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 SCARPA Instinct VSR Rock Climbing Shoes are designed primarily for sport climbing and bouldering, making them a solid choice for climbers looking for performance and comfort. With a less stiff construction compared to its sibling model, the Instinct VS, the VSR is ideal for lighter climbers or those who prefer a more flexible shoe. This can help in enhancing sensitivity and foot placement on challenging routes, especially for those who find stiffer shoes uncomfortable.

One of the standout features is the Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber sole, which provides excellent traction on various rock types, allowing for greater confidence on steep terrains and overhangs. The addition of a large patch of toe rubber is beneficial for toe hooks and bat hangs, which is crucial for dynamic climbing moves. However, sizing can be tricky. The VSR tends to run small, and many users recommend sticking to your street shoe size or even going up a size. This sizing nuance might be a drawback for those new to climbing shoes who expect to size down for a performance fit.

In terms of closure, the shoe doesn’t specify the closure system, which might be a consideration for climbers who have preferences in this area. The shoe's material is entirely synthetic, which is typically durable but may not offer the same breathability as leather options. The SCARPA Instinct VSR is a versatile choice for climbers who value grip, sensitivity, and comfort, particularly for those engaged in sport climbing and bouldering. Careful attention should be paid to sizing to ensure the best fit for performance.

The SCARPA Drago Rock Climbing Shoes are tailored for sport climbing and bouldering, offering specialized performance for those who need sensitivity and precision on technical climbs. The aggressive downturn and thin midsole are beneficial for steep sport climbs, and the Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber sole provides excellent grip and stiffness, which is essential for securing footholds on challenging surfaces. The use of microfiber material in the upper part of the shoe minimizes stretching, ensuring a consistent fit over time.

Additionally, the PCB Active Rand enhances sensitivity and precision by reducing layers around the foot, making it easier to feel and adjust to slick footholds. The closure system of these shoes is slip-on, which may be convenient for quick adjustments but might lack the customization of a lace-up system. The synthetic material ensures minimal stretching, so it’s crucial to get a snug fit from the start, using the provided sizing advice. However, those with wider feet might find the fit less accommodating.

These shoes are machine washable, making maintenance straightforward. They are well-suited for climbers who prioritize sensitivity and precision in their footwear and are particularly beneficial for those tackling steep and technical climbs.