Rock climbing shoes are a specialized piece of footwear that is designed specifically for rock climbing. They typically have a close fit, and very little padding with a sticky, smooth rubber sole and an extended rubber rand. Modern versions are crafted with extreme care from multi-piece patterns with the intent to mold to the user’s foot. The leather is by far the most common upper material, however, most manufactures incorporate synthetic leather along with other materials as well.
Rock climbing shoes use a specially formulated climbing rubber for the soles. It was actually developed specifically for the sport in order to withstand sharp edges without ripping or tearing. There are many great choices for rock climbing shoes on the market; in fact, it can be quite overwhelming especially for beginners. We have created the best rock climbing shoes for beginners’ reviews in order to narrow down the plethora of choices for you.
List of the Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Beginners of 2024:
10. Mad Rock Men’s Flash 2.0 Climbing Shoe
Scale great heights with ease in Mad Rock’s Flash 2.0 climbing shoe. This durable climbing shoe in lightweight leather includes Shock Gel at the heel to reduce impact while hook-and-loop closures ensure a secure fit. A 3D molded heel in rubber promises good grip when you need it the most. The traditional leather upper has been combined with Synflex, which is a synthetic stretch material. It offers superior performance while maintaining consistent plush fit 3D molded heel to maximize the friction when climbing.
9. Climb X Redpoint 2.0 Climbing Shoe with Free Sickle M-16 Climbing Brush
The CLIMB X Redpoint Climbing Shoe is an award-winning, best-selling design because it does the job, and it does it very well. This climbing shoe is a perfect blend of comfort, durability, value and superior high performance. It is the perfect all-around climbing shoe for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. This product includes an organic Hemp footbed to keep them smelling fresh, high-grade center cut leather, breathable mesh tongue, 3-D molded climbing rubber hooking heel, and decent tread padded ankle cuff for your comfort and protection.
8. Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe 2024
Based on the Rock-It series, the CLIMB X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe uses the same design, however, features a lace-up system for a more precise and secure fit. The Rave Strap is Climb X’s premier lace-up rock climbing shoe model is perfect for competition, cracks and for athletes whose climbing is on the sharp end of the spectrum. This product is a no-nonsense, no-compromise, performance-climbing shoe. A free Mammut Carabiner is also included.
7. Mad Rock Men’s Drifter Climbing Shoe
The Mad Rock Company was formed back in 2002 as a small, climber-owned and operated the business that manufactured innovative, highly technical yet extremely affordable rock climbing shoes. More than a million pairs later, they still choose not to reflect on their accomplishments nor rest on their laurels because their best shoes will always be the next batch. To Mad Rock, innovation is a challenge that certainly needs to be met on a daily basis. In that spirit, they use the latest materials and technology to meet consumer demands, while maintaining the high-quality and innovative products that have put them on the map and in the packs of climbers around the world. The Mad Rock Men’s Drifter Climbing Shoe certainly is not an exception. It proves to be an astonishingly great value while leaving the competition in the dust.
6. La Sportiva Tarantulace Shoe – Women’s
The La Sportiva Tarantulace Shoe for women has a quick pull lacing harness that delivers a snug precise fit. It is built with an extremely durable FriXion RS rubber compound for great grip and durability. The lined tongue is perfect for moisture management. This climbing shoe has an excellent all around hook and loop closure, making it the perfect shoe for entry-level climbers. It is great for women that require a specific fit shoe for both the gym and great outdoor. This model does it all. The synthetic leather overlay lacing harness adds great support for entry to mid level climbers, and the un-lined leather is comfortable and soft to the touch.
5. Evolv Men’s Shaman Climbing Shoe
The Evolv Men’s Shaman Climbing Shoe is designed with the beginning climber in mind. This shoe is most definitely ready to take you to new heights. The big toe knuckle box and love bump mid-sole assures that your bid toe stays in a powerful position allowing you to grab an edge better. By combining materials in the lining, you get non-stretch performance in the cotton heel and added feel from the leather forefoot.
4. Five Ten Men’s Anasazi VCS Climbing Shoe
Five Ten is certainly the Brand of the Brave. They are a leader in performance, high-friction footwear. From downhill mountain bike racing to rock climbing, from wing suit flying to kayaking, Five Ten makes footwear for the world’s most dangerous sports. The Redlands, California-based business has been producing cutting-edge designs and proprietary Stealth rubber soles for close to thirty years. With the help of top national and international athletes and guides, combined with a world-class rubber testing and research and development facility, Five Ten is the shoe brand of choice for the world’s most exciting athletes. The Five Ten Men’s Anasazi VCS Climbing Shoe provides climbers with legendary edging performance, and allows you to properly maintain versatility.
3. La Sportiva Tarantula Women’s Climbing Shoe
The La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoe is an all around performer that is perfect for the climber that needs one shoe to do it all. The unlined leather is both comfortable and soft providing an easy foot grip. This shoe also features a quick pull lacing harness that is easy to pull on and off and helps it to fit nice and snug. The specially formulated rubber compound adds an incredible grip while providing flexibility on rough rock surfaces.
2. Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoe
The Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoe Just a tad softer than the Instinct model. The company advanced the slipper design with a single strap and Vibram xs edge rubber compound that to resists deformation when standing on micro-flakes and edges. The instinct VS spans the performance arc from boulder problems to overhanging gym routes. Sensitivity, with just enough power from the bi-tension randing for standing on dimes; these climbing shoes certainly do it all. Innovation and tradition share equally deep roots at SCARPA, a muti-generational, family-owned business whose headquarters and manufacturing facilities are in the same region of northern Italy where it was founded in 1938. SCARPA builds performance footwear for climbing, hiking, skiing, mountaineering, trail running and other outdoor pursuits.
1. La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoe – Men’s
The La Sportiva Solution Men’s Climbing Shoe is made from synthetic materials in order to provide a tough grip and stand the test of time. The Patented P3 permanent power platform retains the shoes down turned shape, while the patented lock harness system secures heel hooking. This climbing shoe also includes a molded 3D heel cup; fast lacing system, and new marbled P3 rands.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, all of the rock climbing shoes, as listed above are excellent choices. They are all manufactured with the highest quality materials and industry standards. If you are new to the sport of rock climbing then we highly suggest choosing a pair from our comprehensive list. We hope that the best rock climbing shoes for beginners’ reviews have assisted you with this process.
