Other climbers prefer a more comfortable shoe and will opt for a more durable option over a more performance-oriented one. Whatever your preferences are, we’ve researched and vetted the best options for you.
Read on to find the best intermediate climbing shoes.
Our Editor’s Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes Reviews
Black Diamond Equipment – Zone Climbing Shoes – Aluminum – Size 10
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SCARPA Men’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym Climbing – Black/Yellow – 7
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The SCARPA Veloce is an intermediate level climbing shoe designed for comfort and breathability. It has a wide toe-box to allow for more movement and a more technical design that makes it ideal for longer sessions in the gym.
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This climbing shoe is designed for intermediate climbers. It features a highly asymmetric design and a DTS system which helps transfer power to your big toe. The shoe also has a downturned shape to help you climb more effectively.
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The S-72 Rubber is an intermediate climbing shoe that is made to conform to almost any foothold for increased surface area and friction.
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The SCARPA Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoe is an intermediate level shoe designed for comfort and reducing foot fatigue. It has a relaxed fit near the 4th and 5th toes and provides power to the big toe.
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The Vapor has a pressure absorbing fit that is comfortable and doesn’t skimp on performance. It has a thinner layer of rubber and a broken DTS active rand over the Achilles tendon.
La Sportiva Men’s Miura Climbing Shoe, Lime, 46 M EU
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The shoe has a quick-pull lacing harness that allows the shopper to regulate the inner volumes of the shoe. The shoe also wraps around the foot snugly for excellent support, fit, and comfort.
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The La Sportiva Otaki are advanced control climbing shoes with a grippy 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber sole and a highly tensioned Slingshot Rand that transfers power to the toes. This allows climbers to smear, hook, and edge like pros. The asymmetric build is ideal for precision pocket climbing.
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The La Sportiva Finale is an all-around great shoe for beginner to intermediate climbers. It has a soft, comfortable leather upper that is supportive enough for long days at the crag. The Dentex lining wicks away moisture to keep your feet dry and comfortable, and the shoe has a moderate downturn that gives you a bit of an edge on steeper routes.
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The Miura is a shoe designed for intermediate climbers. It is made from durable materials and features a 1.1mm LaspoFlex forefoot midsole.
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These are La Sportiva’s Mythos Eco climbing shoes, and they are designed to fit snugly but without any pressure points.
SCARPA Women’s Veloce Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym Climbing – Low-Volume, Women’s Specific Fit – Light Grey/Maldive – 9-9.5
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The Scarpa Veloce is an intermediate climbing shoe designed for comfort and breathability. It has a wide toe-box and is made for long sessions in the gym.
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The La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe is an all-around shoe designed for intermediate to advanced climbers. It has a women’s-specific fit with a narrower last and lower-volume heel cup. The shoe is made with a soft, supple leather that conforms to the foot, and it has a flat profile with a moderate amount of downturn. The Mythos has a lace-up closure system and a rubber toe rand for durability.
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The S-72 Rubber climbing shoes are designed to conform to the shape of almost any foothold, for increased surface area and greater friction.
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The SCARPA Men’s Helix Climbing Shoe is an intermediate shoe that is designed for a relaxed performance fit. With more room near the 4th and 5th toes, this shoe provides a comfortable fit and reduces foot fatigue without limiting the power driven towards your big toe.
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The SCARPA 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 rand is broken over the Achilles tendon.
SCARPA Women’s Helix WMN Climbing Shoe-W, Mandarin Red, 6.5-7
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The Helix is an intermediate climbing shoe that offers a classic lace-up design. It is a fan-favorite among climbing guides and beginning climbers and is perfect for anyone looking for an all-day climbing shoe.
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The La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoe is an all-around shoe that is good for intermediate climbers. The Mythos has a narrower last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit. The shoe also has a lace-up closure for a secure fit, and a rubber sole for traction and durability.
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The Vibram XS Edge Rubber is an intermediate climbing shoe that offers superb support and is ideal for climbers learning the nuances of foot placements. The rubber is stiff, consistent, and durable, making it a great choice for those just starting out in the sport.
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The La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoe is an intermediate shoe designed to match the natural shape of your foot. The nearly symmetrical construction is perfect for slab and crack climbing.
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The passive rand is an intermediate climbing shoe that is designed for comfort. The shoe has a moderate amount of tension and is intended to be worn all day without causing foot fatigue.
Once Is Enough
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Black Diamond Womens Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes, Black-Alloy, 8
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The shoe is designed to fit snugly, but the shopper may want to size up a half-size to ensure a comfortable fit.
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If you’re looking for a pair of shoes to take your climbing to the next level, but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, then these neutral, flat last shoes are perfect for you. With a versatile design that is great for vertical climbing or all-day comfort, you’ll be able to conquer any route with ease.
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These shoes are designed to provide a customized fit for women, and they have a women-specific last. They’re intermediate climbing shoes, which means they’re good for climbers who are still learning and developing their skills.
