Intermediate climbing shoes This combination of features will help you climb harder grades while letting your feet adjust to the fit of high-performance climbing shoes. There are instances when climbing requires skills which are a good deal more technical like climbing that is intermediate. 8 to 5. This is another high-performance pair of climbing shoes from La Sportiva. SHOP NOW Climbing Shoe Review is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. . But the Instinct VSR isn’t just an indoor shoe; it’s also great for outdoor bouldering and can even handle sport routes. Feb 2, 2024 · Key Differentiators for Beginner Climbing Shoes vs. Intermediate climbers can’t go wrong by picking shoes that are slightly aggressive, medium- to high-performing, and decently comfortable. com Feb 19, 2021 · The best intermediate climbing shoes have a noticeable, yet moderate, camber. I had some Ocun shoes which was 65€ and then i went for some shoe that was ~100 and afterwards upgraded to the VSR, which I love. Women's Version: YES Climbing Shoe Type: Neutral Price: $115. Dec 29, 2022 · Black Diamond Climbing Shoes Black Diamond is a relative newcomer to the rock shoe market, having launched the flat-lasted, beginner-friendly Momentum in 2017. Mar 15, 2025 · If you are an intermediate climber you are probably looking for what the best climbing shoes are. Over the past decade, our team has tested over 45 of the best climbing shoes for women. Suffice to say, footwear was limited and unsuited to Honestly, i feel like intermediate shoes are not worth it. Shop EVOLV Rock Climbing Shoes Online. Sep 10, 2021 · Intermediate Climbing Shoes. Are you looking for The Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes? My Trail Company has many best choice products to help you choose the perfect pair for you here!. We included shoes that pro climbers wear. Feb 11, 2023 · The top 5 intermediate climbing shoes we recommend for 2025: Editor’s Choice: Scarpa Vapor V Upgrade Pick: La Sportiva TC Pro Best Value: Mad Rock Remora Best For Bouldering & Sport Climbing: Butora Acro Sep 17, 2021 · Best Intermediate Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva Miura. Intermediate and Advanced Shoes There are a few key differences that stand out between beginner climbing shoes and advanced options. 11. While it was designed for overhanging sport routes, bouldering, gym climbing, and technical face climbing depending on how they are sized they are equally Feb 28, 2023 · The Gambit VCS Rock by Five Ten is a comfortable semi-technical pair of shoes for the climbing gym, slab, trad, and long routes. This beast can edges, hooks better than beginner climbing shoes. Section divider Ten Things You Need to Know About Climbing Shoes 1. Everyone loves to use intermediate climbing shoes. Dec 17, 2024 · Best All-Around Climbing Shoe 1. These include styles for bouldering, trad, and sport climbing. La Sportiva Katana Lace ($219) Best uses: Sport, trad, gym Downturn: Moderate Upper: Leather What we like: Versatile yet high-performance; available in two versions. I feel like beginner shoes and most intermediates are pretty similar and not worth it. Based on some research the Scarpa Instinct VS/VSR, Scarpa Veloce, Scarpa Vapor (V), La Sportiva Kubo, and La Sportiva Katana look like some good options. g. Aug 1, 2023 · (The flipside is that you’ll develop better foot strength from training in the Kubo. La Sportiva P3: What Does It Do? The Best Outdoor Climbing Shoes. Mar 9, 2023 · This all-around climbing shoe is designed for intermediate climbers and can help you smear on big volumes, edge small footholds, and performs on overhang terrain. Improved Sensitivity: They offer better sensitivity compared to beginner shoes, allowing you to feel the rock and make precise placements. While I'm at it, I'll also recommend checking out the Moccasym (caveat: bad at gym heel/toe hooks) and Solution (great all around sport/bouldering I spend most of my time sport climbing indoor, maybe around a 70/30 split of the time, where I engage in bouldering more often than top/lead climbing. ) All this said, the Kubo’s edging is perfectly adequate as a intermediate shoe. Nov 6, 2023 · Leather climbing shoes will stretch at least a half-size (probably more) after the break-in process, so this is a good characteristic to look for in a wide climbing shoe. Page 1 of 1 Original Post. Intermediate Climbing Shoes (14) Close menu ; Categories Climbing Shoes All-Around Climbing Chalk Performance Evo Lab Kids Adaptive Climbing Essentials Chalk Bags Finally, climbing shoes simply don't last so it could be a bit of a waste to get an expensive pair now. Feb 28, 2022 · Hard steep climbing requires aggressive shoes with power and precision, and no other climbing shoe does both better than the La Sportiva Solution Comp. Lindsay Rohrbaugh. These shoes also come in both wide and narrow versions, unlike most climbing shoes, so you can find the perfect fit for your foot. If you want to work on your footwork, my recommendation would be to get a stiff intermediate shoe like the Scarpa Vapor V or Butora Gomis. It’s soft and squishy, gripping well under hard pressure. What specifically did we look for? We assessed