Best Climbing Shoes to Get You to the Top Without Slipping

The Skwama are high-performance shoes that are sure to enhance your climbing experience. Toe-hook and heel-hook hustle-free with the aggressive downturn, and enjoy a snug fit with the hybrid closure. The toe area features a generous patch of rubber so your feet can stay in place during the action.

Enjoy the convenience of the Vibram XS-Grip-2 sole, which sticks to the tiniest of edges so you can do what you do best. The upper with suede leather is a plus, especially when it comes to offering a secure fit.

According to users, the Skwama couldn’t be more affordable. It’s also comfortable with its snug fit, which is a bonus for steep climbers. Some buyers, though, probably those who fancy the edging climbing technique, find that the shoes aren’t great for edging.

Currently, Amazon reviewers give the Skwama an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The best climbing shoes should be versatile, and Tenaya knows that only too well. Whether you’re looking to do trad or sport climbing (on any terrain), their Masai option should fit the bill.

These are also the go-to shoes for most expert climbers, and for all the right reasons. They boast terrific edging power, fit like a glove, and are crafted under the watch of a legendary shoe designer.

Keep your feet feeling active with the supportive midsole, and enjoy a secure fit with the low-volume heel.

Purchasers like that the lace-up closure and microfiber upper combine to give a tight fit. The Tenaya Masai run narrow, though, and climbers with wide feet have issues putting them on. The best-rated on our list, these shoes currently score 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Another one from LA SPORTIVA, the Katana is a versatile option for your climbing needs, just like the Masai.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable grip on small holds or want to give the smearing technique a shot, these shoes are no bummer. Even after years of heavy use, the banana-shaped downturn is sure to stay intact, saving you regular store visits.

Versatility and a tight fit are some of the reasons users could kill to recommend the Katana. The shoes are also a breeze to put on and take off, which is a bonus. Flipping the coin, though, these climbing shoes run small, and you might want to order a size up.

A rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars is currently given on Amazon.

Black Diamond made our list with one of the best climbing shoes for beginner climbers.

With a flat downturn, the Momentum is certain to keep your feet in their natural position during activity. That’s a plus for the newbies. The shoes are also breathable so your feet can stay dry as you’re headed up, and the lace-up closure makes for a snug fit.

According to most buyers, the Momentum tick the comfort box and nearly all of the features that new climbers like. Other buyers are concerned the shoes aren’t high performers. Some more users, probably those with wide feet, find that the Momentum shoes run narrow.

Reviewers on Amazon currently rate these shoes 4.4 out of 5 stars.

With a padded collar and heel, these women’s climbing shoes couldn’t be more relaxed. And the double-stitch construction ensures durability.

Because the Climb X Rave shoes come pre-downsized, though, you want to go a size up (for comfort) if you’re a newbie.

For the experts, check that the toe area allows for your toes to wiggle. It’s just that the Climb X Rave can be pretty tight. Obviously, the tighter the climbing shoes, the better; that shouldn’t compromise comfort and performance, however.

Climbers who’ve used these shoes appreciate their odorless nature, and they’re in love with the upper’s hemp material. Those with a taste for style options, however, are concerned about the shoes’ limited color options.

An average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars is currently given on Amazon.

SCARPA makes some of the best climbing shoes available, and they helped make our list with their Instinct VS.

The shoes boast a hybrid closure (slippers with a single strap), making for a snug fit.

SCARPA also employs a couple of technologies in their shoes: Vibram XS Edge ensures excellent grip, and Vibram XS Grip2 boosts heel-hooking.

Which explains why these shoes don’t disappoint when it comes to ascending overhanging routes or going up the slabs.

Among other things, purchasers are in love with the incorporated Vibram XS technologies, and most of them have a thing for the microsuede upper. Even so, the Instinct VS runs large, and a couple of buyers are concerned about it.

These shoes have a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Yet another option from LA SPORTIVA, the TarantuLace are shoes that cater to intermediate climbers.

And no, that’s not to say they aren’t comfortable or high performers. With grippy soles, rugged heel rand, and low-asymmetry shape, the TarantuLace couldn’t be more supportive.

And it’s not just for mid-level climbers, but beginners can take advantage of the shoes’ handy features, including the lacing harness. The leather upper and breathable tongue are also a nice touch.

Users speak highly of these shoes: They’re comfy and come in different versions, and they make for a good fit for beginners. There are two sides to every coin, though, and the TarantuLace are no exception. They run small and can be a bit tight.

These shoes boast an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

All-round footwear, the Endeavor are lighter, and they boast an asymmetrical shape. These women’s shoes from Butora also come with a tight fit, and the solid build is a plus.

With these climbing shoes, you’re sure to enjoy custom fitting thanks to the triple-folk webbing system.

According to buyers, the Endeavor gives a snug fit with the two pull tabs at the heel area. Most users also appreciate the organic materials the shoes feature. However, because the footwear runs small, most users have had to go a size or half up.

The Endeavor currently scores 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

While these shoes have been around for years, now they come with improved features, making them some of the best climbing shoes out there.

The heel cup and padded tongue make for a more relaxed and refined construction. And, unlike previously mentioned shoes, the lacing runs further down to the toe area.

That’s not all, but you can enjoy the convenience of the Vibram XS Edge rubber, which couldn’t be grippier. The leather upper is a plus.

While some buyers are concerned the SCARPA Helix run small (and stretch over time), these shoes have won the hearts of many users, probably due to their flat-lasted build and Vibram XS E 4a dge technology. Purchasers are also in love with the to-the-toe lacing feature.

Currently, customers rate the Helix 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.