Best climbing shoes for big feet Tips For Choosing Climbing Shoes. . When a company designs a new suite of shoes, they send pairs to us and our testers, and we climb in them, compare notes, write a review, and then, later, do a roundup of the latest and greatest releases of the year. The asymmetry in these aggressive shoes further allows your big toe to engage. Thus, even if a particular climbing shoe sounds perfect for your needs, it might not be sized appropriately for your foot type and you may have to "I climb V8-V9" means nothing when it comes to suggesting shoes. Y&Y Vertical , EB or La Sportiva climbing socks are perfectly suited for all types of climbing shoes. Let’s face it — overall it’s a tough process. And for an adventure-exposed climbing expedition, you need to find a pair of compatible shoes. Jan 11, 2022 · Sometimes they’re climbing “moderate” 2,000-3,000-foot big walls that are a technical mix of face climbing, smearing, and crack climbing from fingers to off-width. Shoes like Merrell and Butora Acro meet these criteria. Aggressive shoes. Scarpa Drago XT The sample Drago XT in size 43 weighs a verified 1 pound, 1. 5-2 from street, good amount of stretch for the leather version) Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. What are the best climbing shoes for big feet? Jun 8, 2022 · Consider also training—your toes!— in soft shoes. However, it's crucial to note that not all climbing shoes are created equal when it comes to edging. Moderate shoes are distinguished by their slightly downturned shape (also called camber) that makes them good for technical climbing. I don't know how long you've been climbing or at what grade, but I've always been advised to buy shoes that were too small, after a while I decided to buy shoes which were comfortable instead, my grade increased, because I was climbing much more and The Butora Narsha is a well-engineered shoe for slightly overhanging sport climbs where small edges define the route. Climbing shoes so far appear to be torture devices. Aug 11, 2016 · I'm a 12. When unrestricted by climbing shoes, it should be able to perform extension and flexion (bend up and down) between an angle range of approximately 40 and 90 Apr 27, 2022 · The Black Diamond Momentum isn’t just a great entry-level shoe – it’s also the most breathable climbing shoe on the market. Mar 28, 2024 · Above: Scarpa Instinct VS Steep Climbing. In this guide, we’ll explore the best climbing shoes for people with small feet. For those with wide feet, finding the perfect pair of approach shoes can be a daunting task. Narrow feet often mean struggling with extra space or pressure points in regular climbing shoes. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! Sizing: Best for slightly narrow feet; size down slightly from street shoe size Apr 24, 2025 · Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. First, I selected two dozen of the most popular shoe models from top manufacturers. Climbing shoes aren’t made for walking in. Moderate Scarpa Quantic Climbing Shoes. 1. Although the rubber on the Acro isn’t the stickiest when compared to the rubber on the Scarpa Instinct VS, they offer a purpose-built wide fit and an aggressive downturn at a Sep 14, 2017 · Hey everyone, I vaguely remember this coming up a few times over the years (mostly on threads asking for recommendations) and I am cursed with PITA feet (longer 2nd/3rd toe, wide toebox with extremely narrow/low volume heels) so I thought it might be nice to get a running list of people's impressions of the fit of various popular shoes and companies, especially since there are so many new Mar 12, 2025 · While most high-quality approach shoes are priced between $160 and $190, the La Sportiva Boulder X ($149) offers high performance and long-term durability at a slightly reduced price point. Believe me when I say, this was quite the process. Nov 7, 2024 · Instead, climbing shoes are specifically designed to fit snugly, closely matching the shape of the foot. Nov 10, 2023 · Once happy, simply return the other shoes that didn’t fit. The best brand, for myself and big-footed friends, because they cover all the bases, is ACOPA. 3: Read Review TLDR: I am looking for intermediate but comfortable climbing shoes for indoor climbing with slight/medium downturn and low/medium pre-tensioning. Nov 25, 2019 · Best Big Wall and Crack Shoe (Scott Griesser) La Sportiva TC Pro ($190) Specs: 8. Very snug to painfully tight is the rule. Some of the top brands and models of climbing shoes with a wide toe box include: Mad Rock Drone HV/Black HV; Scarpa VELOCE; SCARPA INSTINCT VS; La Sportiva SKWAMA / Skwama Vegan; Evolv Shaman 2; Soft vs. Sole: Vibram XS Edge . The ideal pair will offer the fit and performance that match your climbing style so you can tackle the wall more confidently. com Nov 9, 2024 · Finding the right pair of climbing shoes can be a game-changer, especially for climbers with wider feet. The fit of these shoes tends to be quite downturned (often referred to as aggressive) and will be tightly tensioned between both the toe box and heel for toeing in on small edges and aggressive heel or toe hooking. I have the Scarpa Vapor and they’re pretty true to size. And for people with wide feet, buying climbing shoes can be even more difficult. 