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10 Best Climbing Shoes 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

La Sportiva Men's Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes, Olive/Tiger, 9

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,204
Fit
Type of Climbing

Most important from
456 reviews

Fit
Offers excellent toe support and a comfortable fit, especially beneficial for climbers with wider feet.
Type of Climbing
Perfectly suited for indoor climbing sessions and versatile enough for various climbing styles.

The La Sportiva Men's Tarantulace climbing shoe is designed as a versatile option for climbers who want a reliable, all-around shoe suitable for various climbing styles—from indoor gym sessions to outdoor adventures. Its lace-up closure system allows for a snug and precise fit, which helps keep the shoe secure on your foot during climbs without being too tight. The shoe uses durable FriXion RS rubber on the sole, known for providing excellent grip on different surfaces while also lasting through extended use.

The leather upper, combined with a lined tongue, manages moisture well, keeping your feet more comfortable during long climbs. The shoe’s shape is not aggressively downturned, making it less specialized for steep or technical routes, but it balances comfort and performance effectively. This makes it especially suitable for climbers who want one dependable pair rather than multiple shoes for different activities.

If you’re looking for top-tier precision or maximum edging ability, this model may feel a bit basic compared to more specialized options. The Tarantulace is a solid choice for beginners or intermediate climbers who value comfort and durability without sacrificing grip and fit.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,204
Fit
Type of Climbing

Most important from
456 reviews

Fit
Offers excellent toe support and a comfortable fit, especially beneficial for climbers with wider feet.
Type of Climbing
Perfectly suited for indoor climbing sessions and versatile enough for various climbing styles.
#2

Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes, Black/Anthracite, 11

Rating
9.8
Fit
Type of Climbing
Closure System

Most important from
776 reviews

Fit
These shoes offer excellent comfort and hold up well over time, making them a reliable choice for everyday climbing.
Type of Climbing
They are ideal for beginners and leisure climbing, delivering a comfortable fit that supports casual to moderate climbing sessions without the stiffness of aggressive shoes.
Closure System
The shoes excel in breathability and ease of putting on and taking off, thanks to the engineered knit upper and velcro straps.
Material
The synthetic, vegan materials provide good durability both indoors and outdoors, with solid traction and performance even after months of regular use.
Rubber Type
The synthetic, vegan materials provide good durability both indoors and outdoors, with solid traction and performance even after months of regular use.

The Black Diamond Men's Momentum climbing shoes are designed to offer a comfortable and user-friendly experience, especially suited for beginners or those looking for all-around climbing shoes. The engineered knit upper helps with breathability and stretch, making them comfortable for longer wear. The soft flex midsole adds to comfort and also improves sensitivity, which is helpful when feeling the rock surface. Velcro straps provide an easy and secure way to lock down the midfoot, allowing quick adjustments and a snug fit. The durable rubber outsole ensures you get reliable traction on various climbing surfaces.

These shoes have a fairly neutral shape, making them good for general climbing rather than aggressive or steep routes. Because they use synthetic materials, they tend to stretch less over time compared to leather. While they don't have a super stiff sole, which might limit support on very technical climbs, their softer flex makes them ideal for comfort and casual to moderate climbing sessions.

In essence, the Black Diamond Momentum shoes are a solid choice if you want comfortable, breathable climbing shoes that are easy to put on and take off and work well for everyday climbing activities.

Rating
9.8
Fit
Type of Climbing
Closure System

Most important from
776 reviews

Fit
These shoes offer excellent comfort and hold up well over time, making them a reliable choice for everyday climbing.
Type of Climbing
They are ideal for beginners and leisure climbing, delivering a comfortable fit that supports casual to moderate climbing sessions without the stiffness of aggressive shoes.
Closure System
The shoes excel in breathability and ease of putting on and taking off, thanks to the engineered knit upper and velcro straps.
Material
The synthetic, vegan materials provide good durability both indoors and outdoors, with solid traction and performance even after months of regular use.
Rubber Type
The synthetic, vegan materials provide good durability both indoors and outdoors, with solid traction and performance even after months of regular use.
#3

Black Diamond Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes - Men's - White-Black - 10.5

Rating
9.7
Fit
Closure System

Most important from
776 reviews

Fit
These shoes offer a sturdy and grippy fit that holds up well over months of use, making them a reliable choice for growing climbers.
Closure System
Adjusting the fit is quick and easy thanks to the two Velcro straps, providing a snug yet comfortable feel.

