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Whether you are a beginner exploring the sport or a seasoned technical climber, you need to be sure you’re well-equipped to ensure your safety. Climbing shoes, however, are perhaps the only piece of climbing gear that doesn’t play any role in keeping you safe, therefore you can sometimes afford to skimp on price, and if you pick the right shoe, you may not even see a significant decrease in performance.Â
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 tacky grip and snug fit to allow for a successful climb.Â
So whether you are on a budget or unwilling to spend hundreds of dollars experimenting with the sport as a beginner, cheap climbing shoes are a solid choice. Listed below are the 8 best cheap climbing shoes in 2022. The choice is all yours.
OUR TOP PICK
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 multi-pitch endurance
Upper material: Synthetic
Outsole: 4.3mm NeoFriction rubber
Midsole: Medium flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 32oz
EDITORS CHOICE
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
BEST VALUE
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.
- 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 and breathability
Upper material: Leather
Outsole: 5mm Friction RS rubber
Midsole: Medium flex
Last: Flat
Weight: 24 oz
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Climbing shoes don’t hold the same sizing standards as hiking shoes. While 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 as well to help you make the best choice as far as sizing is concerned.Â
Related Post: Climbing Shoe Sizing
FitÂ
When choosing the best cheap rock climbing shoes, you must ensure the fit is right. Your performance can dramatically suffer if your shoes are too loose, and you won’t be comfortable on longer pitches if they’re too tight. Snug and secure fit are essential.Â
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of your climbing shoes is defined by 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. For more moderate routes, you’re looking at less-sensitive shoes. Generally, sensitivity isn’t as much of a concern when looking at cheap climbing shoes.
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 is 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 for bigger days on the wall or at the crag (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, keeping your feet comfortable.
Related Review: Trad Climbing Shoes
Rubber
Climbing shoes are fitted with rubber outsoles. However, different shoes boast different designs and construction of 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 offer varying weight, it all depends on how comfortable you are. However, you also don’t want your shoes to be so heavy that they weigh you down. The most contributing factors to shoe weight are the upper and outer sole materials. For example, synthetic upper fabrication will significantly reduce the weight compared to leather upper fabrication.
FAQs
Q:Â 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 and generally minimize your performance by providing less contact with the rock.
Q:Â Does Compromising On Price Mean Compromising On Quality?
No, compromising on price doesn’t necessarily mean compromising on quality. You may even invest in a pair of quite expensive climbing shoes that turn out to be of poor quality and durability. You can find really good quality and long-lasting climbing shoes that are extremely cheap if you do your research.
Q:Â 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 also prevents risks of pain, injury, or cramping when you are climbing. That said, these aren’t shoes you should wear 24/7. Take them off when off the wall.
Related Post: Break In Climbing Shoes
Globo Surf Overview
The cheap climbing shoe reviews outline how handy they are. The reviews also offer a useful testament to the idea that low pricing doesn’t necessarily mean low quality. These climbing shoes offer reliable 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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