Climbing shoes are one of the first pieces of gear you should have if you’re diving into rock climbing. If you’re used to renting from a gym, perhaps it’s time for you to buy a pair of climbing shoes for beginners. It allows you to save more money in the long run and they’re more sanitary than any rental. The best beginner climbing shoes will allow you to develop your climbing. They don’t have to be top performers as long as they’re durable enough to handle whatever you can throw at them while remaining comfortable enough to rack up time on the wall. With a pair of these shoes, you’ll be a pro in no time (of course, you have to practice consistently too)! If you’re ready to take the next step, check out our list of the best climbing shoes for beginners, and have fun climbing!
How To Choose The Best Climbing Shoes for Beginner
When you want to buy high-quality snowshoes for snowboarding, there are a whole lot of considerations, right? Well, the same thing applies when you’re looking for the best climbing shoes beginner usually buys. So, make sure to read the following guide!
Stiffness
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to stiffness, as so much of this depends on preference. Some prefer a pair of ultra-soft shoes, while others prefer stiffer models. One that for sure, a pair of stiff shoes offers more support for the foot. For beginners, we recommend starting with stiff to medium-stiff shoes until your feet grow stronger. Soft shoes are more sensitive and flexible, and your feet will have to do much of the work to support themselves.
Closure
In general, there are 3 types of closures:
- Velcro: These are incredibly practical, as they’re super easy to take on and off. Sport climbing, bouldering, and indoor climbing are the places you’ll most often see these closures. However, they can come apart while climbing and it may hinder you while toe hooking.
- Laces: If you’re going to be doing repetitive jamming, go with laces. They’re much better suited in cracks than Velcro. Laces also allow you to dial in an incredibly precise fit.
- Slipper: If comfort and convenience are your priorities, then this type of closure is for you. They generally correlate with soft shoes that excel on friction slabs and in cracks. However, you should know that they do stretch over time.
Rubber
Rubber is one of the most important features of climbing shoes. For beginners, we recommend getting a thicker sole. Anything 4mm and up is a good start, and anything thinner won’t last nearly as long. The benefits of durability should also be more important for beginners than stickiness. But you should note that as you progress, a sole lacking in grip will hold you back.
Upper
The upper is the part of the shoe that rests along the top and sides of your foot. It’s made from either leather or synthetic materials. Leather upper will stretch over time, adjust to your feet, and feels comfortable. Meanwhile, a synthetic upper will maintain its original dimension even after the shoe is well broken in.
Price
Since you’re a beginner, you don’t have to worry about a highly asymmetric toe, aggressive downturn, incredible edging precision, and other stuff. Your main focus should be enjoying yourself and figuring out if you really want to commit to the sport. So, it’s wiser to not spend too much. If you continue to enjoy climbing, you’ll eventually upgrade down the road and buy a more expensive one.
How should beginner climbing shoes fit?
First, all of your toes should be right at the end of the toe box, with no dead space. Them, the heel should be snug and secure. Trust us, you don’t want your shoes to come off on the crucial heel hook. Then, the sides of your shoes should also be snug around the sides of your feet as well.
SCARPA Veloce Climbing Shoes
13
If you’re exclusively bouldering indoors, you want a pair of soft rubber shoes. They work particularly well in the gym as the holds are a lot larger and rounded therefore, your feet have more surface area contact. That said, consider buying the SCARPA Veloce Climbing Shoes! They’re designed to be a bouldering gym workhorse for beginners that have a bit of gym experience under their belt.
Their semi-supportive platform makes them ideal for beginners crushing it in the gym. They’re also a solid pick of training shoes to help you develop your skills and can be used for running laps of your local gym once you’re done climbing. We also love the fact that these shoes give you all the tools you need to take on even the most technical of bouldering problems.
