Best scarpa climbing shoes The following infographic shows the SCARPA climbing shoe collection. If your goal is steep climbing where you need to stand on vague features and pull on slopey holds, this is the shoe you want on your feet. Apr 22, 2025 · We tested 19 pairs of women's climbing shoes from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Black Diamond, and others to find the best-performing models for your climbing style. The Scarpa Vapor V is the best of both worlds. To be honest I hate it when people say "go tarantulas" or some other shoes like that, it doesn't matter, you can even go with scarpa dragos the first time, if you go with super stiff and comfortable shoes your feet won't be ready for a sensitive shoe anyway regardless if you're a beginner or have climbed for a while, and if you climb really well those shoes won't help you when you send more Jun 4, 2024 · The La Sportiva Solution Comp is very similar to the Scarpa Booster and is a great alternative shoe for climbing steep and overhanging terrain. Best For Gym. 6 (4 reviews Nov 14, 2021 · More: Best Climbing Harnesses of 2021 SCARPA Men’s Vapor V Rock Climbing Shoes. Feb 24, 2025 · Given that GearJunkie already crowned the Scarpa Drago the “best climbing shoe for steep routes and boulders,” it was a surprise when the Drago XT showed up in the mail. The tight fit should feel secure, rather than painful. Sep 25, 2024 · Best Hiker: Scarpa Mescalito Planet; Best Climber: LaSportiva TX2 Leather; Best for the Crag: Arc’teryx Kragg Shoe; How I Tested the Best Approach Shoes While guiding in the North Cascades, Sean McNally tested some of the best approach shoes for comfort, packability, and precision. Considering that we needed to size up to correctly fit the Booster, the Solution Comp has a bit wider toe box that might fit some feet better. If you’re looking for a gym shoe that is moderately comfortable, yet stiff enough to support all your edging needs, the Reflex V might be a good option for you. Its aggressive downturn and Vibram® XS Grip2 rubber provide incredible stickiness, making it a top choice for both bouldering and sport climbing. The heels on SCARPA shoes are low-volume compared to those from La Sportiva Furias are just a little softer than dragos, but it's very difficult to get them these days. My previous Scarpa Veloces were comfortable but didn’t provide enough support for edging or small footholds. Nov 7, 2024 · The best climbing shoes 2025. Nov 11, 2023 · The Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes. This moderately downturned shoe with an asymmetric shape has been a long-time favorite for my narrow-footed tester. 5 oz. Check it out on Backcountry. Today, the range of downturned climbing shoes is pretty overwhelming. Here at SCARPA, our innovative footwear combines decades of experience with unique technology, making ours the climbing shoes of choice for every experience level of climber. Here's my complete guide to moderate climbing shoes. Nov 11, 2023 · For this reason, avid gym climbers often opt for a softer climbing shoe, as large volumes and monster overhangs are found in abundance within modern bouldering gyms. 5 mm XS Grip 2 sole with a hand-constructed 2 mm XS Grip Heel. These shoes climb nearly as well as the best shoes on the market, at a lower price. Something that can help send your bouldering project, clip the chains on a pumpy sport route and even top out a tasty trad line, if that’s your thing. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Despite our praise for their performance, the wider-than-usual last for approach shoes means that the Mescalito Planet is best for users with average or wider-than-average fe i own a pair of Scarpa Boosters and they're the best shoes i've ever tried, including 5. 95 $ 218 . 6/10. Apr 16, 2025 · Scarpa Veloce L. 25 (5 reviews) Edging - 6/10. Scarpa Veloce Climbing Shoes. Best for Steep Bouldering : Scarpa Drago for sensitivity and hooking capabilities. That said, if you want a few suggestions, then here are a few of what I think represent the best crack climbing shoes currently available. com SCARPA’s Specialised Performance line is perfect for climbers in search of outstanding performance who require very soft, sensitive, precise and flexible climbing shoes, even for small edges or to simply ensure adequate grip, with pairs suitable for various disciplines, including: cliff climbing, bouldering and indoor climbing. 10 granite cracks. Sep 5, 2023 · T hese days rock shoes seem to be getting softer and softer, making the quest to find a supportive trad shoe increasingly tough. A damn fine shoe that’s worth every bit of $179 dollars. Climbing page. 0 (Mid) Velcro: Syn Flex: Best Vegan-Friendly Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva Mythos: FriXion® Eco (Mid) Laced-up: Leather: All-day Eco Climbing Shoes: Evolv Kronos Nov 10, 2023 · The Best Aggressive Climbing Shoes. But for smaller toe hooks, the shoe’s flatter last (and thin swath of rubber) help it perform admirably. 