Climbing is a sport that requires strength, technique, and the right gear. One of the most important pieces of gear for indoor climbing is a good pair of climbing shoes. Climbing shoes are designed to provide grip and support on the wall, allowing climbers to push themselves to their limits.
When it comes to gym climbing, the best shoes are those that offer a balance of comfort, performance, and durability. Gym climbing shoes need to be able to handle a variety of surfaces, from textured walls to smooth holds, and provide enough support and flexibility for climbers to move quickly and confidently.
When choosing the best gym climbing shoes, there are a few key factors to consider. The first is fit – climbing shoes should fit snugly without being too tight or uncomfortable. The second is material – most climbing shoes are made from synthetic materials, but some climbers prefer leather for its durability and breathability. Finally, consider the type of climbing you’ll be doing – some shoes are better suited to bouldering, while others are designed for longer routes.
After researching and testing a variety of gym climbing shoes, we’ve identified the top picks for climbers of all levels. These shoes offer the perfect combination of comfort, performance, and durability, making them the ideal choice for gym climbers looking to take their skills to the next level.
Best Gym Climbing Shoes
We know the importance of having the right climbing shoes when hitting the gym. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best gym climbing shoes that are not only comfortable but also provide the necessary support and grip for your climbing needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, our list has something for everyone. So, let’s take a look at the top picks for the best gym climbing shoes.
SCARPA Men’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing 10-10.5 Covey/Black
If you’re looking for a comfortable and durable pair of climbing shoes for gym and sport climbing, the SCARPA Men’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes might be a great choice for you.
Pros
- The flat-last and slight asymmetry of the shoes make them very comfortable for extended periods of wear.
- The dual-strap closure system allows for a customized fit to suit your feet and performance needs.
- The thick rubber outsole made of Vision rubber is highly durable and provides great traction for proper footwork.
Cons
- The heel system can be a bit tight for some users, so it’s important to make sure you get the right size and fit.
- The shoes can take some time to break in and adjust to your feet.
- The sizing can be a bit tricky, so make sure to use the sizing chart and downsize ½ to 1 size for optimal performance.
In our experience, the SCARPA Men’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes are a great choice for beginners and intermediate climbers who want a comfortable and reliable pair of shoes for gym and sport climbing. The flat-last and slight asymmetry of the shoes make them very comfortable for extended periods of wear, while the dual-strap closure system allows for a customized fit to suit your feet and performance needs. The thick rubber outsole made of Vision rubber is highly durable and provides great traction for proper footwork.
However, the heel system can be a bit tight for some users, so it’s important to make sure you get the right size and fit. Additionally, the shoes can take some time to break in and adjust to your feet, so don’t expect them to be perfect right out of the box. Finally, the sizing can be a bit tricky, so make sure to use the sizing chart and downsize ½ to 1 size for optimal performance.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable and reliable pair of climbing shoes for gym and sport climbing, the SCARPA Men’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes are definitely worth considering.
SCARPA Men’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes
If you’re looking for a comfortable and technical shoe for long gym sessions, the SCARPA Men’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes are a great option.
Pros
- The wide toe-box and breathable construction make the Veloce comfortable for long sessions in the gym.
- The DTS Active Rand transfers power directly to your big toe and helps the shoe retain its downturned shape, making it great for intermediate climbers.
- The ultra-soft S-72 Rubber conforms to almost any foothold for increased surface area and greater friction.
Cons
- The relaxed performance fit may not be ideal for advanced climbers looking for a more aggressive shoe.
- The pressure-absorbing fit may not provide enough support for climbers with weak ankles.
- The Velcro strap could be improved with two straps instead of one.
We found the SCARPA Men’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes to be a great option for beginner to intermediate climbers. The relaxed performance fit with more room near the 4th and 5th toes provides a comfortable fit and reduces foot fatigue without limiting the power driven towards your big toe. By wrapping the heel in a thinner layer of rubber and breaking the DTS active rand over the Achilles tendon, SCARPA gave the Veloce a comfortable fit that doesn’t skimp on performance.
The S-72 Rubber provides great friction and surface area, and the DTS Active Rand transfers power directly to your big toe. The highly asymmetric design is amplified by the DTS system, which makes the shoe great for intermediate climbers. We found the shoe to be comfortable for long sessions in the gym, thanks to the wide toe-box and breathable construction.
In summary, if you’re a beginner to intermediate climber looking for a comfortable and technical shoe for long gym sessions, the SCARPA Men’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes are a great choice.
SCARPA Women’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes
If you are looking for a comfortable and durable gym climbing shoe that is specifically designed for women, then the SCARPA Women’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The flat-last and slight asymmetry design of the shoe provide excellent comfort while still giving you the grip you need to develop a solid foundation of climbing techniques.
- The women’s-specific fit of the shoe features a more narrow last and lower-volume heel cup, which makes it perfect for women with narrower feet.
- The thick Vision rubber outsole of the shoe is highly durable, which provides you with the flexibility you need to learn proper footwork.
Cons
- The sizing of the shoe can be a bit tricky, so make sure to use the sizing chart in the product images or description to find your size, and then downsize ½ to 1 size for premium performance.
