That’s because when it comes to climbing, the right shoes are absolutely crucial. When they fit properly, they will help you find your balance, climb faster and more efficiently, and help protect you from injury. So which shoes are right for you? We decided to find out by trying out several different popular pairs for ourselves.
Read on to learn more about our favorite gym climbing shoes.
Our Editor’s Best Gym Climbing Shoes Reviews
Joomra Womens Trail Running Sneakers for Ladies Size 9-9.5 Wide Cross Trainer Zero Drop Gym Antislip Toes Hiking Minimalist Glove Barefoot Shoes Red 40
Key Features:
-
The rubber outsoles of these gym climbing shoes offer optimal balance of traction and durability, with a responsive feel on unpredictable terrain. The circular lug patterns provide grip during movement, making these shoes ideal for anyone who wants a reliable grip while they’re climbing.
-
These gym climbing shoes have removable insoles to support the feet’s arches and distribute weight over the ball of the feet to avoid pressure points.
-
The topline of these gym climbing shoes is thicker and wraps around the feet perfectly, which prevents the shoes from falling off during exercise.
-
The shopper can expect a pair of gym climbing shoes that are lightweight and breathable, thanks to the integral knitted upper structure.
-
These gym climbing shoes are designed to give your feet maximum freedom of movement, mimicking the experience of walking barefoot. They are ideal for climbers who want to improve their technique and footwork.
Black Diamond Womens Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes, Black-Alloy, 8
Key Features:
-
The shoe is designed to fit snugly, but the shopper may want to size up a half-size to ensure a comfortable fit.
-
This gym climbing shoe is designed for comfort and neutral support while climbing. The flat last provides stability and the shoe’s construction allows for optimal foot movement.
-
The gym climbing shoes for women have a last that is specifically designed to provide a customized fit.
-
The shoe has two Velcro straps which can be adjusted to achieve a snug, comfortable fit.
-
The gym climbing shoes are made of 4.3mm rubber for durability and have a molded design for optimal consistency and performance.
-
The shopper can expect a soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort from these gym climbing shoes.
SCARPA Women’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing – Low-Volume, Women’s Specific Fit – Maldive/Black – 7-7.5
Key Features:
-
The Origin climbing shoe is a flat-last shoe that is slightly asymmetrical. It is designed to be comfortable while still giving the user the stick they need to develop a solid foundation of climbing techniques.
-
The Women’s Last gym climbing shoes are designed for a more narrow last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit.
-
The Vision Rubber gym climbing shoes have a thick rubber outsole that is highly durable. This gives you the wiggle room you need to learn the nuances of proper footwork.
-
The shoe is designed to reduce pressure on the Achilles heel while still providing active forward pressure.
-
The passive rand is a gym climbing shoe that is designed for comfort. The shoe is tensioned perfectly to allow the wearer to use it all day without feeling any foot fatigue.
SCARPA Men’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym Climbing – Black/Yellow – 7.5-8
Key Features:
-
The SCARPA Veloce is a gym climbing shoe designed for beginner to intermediate climbers. It features a wide toe-box and breathable construction for comfort during long sessions in the gym.
-
The DTS Active Rand is a pair of gym climbing shoes designed for maximum power transfer to your big toe. The highly asymmetric design and the DTS system help the shoe retain its downturned shape, making it ideal for climbers who want to perform at their best.
-
The S-72 rubber shoes are designed to conform to the shape of almost any foothold, providing increased surface area and friction.
-
The SCARPA Men’s Helix Climbing Shoe has a relaxed performance fit with more room near the 4th and 5th toes. This new last from SCARPA provides a comfortable fit and reduces foot fatigue without limiting the power driven towards your big toe.
-
The Vapor has a pressure-absorbing fit that is comfortable and doesn’t skimp on performance. The heel is wrapped in a thinner layer of rubber and the DTS active rand is broken over the Achilles tendon.
SCARPA Men’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing – Covey/Black – 7.5-8
Key Features:
-
The Origin climbing shoe is a flat-last shoe that is only slightly asymmetrical, meaning that it is designed for comfort first, but still provides the grip and support needed for developing strong climbing skills.
-
The Dual-Strap Closure gym climbing shoes have two hook-and-loop straps that let the shopper customize the fit based on the shape of their feet and the performance they want.
-
The Vision Rubber climbing shoes are designed for durability, with a thick rubber outsole that can withstand extended use. The shoes are also designed to help you learn proper footwork, with a supportive design that gives you the time you need to master the technique.
-
The shopper is looking for a pair of gym climbing shoes that will reduce pressure on their Achilles heel while still providing active forward pressure.
-
The Passive Rand climbing shoes are designed for comfort, with a perfect tension that will allow you to wear them all day without feeling any foot fatigue.
SCARPA Men’s Quantic Rock Climbing Shoe for Gym and Sport Climbing – Dust Grey/Mango – 9
Key Features:
-
The shoe is designed for comfort and high performance. It has a slight downturn throughout the shoe, and a more aggressively downturned toe box.
-
The HT-Tension Rand is a lightweight gym climbing shoe that provides support and stability. It has a rand that runs the length of the shoe.