5/10 Rating Jump to review. Comparisons to another popular model with “T” and “X” in the name I've been climbing for about 4-5 months now and climbed my first V3-V5 yesterday. Jan 2, 2024 · The Scarpa Chimera is a premium climbing shoe designed for modern boulder problems and steep routes. I tested the best approach shoes in the field. Jul 29, 2022 · Scarpa Reflex V: Best Beginner Shoe for Gym Climbing. My Favorite All Around Shoes. Mar 10, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes for Edging SCARPA Boostic R. I couldn’t see how Jul 17, 2024 · SCARPA has a deep bench of rock shoes for climbers who have moved beyond beginner status. Jan 11, 2022 · Scarpa’s formula for an ideal gym climbing shoe includes a roomier toe box so indoor climbers can leave their shoes on longer without pain. These intermediate-level shoes perform well for everything from gym sessions to multipitch. Its padded ankle and soft leather Best Indoor Climbing Shoes: Scarpa Veloce for comfort and durability during long sessions. Finding an all-day climbing shoe that can crush hard across all terrain and climbing styles is a tall order. Sean McNally. Sep 1, 2024 · Scarpa Generator for $168 (was $224) The Generator is Scarpa’s new flagship trad-climbing shoe—their response to the TC Pro. 0: Science Friction 3. Scarpa Shoes for Advanced Climbers Scarpa Instinct VSR: Precision Meets Power. Scarpa Men's Helix Rock Climbing Shoes. Sole: Sticky Vibram XS Edge rubber . The result is an unusual level of comfort given the shoe’s high level of functional overlap with the beak-shaped sport climbing shoes I listed above. not seeing them mentioned is nothing to worry about, as Scarpa makes high-quality climbing shoes. Its incredible feel and stickiness will give you confidence standing on tiny jibs, smearing slippery volumes, and snagging toe hooks and heel hooks that you never Nov 11, 2023 · Moderate climbing shoes offer the best of both worlds; downturned enough for precise footwork on steep terrain, and flat enough for friction moves on slabby sport lines. Nov 10, 2023 · For many, an all-around climbing shoe is called for. Lovely though it is to feel each and every rugosity beneath your feet, there's no benefit to that for trad climbing if you're not able to stand on it for 30 minutes whilst fiddling in a wire, building a belay, or trying not to have a panic attack. 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 This research enables SCARPA to continue making pairs suitable for all kinds of climbing, including indoor climbing, cliff climbing, bouldering and multi-pitch climbing. 2-0. Nov 17, 2023 · Following a trend, one early tester noted that the Scarpa Drago is the “ Ferrari LaFerrari of climbing shoes—it’s sleek and sexy, and it radiates performance. ” The Drago combines Scarpa’s best climbing-shoe features into one. Its XS Edge rubber and P3 midsole edged like a dream. Nov 16, 2023 · If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to the high-performance shoes I’ve just mentioned, then a reliable budget shoe is called for. . Scarpa’s Boostic was solid but less precise on micro-holds, though its wider fit kept me comfy longer. See the Women’s Scarpa Veloce Climbing Shoes. 11d limestone routes. Jan 21, 2023 · Before you read anything about these shoes, I'd highly recommend you to check out my La Sportiva Genius vs Futura and Scarpa Drago vs Furia S post if you're at least an intermediate climber, and if you're looking for various types of climbing shoes (especially La Sportiva), you might want to check my 11 Best La Sportiva Climbing Shoes post. Balance is key; pressure points can lead to discomfort, which may detract from performance during climbing. Best Climbing Shoe for Steep Sport Routes & Bouldering SCARPA Drago. Material: High-quality synthetic leather . New shoes aren't comfortable like rented shoes which were broken in by 100+ of feet. Both models offer outstanding performance and exceptional quality. Scarpa Veloce. Our rock climbing shoes offer cutting-edge precision, support where it’s needed, and excellent friction - key attributes for bouldering, indoor, Jun 28, 2023 · The Scarpa Chimera climbing shoe is equally adept indoors and outside. com May 27, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. Scarpa Instinct VSR comes with a 3. Feb 28, 2022 · Best Climbing Shoe for Narrow Feet: Scarpa Vapor V Like the Evolv Geshido Velcro, the Scarpa Vapor V doesn’t sacrifice performance for versatility. Overall 8. Scarpa is cutting back production. My gym grades: White: V0 Yellow: V0-V2 Blue: V1-V3 Purple: V2-V4 Black: V3-V5 Red: V4-V6 I can comfortably climb the purples (V2-V4). The Scarpa Crux offers the best bang for the buck, especially if climbing ability is most important. Nothing special just £40 climbing shoes. Mar 19, 2024 · Here’s how to choose the best climbing shoe for you. It’s a workhorse for bouldering and sport climbing, but it can also whip out long days on multi-pitch routes with enough stiffness to keep your feet happy all day long. Jan 22, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoe for Beginners: Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe Under $100: La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe for All-Day Comfort: evolv Kronos / evolv Kira; Best for Trad Climbing: La Sportiva TC Pro Climbing Shoes; Best Climbing Shoe for Overhung Bouldering: Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Jan 21, 2023 · Before you read anything about these shoes, I'd highly recommend you to check out my La Sportiva Genius vs Futura and Scarpa Drago vs Furia S post if you're at least an intermediate climber, and if you're looking for various types of climbing shoes (especially La Sportiva), you might want to check my 11 Best La Sportiva Climbing Shoes post. Trad Climbing; Scarpa’s Maestro Mid shone in 5. The best climbing shoes for edging on vertical terrain have fairly stiff, supportive soles Oct 12, 2018 · Scarpa designs and manufactures top quality ski boots, mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, alpine running, and mountain lifestyle gear. Below, you can find an overview of the list of best bouldering shoes by category: Scarpa Drago – Best for Bouldering; Scarpa Instinct VS – Great for Indoor Bouldering; La Sportiva Solution – Top All-Rounder; La Sportiva Skwama – Great for Edges; Evolv Shaman – Ultimate Grip; Five Ten Hiangle – Best Apr 12, 2024 · As a two-velcro-strap shoe, the Quantix does not excel on large toe hooks, where the velcro gets in the way. For example, a size 42 street shoe may fit best with a Scarpa climbing shoe in sizes 40-41. Scarpa Drago. It is divided into three families: SPECIALIZED PERFORMANCE, the shoes for climbers who require maximum precision and sensitivity. There are plenty of good crack shoes out there and armed with the information above, you can now identify which type of climbing shoe will work best for you. Fun isn’t an adjective I usually use to describe climbing shoes, but that’s the perfect word for the Veloce Feb 11, 2025 · That said, there are deals to be had, and some less-expensive options perform nearly as well as much more expensive shoes. 3. Weight: 1 lb. The biggest difference is the closure system--velcro for the Drago and laces for the Chimera. Featuring top brands like Scarpa, La Sportiva, and Butora, and tested right here in Toledo’s own Adventus Climbing Gym. The Instinct VSR has been a go-to for me when precision and grip matter most. The Scarpa Helix is perhaps one of the better shoes on this list for climbing instead of bouldering. an aggressive climbing shoe will feel at home pulling pockets on overhung and roof Dec 19, 2023 · The Scarpa Mescalito Planet excels on technical approaches and low 5th-class terrain, and features excellent construction quality for added reliability in remote terrain. The Best Soft Climbing Shoes. Like every climbing shoe, the right one for you ultimately comes down to how well the shoe fits your foot and how well-suited it is to the climbing terrain. if you're interested in a pair of aggressive scarpas, go with the booster. In the gym, its secure, slipper-like fit makes it a dream for the bouldering cave and overhanging lead routes. Nov 10, 2023 · Best For Budgets. Jan 2, 2024 · The Scarpa Drago is one of the softest and most sensitive climbing shoes that we've tried. In fact, the Veloce goes in the complete opposite direction ; it’s extremely soft, sensitive, and ridiculously comfortable. It’s got a full-length midsole and outsole, but it also has a moderate asymmetry and subtle downturn. Check Price at Backcountry. With climbing shoes there's no way I'll be able to buy online or just from recommendation. Scarpa’s first indoor climbing shoe, the Veloce, is the affordable gym shoe that gets my vote. Find out more about how we test and compare products. Specifications. I'm still using my beginner shoes that I got from a sports shop called Decathlon. Apr 2, 2023 · BUT, there's an important difference between these shoes which is their rubber compound that helps me to choose Scarpa Instinct VSR as the best bouldering climbing shoes. Climbing shoes for sport: Scarpa Instinct Lace. The lace design and flexible materials make them one of the more comfortable shoes to wear for longer periods of time, a point only augmented by the flat profile often found on beginner and intermediate shoes. To take the guesswork out of things, I’ve tested the following shoes extensively in gyms, slabs, and overhanging boulder problems. List of the Best Bouldering Shoes. 1 day ago · Sport Climbing; La Sportiva’s Katana Lace dominated 5. Nov 6, 2023 · My favorite beginner bouldering shoe right now is the Scarpa Veloce, it’s a shoe that challenges the common conception that new climbers need stiff and bulky shoes. they wont let you Mar 4, 2022 · A pioneer in the category of super-soft, sensitive shoes designed to crush steep terrain–and one of the first climbing shoe models to break the $200 price barrier–the Scarpa Drago is an elite piece of gear for serious climbers in the gym and outdoors. 95 Nov 11, 2023 · The Best Crack Climbing Shoes. 