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Whether you are a beginner exploring the sport or a seasoned technical climber, your climbing gear must be on point to ensure safety and success. However, sometimes, you may not be financially equipped to opt for expensive climbing shoes. Or you may not want to go for the beat up and old rental shoes at your gym. Â
The good news is that you can invest in cheap climbing shoes. The best cheap climbing shoes offer the same expected performance, support, and comfort at an inexpensive price tag. Like their counterparts, cheap climbing shoes also feature the same rugged build and impressive traction to allow for a successful climb.Â
So whether you are on a budget or unwilling to spend hundreds of dollars whilst experimenting with the sport as a beginner, cheap climbing shoes offer the same high quality. Listed below are the 8 best cheap climbing shoes in 2021. Each pair expounds on how handy and high functioning they are on the field. The choice is all yours.
Black Diamond Men’s Cheap Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Cheap Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Upper nit fabrication for enhanced support, comfort and breathability
- 4.3mmm molded rubber outsole and rand for durability, maximum toe power, and elevated friction
- Soft flex midsole for enhanced sensitivity and comfort
- Lace up closure for fit adjustability
- Neutral and flat last for exceptional vertical climbing performance
Upper material: Synthetic
Outsole: 4.3mm NeoFriction rubber
Midsole: Medium flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 32oz
Climb X Rave Cheap Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Cheap Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Padded collar and heel for added comfort
- Highly cushioning and sensitive polypropylene midsole
- Durable one-piece binding
- A velcro closure system for quick on and off
- Odor eliminating organic hemp treated footbed
Upper material: Suede leather
Outsole: Vibram XS edge or Stealth C4 rubber
Midsole: Medium flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 26oz
La Sportiva TarantuLace Cheap Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Cheap Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Fast lacing system for proper fit, support, comfort ad performance
- Highly breathable unlined leather upper fabrication
- Synthetic leather overlay for added support
- Highly sensitive 1.8mm LaspoFlex midsole
- Lined tongue for moisture management
Upper material: Leather
Outsole: 5mm Friction RS rubber
Midsole: Medium flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 36 oz.
La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Cheap Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Cheap Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Quick pull lacing harness for proper fit
- Lightweight finish
- Lined tongue for moisture management and breathability
- Aggressive rubber heel rand for edging power
- Soft unlined leather for added support ad breathability
Upper material: Leather
Outsole: 5mm Friction RS rubber
Midsole: Medium flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 24 oz
Climb X Gear Icon Cheap Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Cheap Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Soft neoprene tongue for a snug fit and moisture management
- Odor eliminating organic hemp treated footbed
- Sticky rubber outsole even on slippery surfaces
- Reinforced toe area
- Versatile design
Upper material: Synthetic leather
Outsole: X-X factor rubber
Midsole: Medium flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 30oz
Climb X Gear Red Point Cheap Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Cheap Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Contoured arch provides support and performance
- Padded ankle cuffs for added comfort and fit
- Glove like and vacuum tight fit
- Sticky molded heel cup for added performance power
- Odor fighting footbed treatment
Upper material: Leather and fabric
Outsole: Vibram XS edge rubber
Midsole: Soft flex
Last: Downturn
Weight: 32 oz.
La Sportiva Kid’s Stick It Cheap Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Cheap Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Less rigid and highly grippy rubber outsole
- Breathable unlined leather upper fabrication
- Secure heel lace wrapping around the heel
- Easy on and off lacing system
- Designed for growing feet
Upper material: Leather
Outsole: 3mm FriXion RS rubber
Midsole: Soft flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 8 oz.
Scarpa Women’s Origin Cheap Climbing Shoes
- What Makes These Cheap Climbing Shoes Stand Out
- Resilient and grippy proprietary rubber outsole
- Extremely lightweight
- High performance Passive randing system
- A dual strap closure system for added adjustability
- Sensitive 1.9mm Flexan midsole design
Upper material: Leather
Outsole: Scarpa Vision rubber
Midsole: Medium flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 14 oz.
