10 Best Climbing Shoes For Beginners 2026 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 SCARPA Men's Origin Rock Climbing Shoes are designed with beginners in mind, offering a comfortable fit that helps new climbers develop their techniques. One of its standout features is the flat-lasted design, which provides a balance between comfort and grip. This makes it easier for beginners to focus on learning without worrying about foot pain. The shoe runs small, so it is recommended to size up from your street shoe size, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit as the leather upper stretches over time.

The wide last, high volume, and slight asymmetry cater well to most men's feet, enhancing the comfort during climbs. The unique heel system helps distribute pressure, reducing strain on the Achilles heel, which can be beneficial for longer climbing sessions. The Vision rubber sole, although quite thick at 5mm, offers good durability and grip, essential for beginners as they get accustomed to different climbing surfaces. However, the thicker sole might reduce sensitivity, making it harder to feel the climbing holds.

While the shoe’s rubber outer material and machine-washable care instructions add convenience, the lack of advanced closure systems like Velcro or laces might be a drawback for those seeking a more customizable fit. The SCARPA Men's Origin Rock Climbing Shoes are well-suited for new climbers looking for comfort and durability as they start their climbing journey, though more experienced climbers might find its features limiting for advanced techniques.

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.