The Black Diamond Momentum climbing shoes are designed with comfort and versatility in mind, making them a good choice for beginners or climbers who spend extended periods on vertical routes. Their neutral, flat shape supports all-day wear without causing foot fatigue, which is great if you're looking for shoes that prioritize comfort over aggressive performance. The two Velcro straps make it easy to adjust the fit quickly, so you can get a snug but comfortable feel. A soft flex midsole adds sensitivity, helping you feel the rock beneath your feet, while the updated midsole improves edging ability—important if you want a bit more precision on small footholds. The shoe uses 4.3mm rubber, which balances durability with good grip and is molded to maintain consistent performance.

The materials are fully vegan, including a hemp footbed and breathable knit lining, which offer comfort and keep your feet cooler during climbs. Softer toe rands and updated heel rubber geometry improve fit and heel grip, helping with heel hooks and overall tension. Because these shoes have a neutral fit and softer midsole, they might not be the best for aggressive or highly technical climbing where a downturned shape and stiff sole are preferred. While the durability is good for a softer shoe, they may wear faster if used extensively on rough terrain.

These shoes are well suited for climbers focused on comfort, all-day wear, and vertical climbing, but may not satisfy those looking for high-performance edging or steep, overhung routes.

Rating
9.7
Fit
Closure System

Most important from
776 reviews

Fit
These shoes offer a sturdy and grippy fit that holds up well over months of use, making them a reliable choice for growing climbers.
Closure System
Adjusting the fit is quick and easy thanks to the two Velcro straps, providing a snug yet comfortable feel.

Buying Guide for the Best Climbing Shoes

Choosing the right climbing shoes is crucial for your performance and comfort while climbing. The right pair can make a significant difference in your climbing experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced climber. When selecting climbing shoes, consider the type of climbing you'll be doing, the fit, and the specific features that will best support your climbing style and goals.
FitThe fit of climbing shoes is one of the most important factors to consider. Climbing shoes should fit snugly but not painfully tight. A good fit ensures that your feet are supported and that you can feel the rock or climbing surface. For beginners, a comfortable fit is essential to avoid discomfort and potential injury. More advanced climbers might prefer a tighter fit for better precision and performance. Always try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen to ensure a proper fit.
Type of ClimbingDifferent types of climbing require different types of shoes. For example, bouldering shoes are typically more aggressive with a downturned shape to help with overhangs and precise foot placements. Sport climbing shoes often have a balance of comfort and performance, while trad climbing shoes prioritize comfort for long climbs. Consider the type of climbing you do most often and choose a shoe that matches those needs.
Shoe ShapeClimbing shoes come in various shapes, including neutral, moderate, and aggressive. Neutral shoes are flat and comfortable, suitable for beginners and all-day wear. Moderate shoes have a slight downturn, offering a balance between comfort and performance, ideal for intermediate climbers. Aggressive shoes have a pronounced downturn, providing maximum precision and power for advanced climbers tackling steep and overhanging routes. Choose the shape based on your climbing level and the type of routes you plan to climb.
Closure SystemClimbing shoes come with different closure systems, including lace-up, Velcro, and slip-on. Lace-up shoes offer the most adjustable fit, making them versatile for various climbing styles. Velcro shoes are convenient for quick on and off, suitable for bouldering and gym climbing. Slip-on shoes provide a snug fit and are often used for crack climbing and training. Consider the convenience and adjustability you need when choosing the closure system.
MaterialClimbing shoes are made from either leather or synthetic materials. Leather shoes tend to stretch and mold to your feet over time, providing a custom fit. Synthetic shoes offer less stretch and maintain their shape, which can be beneficial for consistent performance. If you prefer a shoe that adapts to your foot shape, leather might be the better choice. If you want a shoe that retains its original fit, go for synthetic materials.
Rubber TypeThe type of rubber used on the sole of climbing shoes affects grip and durability. Softer rubber provides better grip and sensitivity, making it ideal for smearing and technical footwork. Harder rubber is more durable and supportive, suitable for edging and long climbs. Beginners might benefit from a balance of grip and durability, while advanced climbers can choose based on their specific climbing needs and preferences.

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