There are many, many different types of climbing shoes. Whether you’re looking for a pair just starting, or you’re looking to change up your shoe game, here’s a list of a few shoes that could help send your next project.
Before we get started on which shoe works best for you, it’s essential first to note your feet. Are they wide? Skinny? Along with how comfortable you want them to be. For beginners, the priority is to have a pair to call your own. As you move through difficulties, that’s where you start looking for shoes that do different things. Having a sharper toe, better heel, or maybe you’re downsizing to really help you send. Climbing shoes can be categorized into three distinct categories: neutral, moderate, and aggressive. Think of it this way: the more aggressive the shoe, the more “talon-shaped” the shoe will be.
Neutral
Scarpa Origins: A fantastic beginner shoe that is aesthetically pleasing and provides comfort for both on-the-wall and off-the-wall action. This shoe also has a little bit of toe rubber and a strong heel for introductory-level heel or toe hooks. This shoe uses Velcro.
La Sportiva Finale: The Finale is a reliable shoe, similar to its origins, that provides all-day comfort. Unlike the Origins, it’s a lace-up shoe with a slight downturn. Unlike moderate or aggressive shoes, these shoes will still offer comfort, as with all other introductory-level shoes.
Moderate
Madrock Rover: The most affordable shoe on our list. This shoe is below triple digits while still providing comfort, control, and durability. “Its compression-molded toe box and patented concave sole provide confident edging and control”.
Madrock shark 3: The shark 3 is for athletes with wide feet. The shoe uses velcro to keep your foot in place, but also has an adjustable elastic band, allowing you to form the shoe for those with wider feet. Just as comfortable as a neutral shoe, but also versatile for a more experienced climber. It has powerful edging and “Xtreme Friction over the toe for secure toe hooks,” allowing you to stick on overhangs and providing security on slabs.
Aggressive
Scarpa Instinct VSR: The instincts offer Vibram Grip2 rubber, providing more grip and sensitivity while maintaining comfort. This shoe features sticky rubber, helping you retain tension while on the wall. It has a rubber toe patch providing toe hooking power.
Scarpa Dragos: The softest shoe on this list, the Dragos are almost talon-like with how downturned they are. It’s asymmetric and wrapped in sticky rubber, allowing you to perform at the highest level for boulders and steep sport climbs.
La Sportiva Solution comps: Drastically downturned, the solution comps feature a molded 3D heel cup and the patented P3 Power Platform, which retains its downturned shape. This shoe allows you to hook, edge, and smear on any surface. This shoe also features an adjustable fast-lacing system, allowing you to tailor the quick-closing laces and loops to ensure the shoe fits your foot perfectly.
Understand that many of these shoes are similar in terms of toe boxes, heel boxes, different types of rubber, laces, and/or Velcro. There are a plethora of shoes, and you won’t know if the shoe is for you until you try it. Method Cafe offers all the shoes listed above. There, you’ll be able to try on the shoes that are right for you, along with many other options not listed.