Climbing shoes are incredibly nuanced and diverse in shape and feel. Finding the right shoe depends a lot on what type of climbing youre doing and what type of rock you’re doing it on. Add in the fact that sizes, rubber type, and fit vary wildly from brand to brand, and its no wonder that finding the right shoe can be a challenge.

　　Thats why weve spent months seeking out and testing the top 10 best climbing shoes to meet your climbing needs and goals, examining factors like the shoe’s profile, closure system, fit and feel, comfort, performance, and sensitivity.

　　These shoes smeared up multipitch slab, jammed into a range of crack widths, withstood drizzle, and hit the crag during 90-degree Fahrenheit summer heat. The routes were scattered from Canada to Colorado, on various North American granite, and ranged between trad climbing, sport climbing, and toprope.

　　And while there isn’t a single pair of shoes that works for every person’s feet and climbing style, we’ve highlighted a variety of options. It can be useful to have different shoes for different climbing disciplines if you dabble in more than one, as many often do.

　　These are the shoes we wear and love — the best climbing shoes that will make you hit the boulders or the crag with more confidence than ever.

　　For even more help finding the best fit, refer to our buyers guide and FAQ at the end of this article. If youre looking for a quick rundown of price and features, check out our comparison chart.

　　Editors Note: Our team of testers has put the SCARPA Vapor S and the classic La Sportiva Finale through the wringer, adding them to our line-up on June 25th, 2024 just in time for alpine granite season. The Finale takes our best budget award, and the Vapor S proves itself a formidable tool for crack climbing.

　　The Best Womens Climbing Shoes of 2024 Best Overall Womens Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva Katana Best Budget Womens Climbing Shoes: La Sportiva Finale Best Shoe for Sport Climbing and Bouldering: SCARPA Instinct VS Best Womens Climbing Shoes for Beginners: SCARPA Force V Best Trad Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva TC Pro Best Overall Womens Climbing Shoes La Sportiva Womens Katana Specs Closure Laces Weight 15.2 oz. (pair) Upper material Microfiber/leather Rubber type Half-sole 4mm Vibram XS Edge Rubber

　　Pros Great on a variety of rock and terrain Mild downturn makes it versatile for vertical and overhangs Edges and pulls well New women’s version comes with a split sole for increased sensitivity Cons Must size differently for updated version Expensive Morgan Tilton The Women’s Katana Lace from La Sportiva ($219) is one of the best all-around, high-performing shoes on the market. The Katana has been a beloved shoe by many for years, and La Sportiva just came out with an updated version in 2022 with slight improvements to key elements of the shoe.

　　The Katana is a mildly downturned, stiff shoe known for its precise edging and pocket performance while also being soft enough to smear on small granite footholds and twist into cracks. The updated version has a reconstructed heel cup, with a thinner strip of rubber that hugs the Achilles, as well as rubber on the sides of the heel for better sensitivity and performance, making this a great shoe for bouldering as well. 

　　This shoe might not be the best for beginner climbers, however, as it has a very high price tag, and has performance qualities that are better suited for the intermediate to advanced climber. The Katana Lace performs exceptionally on all but steeper terrain, where you would want a more aggressively downturned shoe to better pull on holds. 

　　For more info, check out our full review of the Womens Katana Lace.

　　$219 at REI Best Budget Climbing Shoes La Sportiva Finale Specs Closure Lace Weight 15.6 oz. (pair) Upper material Leather/microfiber Rubber type 5mm Vibram XS EDGE rubber

　　Pros Inexpensive Stiff Vibram rubber gives it support and edging capabilities Great for beginner and intermediate climbers Cons Soft leather upper can be susceptible to wear Not a sensitive shoe, which may make it less applicable to modern climbing gyms Morgan Tilton An entry-level shoe seen on beginners and intermediate climbers alike, the La Sportiva Finale ($130) is not only an amazing bang-for-your-buck, but an extremely well-made shoe for all-day climbing from gym to crag. Designed with comfort in mind, the soft, unlined leather upper does a good job molding to the contours of your foot. Introductory climbers don’t require the vice-like fit of super downturned, high-performance shoes, and the Finales are made to be comfortable and perform well on a variety of terrain, from edges to pockets and cracks. 

