The Best Beginner Climbing Shoes

New to bouldering and looking for the perfect pair of shoes? Look no further! I've compiled a list of the best climbing shoes out there for anyone looking for their first pair of shoes. These shoes are comfortable, durable, and will give you the support you need as you start to climb. Happy climbing!

What you need to know

Climbing shoes have weirder sizings than regular shoes, and you might find that you need to size up or down several times. I'd recommend to go to a place like REI and try a bunch on, that way you can return the ones that don't work for you. Most climbing shoes will feel tight at first, but after a while (depending on how often you climb) they'll fit your feet better.

My recommendation

Get the Tarantulaces. They're the cheapest "normal-fitting" shoe and they're easily available at 99% of stores that sell climbing equipment, so you'll be able to try them on in person. When you run those into the ground in a year, invest in better shoes.

1. La Sportiva Tarantulace

The La Sportiva Tarantulace is a popular beginner climbing shoe that is known for its comfort and affordability. It is a flat-soled shoe with a lace-up design, which will feel similar to the shoes you're used to wearing. The upper is made of a breathable, synthetic material that helps to keep your feet cool and dry, and the FriXion® RS rubber outsole provides great traction on the rock. The shoe also has a padded tongue and heel, which helps to add extra comfort and support.

2. Black Diamond Momentum

The Black Diamond Momentum is a popular climbing shoe that is suitable for a wide range of climbing styles, including bouldering, sport climbing, and gym climbing. It has a neutral profile and a variable-stiffness sole, which gives it a good balance of sensitivity and support. The upper is made of a knit material that keeps your feet cool and dry, and the hemp footbeds provide comfortable support for your feet. The shoe also has a velco strap design, which makes it easy to slip on and off.

3. La Sportiva Finale

The La Sportiva Final is a high-performance climbing shoe that is designed for advanced climbers. It has a sleek, low-volume design and a downturned toe, which gives it a very aggressive fit and makes it well-suited for steep overhanging routes. The shoe has a unlined leather upper, which helps it mold to the shape of your foot over time for a more comfortable fit. The Vibram® XS EDGE rubber outsole is sticky and durable and provides excellent traction on the rock.

4. Scarpa Helix

The Scarpa Helix is another popular laced climbing shoe. The upper is made of a suede leather material and has a great fit, and the Vibram XS Edge rubber outsole provides great traction on the rock.

5. Scarpa Veloce

The Scarpa Veloce is a moderate high-performance climbing shoe that is designed for advanced climbers. The shoe has a synthetic microsuede upper that is breathable and durable, and the proprietary S-72 rubber delivers excellent grip and durability.