Outdoor gear lab climbing shoes. The combination produces an outstanding value.

Outdoor gear lab climbing shoes. . Most climbing shoes feature right-angle edges on the sole that Jan 2, 2024 · The Scarpa Chimera is a premium climbing shoe designed for modern boulder problems and steep routes. Aug 17, 2017 · Scarpa aimed for comfort and support with the Force climbing shoe. The Rebel's casual skate shoe style makes them pretty versatile, and are a good choice for anyone who wants the security of sticky rubber wherever they go. Nov 5, 2024 · In fact, this was our favorite shoe for the Tuolumne Triple Crown, moving quickly and efficiently over fifth-class terrain up to 5. Some shoes rock at heel hooking. Jun 7, 2015 · The Nago is a high quality shoe for $100. However, we know of no other rock climbing shoe that provides the same level of performance at such an affordable price. Our Editors' Choice winner, the Five Ten Guide Tennie, for example, is a do-everything shoe that climbs technical rock well. This fully leather tank of a shoe had our testers crushing their way up talus fields. We liked it better than the La Sportiva Mantis or Scorpion, which both felt much more clunky and mushy. Jan 2, 2024 · The TC Pro is easily one of the most popular shoes in the granite climbing areas of the American West, and it's easy to understand why. 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. Nov 22, 2019 · Pockets Not exactly marketed as a sport climbing shoe, and not really an aggressively shaped model at all, it came as no surprise to us that these shoes were not our go-to for pocket climbing. The Futura uses the rounded edge of the Speedster and the Fast Lacing System from the Solution. From hiking boots to top winter boots to trail running shoes on the market, most footwear is designed for a purpose. For folks seeking a technical climbing shoe that can help you smear, edge, and heel hook up steep routes, the Solution Comp is the ticket. We know one person that owns this shoe in three sizes: tight for hard climbing, bigger for multi-pitch free climbing, and roomy for El Cap in a day Jul 14, 2025 · We've run thousands of miles to test the top 69 pairs of men's and women's trail running shoes from the most compelling manufacturers like Hoka, Salomon, Brooks, Saucony, Altra, La Sportiva, Nike, and more. The Five Ten Coyotes are a good value and will take a lot of abuse. 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. Jul 23, 2024 · If you are looking for an approach shoe that can replace rock climbing shoes on easy climbs, these aren't what you are looking for. 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. The Velcro closure and padded tongue make them comfortable and easy to adjust. May 12, 2020 · The Black Diamond Technician Approach is a climbing-first approach shoe design that will inspire confidence in the vertical. It is, as advertised, an incredibly comfortable shoe good for just about any style of climbing. Jan 2, 2024 · Climbing shoes aren't cheap, and dedicated climbers can wear through more than a few pairs a year. They are my go-to shoes for routes that require friction and sensitivity (think Glacier Point Apron). The fairly large toe box that is comfortable in a fist crack does not provide the precision needed to successfully climb steep pocketed lines. Our testers confirmed that the lace-up closure does a better job securing our feet inside the shoe. The new design incorporates more recycled and repurposed materials without sacrificing climbing performance and durability. This makes this shoe a top contender for the ultimate, single-quiver shoe title. To find the best gear, we combine expert reviews, everyday user opinions, and rigorous independent trail testing — never native ads or sponsored posts. It features a supportive forefoot and moderate downturn that focus lots of power through the toe for outstanding edging. It is one of our favorite shoes in the price range Sep 20, 2014 · The La Sportiva Tarantula is aptly named after a largely terrestrial but surprisingly adaptable arachnid. Comfort First and Apr 25, 2024 · These shoes are best used for technical face climbing on vertical to gently overhung terrain – techy limestone, granite edging, and bouldering are the best uses for the Miura VS. Although most of the changes to this shoe were subtle, the most obvious difference is seen in the heel cup. A newer, more supple rubber in the heel Nov 12, 2010 · The version of the Rogue that