4mm midsole, this shoe is currently one of the stiffest climbing shoes on the market. Best Overall Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva Katana Lace; Best Affordable Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva Finale; Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Instinct VS Cheapest Indoor Climbing Shoe: Scarpa Force V : Vibram XS Edge (Mid) Velcro: Leather: ultimate Scarpa beginner indoor climbing shoe for comfort: Mad Rock Shark 2. You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. the scarpa vapor v is a fantastic shoe for intermediate climbing! if you wanted to go the la sportiva route you could try the kubos, i’ve never worn either of them but i have friends who have and loved the shoes— if you’re looking for more aggressive shoes and you’re primarily gym climbing la sportiva has the theories which are an Nov 11, 2023 · With a 5mm outsole of Scarpa Vision rubber and a 1. Drago LV Rock Climbing Shoes for Sport Climbing and Bouldering - Low-Volume Fit and Specialized Performance for Sensitivity 3. 8. The shoes adapt to different shapes of feet, for a light, flexible and perfect-fitting solution that ensures maximum sensitivity and outstanding grip. The SCARPA Nov 12, 2024 · The Arpia V is sitting at the intersection between these competing philosophies. Oct 25, 2023 · Best Overall 1. 3 cam-sized cracks // The tongue’s inner and outer layers have come unglued, separating like a quesadilla without enough cheese, which is functionally inconsequential but aesthetically displeasing // Not a go-to shoe for steep terrain due to its stiffness and flat last 5 hours ago · A precise fit enhances sensitivity and control. With its Veloce line (which also includes a z-strap slipper released in 2020), Scarpa has taken the comfortable-yet-performative mantra of earlier shoes like the Furia Air and ramped things up. REI. Best for Precision : La Sportiva Solution for its aggressive fit and power. Don't dare dip your feet in that buttery sock. It’s very stiff, built for torquing in cracks and edging, and so if you’re looking for something that’ll also serve you in the gym, look elsewhere. Nov 9, 2024 · After thoroughly testing and comparing these climbing shoes designed for wide feet, here’s our verdict for different climbing scenarios: Best Overall: La Sportiva Skwama. 1 out of 5 stars 11 Price, product page $218. We've tested a literal pile of the best women's climbing shoes on the market, including top options from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Unparallel, Five Ten, and Black Diamond. The best climbing shoe overall 5 days ago · Best Rock Climbing Shoes. BUY OPTIONS . 10 (Blackwings), Sportiva (Solutions, Miuras), and Evolv (Pontas). See the Men’s Scarpa Veloce Climbing Shoes. Profile: Moderately aggressive Zach breaks down his top climbing shoe picks for 2025—from beginner-friendly all-day options to aggressive, competition-ready models. The only model that gives it a run for its money is the Scarpa Chimera. It’s a supershoe. BALANCED PERFORMANCE, for those looking for a climbing shoe that combines maximum precision with a comfortable fit. Most Comfortable: Ocun Jett QC ; Best for Jumping Grades: Butora Acro ; Best Value: Black Diamond Method; Best for Bouldering: Scarpa Drago LV ; Best for Sport Climbing: La Sportiva Solution Comp; Best for Trad Climbing: Scarpa Vapor S; Best for Narrow Feet: Red Chili Voltage LV Mar 12, 2025 · The durable, comfortable SCARPA Rapid XT ($169) are some of the best new approach shoes we’ve tested in a long time. For me, with climbing shoes, there's no substitute to going to a store and trying on different models and different sizes. While Scarpa always seems to be pushing the price ceiling higher for climbing shoes, if big walls, gobies, and adventure are what you eat Aug 16, 2023 · The toe profile is slightly taller than other crack-climbing shoes on the market, making the Generator a second choice for 0. The five shoes I will share with you on this page are some of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers available in 2023, all of which are Nov 14, 2024 · We tested and reviewed the best women's climbing shoes of 2025, including picks from La Sportiva, SCARPA, and more. All in all. EDIT: I settled on La Sportiva Theory shoes after trying on and climbing in about 6 different shoes (Drago, Furia Air, Solution, Solution Comp and Theory all in various sizes) Dec 27, 2023 · For a similarly high level of all-around performance as other options, with even more protection and a slightly wider fit, the Generator Mid should be a shoe you consider for all your trad climbing needs. Perfect balance of performance and comfort; Versatile enough for various climbing styles; Superior sensitivity without sacrificing fit; Best for Gym Climbing: Scarpa Veloce Mar 7, 2025 · Climbing shoes for bouldering: Scarpa Drago. Best climbing shoes for beginners Editor Favorite. The Veloce isn’t the shoe to send your hardest boulder problems or sport routes, but for beginner climbers to intermediate, it’s a more affordable alternative to elite-level shoes. hcgjr ltyrupdkh axrh kpbowor ywfzcng catdtd vbluiu mwyl igv nupwlz