Nowadays, there are more women climbers than ever. It’s not surprising though, as it’s an exhilarating social sport and a great workout that can help you burn the calories from last night’s pizza. That said, If you’re a woman looking for the best pair of women’s rock climbing shoes, you’re at the right place! The best climbing shoes for women are specifically designed to accommodate the anatomical differences in women’s feet, making them way more comfortable for women to wear on the rock. Don’t just anyhow buy these shoes, as you’ll end up spending your climbing session on the ground chatting about sore feet! So, we’re here to help you get a pair (or maybe 2) of the best rock climbing shoes for women! Get your wallet ready, read this list, and have fun tackling your next route with these shoes!
Ladies, why don’t you also get your men a pair of the best climbing shoes for men so you can have matching shoes? Oh, and if you also love climbing, make sure to check out the 13 best women’s underwear for hiking!
How To Choose The Best Climbing Shoes for Women
Before purchasing the women’s rock climbing shoes, there are some key features that you should pay attention to. Those features include:
Types of climbing shoes
Unlike the best tennis shoes for standing all day, choosing the best climbing shoes for women is a bit trickier. That said, you should know what type of climbing you’ll be doing as well as the terrain, so you’ll know what kind of shoes you should get.
- Sport: For sport climbing, your shoes need to have a stiff midsole, quality edging platform, a tight heel cup, and ideally a lace closure. A pair of stiff shoes with a moderate downturn will make it easier to scale vertical climbs.
- Trad: Since you’ll likely be doing many jamming in cracks, the ideal shoes should have a relaxed fit, laces, and a stiff midsole while giving you solid ankle protection. They should also have little to no toe or heel rubber as well as downturn. But if you tend to do more difficult or steep routes, then you might prefer more downturn.
- Bouldering: You should note that these shoes aren’t designed to be comfortable. They’re made to help you climb well on steep terrain and make sure you can stick to tiny incuts, heel hook, and toe hook. These shoes will have a hybrid closure, a solid amount of toe rubber, and an aggressive downturn. They’re also more sensitive to help with feeling the rocks.
Downturn
Next is the downturn. It’s an important feature you should pay attention to when choosing women’s rock climbing shoes. Downturn determines the amount of curve in the sole of a shoe and will be categorized as flat, moderate, or aggressive. In general, aggressive shoes perform well on steep rock, and flat shoes shine on vertical to less-than-vertical terrain.
Stiffness
The stiffness of climbing shoes totally depends on your preference, there’s no right or wrong. Some prefer a pair of ultra-soft shoes, while others prefer stiffer models. One thing for sure, a pair of stiff shoes offers more support for the foot. If you’re just getting into the sport, 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
There are 3 types of closures:
- Velcro: These are super easy to take on and off. Because of that, they’re usually loved by those who need to get in and out of their shoes often. 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, you should 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.
Upper
Basically, 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. On the other hand, a synthetic upper will maintain its original dimension even after the shoe is well broken in.
SCARPA Women’s Maestro Mid Climbing Shoes
13
The first pair of best climbing shoes for women that we have here is the SCARPA Women’s Maestro Mid Climbing Shoes. We swear these shoes are one of the softest, most comfortable options you’ll ever find on the market right now. These amazing shoes come with laces that make them super easy to adjust. Just cinch them down when it’s time to take the sharp end on the crux pitch or loosen them up to accommodate socks on a crisp alpine start.
We also like the medium-stiff midsole that makes these climbing shoes very versatile. They can hold an edge to cop a stem rest but are also soft enough to squish into a tiny crack when necessary. What’s the downside? Well, the only downside to these shoes is their price tag. Yes, they’re expensive. However, if you have enough money, we highly recommend giving them a try.
What We Love
A premium option for crack and multi-pitch climbing.