5/11 US. 5. 6 oz. And time-consuming. Best of the Rest 6. Mar 5, 2021 · In reply to. Best All-Around: Butora Mousai ($135) Best for Alpine Climbing: Arc’teryx Vertex Alpine ($220) Best Value: Astral Loyak ($99) Best for Cragging: Arc’teryx Kragg ($160) Most Durable: La Sportiva TX4 Evo ($169) 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 Mar 23, 2023 · The 9 Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Every Type of Climber From the gym to the crag, whether you’re bouldering at your limit or climbing a big wall, these shoes will help you achieve new heights Oct 2, 2020 · Name Closure Upper Downturn Best Use Price Rating Review; Butora Acro: Velcro Straps: Suede Leather: Aggressive: Steep Sport Climbing or Bouldering $$ 4. Before you even consider strengthening, check that your big toe has a decent range of motion. Rebecca Heber:. That’s the ultimate use for Five Ten’s new NIAD VCS, the updated version of the discontinued Anasazi line of shoes, which includes lace and slipper style shoes. Choose key features. The very downturned toes put your feet in a powerful position for challenging sport routes and bouldering; less comfortable than the neutral or moderate shoes. Now you know the key factors you should be thinking about when choosing climbing shoes, it’s time to start searching. Can I find cute shoes for big feet? Of course! there are companies that are designing cute shoes for women with big feet in style and color. 0. Comfort and fit are crucial for performance and safety. If you're climbing that hard, you should know that a big cave will be best suited by totally different shoes than a slab problem, which will be best suited by totally different shoes than a crack problem, and so on. The BD Shadow is its top-tier performance climbing shoe, and an impressive one for a relative newcomer. $123 at Amazon $125 at Adidas May 13, 2023 · Recommended Brands and Models for Wide Toe Box Climbing Shoes. 75 ounces; semi-stiff Pros: High performance; relative comfort; versatility Cons: Not aggressive enough for Mar 17, 2025 · Approach shoes combine the features of hiking shoes and climbing shoes in a brand-new category. I understand the importance of selecting the best climbing shoes for a comfortable and supportive fit because I have wide feet. “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. We love how light it is, and it entirely changes our scrambling and multi-pitch climbing strategies. Aggressive shoes also use thinner rubber for the soles which means that it wears faster than neutral and even some moderate climbing shoes. 2 ounces per pair. And stressful. Mar 19, 2024 · Best for Sport Climbing: La Sportiva Solution Comp; Best for Trad Climbing: Scarpa Vapor S; Best for Narrow Feet: Red Chili Voltage LV ; Best for Wide Feet: Tenaya Mastia ; How We Tested the Best Climbing Shoes. funneled into the feet Nov 6, 2023 · By reducing the instep volume, shoe width, heel size, and arch curve, low-volume shoes will cater better to narrow feet. Be mindful that depending on your comfort level with climbing/climbing shoes, you can adjust the size accordingly. Top picks for beginners, intermediate, bouldering and under $100 plus COMPLETE buyer's guide! Feb 11, 2025 · These shoes climb nearly as well as the best shoes on the market, at a lower price. 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 suited to a variety of foot shapes and My shoes/boots are 10. 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 Jan 9, 2025 · SHOES DOWNTURN CLOSURE UPPER WEIGHT (PAIR) La Sportiva Katana Lace: Aggressive: Lace-up: Leather/Microfiber: 1 lb. Wide feet: feet with a fairly vertical metatarsal bone, accentuated plantar arch and rather short and square toe. Over the past decade, our team has tested over 45 of the best climbing shoes for women. Apr 22, 2025 · The Best Climbing Shoes for Women. Have you tried simply buying some shoes that might be a bit slacker in the foot but comfortable in the toe area. (Photo: Alison Osius) Big-toe mobility. My Best Narrow Climbing Shoes. More info provided below :) Hey guys, I am currently looking to update my La Sportiva Mythos (been climbing through three pairs in the past few years). Apr 16, 2025 · What to look for in sport climbing shoes; Ten things you need to know about climbing shoes; Our favorites; Honorable mentions; Most gear roundups cover new releases. Take them off after climbing and let your feet, and shoes, take a break. La Sportiva Tarantulace: Flat: Lace-up Mar 17, 2025 · Flat Feet Climbing Shoes: Comparison Table. Climbing shoes come in two main types: soft and stiff. Apr 30, 2023 · What kind of climbing shoes are best for edging? As an experienced climber, I often get asked, "What are the best climbing shoes for edging?" The answer isn't one-size-fits-all and depends on the specific