　　Tensioned rands and a slightly downturned shape make this shoe worlds better than the floppy rental shoes you get at your local climbing gym, and 5mm Vibram XS EDGE rubber allows you to toe into small footholds with a decent amount of support underfoot. Because the rubber is so stiff, it’s not the most sensitive shoe. But having that support means your feet won’t get tired after a long day of climbing, and the rubber will last longer than the thinner stuff found on more expensive shoes. 

　　Our lead tester, Miya Tsudome, once climbed quite frequently in the Finale’s, taking them from the granite cracks and slabs of Yosemite Valley, to the big holds and edges of the Owens River Gorge, to the vertical sandstone cracks of Indian Creek. She climbed some of her first 5.11 granite crack climbs in these shoes, attesting to their capabilities beyond just the beginner level. She did notice that over time the soft leather upper started to get worn down, especially in the area around the pinky toe which is frequently twisted into cracks. If you plan on primarily crack climbing, we recommend the La Sportiva TC Pro for its higher rand and better crack climbing capabilities, though its price point is much higher. 

　　Another thing worth mentioning is that as modern climbing gyms move away from old-school hard edging and crimping and into more volume and big hold climbing, a more sensitive shoe like the La Sportiva Solution is going to be a better choice if you are primarily a gym climber. 

　　Overall, the Finale is a great, stiff, beginner shoe that could last you well into your intermediate years of climbing, and only gets better with time as La Sportiva updates it with more eco-friendly production means, giving it high points in our book.

　　$129 at REI Best Shoe for Sport Climbing and Bouldering SCARPA Instinct VS Specs Closure Velcro Weight 14.2 oz. (pair) Upper material Microsuede and leather Rubber type 3.5mm Vibram XS Grip 2

　　Pros Slipper-like fit Moderately downturned, asymmetric shape great for bouldering or steep sport climbing Rubber toe patch for toe hooking power and protection Low-volume heel hook for better fit and sensitivity Cons Wider toebox may fit some better than La Sportiva models Not a great all-around shoe due to aggressive shape and fit Morgan Tilton There are a lot of great things we could say about the SCARPA Instinct VS ($209). First, they are the most comfortable aggressive shoes right out of the box one of our testers has ever climbed in. A very low-profile shoe, the Instincts feel a lot less bulky than some of the other La Sportiva models weve tested. And with a slightly wider toebox than the general La Sportiva design, these could be a great fit for those who don’t have the narrowest of feet.

　　Made with XS Grip 2 rubber, which strikes a good balance between stiffness and sensitivity, the Instincts are fantastic for toeing into limestone pockets and edging into small footholds. And where the Instincts really shine is in their heel cup — the SCARPA design sports much less rubber than La Sportiva shoes, fitting snugly around your heel so you can really feel the rock underneath and power through on those important moves.

　　Rubber completely encases the front toebox, allowing you to pull into toe hooks with confidence. These features combined make this our top pick for a bouldering and sport-climbing shoe where the terrain is steep and precision is paramount. 

　　Because of the downturn shape, we don’t recommend the Instincts for slabby terrain. They also seem to fit the best when they are sized tightly, so that all the air is sucked out of the shoe for a slipper-like fit, making them not a top contender for multipitch or trad climbing. But for those who spend a lot of time pulling hard on small rocks or sport climbing on gently overhanging to steep terrain, these shoes are superb performers. 

　　$209 at REI Best Womens Climbing Shoe for Beginners SCARPA Force V Specs Closure Velcro Weight 17 oz. (pair) Upper material 1.8mm suede Rubber type 4mm Vibram XS Edge

　　Pros Less aggressive last for long days on rock Great padding Easy to take on and off Cons Lacks stiffness for climbers desiring rigid support Morgan Tilton Ready to start climbing? The SCARPA Force V ($169) is a solid beginner option that will grow with you.

　　Its an awesome all-around shoe with great padding and support, quality rubber, and a roomier toebox. Plus, foot entry and exit are easy with large pull tabs, a soft tongue, and easy Velcro straps.

