10 Best Bouldering Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Black Diamond Men's Momentum climbing shoes feature a flat shoe shape and engineered knit technology in the upper material, making them lightweight and breathable. This design offers comfort during longer climbs or gym sessions. The nylon outer material adds durability, though it may stretch slightly over time, which is common with knit fabrics. The shoe typically uses a simple lace-up design, allowing for a customizable and secure fit.

These shoes provide moderate stiffness, offering a good balance between support and sensitivity. This makes them well-suited for those newer to bouldering or climbers who prefer a more comfortable shoe rather than an aggressive, downturned design. The shoes are equipped with reliable sticky rubber that provides decent grip on various surfaces. At size 10, they are ideal for men seeking a comfortable all-around bouldering shoe that performs well in gyms and on moderate outdoor climbs.

The flat shape of the Momentum shoes is better for all-day comfort but less ideal for steep overhangs. For climbers needing very high precision or a stiffer, more aggressively shaped shoe for advanced bouldering problems, these may feel softer and less technical. They are a solid choice for beginners and intermediate climbers looking for comfort, breathability, and versatility with some trade-offs in aggressive performance features.

The La Sportiva Men's Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are designed to offer a snug and precise fit, thanks to the quick pull lacing harness. This feature helps achieve a customized fit along the entire foot, which is crucial for bouldering where secure foot placement is essential. The inclusion of an updated heel cup further enhances the secure and comfortable fit by keeping the heel firmly in place.

Additionally, the shoe is equipped with two heel pull-tabs and a tongue tab to facilitate easy on and off, which is a nice convenience. The FriXion RS rubber compound used for the sole is known for its durability and excellent grip, making these shoes highly reliable on various rock surfaces. The lined tongue aids in managing moisture, which can help keep your feet dry and comfortable during intense climbing sessions.

However, the shoes may not be the best option for climbers who prefer a softer, more flexible shoe, as the Tarantulace is on the stiffer side. Also, the shoe shape is more neutral rather than aggressively downturned, which might not appeal to advanced climbers looking for more technical precision on overhangs. The outer material combining rubber and leather suggests a blend of durability and comfort, but it also means the shoes might require some breaking-in. In summary, the La Sportiva Men's Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are a solid choice for beginner to intermediate boulderers, offering durability, comfort, and a secure fit, though they may not meet the needs of climbers seeking more aggressive performance features.

The SCARPA Instinct VSR Rock Climbing Shoes are designed for sport climbing and bouldering, particularly appealing for lighter climbers who prefer a less stiff option than the original Instinct VS. One of the standout features is the Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber, providing excellent grip on various rock types, which is essential for tackling both steep walls and overhanging boulders. The large toe rubber allows for great coverage, enhancing performance during toe hooks and bat hangs, which many climbers will appreciate.

In terms of fit, these shoes run small, and the suggestion to order close to street shoe size instead of sizing down may be beneficial for comfort. This is especially relevant since the synthetic upper doesn’t stretch much, which could be a drawback for some climbers used to a tighter fit.

The less stiff design is a double-edged sword; while it allows for increased comfort and movement, it may not provide the same level of precision and support as stiffer shoes, which might be a consideration for more advanced climbers or those tackling very technical routes. The combination of microsuede and leather offers a decent balance of durability and breathability, although some users might prefer all-leather options for better longevity. The shoe's weight is relatively light at 7.6 ounces, which can aid in endurance when climbing for long periods.

The SCARPA Instinct VSR shoes are great for those who value comfort and versatility in their climbing activities, but they might not be the best choice for climbers looking for the utmost stiffness or precision in their footwear. They are a solid choice for intermediate climbers or those who enjoy bouldering without the pressure of extreme technicality.