nature of the climbing scenario. Moderate shoes. See full list on thewanderingclimber. Material: Suede leather upper . Easily the best edging shoe of the bunch, it also combines width options, formidable toe and heel hooking and impressively sticky rubber to make it the top choice in specific climbing areas. Jun 22, 2023 · See the Women’s Butora Acro (Wide Fit) Climbing Shoes. In 2022, there were nearly six million people climbi ng in rock gyms across the United States — a major increase of over 100,000 Feb 27, 2022 · Leather shoes will stretch significantly more than synthetic shoes, often up to an entire size. If you need climbing shoes size 14 and up, this is for you. Nov 11, 2023 · What makes a climbing shoe suitable for Greek feet? Finding a climbing shoe for Morton’s Toe, things can be a little tricky. I have a size 15/16 street shoe myself so I feel the pain of the search for shoes. Feb 24, 2025 · Find your perfect fit in GearJunkie’s guide to Best Climbing Shoes. While beginner shoes can work well for this foot shape, most performance-oriented climbing shoes are designed with higher degrees of asymmetry, with the power concentrated on the big toe, the largest and strongest This is true for at least sportiva and the few scarpa and evolv that I’ve tried. Finding the best climbing shoes for wide feet can enhance your climbing experience. || This is the official Site of EVOLV Buy the best Rock Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Free shipping over $49! Nov 11, 2023 · 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. Nov 6, 2023 · The 10 Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet I am going to jump straight into my top 10 climbing shoes for wide feet, but if you want to learn what makes a good wide climbing shoe, or what brands are known for their wide-toe box designs, then make sure to stick around until the end of this article. Conclusion. In this article, I have reviewed 6 good climbing shoes for large feet. 5 in 'street' shoes, after trying numerous brands I've settled on five ten anasazi. Jan 8, 2025 · A good fit is essential for comfort, control, and performance. What’s making us rave: The blend of classic design with a fit that caters wonderfully to the wide-footed climber. We're here to provide the beta on some of the world's best climbing shoes in 2025. Walking around in downturned climbing shoes is the easiest way to destroy that beautiful cambered profile. Stiff shoes. Ways to Wear Your Climbing Shoe. Good all-around shoe. Its flat last and durable FriXion RS rubber provide excellent grip on smears and edges, making it a solid all-around performer. Apr 14, 2021 · Buying new climbing shoes can be hard. Any recs would be appreciated! Jan 8, 2021 · 21 of the LATEST new and updated best climbing shoes Jan 2021. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to discomfort, pain, and even limit your climbing performance. It’s really all about last shape, so even laces can not help if the shoe is flat (and wide) under the arch, since the sole is too stiff. Pros: Feb 28, 2022 · Best Indoor Climbing Shoes: Black Diamond Shadow. Nov 24, 2023 · Climbing is one of the fastest-growing outdoor sports in America. Rather than mud gripping lugs, the outsole is flat and features sticky rubber designed to grip the smallest rock features. Moderate and neutral shoes are actually better at smearing than aggressive shoes. Often, shoes best suited for both Steep Climbing and Bouldering (depending on the boulder problem) are interchangeable. The Katana has been a beloved shoe by many for years, and La Sportiva just Jul 12, 2019 · Narrow feet: tapered feet with a less pronounced plantar arch, a fairly horizontal metatarsal bone and toes that "drop" from the big toe to the fifth toe, giving the foot a pointed shape. The La Sportiva Tarantulace stands out as one of the best climbing shoes for wide feet, offering a comfortable fit with a high-volume heel and wide toe box. I have size 11 for bouldering, a bit tight and 11. Five Ten, on the other hand, is known for making narrow shoes that don’t fit large and wide feet. These are by using Apr 29, 2025 · We’ve also updated pricing and info on shoes that we tested last season but still highly recommend. The heels aren't great for heavy heel hooks but a great elsewhere. Apr 29, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX2 Evo is our favorite approach shoe, hands down. I've been climbing for several months now and have been wearing used Climb X shoes that I got from my cousin that fit and felt like I could climb well in them. Nov 11, 2023 · The Best Climbing Shoes for Roman Feet If you’re not sure where to start on your shoe search, then allow me to offer a couple of suggestions. The toe part is worn down now, and I think I can find better shoes for morton's toe or Greek feet, where my 2nd toe is longer than my big toe (3rd toe is same length as big toe). Nov 22, 2022 · While brands large and small have developed shoes with tacky rubbers and soft, durable fabrics, the best climbing shoes should ultimately