10 Best Climbing Shoes For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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.

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 SCARPA Men’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes are a solid choice for beginners and intermediate climbers looking for comfort and performance in the gym. One of the standout features is the wide toe-box, which allows for a more relaxed fit, reducing foot fatigue during longer climbing sessions. This is particularly beneficial for those new to the sport, as comfort is key when developing technique and confidence on the wall.

The shoe’s DTS Active Rand system enhances power transfer to the big toe, making it easier to tackle challenging footholds. Its highly asymmetric design and soft S-72 rubber provide excellent flexibility and grip, which is crucial for climbing, especially in a gym setting. The 4mm sole thickness strikes a good balance between sensitivity and support, allowing beginners to feel connected to the climbing surface without sacrificing too much stability.

The SCARPA Men’s Veloce is best suited for users who are serious about developing their climbing skills in a gym environment, offering a blend of comfort and performance. While fit challenges are present, the shoe’s features largely cater to the needs of novice climbers making it a worthwhile investment.