For any climber, the choice of gear is a crucial thing. If you’ve been climbing for quite some time and improved a lot compared to when you first started, you may call yourself an intermediate climber. That said, you should make sure that you have the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers that match your skill level. Trust us, the first pair of climbing shoes that you bought will only make your climbing experience unenjoyable as intermediate climbing will need more complex skills. The best intermediate rock climbing shoes come in a wide range of styles, prices, and fits. They should also be snug, secure, but still comfortable when you wear them. These shoes will allow you to edge and hook your way to the next level without any discomfort. Can’t wait to purchase a pair? Keep on reading and pick the shoes that you love the most!
How To Choose The Best Climbing Shoes for Intermediate
Just like when you’re picking the best climbing shoes for wide feet and the best climbing shoes for kids, there are some important features that you should ponder. Those features are:
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. Meanwhile, 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, we recommend going with laces. They’re much better suited in cracks than Velcro. Laces also allow you to dial in an incredibly precise fit.
- Slipper: Those who prioritize comfort will love this type of closure. 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. But since you’re an intermediate, you might want to opt for a pair of shoes with a sole that’s less than 4mm.
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.
SCARPA Veloce Climbing Shoes
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As an intermediate climber, we’re sure you’ll like the SCARPA Veloce Climbing Shoes. These shoes are one of the best intermediate rock climbing shoes you can find on the market right now. Thanks to their slight downturn, asymmetrical fit, and dual-tension rand, these shoes are highly versatile. Many climbers also love them because they offer great support and enough padding without causing any pain or discomfort.
Meanwhile, the synthetic build contributes to making these shoes durable. For the closure system, they come with straps that can be customized for proper fitting and provide the ideal amount of snugness. Because of the slit-style rubber sole, you’ll be able to feel the ground you’re stepping on. The flexible sole also provides a good grip and is ideal for steep overhangs and high grades, as these regions require plenty of sensitivity and a great amount of agility.
What We Love
One of the best picks for intermediates that prefer to climb indoors.
Pros:
- Highly versatile
- Offer great support and comfort
- Very durable
- Adjustable closure system
- Flexible sole
Cons:
- Not that well-known compared to other SCARPA climbing shoes
Tenaya Masai Rock Climbing Shoes
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If you’re like us, the first thing that you’ll notice when you see the Tenaya Masai Rock Climbing Shoes is their cute little frog design on the side. However, as one of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers, they have a lot more to bring to the table than just that! These shoes are designed with midsoles that combine stiffness and sensitivity perfectly, making them feel like an extension of your feet.
Whether climbing hard sport or trad, these shoes will certainly make sure you feel so secure on those tiny edges thanks to the asymmetrical toe tip. Also featuring a moderately downturned toe, they’ll give you plenty of power on steeper terrain. Designed with a more narrow profile, you’ll be happy to know that you’ll get a good fit without sacrificing comfort.
What We Love
These shoes are designed to climb everything, and they climb it really well.
Pros:
- Highly comfortable
- Perfect amount of stiffness and sensitivity
- Versatile
- Offer a snug fit
- Provide plenty of power on steeper terrain
Cons:
- Not that popular compared to other best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers
Five Ten Leather Gambit VCS Rock Climbing Shoes
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What makes the Five Ten Leather Gambit VCS Rock Climbing Shoes a reliable option is none other than their comfort and technical precision. Designed for long routes, trad climbing, slab climbing, and gym climbing, intermediates will definitely fancy these versatile shoes. As the name suggests, the leather uppers with minimal stretch provide a stiff texture and are embedded with a hook-and-loop closure for easy adjustability.
As one of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers, they also come with a perforated tongue that keeps your feet cool at all times. Furthermore, these shoes are molded with a thermoplastic midsole for effective stiffness and unbeatable grip. Meanwhile, the outsole is constructed of Stealth C4 rubber that combines friction and durability to give an incredible all-around performance on any surface.
What We Love
They offer a completely all-around comfortable experience without being too expensive.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Highly breathable
- Comfortable to use all day long
- Thermoplastic midsole
- Stealth C4 rubber
Cons:
- Some climbers find them too tight
Black Diamond Momentum Lace Climbing Shoes
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Black Diamond is a widely known innovator in climbing gear for decades, and the Black Diamond Momentum Lace Climbing Shoes are one of its best inventions. This product is a flat, entry-level model that comes with Engineered Knit Technology upper that provides exceptional breathability and comfort. The stretchy knit upper breathes well even in sweaty indoor environments to avoid a foul smell, which is superb!