cater to your needs and feel like an extension of your Shop Neutral Rock Climbing Shoes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 climbing shoes specifically designed for wide feet, covering their key features, pros, cons, and Mar 8, 2025 · Selecting Climbing Shoes For Wide Feet: Things To Take Into Account. Weight: 1 lb. Nov 9, 2024 · Wearing socks in your climbing shoes considerably reduces the feeling of wet feet, which is very interesting from a hygienic and comfort point of view. Climbing shoes, with synthetic uppers are unlikely to stretch much, if at all. They offer both stability and traction on rocky surfaces, while also ensuring comfort during long hikes on the trail. Mar 7, 2025 · Burkhardt liked these shoes but noted that they ran quite tight true to size (even for climbing shoes), and sometimes has to wrestle them onto his feet. Thankfully, many brands now offer designs tailored for slimmer feet. Shoes that have worked well for me: Sportiva skwama leather (sized down 1. At a glance. Feb 11, 2023 · If we had to choose just one of these five great pairs of climbing shoes for wide feet, we’d likely go with the Butora Acro as the best climbing shoes for wide feet. They work well for my feet when the men’s will feel too large. Dec 17, 2024 · See our guide to the best rock climbing shoes of 2025, with reviews of the year’s top climbing shoes from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Evolv, Butora, and more. The What are the best shoes for big feet for men? Men with big feet need shoes with wide-width options, cushioned insoles, and adjustable straps. SHOES WEIGHT UPPER OUTSOLE CLOSURE; Best Climbing Harnesses for Big Guys 2025 March 16, 2025 Mark Stewart Apr 16, 2025 · Fortunately, several shoes meet these basic criteria, so the choice comes down to finding the model that is the best fit for your foot and best suits your climbing goals. As others have said, try them on. That’s all from me folks! Nov 14, 2024 · The Women’s Katana Lace from La Sportiva ($219) is one of the best all-around, high-performing shoes on the market. Mar 22, 2022 · I'm writing this because it's a post I wish I would've found when I started climbing in 2015. These all-purpose shoes can handle slab routes, crack climbs, long multi-pitch climbs and slightly overhung sport routes. There are three different ways to tighten or wear your climbing shoe. You do want a very snug fit to get the best out of your shoes. It becomes an even bigger problem when you try to find the best rock climbing shoes for wide feet. They have a smaller heel and are lower volume. I have flat and rather narrow low-volume feet. Beginner climber, very wide feet (prefer 4E in regular shoes). If you are looking for an inexpensive approach shoe for aid climbing, the La Sportiva Boulder X is a highly supportive and comfortable shoe that excels at standing in aiders and crushing miles on the trail. My feet are quite narrow with long toes and these seem to fit the best. This is works better in a street shoes, with climbing shoes what works better is the more performance type shoe, they are more snugged to the bottom of the arch (downturn helps with that). The reason it’s probably the best climbing shoe for sweaty feet is the Engineered Knit upper. Nov 17, 2023 · Remember, if you size these shoes too big, it’s like hobbling a horse’s leg before the race. You want the best fit to help you send your project or redpoint, but many climbing shoes are narrow and uncomfortable. Black Diamond has been a staple in the climbing industry for decades but only started making climbing shoes more recently. Profile: Flat, for comfort and prolonged wear. Stiff Climbing Shoes. Using the logic I just shared above, I have picked 10 shoes that I think represent the best selection of climbing shoes for narrow feet in 2023. Feb 12, 2024 · For example, La Sportiva tends to make very wide climbing shoes that are best for high-volume feet. We tested crack climbing performance on various crags across the country, including Idaho's City of Rocks, Utah's Indian Creek, and the hallowed walls of Yosemite Valley. 7. A slightly downturned shape and stickier rubber makes them good for technical climbing. Scarpa Helix Climbing Shoes. Finding the right pair of shoes for an above the average feet size is a great hassle. Taking into consideration the factors I just mentioned, here are, what I consider to be the best climbing shoes for Roman feet currently available. There are several things to think about before making a purchase, such as: Foot Shape: Take into account the width, arch, and toe form of your foot Jan 29, 2025 · What Features To Look For In Climbing Shoes? Consider wide toe boxes, lightweight design, and non-slip soles. 5 for comfy climbing. During fitting, your toes should be crunched and angled downward; this allows you to pull on steeper terrain. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, the right pair of climbing shoes is essential. xut sle hlvfl llzelj sfixi pkuc tot burep uyi fke hoyesysd tshqr bmwpal iwbce pmxaky