　　“The moderate profile and flex of the midsole provide enough support for endurance or longer days of climbing but not for routes that are too extreme,” said one tester.

　　This is another shoe with a flat last that makes climbing all day a comfortable affair, but its not the best option for steeper climbing.

　　$118 at REI Best Trad Climbing Shoe La Sportiva TC Pro Specs Sizing Start with your street shoe size; the TC Pro can be sized up or down depending on preference and climbing style Rubber 4mm Vibram XS Edge Profile Moderately downturned Key features Durable peel-resistant rand, ankle-high cuff

　　Pros Versatile (with a strong preference for granite trad climbing) Supportive Durable Cons A bit heavy and clunky Morgan Tilton The La Sportiva TC Pro ($219) has been the trad climber’s shoe of choice for over a decade now, and that hasn’t changed. Though not a womens specific model, we have to give a nod to this versatile shoe that seems to fit a lot of the climbing population.

　　An updated model released in 2021 makes great improvements to the tried-and-true classic. It has a continuous rand that is less prone to delamination, a wider tongue that is less prone to rolling, as well as a small plastic shoelace protector on the inside of the shoe to help resist abrasion from cracks.

　　This stiff shoe is made with 4 mm of Vibram XS Edge rubber, which lets you stand on the tiniest dime edges on vertical terrain. Its flat sole allows for all-day comfort on long routes and in cracks. Being so stiff, it has a tendency to feel “clunky” on your feet, especially if you are used to wearing softer, more sensitive shoes like many of the other models in our lineup.

　　You won’t be able to “feel” footholds underneath your toes as much as with the Skwama, per se, but the stiffness is what makes the TC Pro so reliable at standing on tiny edges. This is also another expensive shoe, and beginners might want to start off with a more versatile, less pricey shoe to take them from the gym to the crag.

　　$219 at La Sportiva$219 at REI Best of the Rest SCARPA Vapor S Womens Specs Closure Velcro Weight 14.2 oz. (pair) Upper material Synthetic Rubber type Vibram XS Grip

　　Pros Very close fit and comfortable inner materials Low-volume, sensitive heel Good shoe for big edges, crack climbing, and gym climbing Cons Very soft Slightly lower performance compared to other slippers Morgan Tilton The SCARPA Vapor S ($199) is SCARPA’s version of a high-performance climbing slipper and the newest addition to the Vapor family. Slippers are all the rage these days, as their sensitivity and Cinderella-like fit allow you to do everything from toeing into granite cracks to smearing on comp-style volumes. 

　　Our lead tester, Miya, has always been partial to the fit of SCARPA climbing shoes, and the Vapor S is no different. The inside material of this synthetic shoe is unbelievably soft against your skin, and the fit is so snug that you can hear the air being sucked out of the shoe as you pull the heel on. The heels on SCARPA shoes are low-volume compared to those from La Sportiva and, therefore, more sensitive, giving shoes like the Vapor S excellent heel hooking capabilities. The shoe is fastened by a Velcro strap that can be customized in three different ways for slightly different fits. 

　　3.5mm Vibram XS Grip rubber, plus a 1.0mm Talon midsole make this a very soft and sensitive shoe, as most slippers tend to be. We tested the Vapor S on small edges on slightly overhanging rock in Pine Creek Canyon, in Bishop, California, and on granite cracks and slabs of Tioga Cliff in Lee Vining Canyon, California. 

　　We appreciated the sensitivity of this shoe, and it excelled when twisting its asymmetrical profile into granite cracks. However, it is a much softer shoe than we expected, and this was noticeable on slabs where there was a lack of support under the midsole for gripping tiny edges and smearing for long pitches. We would not recommend this shoe for vertical edging, which requires more stiffness and support, but it is a good choice for climbing on bigger edges, smearing on volumes in the gym, and for use in cracks. 

　　In the end, we still prefer the La Sportiva Skwama as our slipper of choice, due to its slightly more supportive performance, precision of the forefoot, and amazing versatility on all different rock types. But the Vapor S is still a great choice, as it has an overall better heel and a more comfortable, close-to-skin fit. 