There’s also the Neo Fuse rubber that makes these best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers a durable pick for high-volume climbing. They’re not only built for durability but also molded for optimal consistency and performance. Aside from that, we like that the medium flex midsole provides add-on support without sacrificing sensitivity.
What We Love
One of the best intermediate rock climbing shoes available at an affordable price without sacrificing any essential feature.
Pros:
- Engineered Knit Technology upper
- Affordable price
- Neo Fuse rubber
- Very durable
- Provide enough support without sacrificing sensitivity
Cons:
- Not a good pick for climbers with wide feet
Climb X Gear Red Point Climbing Shoes
9
Here we have another pair of all-around performance shoes in the form of Climb X Gear Red Point Climbing Shoes. These shoes perform well on most terrains and come with fabric-and-leather uppers for smooth adjustability and a comfortable fit. Don’t worry, after a few times using these shoes, the uppers will stretch and promise you nothing but a snug fit.
As one of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers, these shoes come with a padded ankle cuff and a sticky 3D molded heel cup to maintain comfort and grip. This also provides you amazing control and prevents your feet from feeling any kind of pain when climbing. Even better, they boast an odorless organic hemp footbed that allows breathability and avoids any kind of foul smell that no climbers like.
What We Love
A versatile option that has all the essential features intermediates need.
Pros:
- Perform well on most terrains
- Highly breathable
- Offer a snug fit
- Padded ankle cuff
- 3D molded heel cup
Cons:
- Not for those with narrow feet
Five Ten Anasazi VCS Rock Climbing Shoes
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The Five Ten Anasazi VCS Rock Climbing Shoes are the perfect pick for a beginner that’s transitioning to an intermediate climber. These great shoes offer a nice blend of stiffness and sensitivity, allowing you to attempt harder grades while still being able to feel the rock under your feet. On granite, these shoes are unmatched with their soft upper and C4 rubber, as they let you stick to literally anything.
Unlike some of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers that boast laces, these shoes offer Velcro closures for ease of putting on and taking off. These closures also guarantee that you’ll have the snug and secure fit you badly desire. Sporting a more rounded toe than other best intermediate rock climbing shoes, they’ll be your savior on the slab where features are lacking and you need an even weight distribution across the foot for maximum friction.
What We Love
Highly comfortable climbing shoes for climbers that are transitioning to intermediate climbers.
Pros:
- Nice blend of stiffness and sensitivity
- Perform amazingly on granite
- Adjustable Velcro straps
- Offer a snug and secure fit
- Vegan construction
Cons:
- Hard to find the right size
Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes
7
Everyone who has given the Five Ten Hiangle Climbing Shoes out will definitely tell you that they’re a worthy purchase. For intermediate climbers, these shoes are a beast. They offer you a tight fit, stretch slightly, and the toe box will expand to the shape of your feet nicely. We also like the high friction rubber that gives these shoes their all-around performance and versatility. It allows your feet to stick like glue on bare edges, lock into smears, and cruise up technical terrains with confidence.
These shoes also boast unlined leather uppers that are very breathable and comfortable. Moreover, the downturned shape of these shoes will put your feet into a stronger, more powerful position than neutral shoes. As one of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers, they also feature a Velcro closure that makes it super easy to put these shoes on and take them off.
What We Love
An aggressive and all-around pair of climbing shoes that’s worth your money.
Pros:
- Comfortable to wear all day long
- Sticky rubber sole
- Perform well on most terrains
- Adjustable Velcro straps
- Large toe box
Cons:
- Some people find them too small
SCARPA Instinct VS Climbing Shoes
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The SCARPA Instinct VS Climbing Shoes are widely known for their high durability and power. They’re really popular that it’s not shocking to find many intermediate climbers wear them. These amazing shoes come with 100% leather uppers, rubber soles, and Vibram XS grips at the heels which allow for excellent gripping especially on steep rocks. They’re also designed with supercharged dual-tension rand that allows for maximum toe edging power.
With a medium-length outsole construction, these shoes stand out from most climbing shoes for intermediate climbers out there. These shoes are capable of delivering high-performance climbing for an excellent overall experience. With their power straps that float on the shoes, you can also expect a higher level of fit and maximum power.
What We Love
They’re one of the best picks when it comes to aggressiveness and durability.
Pros:
- Aggressive downturn
- Amazing maneuverability
- Lorica synthetic leather uppers
- Offer a snug fit
- Vibram XS Edge rubber
Cons:
- Might be too small for some people
SCARPA Vapor V Climbing Shoes
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The SCARPA Vapor V Climbing Shoes are one of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers that are pretty aggressive. With a moderately downturned toe, they provide great control and power, especially on steeper climbs. Designed with an asymmetrical toe, these shoes allow you to edge more on smaller holds, which can make all the difference in those tougher and steeper trad climbs.
