Trad climbing is steep, face- climbing up cracks, nubbins, and edges, and the most secure way to ascend is to place protection as we go. Most of the time, a fall would result in a thrutchy, bruising experience, so we want our feet to be as secure as possible. We also want shoes that are durable, so we can wear them on more than one climb and trust them to withstand hard wear and tear.
Here are our picks for the best trad climbing shoes.
Our Editor’s Best Trad Climbing Shoes Reviews
SCARPA Women’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad and Sport Climbing – Low-Volume, Women’s Specific Fit – Mandarin Red – 7-7.5
Key Features:
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The Helix is a trad climbing shoe that offers a classic lace-up design. It has won multiple awards and is a favorite among climbing guides and beginning climbers. It is an all-day climbing shoe that is comfortable and versatile.
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The trad climbing shoes for women have a narrower last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit.
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If you’re looking for a trad climbing shoe that offers great support, the Vibram XS Edge Rubber is a great option. This shoe is designed to be stiff and durable, making it ideal for climbers who are still learning the ropes. Plus, the XS Edge rubber is consistent and reliable, making it a great choice for experienced climbers as well.
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The trad climbing shoes have a symmetrical profile and are designed to match the natural shape of your foot. They are nearly symmetrical in construction, which makes them perfect for slab and crack climbing.
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The passive rand is a trad climbing shoe that is designed for comfort. The rand is tensioned perfectly to allow the wearer to use the shoes all day without feeling any foot fatigue.
La Sportiva Mens TC Pro Rock Climbing Shoes, Olive, 12
Key Features:
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The La Sportiva Miura VS is a trad climbing shoe that is designed for vertical edging, crack climbing and all-day support and comfort. The shoe has a lace-up design that allows for a secure fit, and the rubber sole provides traction and support while climbing.
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The trad climbing shoes have a unique mid-height cuff with padding in the ankles that provides extra foot protection in wider cracks. The perforated leather upper and ventilated, padded tongue increase air flow for better breathability and comfort.
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The Five Ten Anasazi LV is a trad climbing shoe that is pointed with a moderate to large downturn. It has medium-high asymmetry that is ideal for trad climbing. The shoe is high stiffness for support with low sensitivity. It is a medium volume shoe.
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These are trad climbing shoes with a Vibram XS Edge rubber compound for the ultimate edging performance. The updated rubber rand pattern increases durability and performance.
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The trad climbing shoes have a durable ECO leather upper that uses metal-free tanning for a lower environmental impact. The microfiber lacing and tongue reinforcement help reduce the weight of the shoe.
La Sportiva Men’s Skwama Rock Climbing Shoe, Black/Yellow, 42.5
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The La Sportiva Otaki Climbing Shoe is designed for top performance on any type of wall. It features a patented S-Heel construction for optimal heel hooking maneuverability, and a perfect heel cup fit.
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The P3 Patent System combined with the new split-sole construction creates a sensitive, flexible, and precise shoe for trad climbing. The sole is designed to spread out when weight is applied, reducing edge deformation and strengthening holds.
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The Skwama trad climbing shoes have sticky rubber toe patches to protect your feet and help you grip the rock while climbing. The toe box is also protected to help keep your toes safe while climbing.
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The trad climbing shoes have a Vibram sole for durability, a suede leather upper for comfort, and a flexible build for easy maneuverability. They are lightly structured with less rigidity to offer a strong multi-purpose shoe. These shoes have great sensitivity to feel the rock below your feet for superior adaptability.
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If you’re shopping for trad climbing shoes, the fit should be tight but not painful, and without pressure points. Be sure to reference the La Sportiva size chart in the product images for more accurate sizing.
SCARPA Men’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad and Sport Climbing – Hyper Blue – 7-7.5
Key Features:
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The Helix is a trad climbing shoe that offers a classic lace-up design. It is a fan-favorite among climbing guides and beginning climbers.
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The shoes have a padded heel cup for a secure fit and cushioning for your Achilles tendon.
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The Vibram XS Edge Rubber shoes offer superb support and are ideal for climbers learning the nuances of foot placements. They are stiff, consistent, and durable.
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The trad climbing shoes have a symmetrical profile and are designed to match the natural shape of your foot. They are nearly symmetrical and are perfect for slab and crack climbing.
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The Passive Rand is a trad climbing shoe that is designed for comfort. The rand (the strip of material that goes around the shoe) is tensioned perfectly to allow the wearer to wear the shoes all day without foot fatigue.
SCARPA Men’s Maestro Mid Eco Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad Climbing – Stone/Light Grey – 9.5-10
Key Features:
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The trad climbing shoes are designed for all-day comfort, with a minimal downturned profile and minimal asymmetry. These shoes are ideal for trad and multi-pitch climbing where you’ll be wearing them for hours on end.
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The trad climbing shoes have extra padding on the tongue and a mid-height cuff to provide more protection while crack climbing.
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The Maestro Mid trad climbing shoes are made from environmentally-friendly, biodegradable leather. They are SCARPA’s commitment to preserving the planet’s natural landscapes.
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The IPC rand is a trad climbing shoe that is designed to let your foot flex for slick slab maneuvers while still offering active tension for edging. The IPC rand runs underneath the forefoot and along each side, providing support without causing discomfort.
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The Vibram XS Edge Rubber climbing shoes are designed for climbers who need a shoe that is stiff enough to stand on small holds, while also offering superb edging and durability.