What We Love
One of the best options for indoor climbing that offer beginners many essential features.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Durable construction
- Work great for indoor climbing
- Sticky rubber
- Great for gyming too
Cons:
- Not as popular as other options
SCARPA Arpia Climbing Shoes
12
For beginners who are looking to push themselves but aren’t quite ready yet for the ultra-aggressive, downturned climbing shoes, we highly recommend purchasing the SCARPA Arpia Climbing Shoes. They sport a slightly downturned profile and mildly asymmetrical shape, providing confidence in edging ability on vertical and overhung terrain, without the extreme of bunching toes. There’s also a moderately tensioned rand that runs behind the heel and around the foot to provide additional support and precision to the big toe.
By wearing these climbing shoes for beginners, you don’t have to compromise with comfort ever again. That said, don’t go overboard on the downsizing. We recommend sizing these shoes down about a half size to full size down from street shoe size. Make sure they’re relatively snug as they’ll stretch a little bit.
What We Love
They’re a highly durable and comfortable pair of climbing shoes for beginners.
Pros:
- Provide enough support
- Super comfortable
- Offer a snug fit
- Perfect for bouldering and overhanging sport climbing
- Durable
Cons:
- Some users find them a bit small
Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes
11
New to climbing and don’t want to spend your entire money on the best climbing shoes for beginners? If that’s the case, consider yourself lucky as we’re here to introduce you to the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes. They’re more affordable than many other options out there, but despite that, they still offer many amazing features that’ll make climbing super fun and enjoyable.
These shoes are particularly exceptional for gym bouldering and climbing that are often practiced by entry-level climbers. Not to mention, the knit fabric makes them feel really comfortable to break in. plus, the flat last will keep your toes in a neutral position that allows you to train no matter how long you want. Even better, they’re available in many sizes to choose from. That way, you’re guaranteed to find a pair that hugs your feet like gloves.
What We Love
A durable pair of climbing shoes for beginners that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- Easy to use hook-and-loop straps
- Affordable
- Available in many sizes
- Durable construction
- Beginners-friendly
Cons:
- Don’t have many high-end features
Butora Gomi Climbing Shoes
10
With an abundance of rubber coverage, the Butora Gomi Climbing Shoes are an ideal pick for new climbers with an affinity for bouldering. As one of the best climbing shoes for beginners, these shoes are available in a wide fit and narrow fit so you can buy the model that best works for you. The front of these shoes is covered in a thin layer of sticky rubber that’s great for toe hooks. Meanwhile, the heel cup is encased in a healthy layer of rubber and feels secure when you need to trust it for a heel hook.
Unlike other shoes out there, these shoes come with just one Velcro closure strap. That said, there isn’t much room to adjust these shoes, so make sure you’re happy with the size you buy. Since they’re more aggressive, they’re a great option for someone who wants a pair of shoes that grows with their technique.
What We Love
A great pick for passionate beginners that dare to invest in a pair of high-quality climbing shoes.
Pros:
- Great for heel and toe gooks
- Ideal for shorter boulder climbs
- Very comfortable
- Soft rubber
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Minimally adjustable
SCARPA Unisex Origin Climbing Shoes
9
To encourage more and more healthy lifestyle enthusiasts to start climbing, SCARPA has released plenty of climbing shoes for beginners, including the SCARPA Unisex Origin Climbing Shoes. Their superior comfort is immediately noticeable, and the padded tongue gives these shoes a pillow-like feel. While the last is flat, the sole is stiff enough to provide beginners like you decent support.
These shoes’ stable sole and cushioned upper make them a great fit for high-mileage and multi-pitch days. Meanwhile, the hook-and-loop closure will keep your feet snug and well-positioned all day. There’s also the vision rubber, a proprietary rubber compound that’s both sticky and resilient to all the conditions that new climbers’ feet will experience.
What We Love
An extremely comfortable option with Velcro straps that many beginners will love.