　　Check Price at Backcountry La Sportiva Womens Solution Specs Closure Velcro Weight 17 oz. (pair) Upper material Leather, Lorica Rubber type 4mm Vibram XS Grip

　　Pros Awesome high-arch support Aggressive shoe for bouldering and steep sport climbing High-performance shoe Cons Velcro closure is long for narrow feet Not comfortable for all-day use Morgan Tilton The La Sportiva Solution ($199) is drastically downturned in the toebox, provides excellent support for high arches, and has a narrow heel cup, making it a great choice for those with slim feet. The Fast Lacing System, which is an integrated single-strap Velcro attachment, allows for quick closure. Though our testers found the straps to be a tad long for super-narrow feet.

　　“I love the support and hug that these shoes give my feet on vertical climbs. In contrast, I might not choose these shoes for a long, multipitch day or lower-angle routes,” said one tester. However, Solution aficionados know that a worn-in pair of Solutions can be an effective tool on just about any angle of rock and pointy toe can even gain a little extra purchase in thin finger crack. While not the most comfortable of applications, weve had plenty of success in these while climbing difficult single-pitch trad lines.

　　The Solutions shine in the arenas of bouldering and steep sport climbing, as their downturned nature makes toeing in on small footholds much easier than with a flatter shoe. The heel cup allows you to employ heel hooks for powerful bouldering moves, and the rubber on top of the shoe allows for purchase on those finicky toe hooks.

　　Because of their aggressive nature, these shoes are not our pick for multipitch routes or all-day comfort. But if you want a high-performance shoe for those hard boulders or your latest overhung sport climbing project, look no further.

　　$199 at REI La Sportiva Women’s Skwama Specs Closure Velcro Weight 12 oz. (pair) Upper material Leather, microfiber, rubber toe cap Rubber type 4mm Vibram XS Grip2

　　Pros Sensitive and aggressive for harder climbing Very comfortable slipper design S-Heel construction for superior heel hooking Cons Not good for all-day vertical edging Leather upper stretches over time Morgan Tilton The La Sportiva Women’s Skwama ($199) pairs the sensitivity and flexibility of a slipper with the downturned action of a much more aggressive shoe. “These excellent shoes are high performers on boulders and sport routes, and work just as well in cracks with their low-profile build,” one of our testers said.

　　Their sensitivity makes these shoes shine, as they flex and press on the smallest footholds in overhung terrain. Their patented S-heel construction ensures secure heel hooking action, and their Velcro enclosures allow for easy on-and-off at the boulders or crag. We loved these shoes on all types of rock and terrain, from overhanging granite crags to sandstone cracks and boulders, to pocketed limestone.

　　While these shoes excel at climbing pockets, toeing into finger cracks, and smearing on granite slabs, they fall short when real vertical edging comes into play. The softness that makes these slippers so comfortable and shine in other ways doesn’t make for the best shoe for serious face climbing — youd want to opt for a stiffer shoe with better edging capabilities if thats your primary type of climbing.

　　With that said, the Skwama is so good at every other style of climbing, which makes it our runner-up for best overall women’s climbing shoe.

　　$199 at La Sportiva SCARPA Womens Vapor V Specs Closure Velcro Weight 14.8 oz. (pair) Upper material Microsuede, leather Rubber type Vibram XS Grip2

　　Pros Nice intermediary choice for progressing climbers Excellent breathability Moderately downturned for versatility Cons Squarish Slimmer toebox is not super-conducive for edging power Morgan Tilton “This is a great all-around shoe for experienced climbers that need a step up from a beginner shoe, and the breathability is excellent,” said one tester who climbed in 80-degree F weather while avoiding sweat-soaked feet.

　　The heel cup of the SCARPA Vapor V ($199) is comfortable, and the upper is very supportive. And we like that the rubber is sensitive and high quality, allowing for precise footwork when needed.

　　“The edging and precision were tricky for small pockets because of the toebox shape, but the flexibility is amazing,” added the tester.

　　This is a great step up from the flatter-profiled shoes at the beginning of this review, as the Vapor V is moderately downturned but not aggressively so. This allows for more versatility on varying rock types and terrain. They may not win a specific category, but theyre some of the best climbing shoes out there.