performance, comfort, and downturn. The type of shoe you want is more based on style of climbing and personal preferences. Verdict: These shoes balance comfort, performance, and affordability better than any other shoe on the market. When a company designs a new suite of shoes, they send pairs to us and our testers, and we climb in them, compare notes, write a review, and then, later, do a roundup of the latest and greatest releases of the year. The Zenit is definitely not a high performer, but its stiff midsole, über-comfortable upper, and slightly downturned last make it a worthy step up from entry-level climbing shoes—or if you are simply in need of a supportive, all-day pair of kicks. A sibling of the best-selling Solution, the Comp series differs in that the heel cup is softer, extra rubber is added along the toe for heel hooks, and the midsole is more flexible. Best quality & performance. com Oct 28, 2022 · I’m looking for a more intermediate/moderate shoe and wanted some insight. Neutral shoes are a great starting point for beginners. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) This would be my first purchase. La Sportiva Otaki Women’s: Best Women’s Climbing Shoes What You Should Know Before Buying intermediate bouldering shoes Most Important Feature for Intermediate Shoes. As rock climbing shoes go, the Kubo smears as well as the best of them. I can say that I'm an intermediate climber or somewhere there. Comfort is not king. Understand the Climbing Shoe Types. Feb 22, 2023 · The shoe is slightly more expensive than the Instinct Lace, but still represents decent value for an intermediate climbing shoe. Conor Daly · Oct 28, 2022 · Best Shoe for Intermediate Climbers: The Scarpa Vapor V. Nov 14, 2024 · An entry-level shoe seen on beginners and intermediate climbers alike, the La Sportiva Finale ($130) is not only an amazing bang for your buck but an extremely well-made shoe for all-day climbing Also consider what you typically climb. || This is the official Site of EVOLV Buy the best Intermediate Climbing Shoes Men's & Women's Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Free shipping over $49! The Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes. First , advanced shoes tend to have a much more aggressive shape, meaning they have a noticeable downturn (like a banana), that facilitates precise movement and Oct 28, 2022 · Intermediate Climbing Shoes. That’s especially true if you’re looking to level up from beginner or intermediate routes to more advanced grades. Whether you are looking for the best shoes for indoor climbing or the best shoes for outside climbing I will do my best to help you find the right shoe for your needs. With a single velcro strap and slipper-like comfort, it’s incredibly sensitive but offers surprising edging ability thanks to La Sportiva’s P3 tensioned rand system and No-Edge sole technology. Mar 7, 2025 · In the early days of rock climbing, athletes had a simple choice: Slip on a pair of rubber-soled high-tops or don a pair of heavy hiking boots. But now the times have changed and there are several options to choose from when it comes to different styles or even quality. As a rule, we looked for shoes suitable for climbing moderates from v4 to v7 and 5. com, where you'll find premium outdoor gear and clothing and experts to guide you through selection. I. I used to sell climbing shoes and often people look for “beginner” or “intermediate” shoes. 06 , Alpine Trek Evolv Shaman 3 Until you refine your footwork, don’t buy anything expensive, asymmetrical, or downturned (e. Shop the best selection of Intermediate Climbing Shoes at Backcountry. Some shoes I'm looking at are: Unparallel UP Rise VCS/Lace/Mocc Scarpa Vapor V Tenaya Ra Apr 26, 2023 · One of La Sportiva’s most popular shoes, the Theory is a bonafide classic. But earlier there weren’t a lot of options available to be able to choose from. S. We have a full article on the best intermediate climbing shoes, but as an overview intermediate climbing shoes generally have a little bit of downturn and asymmetric profile, but much more subtle. 10. May 10, 2021 · The best intermediate climbing shoes in 2025 from top brands like La Sportiva, Scarpa, and Five Ten. Free shipping over $49! Oct 5, 2020 · La Sportiva Miura is a slightly aggressive medium to high performing and adequately comfortable climbing shoe for intermediate climbers. I mentioned four good shoe options for OP -- Dragon, Arrowhead, Testarossa, and Team -- and made the point that fit and precision are more important for climbing hard than getting an aggressive shoe. Jan 8, 2021 · 21 of the LATEST new and updated best climbing shoes Jan 2021. Mar 23, 2023 · And, when you start heel hooking, the reinforced heel is rigid enough to learn comfortably. I've been using rental shoes for like a 6 months but I decided I'll do it more often so this is why I'm looking for one. They also ensure to provide plenty of heel tension, often through the use a slingshot rand. Fitting your climbing shoes for comfort is like buying a car because you like the driver’s seat. Apr 9, 2021 · We researched the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers. Should I size down in Scarpa climbing shoes? Intermediate