Indoor climbing is such a popular activity amongst all age groups. It’s a very great alternative to outdoor climbing, as it’s more beginner-friendly, safer, and doesn’t require you to be sun-drenched! Plus, it uses artificial light so you can climb early in the morning and late at night, even when the sun goes down! But like outdoor climbing, you’ll also need a great pair of shoes for indoor rock climbing. Designed to meet your demands, these shoes are often characterized by their tight fit and rubber soles. They also provide enough support and grip to climbers. Since there are a plethora of options to choose from, finding the best climbing shoes for gym climbing can be pretty confusing. Therefore, we have collected all the best climbing shoes for indoor climbing you can find on the market. Keep reading for more information!
How To Choose The Best Climbing Shoes for Indoor
Here, we have a few factors for you to ponder when purchasing the best climbing shoes for indoor climbing. Make sure to give them a read!
Durability
Climbers nowadays climb indoors more often than they do outdoors. For that reason, you’ll want your shoes for indoor rock climbing to hold up to all that scraping, dragging, and general wear and tear you’ll put them through. Who wants to keep buying a new pair every few months? Even a mogul doesn’t want to do that!
Downturn
Since gyms usually have all different styles of terrain, you should pick your shoes based on which terrain you’ll spend most of your time on. If you’re a newbie, we recommend getting shoes with flat soles as you’ll probably spend your time on vertical routes. If you’re an intermediate or advanced climber and like to climb overhung routes, go with a more downturned pair.
Size
When looking for the best climbing shoes for indoor climbing, it’s crucial to take into account the actual size of each pair. Some shoes may be too narrow, whereas others may be too wide. Some shoes may also be a size smaller than your regular shoe size. So, it’s recommended to try out different sizes of the desired shoes.
Closure
In general, there are 3 types of closures. Each of them has its own perks, and choosing the right one is all based on your preference:
- 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.
Price
Finally, don’t overspend. There’s no denying that expensive shoes tend to be better and have higher quality. However, don’t let the price tag dictates what you should buy! Make sure to choose a pair that’s on your budget and can cater to all your climbing needs.
Do you need shoes for indoor rock climbing?
Of course! Climbing without shoes is super dangerous, and regular shoes won’t be comfortable to use and can’t support you well. A pair of the best climbing shoes for indoor climbing will provide you enough support, grip, and allow you to climb with more confidence.
Can you lose weight indoor rock climbing?
Indoor rock climbing is a great muscle-building activity that can give you a toned and athletic build. Because it’s an exercise that includes both strength and cardio, it helps to burn fat and lose weight without causing you to lose muscle.
La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoes
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If you’re searching for super aggressive shoes for indoor rock climbing, the La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoes are the solution (no pun intended)! These shoes are more than capable of giving you the power to climb even the most challenging routes. Boasting extremely sticky rubber and a supper aggressive downturn, you can be confident that they’ll stick to literally anything you can get your toes or heel on.
This aggressiveness might not make them the most comfortable climbing shoes, but they’re designed to fit your feet super well. Personally, we really adore the trademarked Lock Harness closure system that pulls the rubber outsole to meet the leather upper, locking your feet in place securely. Furthermore, the specially designed midsole also helps to maintain the shape of the shoes and provides ample support as you’re climbing.
What We Love
A very good choice for those that prioritize performance over comfort.
Pros:
- Offer an amazing performance
- Trademarked Lock Harness closure system
- Offer a snug fit
- Durable construction
- Provide enough support
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable shoes indoor rock climbing
SCARPA Arpia Climbing Shoes
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Among all the best climbing shoes for indoor climbing that SCARPA has been churning out, the SCARPA Arpia Climbing Shoes manage to stand out from the rest. As one of the best climbing shoes for gym climbing, these shoes are exactly what you need for sticking moves on those big volumes that are so common in modern gym climbing. One of the best features of these beginner-friendly shoes is the Vibram rubber that offers amazing friction.
Moreover, the aggressive downturn and huge toe patch make these shoes feel at home on the overhanging terrain. There’s also the Power Tension Band that contributes to the brilliant performance and quality of these shoes. You’ll also like the convenient Velcro closure that makes slipping them on and off at the gym a breeze.
What We Love
Highly durable and comfortable climbing shoes for beginners that love climbing indoors.
Pros:
- Offer great support
- Highly comfortable
- Grippy Vibram XS rubber
- Power Tension Band for better performance
- Easy to pun on and take off
Cons:
- The toe rand is a bit small
Evolv Defy Climbing Shoes
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Say hello to one of the best sellers, the Evolv Defy Climbing Shoes. These shoes aren’t only affordable, but also a great pair of climbing shoes for beginners looking to learn the ropes. They are best when used on indoor walls, which is why they’re considered as one of the best climbing shoes for indoor bouldering.
Like any good climbing shoes for first-timers, these shoes support a very neutral last and a thick rubber and midsole. These are very important as they help distribute your weight across the entire foot, making it easier to smear and edge. Other notable features include an antimicrobial liner that can increase comfort and greatly prevent odor, as well as being 100% vegan-friendly!
