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Climbing is one of the most thrilling sports that can be practiced all year round due to the indoor and outdoor locations. But if you’re a beginner climber, you can’t only rely only on innate skill. You will also need a pair of the best beginner climbing shoes to help you keep a strong foot hold on your vertical surface. Â
Many beginners are eager to started on heading higher up, but before you can begin your journey, you’ll need to take the time to find a quality pair of rock climbing shoes for beginners. A pair of top rated climbing shoes for beginners will provide you with the stability and foundation you need to achieve your goals. But when you’re ready to stop renting and invest in your own pair of shoes, you may feel a little lost in your search.Â
We have dedicated the time to make this list and included our comprehensive buying guide, so that you can spend less time shopping and more time on the mountain. With our guide, you’ll have everything you need to find a quality pair of beginner climbing shoes. Â
Black Diamond Men’s Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- More precise with a stiffer flex and tighter fit
- Laces are more secure and snug
- Neutral asymmetrical design for better balance
- Synthetic construction is more durable and longer lasting
- Supports your foot as you climb
Material: Synthetic
Weight: 1.99 pounds
Closure: Lace
Midsole: Medium flex
Rubber: NeoFriction
Sizes: Men’s 5-15
Colors: Ash, Midnight, or Slate
Climb X Rave Strap Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- More comfortable with ap added collar and heel
- No skin irritation or blisters
- Decent flex with a stable polypropylene midsole
- Multiple pull tabs and Velcro straps make the shoes easy to put on
- Come pre-downsized
Material: Synthetic
Closure: Velcro
Midsole: Polypropylene
Sizes: 6-11.5
Colors: Red, Blue, or Grey
La Sportiva Men’s Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Fast lace system makes these the easiest to use
- Quick pull lacing method is more precise
- FriXion RS rubber soles are extra sticky for an excellent grip
- Breathable to help manage moisture
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Materials: Leather, synthetic
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Closure: TarantuLace
Midsole: LaspoFlex
Rubber: FriXion RS
Sizes: Men’s 4.5-13.5
Colors: Black/Poppy, Flame, or Grey
La Sportiva Mythos Men’s Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Versatile for use indoors or outdoors
- Made with high quality materials
- More sensitive without sacrificing comfort
- Breathable to manage sweat and moisture
- Low profile and rounded toe are easier for beginners to use
Materials: Leather, synthetic
Weight: 2.06 pounds
Closure: To the Toe Laces
Midsole: LaspoFlex
Rubber: FriXion RS
Sizes: Men’s 2.5-13.5 US
Colors: Terra or Taupe
Evolv Men’s Defy Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Anatomical fit provides extended comfort
- Sensitive but stiff for beginners
- Thicker front toe area for protection and strength
- Anti-microbial mesh eliminates foul odors
- Velcro straps are quick and easy to use
Material: Synthetic
Weight: 5 pounds
Closure: Velcro
Midsole: MX-P
Rubber: TRAX high friction
Sizes: Men’s 4-14
Colors: Black/Sulphur or Charcoal
La Sporitva Men’s Low Top Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Suede upper leather balances structure and stretch
- Leather in the toe-box for more protection
- Two Velcro straps secure your feet and provide support
- Cushioned and sensitive
- Better grip on all types of surfaces
Materials: Leather, synthetic
Weight: 5 pounds
Closure: Velcro
Midsole: Laspoflex
Rubber: FriXion RS
Sizes: Men’s 2.5-13
Colors: 4 options