Pros:
- Padded tongue for pillow-like feel
- Provide enough support
- Cushioned uppers
- Stable sole
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive
Butora Endeavor Rock Climbing Shoes
8
Although they’re considered new to the climbing shoe world, Butora has impressed many climbers by making the best climbing shoes for men. Known for its innovative designs and premium builds, beginners will for sure love the Butora Endeavor Rock Climbing Shoes. They’re Butora’s top entry-level model that comes with noticeable attention to detail, a high level of comfort, and a relatively low price tag. Plus, these shoes are made on a slightly downturned last, which means that they’re a little bit more performance-oriented than other best climbing shoes for beginners out there.
No worries, with them, you won’t have a hard time finding the best beginner climbing shoes that fit anymore. This versatile option comes with Velcro straps that have multiple adjustment points to snug up to a variety of foot sizes, even as the shoes stretch. For those just starting out, they’ll definitely love the comfort-focused build, which includes an odor-minimizing hemp liner as well as a soft memory foam tongue.
What We Love
A great all-around pair of climbing shoes for beginners that offers a tight and comfy fit.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Performance-oriented
- Offer amazing precision and power
- Velcro straps for a snug fit
- Organically grown hemp lining to fight odor
Cons:
- They don’t have the most durable sole
La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoes
7
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoes secure a spot on this list. Many climbing shoes for beginners are apparently built with novices in mind, and all too often this means reduced craftmanship and lower-quality materials. However, that’s not the case here as these shoes prioritize quality. When they were first released, they were the top pick for trad climbers. Since then, they’ve become a dependable pair for those new to the outdoors.
Many love these shoes because of their versatility on different kinds of terrain. As a beginner, you likely don’t know yet whether you prefer cracks or face, boulders or rope climbing, gym or real rock. Thus, getting an all-rounder like these shoes is the best way to figure it out. They’re built to withstand the rigors of outdoor climbing. Even after shoving them without mercy into cracks, the stitching stays strong and the leather remains amazingly comfortable!
What We Love
An incredibly well-made pair of best beginner climbing shoes that doesn’t ignore quality.
Pros:
- Prioritize quality
- Very versatile
- Super durable
- Offer a snug and comfy fit
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some people have said that they loosen up pretty fast
La Sportiva OXYGYM Climbing Shoes
6
Most climbing shoes will get the job done in the gym, but some models, like the La Sportiva OXYGYMClimbing Shoes, are purpose-built for an indoor environment. As many climbers’ favorite climbing shoes for beginners, they have breathable uppers, durable soles, and feel super comfortable. Aside from that, they also have a 5mm FriXion RS sole, odor-resistant liner, and airy mesh upper. For the cherry on top, these shoes are machine washable!
However, you should note that these shoes are not a pair of high-performance shoes. But if you need climbing shoes that you can always put on and keep on throughout a session at the gym, these shoes are a comfortable and breathable option. Yes, they’re not the cheapest best climbing shoes beginner can afford, but they’re certainly worth every dollar.
What We Love
A great option for indoor climbing.
Pros:
- Durable soles
- Breathable uppers
- Super comfortable
- Odor-resistant liner
- Machine washable
Cons:
- The size runs small
Evolv Defy Climbing Shoes
5
While Evolv doesn’t often knock it out of the park, it does quietly and consistently churn out high-quality shoes. If you’re looking for the best climbing shoes for beginners at a reasonable price (compared to other top models like La Sportiva and Scarpa), the Evolv Defy Climbing Shoes might be the answer you’ve been looking for. These shoes are Evolv’s all-time best-selling shoes, and that’s not because of luck.
Trust us, you won’t be the only climber in the gym sporting these shoes. These kicks are comfortable straight out of the box thanks to their flat profile and no-stretch synthetic upper. Don’t let their lack of aggressive downturn fool you, as they’re also very soft and highly flexible, excelling even on steep terrain.
What We Love
Very durable climbing shoes for steep climbing.