- The pressure-absorbing fit of the heel system may not be suitable for everyone, so make sure to try on the shoes before purchasing them.
- The care instructions of the shoe recommend machine washing, which may not be ideal for those who prefer to hand wash their climbing shoes.
Overall, the SCARPA Women’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes are a great option for women looking for a comfortable and durable gym climbing shoe. The flat-last and slight asymmetry design of the shoe provide excellent comfort while still giving you the grip you need to develop a solid foundation of climbing techniques. The women’s-specific fit of the shoe is perfect for women with narrower feet, and the thick Vision rubber outsole is highly durable, which provides you with the flexibility you need to learn proper footwork. However, the sizing of the shoe can be a bit tricky, so make sure to use the sizing chart in the product images or description to find your size, and then downsize ½ to 1 size for premium performance. Additionally, the pressure-absorbing fit of the heel system may not be suitable for everyone, so make sure to try on the shoes before purchasing them.
BLACK DIAMOND Equipment – Women’s Momentum Climbing Shoes 10 Black-alloy
Looking for a comfortable and durable climbing shoe? Look no further than the BLACK DIAMOND Women’s Momentum Climbing Shoes.
Pros
- The neutral, flat last of these shoes makes them perfect for all-day comfort or vertical climbing.
- The updated midsole provides improved edging ability, making these shoes perfect for both beginners and advanced climbers.
- The women’s specific last provides a customized fit that is comfortable and secure.
Cons
- The shoes run small, so be sure to order at least a half size up from your regular shoe size.
- The soft flex midsole may not provide enough support for more advanced climbers.
- The shoes may take some time to break in and mold to your feet.
We recently tried out these climbing shoes and were impressed with their comfort and durability. The neutral, flat last of the shoes made them perfect for all-day climbing sessions, while the updated midsole provided excellent edging ability. We also appreciated the women’s specific last, which provided a customized fit that was both comfortable and secure.
However, we did find that the shoes run small, so we recommend ordering at least a half size up from your regular shoe size. Additionally, the soft flex midsole may not provide enough support for more advanced climbers. Finally, the shoes may take some time to break in and mold to your feet.
Overall, we highly recommend the BLACK DIAMOND Women’s Momentum Climbing Shoes for anyone looking for a comfortable and durable climbing shoe.
CLIMBX Rave Strap Climbing Shoe
If you’re looking for an affordable climbing shoe that is comfortable and precise, the CLIMBX Rave Strap Climbing Shoe is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The rubber sole provides great grip on different types of surfaces.
- The padded collar and heel make for a comfortable fit, even during long climbing sessions.
- The double stitch construction ensures durability, so you won’t have to replace these shoes anytime soon.
Cons
- The sizing can be a bit tricky, so make sure to refer to the sizing chart before ordering.
- The shoes can feel a bit narrow, so they may not be the best choice for those with wider feet.
- The one-piece binding may take some time to break in, but once it does, it provides a snug and secure fit.
We recently tried out the CLIMBX Rave Strap Climbing Shoe during a few gym climbing sessions, and we were impressed with how comfortable and precise they felt. The padded collar and heel made for a snug fit without any rubbing or discomfort, and the rubber sole provided excellent grip on both plastic and metal holds.
One thing to keep in mind is that the sizing can be a bit tricky, as these shoes are designed to fit very snugly. We recommend referring to the sizing chart and possibly sizing up if you’re looking for a more comfortable fit. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more aggressive performance fit, you may want to size down (but keep in mind that your toes should still be touching the end of the shoe).
Overall, we think the CLIMBX Rave Strap Climbing Shoe is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and comfortable climbing shoe that still provides great precision and grip.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best gym climbing shoes, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the right pair for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Fit
The fit of your climbing shoes is one of the most important factors to consider. You want a snug fit, but not so tight that your feet are uncomfortable or in pain. Look for shoes that fit well in the heel and have a secure closure system to keep your feet in place while climbing.
Type of Climbing
Consider the type of climbing you’ll be doing in the gym. If you’ll be bouldering, shoes with a stiffer sole and more aggressive downturn may be best. For sport climbing, a softer sole and flatter profile may be more suitable. It’s important to choose shoes that match your climbing style to ensure optimal performance.
Material
Climbing shoes can be made from a variety of materials, including leather, synthetic materials, and a combination of both. Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Leather shoes tend to stretch and mold to your foot over time, while synthetic shoes may be more durable and hold their shape better.
Closure System
The closure system of your climbing shoes can impact the fit and performance. Lace-up closures allow for a more customizable fit, while Velcro closures are quick and easy to adjust. Some shoes even have slip-on designs for convenience.
Sole
The sole of your climbing shoes should provide enough grip and durability for your specific needs. Look for shoes with a sticky rubber sole that will provide traction on a variety of surfaces. Additionally, consider the thickness of the sole, as thinner soles may provide more sensitivity and better performance, but may wear out more quickly.
By considering these factors, you can find the best gym climbing shoes for your needs and take your climbing to the next level.