we reviewed is discontinued and replaced by the Five Ten Rogue VCS. As a shoe for steep climbing as well as pitches that are vertical require precise footwork, the Lotus is an excellent option. Jan 9, 2025 · The defining characteristic of the La Sportiva Genius is the No-Edge technology on the sole. These were our favorites. With Dec 29, 2017 · Once you get these puppies on, the Mad Rock Lotus don't want to come off. Check out our women's climbing shoe review to see how it ranks versus other top shoes. May 9, 2010 · Overall, Coyote VCS's are a good all-rounder if you are not hanging out on micro edges all day. The best hiking shoes for women? Check. Our testers aren't a fan of their climbing ability or their lack of hiking May 4, 2021 · Comfort These shoes run small, and we sized them the same as our street shoe size, resulting in a shoe that was great right out of the box for sport climbing and bouldering. Jun 12, 2025 · We put 23 pairs of climbing shoes to the test on boulder problems, sport climbs, and traditional routes. These shoes have a relatively flat shape and an asymmetrical toe box, making them an excellent middle ground between an aggressive model and a beginner climbing shoe. From the top harnesses and belay devices to the best-rated ropes, we've got the scoop on the market's best gear. It features plush padding, a flat, low-aggression last, and a spacious fit that almost Sep 8, 2023 · Having the right gear can make your climbing days more enjoyable, and safer, which is why you need to check out our review of climbing helmets on the market. Feb 19, 2010 · Also, the rubber doesn't feel as sticky as my other shoes, so have avoided using them on face climbs. With a highly asymmetrical shape and a narrow, tapering fit towards the toe, the Boostic focuses all of the weight of the climber's body through the toe. For an updated review of the market's best models today, head over to our comprehensive Climbing Shoes review. Our testers with narrow feet loved the Tarifa for their exceptional edging and outstanding sensitivity. May 12, 2020 · Edging The comfort forward design of the Mescalito makes it less adept at edging than other shoes we tested. Fans of the original Katana should rejoice because the new version offers nearly the same outstanding performance as the original. They have a Velcro closure mechanism and a very well-padded tongue Jun 8, 2017 · For most climbers, a lighter approach shoe that focuses more on climbing ability is a better choice. Feb 10, 2025 · The La Sportiva TX4 is our top choice for carrying heavy loads up big walls. Size these shoes tight, and they edge well enough to excel at bouldering and sport climbing. Jul 31, 2025 · We've trail-tested the 36 best hiking shoes for men and women from Salomon, Merrell, Hoka, Columbia, La Sportiva, and more. However, the velcro version is still a worthy option for bouldering or with anyone that prefers a quick, convenient closure. But if you want a shoe that can provide added security and performance on technical running routes, the Vertex Alpine is fantastic. May 29, 2018 · The Solution is yet another Italian masterpiece from La Sportiva. 0 did little to distinguish itself from the field of shoes we tested. Sep 25, 2024 · With this in mind, I set out to find the best approach shoes for all sorts of hiking and climbing occasions to find the best approach shoes in this highly versatile and variable product category. May 5, 2021 · The Tenaya Tarifa is a sensitive, comfortable shoe with just enough downturn to be effective on steep climbs. For anyone with wide feet seeking a great all-around shoe, there's the Scarpa Instinct Lace. It is a great introductory shoe, especially if you climb outside a lot. Its excellent balance of comfort, edging performance, and sensitivity remain unmatched by its rivals. But after only a short break-in period, the Generator was sensitive yet very supportive – perfect for long days of standing on granite smears while fiddling with Jan 2, 2024 · The Scarpa Drago is one of the softest and most sensitive climbing shoes that we've tried. Nov 10, 2021 · The Five Ten Anasazi VCS is a hyper-precise all-around crusher that doesn't hurt so much you want to throw it off a cliff. Salewa has updated the Mountain Trainer GTX since our review was published. Editor's Note: Our women's approach shoe review was updated on April 29, 2025, to remove some Black Diamond models from our lineup. Jan 2, 2024 · The updated La Sportiva TC Pro comes close to living up to the climb-anything-anywhere hype surrounding it. Unfortunately, the Mad Rock Shark 2. 