How To Choose Cheap Climbing Shoes – Buying Guide
Size
The climbing shoes don’t hold the same sizing standards as hiking shoes. Whilst choosing your climbing shoes, go for your actual shoe size. Although some people go for one size smaller, break in the shoes and allow them to stretch for a personalized fit. It is also a good idea to go through the sizing guide of the manufacturer of the shoe you are choosing to better understand the shoe sizing. Go through real customer reviews to also understand the sizing.Â
Related Post: Climbing Shoe Sizing
FitÂ
When choosing the best cheap rock climbing shoes, you must ensure the fit is right. You don’t want to be vertical climbing with dangling footwear, the same footwear that is highly instrumental to successful climbing and safety. Thus, a snug and secure fit are essential. Your climbing shoes shouldn’t be too tight or loose.Â
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of your climbing shoes is defined as how much you feel the surface when climbing. This highly depends on the thickness of the shoes. When choosing the best cheap rock climbing shoes, the sensitivity depends on what you are looking for. Typically, for technical and aggressive climbing, for example, it is a good idea to go for highly sensitive shoes.Â
StiffnessÂ
When choosing the best cheap rock climbing shoes for styles such as overhanging or tackling slabby routes, stiffness is an important feature. A stiff shoe stays rigid when pressure or weight is applied. This allows for easy maneuverability without using too much toe or calf strength. Soft to medium midsoles on the other end are also favored but it means you will be operating with your heels higher.Â
Aggressiveness
The best cheap rock climbing shoes will either be flat, moderate or aggressive. Flat profiles feature allow asymmetry last which provides more comfort as your toes are not bent. These shoe types are ideal for beginners. Aggressive or moderate type shoes are ideal for intermediate and technical climbers. The toes feature a downturn design giving them more climbing power.
Related Review: Intermediate Climbing Shoes
Material
The best cheap rock climbing shoes are built with an unlined leather upper fabrication. Leather makes an ideal material due to its stretch features which helps to provide a personalized fit over time. Unlined leather also offers ample breathability, thus, leading your feet comfortable. The ruggedness of leather means more protection for your feet in rocky terrains.Â
Related Review: Trad Climbing Shoes
Rubber
Climbing shoes are fitted with rubber outsoles. However, different shoes boast different designs and construction of the rubber outsoles. In general, rubber outsoles are ideal for smaller edges whilst softer ones are ideal for smearing. Harder rubber outsoles also tend to be more durable. The majority of beginner climbing shoes are built with thicker rubber outsoles – which also means less sensitivity.Â
Related Review: Crack Climbing Shoes
Weight
Climbing shoes boast varying weight, it all depends on how comfortable you are. However, you also don’t want your shoes to be too heavy that they weigh you down, remember you are vertical climbing! The most contributing factors to your shoes are the upper and outer sole materials. For example, synthetic upper fabrication will significantly reduce the weight compared to leather upper fabrication.Â
FAQs
Q: Do You Wear Socks With Climbing Shoes?
No. You should not wear socks with climbing shoes. Wearing socks will increase the chances of feet slipping which is very unsafe for climbing. Wearing socks also increase perspiration and even unpleasant odors to be released by your feet.
Q: Does Compromising On Price Mean Compromising On Quality?
No, compromising on price doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality. I fact, you may even invest in a pair of quite expensive climbing shoes that turn out to be f poor quality and durability. You can find really good quality and long lasting climbing shoes that are extremely cheap.
Q: Are Climbing Shoes Bad For Your Feet?
No. Climbing shoes are designed to protect your feet when climbing. They are built with special sole designs and padding that help to enhance comfort. Focus on toe power designs also prevents risks of pain, injury or cramping when you are climbing.
Related Post: Break In Climbing ShoesGlobo Surf Overview
The cheap climbing shoes reviews outlines how handy they are. The reviews also offer useful testament on how low pricing doesn’t necessarily mean low quality. The climbing shoes offer just as much support, comfort and elevated performance at their low prices. The buying guide above also offers an invaluable guide on what to look for when you are choosing the best cheap climbing shoes. The list of the best cheap climbing shoes above is an excellent place to begin the search.
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