　　$199 at REI La Sportiva Women’s Miura VS Specs Closure Velcro Weight 16.5 oz. (pair) Upper material Leather Rubber type 4mm Vibram XS Grip2

　　Pros Edging and pocket-pulling machines Very stiff Asymmetric build Cons Not good for slab or crack climbing Can be a slightly painful shoe, allow for some time to break in Morgan Tilton The La Sportiva Women’s Miura VS ($199) are pocket-climbing, vertical-edging machines. “The stiffness of this shoe allows for precision on technical granite face climbs in California, to the long limestone sport routes of Mexico,” said one of our testers.

　　Built for pushing on micro edges and small pockets, your confidence on thin routes will surely improve with the Miura VS.

　　The downturned shape of this shoe makes it excel in steep climbing as well. This is a highly asymmetrical model, which combined with its downturn, provides tension throughout the shoe and places the toebox directly over your big toe for top-notch pulling and pushing power.

　　“These shoes are workhorses for vertical faces as well as steep boulders and routes,” said our lead tester.

　　Sizing can be a little trick, as stiff shoes tend to be less forgiving and take longer to break in. One of our testers prefers to size these a half size up from her normal size. This makes the Muiras just comfy enough for crack climbing and long days on the big granite, while still being able to take advantage of their edging power.

　　$199 at REI Black Diamond Momentum Specs Closure Velcro Weight 13.2 oz. (pair) Upper material Synthetic knit Rubber type 4.3mm rubber

　　Pros Competitive price Great shoe for beginners Flat and comfortable Cons Missing top-notch rubber, so indoor climbing gets slick Climbers may want a higher-performing shoe after some time Morgan Tilton Due to the flat last and nonaggressive character, one tester — who used this shoe on 5.9- to 5.11-rated multipitch granite in Yosemite, South Lake Tahoe, and Colorado’s Taylor Canyon — had this to say: “The Momentum is not my go-to gym shoe, but it’s a great cragging shoe and is good for beginner climbers.”

　　It also comes with a price tag thats hard to beat, making it a great budget pick for someone just getting into the sport.

　　The Black Diamond Momentum ($100) gets a thumbs-up for breathability. Its synthetic knit upper provides great airflow. And the shoes ability to flex and mold to the foot makes for a comfortable fit. Its flat profile makes it great for all-day climbing, as more downturned shoes tend to be uncomfortable for long periods.

　　One drawback: The rubber isn’t all-time quality, so it slips at times, especially on indoor holds. But the tester said it works best outside.

　　$100 at REI Comparison Chart

　　A softer shoe is more sensitive and can toe-in into holds on steep terrain; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Why You Should Trust Us Miya Tsudome is a former rock climbing guide for the Yosemite Mountaineering School, and has been climbing outdoors for the past 8 years. She is a fan of climbing sport, trad, and alpine routes across the country as well as trying hard on boulders.

　　She has climbed all over the granite cliffs of Yosemite and the east side of the Sierra Nevada, has spent months shoving her hands and feet into the sandstone cracks in southeastern Utah, and has traveled to Spain and Mexico to sample international limestone.

　　Years of climbing on different terrain and in different disciplines have guided her to know what she is looking for in her climbing shoes, and she hopes to bring an objective view to the strengths and weaknesses of popular shoes for women today.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose Womens Climbing Shoes Identify Your Climbing Style “To choose a rock climbing shoe, analyze the terrain where you’ll take the shoes and determine where you’ll be doing 70-80% of your climbing. Then dial in the right fit,” said Stefanie Kamm, athlete manager and digital marketing coordinator for SCARPA North America.

　　Kamm started climbing in 2012 and climbs weekly in Boulder Canyon, Colo. So, she knows a thing or two.

　　One of our testers, Miya Tsudome, a former rock climbing guide in Yosemite National Park who has been climbing for 8 years, also has some advice to give:

　　“It’s nice to have a shoe that can do it all, but more often than not us rock climbers will have many different types in our quiver. If you like to boulder and climb overhanging sport routes sometimes, it will benefit you greatly to have a more aggressive shoe.