15a flash by Alex Megos in the Oasi! A "flash" Mar 22, 2011 · The Speedster has been discontinued and the La Sportiva Futura has replaced it. The caveat: you won't be crushing the grades in it. Jul 29, 2025 · Here are the best beginner and intermediate climbing shoes out there. Others are the go-to for cracks. The wider toe box allows additional space for swollen feet and a better fit for those with a wider footshape. Although our wide-footed testers were able to appreciate its edging capabilities, these shoes were way too narrow for them to climb cracks without terrible, bone-crushing pain. The biggest difference is the closure system--velcro for the Drago and laces for the Chimera. The cousin of the Tarantulace is the velcro La Sportiva Tarantulace that we've tested in the past. They sacrifice a little in the edging department for their impressive sensitivity and incredibly sticky rubber. 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. Most folks who climb a lot tend to acquire a quiver of different shoes each with their own subtle strengths. Unless you're exclusively crack climbing or tackling long multi-pitch routes, the Solution 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. Sep 5, 2019 · The Arc'teryx Arakys is one of the strangest shoes we've ever slipped our swollen, trail weathered dogs into. Check out our other climbing reviews if you're ready to upgrade from your old favorite climbing harness, climbing shoes, or rope. We enjoy scrambling, bushwacking, and even a little trail running in these shoes, but when it comes Mar 31, 2015 · The Scarpa Mojito is a stylish, minimally cushioned approach shoe with the durability to withstand rocky abuse. Some folks will buy a shoe for every foreseeable application – from easy climbing to a Mar 18, 2020 · Everyone's feet are different, and the reality is that some of our favorite climbing shoes simply won't fit comfortably on all feet. These shoes are available at an affordable price and come equipped with a generous 5 millimeters of Vibram XS Edge rubber for enhanced durability. This pair offers comfort and support that several other approach shoes trade for enhanced climbing ability. The latest iteration comes in a new color, but with the same painted on fit and impressive capabilities on a variety of rock angles. Feb 11, 2025 · Approach shoes are designed to be durable enough to hike, scramble, and even do some lite climbing before you change into your rock shoes. At the same Apr 29, 2025 · Whatever climbing gear you need to round out your collection, chances are good that we've tested it. Eminently comfortable without being sloppy, these shoes manage to be both decently stiff and sensitive. Apr 4, 2025 · If you're in the market for a new climbing rope, looking to find the right climbing shoes for your feet, or just want to know what the top climbing gear is in all categories, rest assured our climbing-centric reviews will make your purchase decisions easier. The aggressive downturn shape is well-suited to single pitch climbing and bouldering of just about any style or rock type. While we wouldn't want to hike a long way or carry much of a load with these, they are comfortable and light for short trips to and from the crags on smooth terrain. Jan 2, 2024 · La Sportiva offers a few different bargain shoe options. Dec 29, 2017 · With above average scores in almost all of our technical metric ratings and a high level of comfort and ease of use, the Evolv Kira is a top notch all-arounder. We don't recommend these shoes for multi-pitch, but they are plenty comfy for long days of bouldering and cragging. Apr 18, 2010 · La Sportiva Mythos Review A golden oldie, this is one of the most comfortable shoes out there and makes a great all-day trad climbing shoe Price: $159 List Manufacturer: La Sportiva By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief ⋅ April 18, 2010 Sep 5, 2019 · For the price, you get a sticky rubber approach shoe you can wear from the crag to the bar, without anyone asking you if you're wearing climbing shoes. We really appreciated the sensitivity and softness of the Chimera, as the shape and thinness of the rubber allowed us to wrap our feet around holds like an Feb 8, 2014 · As with most Velcro strap-on shoes with curled up toes, they are designed more for face climbing on short top rope routes, sport