Pros:
- Highly adjustable
- Medium-stiff midsole
- Can wedge into cracks
- Comfortable leather uppers
- Pretty versatile
Cons:
- More expensive than some of the best rock climbing shoes for women
La Sportiva Tarantulace Women’s Climbing Shoes
12
For new climbers who are ready to commit to buying their first pair of women’s rock climbing shoes, we highly recommend purchasing the La Sportiva Tarantulace Women’s Climbing Shoes. These shoes are super duper comfortable, as their soft leather uppers will stretch with wear. Since they aren’t aggressively shaped like some of the best climbing shoes for women out there, they’re great for all-day multi-pitch climbs or long gym sessions.
Apart from that, these shoes also have a slight downturn that makes them a great pair of edging shoes. Personally, we feel that they work best on vertical terrain with decently sized footholds. However, once the angle gets steeper or the holds become more like smears, you’ll probably want to switch to another pair of shoes. That aside, this pair of incredible climbing shoes are still a great pick for most introductory climbing.
What We Love
An affordable and comfortable pair of women’s rock climbing shoes for beginners.
Pros:
- Affordable
- The design is focused on comfort
- Easy to lace and adjust
- Beginner-friendly
- Great for multi-pitch climbs or long gym sessions
Cons:
- Lacks sensitivity
SCARPA Instinct VS Women’s Climbing Shoes
11
If you’re searching for the best climbing shoes for women that can give you amazing power and sensitivity, look no further than the SCARPA Instinct VS Women’s Climbing Shoes. These rock climbing shoes for women come with Loruca synthetic leather uppers that prevent stretch and grippy soles to help when hooking on small features. Aside from that, these shoes are also suitable for bouldering!
Another thing you should know is that they have an aggressive downturn that’s made for steep to overhung rock. Furthermore, they have an innovative system that allows for maximum power in the big toe without the excess pain that climbers hate. Not to mention, their fit can be easily customized and the 2-part soles will give you amazing maneuverability on trickier routes.
What We Love
A pair of aggressive shoes that offers amazing comfort and snug fit.
Pros:
- Great for bouldering
- Lorica synthetic leather uppers
- Aggressive downturn
- Great maneuverability on tricker routes
- Offers a snug fit
Cons:
- The size runs small
Evolv Shakra Women’s Climbing Shoes
10
You simply can’t talk about the best climbing shoes for women without mentioning the Evolv Shakra Women’s Climbing Shoes. These stunning shoes are designed to be as comfortable as possible without sacrificing performance, just the way we and other women climbers like it. Although they have a women’s specific fit, these shoes still have a pretty roomy toe box and a special side pressure-relief rand so they can stay snug but not constricting.
Many women love these shoes as they sport a soft midsole for extra sensitivity on small footholds. Aside from that, they feature a proprietary “Love Bump”, or extra rubber in the dead space under the toe that makes for better edging. Oh, they also have tons of rubber on top of the toe for excellent toe hooking capabilities.
What We Love
The comfort that these shoes offer is among the best.
Pros:
- Super comfortable
- Offer a snug fit
- Soft midsole for extra sensitivity
- Great toe hooking capabilities
- Edge pretty well
Cons:
- You may need to order one size up than usual
BUTORA Acro Rock/Indoor Women’s Climbing Shoes
9
Next on this list are the BUTORA Acro Rock/Indoor Women’s Climbing Shoes. Available in many sizes, they’re considered as one of the best climbing shoes for women that are available out there. These shoes are super comfy and aggressive. They’re also equipped with ABS-injected midsoles to help maintain the downturn. There’s also a sticky rubber toe patch that can increase sensitivity and grip when you’re toe hooking.
To make sure you have all the power you need, these shoes come with high-tension heel rand. Moreover, they boast an adjustable triple fork closure that can help you get a perfect fit while still being super easy to get on and off. While they’re not the most affordable option, they surely are worth the purchase.
What We Love
They’re high-performing rock climbing shoes for women with incredible comfort and build quality.