　　A stiff shoe offers more support on verticle terrain; (photo/Miya Tsudome) If at other times you like to do long multipitches or go crack climbing, you’ll want a more comfortable pair. If you’re serious about climbing, don’t be afraid to buy a few to round out your arsenal.”

　　Shoe Shape Fit The shape, or last, of a climbing shoe greatly determines its purpose. In general, bouldering, overhanging, or vertical single-pitch routes need shoes with a tight, performance-type fit, also known as aggressive, down-cambered, downturned, or slightly downturned. The La Sportiva Skwama, La Sportiva Solution, and SCARPA Instinct VS are good examples of aggressive shoes.

　　A flatter last, like in the La Sportiva TC Pro, SCARPA Force V,or La Sportiva Finale, might be more comfortable for multipitch and low-angle, sub-vertical climbs. Commonly, rock climbing guides and new climbers choose a flatter shoe for all-day comfort. As you progress or are drawn to harder styles of climbing, you may look to upgrade to a more aggressive model.

　　Shoe softness refers to the pliability of the rubber in the outsole, which increases sensitivity, or a climber’s ability to feel the rock features. The slipper-like La Sportiva Skwama is a good example of a sensitive shoe.

　　Comparatively, harder rubber provides more foot support and can be better when you need to stand on very small footholds on vertical terrain. The stiff La Sportiva Miura VS shoes are the wizards of this style of climbing.

　　A good fit is greatly determined by foot compatibility with that last shape and the shoe size. This is also a subjective measure, as everyone has a different foot shape. Make sure there are no air pockets around the foot or heel. Toes will curl under in a downturned shoe compared to a flat shoe.

　　After a break-in period, the TC Pros are super comfy for long, all-day climbs; (photo/Miya Tsudome)

　　Most people also size down from their street shoe size. If you haven’t done so before, try sizing down in half-size increments and see how that feels.

　　Your toes should always curl slightly, and your shoes should always feel tight for the best performance. If you prioritize all-day comfort, find a flat shoe where your toes barely curl.

　　Whether you choose a Velcro or lace closure system will alter the feel and fit, so try out both. Lace closure systems are typically more adjustable, while Velcro systems make it easier to take your shoes on and off. Also, a shoe’s materials affect the fit over time, as shoes with a leather upper will stretch while synthetic uppers will not.

　　Leather vs. Synthetic Leather uppers are generally more durable than synthetic uppers. If youre mostly trad climbing or spend a lot of time with your toes jammed in cracks, leather is the way to go. However, sizing can be tricky, as leather uppers stretch over time. Synthetic uppers stretch much less, and the fit you get out of the box is pretty much the fit you can expect for the life of the shoe.

　　Vegan footwear addresses leather uppers and footbeds. Some brands, like Evolv, are known for their vegan products.

　　When trying on shoes with leather uppers, be aware that they can stretch over time, sometimes up to a half-size larger. This is important when considering what size to buy, and sometimes it will benefit you to buy a size that feels a bit too tight knowing they will stretch in the future.

　　Womens-Specific Shoes Overall, women’s-specific models have a lower-volume heel, narrower last, and softer or thinner rubber for easier flex and more sensitivity. We encourage you to try on a ton of shoes to find the foot mold that fits your foot the best.

　　Be open to wearing any shoe regardless of gender. Men with a lower-volume heel often prefer the women’s version. Women’s shoes also tend to have thinner or different types of rubber so that they are more sensitive for lighter climbers.

　　The women’s SCARPA Instinct VS, for example, uses XS Grip 2 rubber, which is softer and stickier. The men’s version uses XS Edge rubber to accommodate the typically higher weight of the male climber with a little extra stiffness.

　　Laces arent as convenient as Velcro closures, but they do allow for more dialed-in adjustments; (photo/Miya Tsudome) Velcro vs. Lace-Ups Climbing shoes with Velcro straps are easy to take on and off, making them a good choice for bouldering, gym climbing, and single-pitch climbing. Some models, like the La Sportiva Solution, have one integrated Velcro strap that zig-zags over the tongue of the shoe and can be easily pulled tight and attached via its Velcro tab. This ensures a nice, snug fit.