What We Love
Vegan-friendly shoes that are great for beginners and occasional climbers.
Pros:
- Durable soles
- Breathable uppers
- Odor-resistant liner
- Vegan-friendly
- Beginner-friendly
Cons:
- A bit hard to find the right size
La Sportiva OXYGYM Climbing Shoes
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Of course, the La Sportiva OXYGYM Climbing Shoes deserve a spot on this list. Not only are these shoes specifically designed for climbers in the gym, but they’re also super affordable and very comfortable. As one of the best climbing shoes for gym, you’ll be impressed by the fact that they’re designed to be machined and hand washable. This is definitely a magnificent feature, which any climber would kill for after a few sweaty sessions in the gym.
Like we said just now, they’re also super comfortable. That’s because they come with the P3 performance design that allows them to retain their shape. This also makes them very supportive, which is perfect for any beginner looking to hone their skills in the gym. Finally, they also feature durable FriXion rubber soles, an odor-resistant liner, and an airy mesh upper.
What We Love
A comfortable and beginner-friendly pair of shoes with many great features.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Affordable
- Highly comfortable
- Machine and hand washable
- Good breathability
Cons:
- Not for serious climbers
Five Ten Anasazi Moccasym Climbing Shoes
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There’s no doubt that the Five Ten Anasazi Moccasym Climbing Shoes are one of the best climbing shoes for gym out there. They’re a great option for those who climb lots of vertical faces and are dying to have shoes that are both comfortable and high-performing. Personally, our favorite feature of these shoes is the Stealth Onyxx rubber that’s very durable and offers amazing edging power.
Moreover, these shoes are also one of the best climbing shoes for wide feet. While they might feel a bit awkward at first, they’ll definitely feel more comfortable as they begin to conform to the shape of your feet. Apart from that, there’s also the slipper closure system that has amazing elasticity that allows you to easily put these shoes on and off between climbs.
What We Love
One of the best picks for those who have wide feet.
Pros:
- Great for edging and crack climbing
- Slipper closure system
- Flexible rubber
- Durable construction
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons:
- Not the best pick for technical climbs
La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoes
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You’ve probably seen many climbers at the gym wearing the La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoes. They’re a high-quality, classic pair of climbing shoes that are offered by La Sportiva. These shoes are considered one of the most comfortable climbing shoes out there, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same. The flat sole allows for all-day wear, while the unlined leather uppers are super easy to break in.
We also like the fact that the lacing system is highly customizable, giving you a comfortable and snug fit. Beginners and all-around climbers will totally like the mix of comfort and moderate performance these amazing shoes offer. Once your pair breaks in, you can leave them on for hours. Other amazing features include an odor-minimizing hemp liner and a soft memory foam tongue.
What We Love
Amazing all-around climbing shoes that offer a tight and comfortable fit.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Customizable lacing system
- Hemp lining to fight odor
- Super comfortable
- Easy to break-in
Cons:
- The soles can be more durable
BUTORA Acro Rock/Indoor Climbing Shoes
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Those planning to conquer steeper terrains should definitely equip themselves with the BUTORA Acro Rock/Indoor Climbing Shoes. They’re designed to preserve the downturned shape for the life of the shoes, giving a great performance for indoor climbing. Aside from that, there’s also a sticky rubber toe patch that can increase sensitivity and grip when you’re toe hooking.
As one of the best climbing shoes for gym, these shoes come with a stretchy tongue and a Velcro closure system that make them super easy to put on and take off, all while allowing you to tighten them securely to your feet. Best of all, they come in 2 versions, which are orange and blue. The former is for climbers with wide feet, while the latter is for those born with narrow feet.
What We Love
High-performing indoor rock climbing shoes for climbers with any foot shape.
Pros:
- Aggressive downturn
- ABS-injected midsoles
- Durable construction
- Sticky rubber toe patch
- Adjustable Velcro closure system
Cons:
- A bit tricky to find the right size
SCARPA Instinct VS Climbing Shoes
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Those with a burning passion for bouldering should go out there and get themselves the SCARPA Instinct VS Climbing Shoes! These powerful shoes have a unique 2-part sole that allows the front and the back of your foot to move independently. They’re also tensioned to provide power to the toes, which just like other best climbing shoes for indoor bouldering, are covered in stiff Vibram XS Edge rubber for performance.
Since the stiffness of the rubber and the wide toe box can limit sensitivity on small footholds, these shoes are best used for boulderers than climbers looking for all-around shoes. Meanwhile, the heel features a softer rubber for a more comfortable fit. Another thing worth mentioning is the Lorica synthetic leather uppers that prevent stretch.
What We Love
One of the best climbing shoes for indoor bouldering that are aggressive and durable.