Pros:
- Aggressive downturn
- Durable construction
- ABS-injected midsoles
- Sticky rubber toe patch for increased sensitivity
- High-tension heel rand
Cons:
- Too small for some people
La Sportiva Solution Women’s Rock Climbing Shoes
8
Make way for La Sportiva Solution Women’s Rock Climbing Shoes! As one of the best rock climbing shoes for women, they’re super aggressive. These shoes are ready to give you the performance you need for powerful climbing, especially on steep sport routes or overhanging bouldering problems. Plus, the asymmetric toe will give you extra power when you’re pushing off.
Meanwhile, the Vibram XS Grip2 will keep your feet on the wall whenever you need that precision placement. We also like these shoes’ special Fast Lacing System. Thanks to that feature, you can easily get these shoes on and off. Plus, the Lock Harness system will pull the upper and sole together to keep your foot supported and comfortable. That way, you don’t have to worry about slipping anymore!
What We Love
A very great pick for women that are looking for powerful climbing shoes
Pros:
- Super aggressive
- Asymmetric toe for extra power
- Vibram XS Grip2
- Fast Lacing System
- Lock Harness System for better support
Cons:
- Some people have complained that the shoes are small
La Sportiva Skwama Women’s Climbing Shoes
7
It’s okay ladies, we’re also mesmerized by the La Sportiva Skwama Women’s Climbing Shoes stunning design! However, they’re more than just a pair of pretty rock climbing shoes for women. These shoes are super comfortable, and they can be your go-to pick for most of your climbing sessions. Whether you’re climbing on steep terrain or a vertical one, these shoes can perform pretty well.
These shoes patented S-Heel construction provides optimal heel hooking maneuverability. Meanwhile, the amazing heel cup allows these shoes to perform on any type of wall! They also come with protective, ultra-sticky rubber toe patches to protect against abrasion and form a grippy surface for toe hooks and scumming. Thanks to their Vibram sole, suede leather upper, and flexible build, they’re the perfect example of climbing shoes that offer great balance and high performance.
What We Love
An incredible versatile pair of women’s rock climbing shoes that you can throw in your bag no matter where you’re headed.
Pros:
- Very versatile
- Precise
- Highly comfortable
- Perform well on both steep and vertical terrain
- Sticky soles
Cons:
- More expensive than some of the best climbing shoes for women
La Sportiva Women’s Solution Comp Rock Climbing Shoes
6
Much like their sibling, the Solution, La Sportiva Women’s Solution Comp Rock Climbing Shoes are the best climbing shoes for women that perform excellently on steep sport climbs and boulders. Their updated toe box is pretty wide and has plenty of rubber on top for toe hooking and scumming. This design also provides more room for your toes, making these shoes very comfortable. As one of the best rock climbing shoes for women, their heel cup is low profile and is pretty sensitive.
Just like well-fitting gloves, these shoes suction onto your feet to turn them into a high-performance, precise talon, which is ideal for toeing in on steep terrain. Apart from that, these slipper-like shoes also combine comfort and performance so well, allowing you to enjoy your climbing session more. From granite slabs to steep sport climbs to highball boulder, you can wear them on anything and easily climb to the top!
What We Love
They’re a pair of high-performing shoes with great sensitivity.
Pros:
- Aggressive, asymmetrical shape
- Slipper-like design for better comfort and performance
- Precise toe box
- Amazing heel cup
- Super sensitive
Cons:
- Lacks versatility
SCARPA Helix Women’s Climbing Shoes
5
The SCARPA Helix Women’s Climbing Shoes are another must-have on this list. These shoes are classic, comfortable rock climbing shoes for women that aren’t very aggressive. That said, they’re an ideal pick if you’re just getting into climbing and looking for a great pair that doesn’t break your bank. Among the features these shoes offer, we love the Vibram XS Edge rubber that’s both sticky and durable.
Apart from that, the midsoles of these shoes also provide much-needed support to practice your footwork. Meanwhile, the suede upper will stretch slightly once you start to wear these shoes. That way, they should feel tight out of the box. The cushioned heel cup and padded tongue also provide extra comfort, while the laces go all the way to the toe so you can dial in your desired fit.
