10 Best Climbing Shoes 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

The La Sportiva Men's Solution Rock Climbing Shoe is designed for high performance, particularly suitable for modern bouldering and challenging climbs. One of its standout strengths is the material composition; the shoe features a combination of laser-cut leather and microfiber uppers which reduces bulk and enhances comfort, particularly in the toe box and arch areas.

The fit is very tailored thanks to the single-strap, slipper design and the highly adjustable Fast Lacing System, allowing climbers to personalize the fit precisely to their foot shape. Furthermore, the shoe’s pointed, down-turned shape with high asymmetry aids in precise foot placements on small holds, crucial for advanced climbing techniques. The sole is wrapped in sticky Vibram XS Grip rubber, enhancing traction and grip, while the proprietary P3 system helps maintain the shoe's powerful downturned shape over time.

However, this shoe might be too aggressive or stiff for beginners who may find the performance fit uncomfortable for extended wear. Additionally, while the materials and design are premium, they come at a higher price point, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious climbers. This shoe is ideal for serious climbers looking to tackle difficult bouldering problems and seeking a shoe that offers precision, support, and durability.