Pros:
- Lorica synthetic leather uppers
- Aggressive downturn
- 2-part midsole for better maneuverability
- Offer a snug fit
- Vibram XS Edge rubber
Cons:
- Some people have said that they’re too small for their feet
Evolv Shaman Climbing Shoes
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The Evolv Shaman Climbing Shoes are a great pair of climbing shoes for bouldering that have an aggressive downturned shape. Thanks to that, these shoes excel on steep walls and are comfortable than you might ever expect. That’s also due to the roomy toe box. Aside from that, these best climbing shoes for gym are also pretty durable as they have thick rubber in high wear areas. Don’t worry, because other sections have thinner rubber, these shoes don’t lack sensitivity.
You’ll also totally love the Velcro strap closure system that’s designed to pull the sole tightly into the arches of your feet for a more powerful performance fit. On top of that, there’s a special Love Bump of rubber under the toe to fill dead space while directing energy to the toes for edging. Plus, the synthetic suede uppers can dry very quickly and help to resist stretch.
What We Love
An ideal pick for those looking for technical shoes that are also comfortable.
Pros:
- Highly comfortable and breathable
- Quick-drying uppers
- Velcro strap closure system
- Roomy toe box
- Great for advanced climbers
Cons:
- Not beginner-friendly
Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes
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As a sub-brand of Adidas, the best climbing shoes for indoor bouldering from Five Ten never disappoint. On this list are the Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes, a really great pair of shoes that you’ll definitely want to have. They offer reliable performance on any type of indoor climb, and the C4 rubber soles are super thick and sticky. They give you the friction you badly need in a variety of situations. Another plus is that they’re pretty durable, so you don’t have to buy a new pair too quickly.
Apart from that, we also love the combination of elastic and Velcro closure that allows for very easy on and off between climbs as you’re moving from route to route. While the shoes tend to run slightly small, the upper is unlined and will stretch about a half size. Then, it’ll conform perfectly to your foot. Overall, we’re very satisfied with this pair of shoes for indoor rock climbing as they’re super comfy and versatile.
What We Love
One of the most comfortable shoes that perform amazingly on all terrains.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear all day long
- Stealth C4 Rubber provides amazing stickiness
- Perform well on most terrains
- Adjustable Velcro straps
- Large toe box
Cons:
- Tend to run slightly small
Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes
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The Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes are one of the best climbing shoes for indoor bouldering that are known for their affordability. Since their upper fabric consists entirely of Engineered Knit Technology, they manage to stand out from other indoor rock climbing shoes. Not to mention, the mesh knit provides a perfect fit straight out of the box and extreme breathability to prevent your feet from sweating too much during an intense indoor climbing session.
These pair of shoes for indoor rock climbing also provide great performance combined with comfort thanks to the molded rubber soles with a moderate downturn. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, so you can pick out the pair that you think is the most stunning. Though they’re not the go-to pick for steep or technical terrains, they’re still a fantastic choice for putting in mileage on most routes at the gym.
What We Love
A great pick for those looking for affordable shoes for indoor rock climbing without sacrificing any essential features.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Engineered Knit Technology upper fabric
- Extreme breathability
- Great combination of performance and comfort
- Available in many colors
Cons:
- Not suitable for steep or technical terrains
La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoes
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Chances are you’ve already seen the La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoes a few times around the gym. But if you haven’t tried them out or are planning to buy them, keep reading! These shoes for indoor rock climbing are popular for a reason. They feature a moderate downturn for the ideal combination of performance and comfort. There’s also the Vibram XS Edge rubber that’s harder and more durable than most options, which makes it excellent for edging on tiny holds and toeing in on steep overhangs.
As we said just now, these best climbing shoes for gym are comfortable. Just like the name suggests, they boast a special lacing system that will give you a snug fit without being too tight or uncomfortable. Meanwhile, the breathable tongue and lining will help to wick moisture away and keep these shoes from having a terrible smell even if your feet sweat a lot.
What We Love
A very popular and versatile climbing pair of shoes with an affordable price tag.
Pros:
- Great edging power
- Amazing lacing system
- Durable Vibram XS Edge rubber
- Affordable
- Highly breathable
Cons:
- Bulky heel
La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoes
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Are you looking for the best climbing shoes for indoor climbing that can help you tiptoe on the tiniest footholds? If so, then the La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoes will certainly make you smile from ear to ear. The aggressive shape of these shoes combined with the stiff Vibram XS Edge rubber will give you precision placement on just about any hold you can find. From razor-thin edges to micro-pockets, you name it.
We also like the shoes’ midsole that’s very flexible, allowing you to smear when you’re climbing slab and other less than vertical terrains. Though that means you need to sacrifice a bit of the comfort, these shoes for indoor rock climbing do have a 3-strap closure system to adjust for a precise fit. Not to mention, the lining can wick away sweat to let your feet breathe and not slip around in the shoes.
What We Love
All-around climbing shoes that are very durable.
Pros:
- Great for edging
- Perform well on various terrains
- High-performing
- Offer nice arch support
- Good breathability
Cons:
- Not the most affordable option
