10 Best Climbing Shoes For Beginners 2026 in the United States

The EVOLV Kronos Rock Climbing Shoe is designed for intermediate indoor and outdoor climbing and can also serve as a good first shoe for beginners. One of its strengths is its universal fit, making it comfortable for long sessions on moderate slabs and vertical walls. The shoe's hook and loop closure system is user-friendly and allows for easy adjustments, which is a big plus for beginners who are still getting used to putting on and taking off climbing shoes.

The shoe's medium-volume design suits average foot shapes well, while the vegan synthetic upper material is both durable and eco-friendly. The rubber sole, made from Trax 4.2 mm rubber, provides good grip and is resoleable, extending the shoe's lifespan. On the downside, the shoe is categorized as PSR 4, which means it is versatile but not the most sensitive, so it may not perform as well on more technical climbs requiring precise foot placements.

Additionally, the shoe is not designed to be downsized, which could be a drawback for those who prefer a tighter fit for better performance. The EVOLV Kronos offers a good balance of comfort and performance, making it a solid choice for beginners who want a reliable and durable climbing shoe.

The Black Diamond Mens Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes are a solid choice for beginners. They are designed with a neutral, flat last, making them comfortable for all-day wear. One of the standout features is the Engineered Knit Technology upper, which provides excellent breathability and comfort, essential for long climbing sessions. The two Velcro straps allow for easy adjustability, which is great for getting a secure fit.

However, it's important to note that these shoes run small, so you should order one to one and a half sizes up from your regular shoe size to ensure a proper fit. The 4.3mm rubber sole is durable and offers consistent performance, which is crucial for beginners still developing their footwork. The soft flex midsole adds to the comfort and sensitivity, making it easier to feel the holds you're stepping on.

On the downside, the soft midsole may not provide the same level of support and precision as stiffer options, which could be a consideration for some climbers as they advance. All in all, these shoes are lightweight and well-suited for gym climbing, offering a balance of comfort and performance for those new to the sport.

The La Sportiva Men's Tarantulace Rock Climbing Shoes are a solid choice for beginner climbers seeking versatility. They feature a quick pull lacing system that allows for a snug fit, which is essential for comfort and performance while climbing. This is particularly beneficial for new climbers who may need to adjust the fit throughout their climbing session.

The durable FriXion RS rubber compound provides excellent grip on various surfaces, making it suitable for both indoor gym use and outdoor climbing, which is a significant advantage for those looking to explore different climbing environments without needing multiple pairs of shoes. Comfort is a key highlight, as the lined tongue helps manage moisture, making these shoes more pleasant for extended wear. This makes them quite appealing to beginners who may spend long hours climbing and are still acclimating to wearing climbing shoes.

The shoes are designed to be a jack-of-all-trades, but they might not excel in highly specialized climbing scenarios. More advanced climbers may find the sole stiffness lacking for more technical climbs, as stiffer soles tend to provide better support for precision foot placements. Additionally, the shoe's shape may not be ideal for everyone; beginners with wider feet might feel constricted, leading to discomfort during longer climbs. The La Sportiva Tarantulace shoes are a great starting point for beginners looking for a versatile and comfortable climbing shoe.