-
The Vibram XS Edge Rubber gym climbing shoes are designed for those who need a stiffer sole to stand on smaller holds. The XS Edge outsole offers superb edging while remaining durable.
-
The Quantic has a pressure-absorbing fit that is comfortable and doesn’t skimp on performance. The heel is wrapped in a thinner layer of rubber and the rand is broken over the Achilles tendon. This provides a great fit for those who are looking for a gym climbing shoe that won’t sacrifice performance.
-
The Dual-Strap Closure gym climbing shoes have two hook-and-loop straps that let the shopper customize the fit based on the shape of their feet and their performance needs.
La Sportiva Men’s Miura Climbing Shoe, Lime, 43.5
Key Features:
-
These gym climbing shoes have a quick-pull lacing harness that allows you to regulate the inner volumes of the shoe, wrapping your foot snugly for excellent support, fit, and comfort.
-
The ADVANCED CONTROL gym climbing shoes are designed for precision pocket climbing with a grippy 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber sole and a highly tensioned Slingshot Rand that transfers power to the toes. The asymmetric build is ideal for climbers who want precision and control while they smear, hook, and edge their way up the wall.
-
The Mojo Climbing Shoe is a versatile and comfortable shoe that is perfect for any climber, from the beginner to the experienced. The leather upper is soft and supportive, while the Dentex lining helps to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long.
-
The Miura is a gym climbing shoe that is built to last from industry-leading materials. It has a 1.1mm LaspoFlex forefoot midsole that is lightweight and is designed for maximum torsion rigidity.
-
The La Sportiva Tarantulace is a great choice for a beginner gym climber. These shoes are designed to fit snugly, but not painfully, and without pressure points. They’re also very affordable, making them a great option for someone just starting out.
SCARPA Women’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym Climbing – Low-Volume, Women’s Specific Fit – Light Grey/Maldive – 8
Key Features:
-
The SCARPA Veloce is a gym climbing shoe designed for intermediate to advanced climbers. It features a wide toe-box and breathable construction for comfort during long sessions in the gym.
-
The La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe is designed specifically for women, with a narrower last and lower-volume heel cup for a better fit. The shoes are made for gym climbing, with a tough leather upper and a rubber sole for traction and durability.
-
The S-72 Rubber gym climbing shoes are designed to conform to the shape of almost any foothold for increased surface area and greater friction.
-
The shoes are designed for a relaxed fit, with more room near the 4th and 5th toes. This is supposed to reduce foot fatigue without limiting the power driven towards your big toe.
-
The Vapor has a pressure absorbing fit that is comfortable and does not skimp on performance.
Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe 2018 (6, Red)
Key Features:
-
These gym climbing shoes are available in a variety of sizes, so shoppers are encouraged to consult the sizing chart to find the best fit. The shoes are designed for comfort and durability, with a focus on providing good traction while climbing.
-
The padded collar and heel on these gym climbing shoes make them comfortable to wear during extended periods of time. The padding also helps to protect the feet from blisters and other types of discomfort.
SCARPA Men’s Reflex V Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym Climbing – Black/Flame – 7.5-8
Key Features:
-
The Reflex V is a beginner-level climbing shoe from SCARPA that is designed for comfort, affordability, and durability.
-
The Dual-Strap Closure gym climbing shoes are designed to fit a variety of foot shapes and sizes, and to provide the user with the level of performance they desire. The two hook-and-loop straps allow the user to adjust the tightness of the shoe to their own preferences, making sure that they are comfortable while they work out.
-
The thick rubber outsole on these gym climbing shoes is highly durable, making them a great choice for someone who is just learning the ropes of proper footwork.
-
The shoe is designed to reduce pressure on the Achilles heel while still providing active forward pressure.
-
The Passive Rand is a pair of gym climbing shoes that are designed for comfort over power. The shoes are tensioned perfectly to allow the wearer to use them for an extended period of time without feeling any foot fatigue.
Gym Climbing Shoes FAQs
1. What are the best gym climbing shoes?
The best gym climbing shoes are typically going to be the shoes that are most comfortable for you. There are a variety of different shoes on the market, so it is important to try on a few different pairs to see which ones fit the best. It is also important to consider the type of climbing you will be doing when choosing your shoes. For instance, if you are mostly climbing boulders, you will want a shoe with a more aggressive toe box.
2. What are the differences between gym climbing shoes and other types of shoes?
Gym climbing shoes are typically designed to be more comfortable and to provide more support than other types of shoes. They may also have a more aggressive tread pattern to provide better traction on gym surfaces.
3. How do I choose the right size gym climbing shoe?
The most important factor in choosing the right size gym climbing shoe is comfort. It is also important to make sure that the shoe fits snugly and does not slip when you are wearing it.
4. How do I break in my new gym climbing shoes?
Climbing shoes should be comfortable from the start, but they will stretch slightly over time. To break in your new shoes, wear them around the house for short periods of time. You can also try wearing them while you climb, but be careful not to overdo it and hurt your feet.
5. What are some common problems with gym climbing shoes?
The most common problems people have with gym climbing shoes are that they are too tight, they hurt their feet, or they don’t provide enough grip.
Conclusion
There are many great gym climbing shoes on the market. Our list of the best gym climbing shoes will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.