Outdoor gear lab climbing shoes May 3, 2021 · The Solution was one of La Sportiva's first shoes to incorporate their P3 platform, a revolutionary design that helps climbing shoes retain their shape and provide a solid edging platform. Apr 16, 2025 · We evaluate each shoe based on important climbing techniques – like how well they smear on slabs, edge on small holds, pull into features, and jam into cracks – and draw on the experience of multiple climbers to help you find the perfect fit. Not all boots are made for walkin'! From hiking boots to top winter boots to trail running shoes on the market, most footwear is designed for a purpose. All-American trad warriors, however, will probably be better off with a stiffer pair of climbing shoes for cracks or low-angle romps. It doesn't excel in the steep and gymnastic world of high-end sport climbing or bouldering but is an ideal choice for almost any type of trad climbing. The wide-ish fit in the toe doesn't cram into smaller pockets like the pointy Tenaya Tarifa, but they are much stiffer than the Tarifa, and our testers found them better for standing on the edges of the vertical pocketed limestone of Wild Iris. Jan 2, 2024 · What Other Rock Climbing Shoes Should You Consider? If you decide to part with your hard-earned dough in exchange for the Scarpa Drago, you're getting an awesome, well-constructed product. They are most certainly not a replacement for climbing shoes, or even climbing-oriented approach shoes, but they are great for routes that involve some scrambling. From climbing shoes to helmets, our climbing experts test the best from Petzl, Black Diamond, Arc'teryx, La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more Whether you are bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, or top-roping, we have a shoe for you. Jul 23, 2024 · This shoe is a godsend for any runner who likes to incorporate technical moves into their running itineraries. While the shoe features a wider toe box than other La Sportiva models that we tested, it does not prevent the shoe from edging and smearing on fifth Dec 19, 2023 · These shoes seriously impressed us with their excellent climbing ability, hiking comfort, durability, and overall support. We proudly stock shoes from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Evolv, Mad Rock & Scarpa. Different-shaped feet need differently lasted shoes, and that is why we stock over 50 models of rock climbing shoes. The result is a high-performance climbing shoe specifically designed for climbing steep or overhanging boulders and sport climbs. The sole is comfortably cushioned, and the laces help refine the fit. To that end, our expert reviewers unselfishly tied their laces and took to the desert, valleys, coasts, and mountains to test the full roster of shoes and boots. . See how it measures up versus the competition in our best climbing shoes review. This shoe's pointy toe supplies an outstanding sensation of precision to ensure your toes are properly placed on the tiniest footholds. Feb 27, 2024 · Climbing shoes are an essential piece of equipment for rock climbers, providing the necessary grip, sensitivity, and support needed to conquer the vertical world. Aug 17, 2017 · Pockets. Here’s how to choose the best climbing shoe for you. We love how light it is, and it entirely changes our scrambling and multi-pitch climbing strategies. Jan 2, 2024 · As with any jack-of-all-trades, the TC Pro falls behind some specialized shoes in their respective niches. Climbing Ability. As climbing technology continues to evolve, the year 2024 brings forth a new generation of climbing shoes designed to enhance performance and comfort. Apr 29, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is our favorite approach shoe, hands down. Feb 27, 2024 · The seven best climbing shoes of 2024, including the La Sportiva Solution, Scarpa Vapor V, Five Ten Anasazi Pro, Evolv Oracle, Black Diamond Momentum, Tenaya Mastia, and La Sportiva Otaki, offer climbers a range of options to suit their preferences and climbing styles. GearLab provides the world's best reviews of outdoors gear based on in-depth side-by-side comparison and written by outdoor professionals. While not as precise as rock climbing shoes, they are meant to carry you over talus slopes and boulder fields, while also providing confidence when moving through third- and fourth-class terrain. Dec 27, 2023 · The combination of extra padding and a wider fit make it one of the most comfortable climbing shoes we have ever tested, though the heel felt baggier than similarly built trad shoes. Nov 5, 2024 · The climbing shoe inspired lacing system allows you to better customize the overall volume and fit of the shoe specific to your foot shape which greatly increases the overall climbing ability. 4 days ago · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. The big thing that sets approach shoes apart from hiking shoes is their sticky rubber and technical climbing abilities. A precise toe and stiff construction combine for a technical climbing prowess on par with low-performance climbing shoes. Climbing Shoes (Men's Jun 4, 2024 · This works in conjunction with the Differentiated Tension System (DTS), which pulls tension on the inside and outside of the shoe differently for optimal power transfer to your big toe. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) Best Training Shoe: Scarpa Veloce L ($175) Best Pure Slipper: La Sportiva Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! Mar 19, 2024 · Are you looking for a soft bouldering shoe that you can paste to tiny edges, or a stiff sport shoe that will help maximize your reach? Do you plan to climb steep, overhung sport routes, or low-angle slabs? To help you zero in on your needs, I put together this guide. They crush miles on the trail and can smear when the moves get tenuous. A good edging shoe also does a great job toeing into the lip of a pocket, and the Scarpa Instinct is no exception. If you have narrow feet, we highly recommend trying these on before buying because there are likely better options to fit your foot. “This shoe climbs incredibly well, and its snug, sock-like fit felt secure on my foot while I was standing on small edges,” our lead tester shared. tvesglqsqxqqfmtmxpuixlnyhypbjcquxkfskeipfmpndctphaur