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Great for steep climbing
- Very comfortable
- No-stretch synthetic upper
- Highly flexible
Cons:
- Too small for some climbers
Mad Rock Drifter Climbing Shoes
4
Here we have the Mad Rock Drifter Climbing Shoes, a pair of powerful all-around shoes beginners will totally love. These shoes are competent and pleasant, and the leather uppers settle into a very nice fit. One thing for sure, they are more sensitive than many best beginner climbing shoes, which is a welcome virtue. They’re also very comfortable on a wide variety of terrain. From slabs to technical face climbing, you name it all.
We have to admit, the real advantage of these shoes is their price tag. They’re one of the cheapest best climbing shoes beginner loves to have. If you’re on a tight budget, you definitely should check them out. Plus, they also boast Velcro straps, which make them very comfortable and easy to take on and off. While they’re not the number one option, they still perform better than most cheap climbing shoes.
What We Love
Aside from being affordable, they’re strong enough in all categories, making them a worthy purchase.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Versatile
- Offer a snug fit
- Easy to take on and off
- Perform better than other cheap options
Cons:
- The sizing is a bit off
Scarpa Vapor V Climbing Shoes
3
Do you consider yourself a quick learner or a good athlete? If so, why don’t you invest in the Scarpa Vapor V Climbing Shoes? As the best climbing shoes for beginners that plan on taking rock climbing seriously, these shoes are a great pick. Ideally, you something comfortable but still offers amazing performance and pretty versatile. Among the range of options, these shoes fit the bill better than most, with a moderately downturned last and all-day wearability thanks to the soft suede upper and mesh-gusseted tongue.
From edging and smearing to hooking and toeing in on overhanging terrain, we’re super impressed by these amazing pair of shoes. However, you should note that they’re not the best option for climbing primarily in the gym or on steep boulders. It’s also a little bit more expensive than some of the best beginner climbing shoes out there. But if you’re confident in your potential and have enough cash, these shoes are almost unbeatable.
What We Love
The go-to climbing shoes for athletic beginners.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Offer high performance
- Super comfortable
- Offer a snug fit
- True to size
Cons:
- More expensive than some of the best beginner climbing shoes
La Sportiva Tarantulace Performance Rock Climbing Shoes
2
We know, not everyone fancies a lace closure system, especially on gym shoes. One of the biggest reasons is because it takes more effort to get on and off. However, the best climbing shoes for beginners like the La Sportiva Tarantulace Performance Rock Climbing Shoes come with laces that allow you to dial in a more precise fit, making them feel more comfortable. The lined uppers feel like a hug on your feet, and the forgiving fit is easy to wear for hours.
Also considered as one of the best climbing shoes for women, these shoes are able to perform pretty well on most terrains. Their all-around performance and amazing comfort will definitely make you wish you have more than a pair. Yes, it may be a pair of shoes you’ll eventually outgrow. However, they’re a thoroughly a pleasant companion for beginners.
What We Love
One of the most comfortable shoes for beginners that prefer a lace closure system.
Pros:
- Offer a snug fit
- Super comfortable to wear all day long
- All-around performance
- Fast-lacing system
- Durable
Cons:
- Finding the right size is a bit hard
La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoes
1
Planning to rack up boulders in the gym? Or are you going to learn how to sport climb? Either way, the La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoes can do it all. These shoes are one of the most traditional climbing shoes you can find out there today, as they have unlined leather with a pretty simple lace closure system. However, don’t let these best beginner climbing shoes’ simplicity fool you. These shoes will easily impress you with their combination of comfort, performance, and versatility.
Aside from offering you a snug fit, they can also lend you confidence on slabs and edges while turning in a respectable performance on steeper climbs. We honestly feel that they have a great balance between stiffness and pliability, along with enough sensitivity. As one of the best climbing shoes for beginners, we have to say, the best thing about this model is its versatility. These shoes are competent on most terrains and pleasant on climbs of all lengths.
What We Love
One of the best climbing shoes for beginners that are super simple and comfortable.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Vibram XS Edge rubber
- Very versatile
- Great edging performance
- Amazing balance between stiffness, pliability, and sensitivity
Cons:
- Some find them too tight