What We Love
A super comfortable option for beginners that offers many essential features.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Sticky and durable Vibram XS Edge rubber
- Midsoles for better support
- Padded tongue and cushioned heel cup for extra comfort
- Adjustable fit
Cons:
- Some women find them too small
La Sportiva Finale Women’s Climbing Shoes
4
The La Sportiva Finale Women’s Climbing Shoes are one of La Sportiva’s introductory women’s rock climbing shoes. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t compete with other best climbing shoes for women. This model is specifically designed for newbies, and it offers great value by providing women many of La Sportiva’s technical features.
The proprietary Powerhinge design stretches just the back of the shoes when you weigh your feet, keeping your toes stuck to the rock and preventing you from slipping off of footholds as you work on your technique. Apart from that, the Vibram XS Edge rubber is also sticky and thick, which is exactly what you want in beginner shoes. Plus, the midsole is supportive without being too stiff.
What We Love
A great pair of shoes for beginners that offers many technical features.
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Powerhinge design
- Sticky and thick Vibram XS Edge rubber
- Supportive midsole
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Too small for some women
La Sportiva Kataki Women’s Climbing Shoes
3
Besides boasting pretty colors, the La Sportiva Kataki Women’s Climbing Shoes have many top-notch features that make them one of the best climbing shoes for women. This pair of shoes is an extremely versatile pair that performs super well on a variety of terrain. From slab to steep terrain and everything in between, we’re really serious when we tell you to just bring them anywhere you go.
These shoes also feature an aggressive downturn that provides power on overhangs. Furthermore, the stiff rubber and low profile toe box make them an ideal pick for edging on small holds and jamming in thin cracks. Aside from that, the proprietary S-Heel construction will also keep your heel secure in all situations and give you that extra heel-hooking power.
What We Love
A stunning pair of climbing shoes that works great for long climbing sessions.
Pros:
- Extremely versatile
- Aggressive downturn
- Stiff rubber
- Proprietary S-Heel construction for extra heel-hooking power
- Toe box with a low volume profile
Cons:
- Take a while to break in
Mad Rock Lotus Women’s Climbing Shoes
2
There’s no doubt that these unique-looking Velcro slippers are a pleasant surprise to most climbers. Though the Mad Rock Lotus Women’s Climbing Shoes look very aggressive and hard to get on at first, they’ll actually one of the most comfortable, supple, and sensitive women’s rock climbing shoes out there. These shoes deliver superior performance on both steep and vertical terrain. They even do a great job on slabs, which is amazing.
If you consider yourself one of those climbers who want the best climbing shoes for women that are aggressive but don’t want to spend a couple of hundred dollars to get them, this option will definitely make you smile. These shoes can hold their own against many other competitors, all while costing significantly less than other aggressive, high-performance shoes.
What We Love
The best pick for those looking for wallet-friendly, aggressive, and high-performing rock climbing shoes for women.
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Combines comfort and performance
- Sticky soles
- Perform well on both steep and vertical terrain
- Can be sized up or down
- Easy to take on and off
Cons:
- Bulky heel cup
La Sportiva Miura VS Women’s Climbing Shoes
1
We think it’s safe to say that the La Sportiva Miura VS Women’s Climbing Shoes are a legend. These women’s rock climbing shoes have been around for such a long time, and they’re ubiquitous in most climbing areas around the world. Some women wear these shoes to climb along backcountry big walls, while others swear by them for steep terrain. Considering their versatility, these shoes are easily an obvious choice for overall favorite.
We have to say, these shoes are some of the most sensitive edging machines out there. Their slight downturn makes them suitable for steep climbing. But that’s not all, as they also have a stiff midsole that can beat some of the best women’s rock climbing shoes on vertical terrain. Plus, they boast 3 Velcro straps that make them easy to adjust and allow them to fit a wide range of foot shapes.
What We Love
They’re easily one of, if not, the best all-around rock climbing shoes for women to purchase.
Pros:
- High-performing all-around shoes
- Great for edging
- Perform well on various terrain
- Highly adjustable
- Great arch support
- Very versatile
Cons:
- More expensive than some of the best climbing shoes for women