SCARPA Men’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad and Sport Climbing – Hyper Blue – 7
Key Features:
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The “Ultra Thin Support” trad climbing shoes are designed for climbers who want a shoe with a close fit and minimalistic design. These shoes have a thin sole that provides good support and sensitivity, while the low-profile design ensures a comfortable fit.
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The upper of the shoe is made of suede, a type of leather.
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The trad climbing shoes have a midsole that is made of Flexan 1.9mm. This material is designed to be flexible and provide support while climbing. The shoes also have a rubber sole that is designed to provide traction and grip on the rock.
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The trad climbing shoes have a Vibram XS Edge sole that is 3.5mm thick.
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Trad climbing shoes are designed to be lightweight, so that the climber can move more easily over the rock face. They typically weigh 215 grams.
Ocun Jett Crack Rock Climbing Shoes | Performance Shoe for Crack and Trad Climbing, Grey/Red, 10
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The Ocun Crack is a trad climbing shoe that offers high-level performance with the ideal comfort and protection for crack and trad climbing. Featuring a moderate downturn and slight asymmetry, this shoe provides the support and precision you need for challenging routes.
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The Jett Crack trad climbing shoes are designed to reduce foot fatigue on multipitch routes. They have a stiffer midsole that offers support and offset the padded upper.
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The Ocun climbing shoe is designed for balance, comfort, and performance. The vegan microfiber upper, 2D Fit Hard midsole, and natural leather insole provide foot protection and allow you to conquer your projects.
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The Ocun Oxi Rock Shoes are trad climbing shoes designed for steeper walls and overhanging boulders. They feature Ocun’s own CAT Rubber 1.5, a “super sticky” and stiff compound that provides the grip you need for these conditions. The shoes are also ideal for any rock type and style, thanks to the optimal hardness that ensures stability even when standing on edges and tiny footholds.
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These trad climbing shoes are built to last, with a full length rubber rand that covers the toes and heels. The rand provides a fit that molds to the shape of your foot, while ensuring that the shoe retains its shape over time. The shoes also have covered laces for maximum durability.
SCARPA Women’s Maestro Mid Eco Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad and Sport Climbing – Low-Volume, Women’s Specific Fit – Malva/Milk – 6
Key Features:
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The trad climbing shoes have a minimally downturned profile and low asymmetry, making them ideal for trad and multi-pitch climbing where you’ll be wearing the shoes for hours on end.
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Trad climbing shoes are designed for a women’s specific fit with a narrower last and lower-volume heel cup.
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The Maestro Mid trad climbing shoes are made from eco-friendly, biodegradable leather, making them a great choice for those who want to preserve the planet’s natural landscapes. They are also premium shoes, meaning they are made with high-quality materials and construction.
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The IPC rand is a trad climbing shoe designed to allow your foot to flex for slick slab maneuvers while still offering active tension for edging. The rand runs underneath the forefoot and along each side, providing support without causing discomfort.
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The Vibram XS Edge Rubber trad climbing shoes are designed for climbers who need a shoe that is stiff enough to stand on tiny holds, while also offering superb edging ability and durability. The XS Edge outsole provides excellent grip and support, while the shoe itself is comfortable and able to withstand rigorous climbing.
Black Diamond Equipment – Focus- Men’S Climbing Shoes – RUST – 13
Key Features:
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The trad climbing shoes have an upper material of leather, which is a strong and durable material. The shoes also have a lace-up closure, which provides a secure fit.
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The trad climbing shoes have a lining made of hemp, and the tongue is knit.
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The trad climbing shoes have two hook-and-loop straps that help secure the shoe to your foot.
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These trad climbing shoes have a 4.3mm NeoFriction Force rubber sole that provides good grip and traction while climbing.
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The trad climbing shoes for a shopper are shoes that are designed to be comfortable and light. They are made of a breathable material that helps to keep your feet cool and dry. The shoes have a claimed weight of 10.1oz, which makes them some of the lightest shoes on the market.
Evolv Men’s Bandit Climbing Shoe,Red/Black,4 M US
Key Features:
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The trad climbing shoes have a 2mm full length midsole. This means that the shoes have a thicker sole in the middle of the foot, which provides more support and stability when climbing. The shoes also have a reinforced toe for added protection.
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The non-stretch upper on these trad climbing shoes provides a snug fit that won’t give way during intense climbs.
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The La Sportiva Miura VS Climbing Shoe has perforations throughout the body of the shoe to allow for better breathability and ventilation. These perforations also help to shed any excess water or sweat that could build up inside the shoe, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. The Miura VS also has a Velcro closure system that allows for a snug, customized fit, and a rubberized toe rand for added protection.
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This shoe is versatile and durable, making it good for sport, trad, or gym use.
Trad Climbing Shoes FAQs
1. What are trad climbing shoes?
Trad climbing shoes are designed for traditional climbing, where climbers place their own protection as they climb. They are usually downturned, with a stiffer sole for edging and smearing.
2. What are their benefits?
Some benefits of trees are that they can provide shade, beauty, and privacy. They can also help to reduce noise pollution and can help to purify the air.
3. What are some of the best trad climbing shoes?
There are many great trad climbing shoes, but some of the most popular are the La Sportiva Mythos, the Scarpa Maestro Mid, and the Five Ten Anasazi Pro.
4. How do I choose the right trad climbing shoes for me?
The best way to choose the right trad climbing shoes is to go to a climbing shop and have a professional fit you.
5. How do I care for my trad climbing shoes?
Trad climbing shoes should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. When not in use, they should be stuffed with newspaper or another absorbent material to help keep their shape.
Conclusion
There are many great trad climbing shoes on the market. Our list of the best trad climbing shoes will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.