　　Other models, like the SCARPA Force V, have two Velcro straps across the top so you can dial in the fit over two parts of your foot.

　　Shoes with laces, on the other hand, can be cinched tight, and those who are very concerned with having their shoes fit as perfectly as possible for high performance will opt for models with laces such as our top pick, the La Sportiva Katana.

　　While either type can be and is used in all different styles of climbing, each will still have certain limitations. Velcro straps can work fine for many types of cracks, but may make it harder to fit into hand cracks and larger. Modern shoes with Velcro straps allow room for rubber on top of the toebox, which will greatly aid in toe hook maneuvers.

　　Lace-ups will have a slimmer profile overall and may be more appropriate for crack climbing. While lace-ups ensure that youre able to fine-tune your fit, they may not be the best for steep bouldering where the laces can get in the way of toe-hooking.

　　Soft vs. Stiff Soft versus stiff shoes come into play when youre getting serious about finding a shoe to match the terrain you’ll be climbing on — and pushing yourself to try harder grades, making this more applicable to intermediate climbers.

　　Our best recommendation for beginners is the SCARPA Force V for its comfortable, flat profile and softer feel. Having a softer shoe is good if you’re just starting out because it’ll allow you to feel footholds more and learn better technique.

　　If youre graduating from your beginner shoes, you’ll wonder what direction you need to go in for your next pair. The SCARPA Vapor V strikes a great balance between stiffness and sensitivity, with a moderate downturn that makes it a good all-around, nonspecialized shoe. The La Sportiva Katana could be the next upgrade after this, for its high-performance rating across a variety of terrain and stiffer construction, which allows you to learn to stand on small edges.

　　Soft shoes like the La Sportiva Skwama are great for steep or off-vertical terrain because paired with their aggressive downturn, they allow you to pull in on small footholds and smear on bad feet and small cracks.

　　Stiff shoes, like the La Sportiva Miura VS or the La Sportiva TC Pro, are made more so for edging and climbing on small pockets. With so much stiffness throughout the shoe, you are able to more easily stand on dime-size edges than with a flexible shoe like the Skwama. This is because your whole foot is supported.

　　In summary, if you find yourself climbing on steeper routes or, conversely, slabby routes and cracks, a softer shoe like the Skwama would be a good match. If youre more into vertical routes with pockets or tiny edges, a stiffer model like the Miura VS would be the shoe for you.

　　FAQ What is the best brand of climbing shoes? The best climbing shoe is the one that fits well and supports your climbing style and goals. Some of the leading climbing shoe brands — like Tenaya, La Sportiva, and SCARPA — are generally well-regarded, but personal preference is the most important factor.

　　What are the best climbing shoes for beginners? On this list, weve named the SCARPA Force V as our favorite beginner climbing shoe. The Force V is comfortable, durable, and adaptable to a wide variety of foot shapes and climbing styles.

　　For new climbers, comfort is more important than advanced features like a downturned last or a massive patch of toe rubber. The Force V is precise enough to progress in the gym or at the crag, but ultimately it was designed for comfort. With the Force V, new climbers can focus on learning the sport, improving, and having a good time.

　　Should you wear socks with climbing shoes? Most climbers prefer not to wear socks with their climbing shoes. Its generally accepted that wearing socks decreases sensitivity and reduces the effectiveness of your climbing shoes.

　　These days, climbing shoe companies are working hard to make thinner, more sensitive shoes, and wearing socks is often seen as a step backward.

　　However, when climbing in cold conditions, some climbers find a pair of socks can be an essential way to maintain warm feet. In the end, its all personal preference. If you like to wear socks, wear socks!

　　Should your toes be curled in climbing shoes? That depends. Many advanced shoes are designed to be worn with the toes curled to maximize precision and toe power.

　　When the toes are slightly curled, many climbers find it easier to transfer power to the point of the shoe and stand comfortably on tiny footholds. This is especially important in shoes that are both stiff and aggressive.

　　However, curled toes are not comfortable, and such an aggressive fit is unnecessary for many climbers. For all-day comfort in the gym or on multipitch routes, a roomier fit is probably the way to go. Beginning climbers should prioritize comfort above all else.