Five Ten Men’s Rogue VCS Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Lightweight and tough design
- Provides flexibility and fit
- Stealth C4 rubber sole support precise footing
- Reinforced arch has a stronger structure
- Heel sling shot can be used to carry shoes
Material: Leather
Weight: 7.9 ounces
Closure: Velcro
Rubber: C4 Stealth
Sizes: Men’s 5.5-12.5
Color: Neon Blue/Charcoal
Climb X Gear Red Point Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Odorless organic hemp footbed keeps feet feeling fresh
- Comfortable for a full day of climbing
- Contoured arch has a tighter fit for security
- Padding to keep your feet happy
- Adjustable fit with Velcro straps
Material: Leather
Closure: Velcro
Sizes: 7.5-11.5Â
Color: Red/Blue
Evolv Axion Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Wider width for a unisex design
- Puts the comfort of the climber first
- Strong materials wrap entirely around the shoe
- Round toe is more sensitive
- Durable stitching is long lasting
Material: Suede
Closure: Laces
Sizes: 4.5-9
Color: Blue/Green
Five Ten Men’s Anasazi Moccasym Beginner Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Beginner Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Comfortable moccasin design is made functional for climbing
- Less bulk means better movement
- Side exit heel seam is easy to use
- Triple pull tabs
- Resoleable for endless use
Material: Leather
Weight: 1.48 pounds
Rubber: Stealth
Sizes: Men’s 8-14
Color: Red/Black
How To Choose A Pair Of Beginner Climbing Shoes – Buying Guide
Material
The best beginner climbing shoes will be made with a high-quality material because it provides your feet with more support and protection, while also being more comfortable. But the two most common types of materials used in the construction of a beginner climbing shoe is leather or synthetic.Â
Leather rock climbing shoes for beginners will often stretch over time, which means that they become looser and more comfortable. The leather can also conform to your foot shape over time, which means that they often provide a customized feel to the climber. Leather is also durable and can easily protect your foot from accidents.Â
Related Review: Cheap Climbing Shoes
Synthetic materials are the opposite of leather and they will not stretch. This means that you don’t have to worry as much about sizing because they won’t change, but they can be more uncomfortable. You will need to find the correct size from the beginning, or your feet won’t fit inside the shoe. Synthetic material is also not breathable, which is uncomfortable for some climbers.Â
Finally, some climbing shoes for beginners are made of a combination of leather and synthetic materials. This means that you can have the best qualities of both materials in a hybrid shoe that has an excellent performance.
Related Post: Break In Climbing Shoes
Closure System
Many women’s and men’s beginner climbing shoes will feature a Velcro closure because it is easier to use. The Velcro straps can be pulled snuggly across your foot and makes it faster to put on or take off your shoes. However, some bouldering shoes for beginners use laces to secure the shoes instead of Velcro. Laces are sturdy and they are just as secure as leather, but they often provide more adjustability to the climber. Due to the laces running the length of the shoe, the climber can customize the shoes fit more precisely, which makes it more comfortable.Â
Related Review: Crack Climbing Shoes
Ultimately, it will be up to the climber to decide which closure system they wish to use when they climb. Both systems are secure, but one provides speed and the other customization. Beginner climbing shoe reviews may help you make your choice as reviewers will often comment on the comfort of the closure system.