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The shoes have two Velcro straps that can be adjusted to get a snug fit.
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The 4.3mm rubber is built for durability, and it is molded for optimal consistency and performance. It has a moderate amount of stiffness, and it is good for climbers who are looking for an all-purpose shoe.
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The shoe has a soft flex in the middle which makes it more comfortable and sensitive.
Black Diamond Mens Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes, White-Black, 10
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The upper material on these shoes is made of an engineered knit technology. This material is designed to be lightweight and breathable, while still providing support and stability. These shoes would be a good choice for someone who is looking for a shoe that is comfortable and breathable, but still provides enough support for climbing.
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These shoes have a micro-fiber lining which makes them comfortable and Breathable. They are perfect for intermediate climbers who want a shoe that will perform well and keep their feet comfortable.
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The shoes have a hook-and-loop closure, which is a type of fastener.
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The midsole of these shoes is made to flex easily, making them ideal for intermediate climbers who are still working on their technique. The softness of the midsole also provides extra comfort and cushioning for your feet.
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The shoe has a 4.3mm rubber sole for grip and protection. The NeoFriection rubber is designed to provide good grip and durability.
La Sportiva Womens Solution Rock Climbing Shoes, White Lily/Orange, 6
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The La Sportiva Solution is a high performance rock climbing shoe that is purposely built to provide the solution for modern bouldering problems and challenging climbs. The shoe is award winning and is a best seller from La Sportiva.
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The La Sportiva Finale are intermediate climbing shoes that have laser-cut leather and microfiber uppers to reduce stitching and bulk. They are lined only in the toe box and arch areas for comfort without sacrificing feel.
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The La Sportiva Solution is an aggressive, high-performance shoe designed for climbers who need precision and sensitivity when they’re tackling difficult routes. The large, down-turned toe is perfect for slicing and dicing your way up the wall, while the medium stiffness and volume provide the support and comfort you need to keep going.
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The La Sportiva Solution Comp is an aggressive, high-performance shoe designed for advanced climbers. It features a sticky Vibram XS Grip rubber outsole for excellent traction, and a molded 3D heel cup for a secure fit. The patented P3 (Permanent Power Platform) technical randing system provides power to the sole and helps retain the shoe’s downturned shape.
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The shoe is designed for precision climbing and has a fast lacing system.
La Sportiva Men’s Theory Rock Climbing Shoe, Black/Yellow, 41.5 (8.5-9 US)
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These shoes are designed to provide a secure fit and to help transfer power to the toes. They have a slip-on construction and a single hook-and-loop closure that helps lock in the heels. They also have a patented Figure-8 slingshot tensioning system that focuses power in the toes.
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The GET A GRIP shoes are designed for competitive climbing, with a sticky rubber sole for grip and a hybrid sole that adapts to different requirements. The sole is made from Vibram XS Grip2 rubber, which is easily resoled, and has a differentiated thickness at the forefoot for power and sensitivity.
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This shoe is designed for intermediate climbers who want to maintain a powerful grip while heel hooking. The low-profile heel provides more support and stability for the climber.
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The Theory shoes are designed for intermediate climbers who need a shoe that can adapt to different types of footwork. The shoes have a microfiber and leather upper, and a hybrid D-Tech outsole that combines no-edge and edge technologies.
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If you’re looking for an intermediate climbing shoe, make sure to reference the La Sportiva size chart in the product images. The fit should be tight, but not painful, and without pressure points.
Intermediate Climbing Shoes FAQs
1. What are some good brands of intermediate climbing shoes?
Some good brands of intermediate climbing shoes are La Sportiva, Evolv, and Mad Rock.
2. What are some features to look for in an intermediate climbing shoe?
Some features to look for in an intermediate climbing shoe are: a comfortable fit, good arch support, a stiff sole, and a downturned toe.
3. How do intermediate climbing shoes differ from beginner shoes?
Intermediate shoes differ from beginner shoes in a few ways. They tend to have a more aggressive toe box, which allows for better precision when toeing in on small holds. They also tend to be more stiff, which gives them better support when edging on small holds. Additionally, they often have a more aggressive heel cup, which helps keep your foot in place when heel hooking.
4. What are some tips for sizing intermediate climbing shoes?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best way to determine the ideal shoe size for intermediate climbers may vary depending on individual foot size and shape, as well as personal preferences. However, some general tips that may help intermediate climbers find the perfect shoe size include trying on shoes before purchasing them, paying attention to the fit of the shoes around the toes and heel, and opting for a size that offers a snug but comfortable fit. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that shoes may stretch slightly over time, so it is often best to err on the side of a slightly smaller shoe size if undecided.
5. How do I break in my new intermediate climbing shoes?
The best way to break in new climbing shoes is to wear them around the house for short periods of time. This will help to stretch them out and make them more comfortable. You can also try wearing them while you are climbing, but be sure to start with easy routes and be careful not to overdo it.
Conclusion
There are many great intermediate climbing shoes on the market. Our list of the best intermediate climbing shoes will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.