5 Best Trad Climbing Shoes In 2020

Where there isn't vibram rubber, there is tough and durable leather on the La Sportiva TC Pro all day climbing shoe. The 4mm thick synthetic layer provides excellent edging power without forgetting crack climbing capabilities, making the La Sportiva TC Pro one of the best all round multi pitch climbing shoe on the market. Designed for top of the line performance, the shoe doesn't disappoint and sports a patented system to keep the arched shape necessary to exert the maximum amount of force on the wall.

The shoes feature light ankle padding to ease the pain of long climbs and is designed so sweaty feet can still breathe regardless of how many hours you spend on a wall. The edge feels nice and crisp, so precise foot placement is no issue and the shoes just give that feeling of stickiness that is so dear to professional climbers. Users confirm the stellar performances of the La Sportiva TC Pro, which also stands out for its world class heel support.

As the name suggests, the Mad Rock Shark trad climbing shoes make for an aggressive tool to let you take on even the harshest walls. The contour of the shoes lets them act almost as a hook, so you can confidently hold onto steep terrain. In combination with their carefully designed shape, the sole is made from rubber that is specifically engineered to be sticky and extra durable.

The upper is synthetic and stays very comfortable next to the skin while the slip-on design and single power strap closure let you quickly slide the shoes on and off. Since these are some of the best trad climbing shoes available, you'll find that midsole is softer in the center and stiffer on the edges to provide your foot with excellent sensitivity of the rock below. Furthermore, the Arch Flex system effectively locks your foot in place once you put them on, making for a comfortable fit and lessening the pain often associated with longer climbs.

Known and well regarded for their versatility, the Mythos trad climbing shoes La Sportiva stand out because of their comfort and how well they perform on almost every different kind of rock. Striking a unique sweet spot between sensitivity and friction thanks to an excellent lacing system that goes all the way up to the toe and a well calibrated midsole stiffness, the La Sportiva Mythos climbing shoes adapt to the shape of your foot and lets you get the most out of your levers.

The heel rand is made of Vibram rubber while the soles come from sticky FriXion RS rubber providing top of the line hold despite the profile of the shoes not being as aggressive as other models. For extreme crack climbing or practising in the gym, you'll have some of the best shoes for trad climbing with you if you choose this model. Users confirm experiencing comfort and durability while using the Mythos over and over again, for many years and seasons. 

More stiff than sensitive, but still ruthlessly effective on cracks, slabs or for all-day climbing, the Butora Altura high top rock climbing shoes can satisfy pros and amateurs alike. The rubber on the sole is slightly softer than the one found in other models, which provides great security when torquing or effectiveness when friction is needed. The top eyelets feature extra padding to protect your ankle bone in wide cracks, demonstrating all the advantages of high top climbing shoes.

The upper is leather and overall the shoe feels nice and comfortable even after long hours. The shape of the toe box is nice and aggressive while remaining low profile and the inside edge is rock solid, proving excellent for walking up thin faces holds. The Butora Altura is also high on the list of budget trad climbing shoes given their very well-contained price point which is bound to appeal to entry level climbers. Overall, they are some of the best trad climbing shoes if you're just getting into the sport.

No list of the best shoes for trad climbing on the market would be complete without an item from SCARPA, and the Chimera model is a worthy addition to the list. The company, based in Northern Italy since 1938, has made a name for itself in the climbing world thanks to their quality products. With an aggressively downturned profile and asymmetrical shape, the Chimera shoes excel for toe precision and sensitivity, performing on par with other top of the line models both on boulders and on simpler routes.

The multi-panel upper has a seamless big toe panel and the laces extend to the toe to provide you with a perfect, custom, fit. The sole is a mix of high-quality rubber giving an excellent grip and the insole features a plastic heel insert to maintain its tension and shape. Users report that the Chimera shoes give a feeling of power that is unique between trad climbing shoes and that really stands out when you find yourself bouldering.