros, and cons for each pair with helpful tips to find affordable climbing shoes.