Size
The best climbing shoes for beginners will have a snug fit, which often means that they will feel tight on your foot. But finding the correct size can be difficult because the shoes shouldn’t be so tight that are uncomfortable or cause pain. On the other hand, top rated climbing shoes for beginners shouldn’t ever fall off the foot.Â
You should keep in mind that climbing shoes for beginners are often sized smaller to accommodate a tight fit, so you should consider sizing up. But beginner climbing shoe reviews and the brand provided size chart can help you find the best fit.Â
Related Post: Climbing Shoe Sizing
Sole
The sole needs to be strong, but also slightly flexible. This will ensure that your foot has the stability and support it needs, but is not restricted in its movement. The best beginner climbing shoe will also have a sole that provides you with a strong grip. Most soles have their own thickness that can determine the sensitivity and durability of the design.Â
A 5mm sole is the thickest and would be more durable with less sensitivity. A 4mm sole balances the thickness with sensitivity as a decent compromise. A 3mm sole would have a lot of sensibility but less protection, which makes it better for indoor use only.Â
Comfort
Your beginner climbing shoe should always be comfortable, once you have broken them in on the rocks. Top rated climbing shoes for beginners will use expertly placed padding to make the shoes more comfortable as you climb. You should look for bouldering shoes for beginners that have lightly padded soles, ankles, and heel to make your climb more comfortable.Â
Durability
When you’re spending your time on rock, you need your footwear to be durable. Rock climbing shoes for beginners should always be constructed to be extra durable so that you can climb on natural or artificial rock. Durability will be enhanced the construction and materials used in the design. Beginner climbing shoe reviews can help you determine the durability of a design and whether they are a value investment.Â
Stiffness
For beginners, you need more stiffness instead of flexibility because your foot needs more stability in the ligaments and muscles. While you don’t want your shoe to completely stiff, you don’t want it to be so flexible that you lack support in the heel, arch, or toe. Instead, look for midsoles that are stiffer, which are better for edging.Â
Indoor vs. Outdoor
Women’s and men’s beginner climbing shoes should be able to be used indoors or outdoors, but you should consider the design and its features to determine which climbing situations are best. Indoor shoes can be more comfortable because you are in a controlled environment. But if you are climbing outdoors, you should choose durability over comfort so that your feet are properly protected.Â
Men’s vs. Women’s
While all climbing shoes for beginners look similar, they aren’t. The best climbing shoes for beginners will actually be designed differently for men and women. Men’s beginner climbing shoes are often wider in the foot to accommodate larger foot sizes. However, women’s beginner climbing shoes are often narrower to accommodate smaller foot sizes.Â
Related Reviews: Women’s Climbing Shoes & Climbing Shoes For Wide Feet
FAQs
Q: Do You Wear Socks With Climbing Shoes?
Your choice. Most climbers prefer to not use socks because they feel better without a barrier between their shoes and their foot. It can also reduce the amount of foot slippage. However, some climbers choose to wear socks to help control odor and absorb sweat.
Q: How Should Climbing Shoes Fit?
Tight. Rock climbing shoes for beginners need to be snug to ensure that they don’t slip off, but they should still be comfortable. However, with a properly tight fit, you’ll be able to better manage how you climb and balance the weight of extra gear like climbing backpacks.
Q: Do Climbing Shoes Make A Difference?
Yes. Without climbing shoes, your bare feet do not have the strength, support, or grip they need to safely maneuver rocks. The best beginner climbing shoes will provide crucial support to your feet and also protect them from injuries.
Q: When Is The Time To Choose More Advanced Shoes?
Once beginners have learned and mastered the basics of rock climbing, they can consider looking for more advanced shoes. However, it can take a good chunk of time because your feet need to build up the strength. Beginner climbing shoes have more stiffness, which helps you develop the muscles you need to climb.
Q: Should A Beginner Buy New Or Used Shoes?
Rock climbing shoes can be purchased new or used. While used shoes can help you reduce the cost of your investment, it can mean that you sacrifice comfort. The best climbing shoes for beginners will eventually conform to your feet, which makes them more custom. A pair of barely or lightly used shoes may suit your needs, but if you feel uncomfortable you should consider purchasing new shoes.
Q: How To Clean And Care For Climbing Shoes?
When you’re climbing there may be debris on the rocks or even your climbing chalks can make your shoes dirty. You should be able to gently hand wash your shoes and allow them to fully dry. But if you ever doubt your techniques, you can also check the brand and find specific care instructions online or in a user manual that was provided with your purchase.
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Rock climbing has a lot of health benefits, so it is understandable that there are constantly beginners who are looking to get started in this exciting sport. But before you can take off, you’ll need to support your feet with quality gear and a pair of top rated climbing shoes for beginners is the best place to start. With the best beginner climbing shoes, beginners will quickly fall in love with the sport and advance their skills to become a pro climber.Â
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Do you own a pair of the rock climbing shoes that made it onto our list? Let us know which beginner rock climbing shoes your favorite are in the comments section below. Â