climbs, boulders and gym climbs than for crack climbing. The toebox of the Drago is also covered in sticky rubber for better grip May 3, 2021 · The La Sportiva Solution is a deservedly popular, premium rock climbing shoe. The outsole has less of a 'climbing zone' and outside edge than other shoes we tested. May 2, 2021 · The Scarpa Vapor V is a workhorse. They were one of our favorite shoes for 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. The combination produces an outstanding value. Although its blunt toe is less ideal for Jan 2, 2024 · La Sportiva released an updated version of the wildly popular Katana Lace in 2022. Jan 2, 2024 · There are plenty of premium climbing shoes with more sensitivity or better performance on steep terrain. May 2, 2015 · As a fairly new rock climbing shoe company, Tenaya comes out swinging with the world's hardest/first 5. Enter the La Sportiva Finale. It features a clever velcro closure system that quickly locks most foot shapes into a powerful position. They are best for those looking for all-day comfort in most climbing situations. Aug 17, 2017 · For footwork intensive, less than vertical routes, some of our testers felt pain in their Achilles after climbing longer pitches. Designers chose to reduce the thickness of the rubber strip covering the Nov 17, 2017 · When Adidas joined in the approach shoe game, we were skeptical. In this review, we compare 11 of the best models on the market today in side-by-side tests. Sep 8, 2023 · Having the right gear can make your climbing days more enjoyable, and safer, which is why you need to check out our review of climbing helmets on the market. With its emphasis on approaching the mountains, the shoe is decidedly less sensitive for precision big toe placement than other shoes in the review. This makes for Mar 13, 2023 · We took to the mountains, testing mountaineering boots from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Arc'teryx, and more to find the best models Jan 2, 2024 · The La Sportiva Miura VS belongs in the world of tough climbing, where it can use its diamond-hard edges and asymmetric shape to power down on invisible rock features. Sep 5, 2019 · The Salewa Wildfire is comfortable hiking shoe for longer approaches without much climbing. This shoe allows the climber to feel virtually every Nov 18, 2019 · There is a bewildering array of options in the climbing shoe market. It worked for us! We found these shoes to be some of the more comfortable models from Scarpa, with a Jun 7, 2015 · The Five Ten Team will help you send your project, once you get it on. The stiffness of these shoes helps with edging, but compared the Scarpa Vapor and similar offerings for sportive, the Focus feels insensitive and clunky. Best running shoes? Check. 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. It doesn't climb as well as models from climbing specific brands like La Sportiva or Five Ten. The cost of all these shoes can quickly become significant. This shoe is also a great option for instructors and guides who routinely scramble around and climb easy technical terrain, and would prefer not to change shoes endlessly. Nov 21, 2019 · The Arpia is Scarpa's attempt to provide a shoe for the intermediate climber — someone who wants a bit more from their shoe than the very basic, flat introductory climbing shoe offers but doesn't want to commit to a fully downturned, aggressively shaped talon used by more advanced climbers. Still, others are edging machines - stiff enough to keep Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. The Miura's terrain recommendations — gently overhanging sport routes, bouldering, gym climbing, and technical face climbing — haven't prevented it from becoming a staple for several big names sending big, varied Nov 5, 2024 · The new and improved La Sportiva TX4 Evo is the perfect approach shoe that supplies enough versatility for everyday use. The Nago is much more precise, whether it's handling edging, cracks or smearing. The shoe edges well and is quite comfortable. Sep 25, 2024 · Climbing guide Sean McNally tested the best approach shoes hiking to the crag, rock hopping, and climbing 5. The latest Whether you're hiking, running, climbing, or lifting weights at the gym, GearLab has got you supported and comfortable. And while much stiffer than its Dec 27, 2023 · The Generator Mid is Scarpa's most recent attempt at creating a competitive, high-top trad climbing shoe, and we believe they have finally hit the mark. The only model that gives it a run for its money is the Scarpa Chimera. Nov 21, 2019 · The title of this article is a bit deceiving; those who have been climbing for a long time know that the idea of the perfect pair of climbing shoes is laughable. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. Apr 19, 2024 · With a downturned shape, a precise toe, and a well-fitting heel, this shoe is a powerhouse for steep climbing. With average climbing ability, great comfort, and a lightweight design, we're happy to recommend these as an excellent choice for multi-pitch climbs or cragging. While the Arakys (shout out to the nerds at Arc'teryx for what we think is a Dune reference) offers up some unique features on an exceptionally lightweight approach shoe, it didn't score well in our metrics. It features phenomenal edging, a flat toe, ankle protection for cracks, decent smearing ability, and an ultra-supportive, semi-stiff sole that will keep your feet feeling strong pitch after pitch. May 5, 2025 · We tested the top 39 hiking boots from Salomon, La Sportiva, Merrell, Altra, Hoka, and more to find the best pairs for day trips and backpacking adventures. May 5, 2021 · The Miura is a longstanding benchmark in the La Sportiva climbing shoe arsenal, on the market for more than two decades but still holding its own against newer modern designs. Before we knew it, we were making light work of fourth- and low fifth-class scrambles and standing comfortably in our aiders for hours. But after spending weeks roaming around Yosemite and the High Sierra in the Terrex Solo, our editors were pretty impressed. Jul 23, 2024 · The Vertex Alpine is a comfortable running shoe that also excels in moderately technical terrain, earning our nod as the best approach shoe-running shoe Best Running Gear of 2024 Climbing Best Big Wall Climbing Harness: Comfort and Safety for the Vertical World The 7 Best Climbing Shoes of 2024: Reach New Heights with Confidence and Precision How to Choose the Right Climbing Harness Biking The 7 Best Full Face Bike Helmets: Protecting Your Head in Style and Safety Feb 11, 2025 · We put 11 men's climbing approach shoes to the test from La Sportiva, Salewa, and Scarpa to find the best models. 8 routes. Check out our full Climbing Shoe Review to see all of the shoes we've tested or read on to find out what we thought about the Speedster. Jan 4, 2019 · These shoes share the same unique knit uppers as the Black Diamond Momentum and a similar opposite opposed Velcro closure system as the La Sportiva Otaki. That said, we think many climbers will want more foot support or better climbing ability from their approach shoes 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. However, we'd leave them behind on a multi-pitch route in favor of a more relaxed fitting shoe. Size them bigger, and it's game for all-day multi-pitch action with plenty of stiffness and support for the long haul. We write mission-driven gear reviews. 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. The recommendations on this list are the crème de la crème. As for application, these are an all around climbing shoe that work for trad, sport, and gym. Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. This Velcro version is more geared to overhanging terrain than the lace-up Miura, which is even a touch harder and offers more support for adventurous routes in less-than-vertical terrain. Sep 3, 2015 · A product of revolutionary shoe designer Heinz Mariacher—a man who wore his EB's so tight he had to slip them on with plastic bags over his feet—the Scarpa Boostic is a marvel of climbing technology and bone crushing agony. Among similar concept shoes, it shoots for the top (but falls short) of the category beside the La Sportiva Solution, La Sportiva Futura, and the Evolv Shaman. Mar 10, 2025 · To date, Austin, Matt, and other key contributors on our team have tested hundreds of pairs of climbing shoes. At first glance, the construction of the Generator may appear quite boot-like. 8 while climbing the classic routes on Tenaya, Matthes Crest, and Cathedral Peak in a single push. This aggressively downturned shoe is designed for steep sport climbing and bouldering, but somehow still remains comfortable. They conformed to our feet like a rubber glove, without feeling like our toes were breaking. Both models offer outstanding performance and exceptional quality. pamtmux gopgb hav xtsslce tdzr yzo zeam hibrvmmio xyolegm fnbs