Great for technical terrain, they also come with padded mesh tongues that promise you’ll be more comfortable wearing these shoes on long pitches despite their aggressive downturned shape. That said, with the shape and stiffness of these shoes, you might want to size up. So, make sure you try a pair before making the purchase.
What We Love
A pretty aggressive pair of shoes for intermediate that’s also durable.
Pros:
- Can be resoled
- Durable synthetic material
- Grippy rubber sole
- Great breathability
- Perform well on most terrains
Cons:
- Lack sensitivity
La Sportiva TC Pro Climbing Shoes
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You’ll definitely know the La Sportiva TC Pro Climbing Shoes when you see them as they look different from other best intermediate rock climbing shoes! These amazing shoes are the high-top version of climbing shoes. Having high ankles means these shoes are an excellent choice for outdoor crack climbing, as they provide the ultimate ankle support. Designed with a flat toe, they’ll angle your toes in cracks pretty easily.
Although these shoes’ design is quality in the crack climbing world, the Vibram XS Edge Rubber on the sole also makes them great for edging and smearing on slabbier climbs. With all of the support and protection they offer, you can conveniently do as many laps as you wish in these shoes and your feet will remain comfortable!
What We Love
A great pick for outdoor crack climbing that also offers amazing ankle support.
Pros:
- Great ankle support
- Vibram XS Edge rubber
- Highly comfortable
- Very sensitive
- Used by climbing icon Tommy Caldwell
Cons:
- Less aggressive than some of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers
La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoes
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Don’t get it wrong. The La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoes might look just like a basic pair of shoes, but they’re really far from that. With an ever so subtle downturned toe and asymmetrical shape, these impressive shoes climbing shoes for intermediate climbers can give you what you need on tiny edges. Because they’re not overly aggressive, they can also be a comfortable choice for wearing all day.
These shoes’ less aggressive shape means they can perform extremely well in cracks as well as steep walls. With a snug heel support and side rubber band, it feels like a great deal of your weight is focused on the toe, which is really essential for maximizing toe surface area on the slabby climbs. Overall, we’re confident to say that these shoes can be your best all-around climbing companion!
What We Love
They offer the perfect combination of comfort and durability that most intermediate climbers will love.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Plenty of padding for better comfort
- Adjustable lacing system
- Highly breathable
- Lorica synthetic toe box
Cons:
- They tend to run a little big on sizes
La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoes
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Just like we said on our list of the 13 best climbing shoes for bouldering, the La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoes are one of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers. Sporting a more aggressive, downturned, and asymmetrical shape, there aren’t too many grades you couldn’t wear these shoes on. Plus, they come with Velcro straps to ensure a close fit on those hard grades.
Note that these shoes are pretty stiff, which means that you don’t want to wear them between climbs. However, with that stiffness comes amazing performance. They can hold you on any tiny edge you find in your route and the stiffness in the toe can hold your foot in any pocket. Considering all of the features these shoes offer, they’re certainly a pair of high-performing climbing shoes for intermediate climbers you would want in your arsenal.
What We Love
They’re not only aggressive but also very durable.
Pros:
- Very aggressive
- Durable leather uppers
- Can hold you on any tiny edge
- High-performing
- Grippy rubber sole
Cons:
- Take a while to break-in
La Sportiva Low-Top Climbing Shoes
1
The La Sportiva Low-Top Climbing Shoes are the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers, period! These super comfortable, all-around shoes are what you’ve been searching for. They come with leather uppers that not only suit intermediates but also pros. As you can guess, these shoes also feature a hook-and-loop closure that promises a comfortable fit and easy adjustment. They’re aggressive enough to be used when needed without mangling your feet.
With Laspflex midsoles that are positioned to provide complete cushioning and can absorb shocks pretty well, you’ll fall in love with these shoes even deeper. Apart from that, these best intermediate rock climbing shoes also fit multiple foot sizes and shapes. Overall, we’re really impressed by these shoes, and having a pair would definitely be every climber’s number one wish.
What We Love
A great pair of climbing shoes that offer an amazing and comfortable climbing experience for intermediates.
Pros:
- Durable leather uppers
- Adjustable closure system
- Laspflex midsoles for shock absorption
- Offer a snug fit
- Super comfortable
Cons:
- Some people think these shoes should have better grip