shoes aren't just shaped a little more aggressively, they are constructed differently to give you an edge on different techniques. Tarantulas are fine shoes comfortable (for a climbing shoe) while performing well enough. Sep 20, 2021 · Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes of 2025. It will help you make an informed decision and elevate your climbing experience. Post navigation ← Previous Top Picks Apr 16, 2025 · What to look for in sport climbing shoes; Ten things you need to know about climbing shoes; Our favorites; Honorable mentions; Most gear roundups cover new releases. The testing process began by paring down the vast climbing shoe market to a selection of what we believe are the best based on popularity, customer ratings, and our authors' considerable experience. If you want to wear your shoes for hours or climb a lot of slab, no need to get something with a more aggressive TLDR: I am looking for intermediate but comfortable climbing shoes for indoor climbing with slight/medium downturn and low/medium pre-tensioning. e. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! The SCARPA Arpia V is a great shoe for intermediate climbers or climbers who Mar 24, 2022 · The La Sportiva Zenit is a shoe designed for beginner climbers looking to bridge the often-uncomfortable gap into higher-performance shoes. Here are our in-depth reviews! Balanced Performance: Intermediate shoes provide a balance of comfort and performance, making them suitable for longer climbs and various terrains. This shoe is suitable for beginners as well as intermediate climbers. The Good: Vapor V’s are a comfortable, all-around workhorse that can perform in every area of climbing without hurting your feet. Nov 11, 2023 · Ready to leave the beginner shoes behind? A reliable pair of intermediate climbing shoes might be exactly what you need to take your climbing game to the next level. Best Women’s Climbing Pants of 2025. Jul 25, 2024 · Best Overall Beginner Climbing Shoe 1. A softer midsole allows the shoe to mold to the surface, maximizing friction and surface contact. See full list on theadventurejunkies. instincts, solutions, etc. There are three main types of climbing shoes: Neutral Shoes. —the Tarantulace is a comfort-first shoe with an unlined leather upper, a mildly asymmetric shape, a stiff last, and a relatively roomy toe-box. Typically they wear out quicker because they are a common "first climbing shoe", and newer climbers tend to wear out shoes quicker; when you're new, you're more likely to drag toes on the wall, not be as careful with foot placement yet things that which contribute to shoe wear especially around the Mar 25, 2025 · Our team felt these were the best climbing shoes for intermediate and advanced climbers looking for something more aggressive and technical. Here's what you need to know. Best Gym Climbing Shoes of 2025. Kate Sedrowski. 0 ($115) Upper: Synthetic Closure: Velcro Ability level: Beginner to intermediate What we like: Great price for a well-designed and well-built shoe. I'm looking at a medium-stiffness shoe that strikes a good balance between comfort and performance. Finding the best bouldering shoes can feel like a mix of science and art due to the nuanced differences between various models. Combining its XS Grip 2 rubber, D-Tech construction, and La Sportiva’s No Edge Technology, the Theory clings to even the tiniest of edges and footholds like a dream. Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. For intermediate to advanced climbs, a moderate camber provides adequate benefits without being too uncomfortable to wear numerous times in a session. Buy now £116. When buying intermediate climbing shoes, there are several critical features to consider. In addition, you can also do a lot of different types of climbing with the Miura, such as bouldering, crack climbing, face climbing. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, the right pair of climbing shoes is essential. You’ll wear shoes down faster as a beginner by dragging your feet on the wall and something neutral with a rounded toe will be more forgiving for less precise placements. Perfect for out- & indoor climbing, bouldering, sport, & trad. Oct 27, 2021 · 2. Nov 17, 2023 · Here, we’ve compiled ten of our favorite bouldering shoes—and a list of ten things to think about when buying climbing shoes. The slipper design of the instincts alongside the velcro strap means they fit like a glove and things like overhangs and tiny footholds become easy to navigate. Feb 2, 2024 · The classic intermediate climbing shoe, the Miura boasts the pedigree of a reputable climbing manufacturer as well as being the top pick for intermediate climbing shoes for the last decade. Nov 30, 2022 · The La Sportiva Theory is a purpose-made climbing shoe for hard indoor bouldering and competition climbing. A lot of people seem to like tarantulace as a starter shoe so maybe check those out. I have flat and rather narrow low-volume feet. Mar 19, 2024 · Upgrading your climbing shoes is one of the best ways to accelerate your performance. Shoes with stiffer midsoles are good for edging and climbing all day, but are insensitive and hard to get to conform to holds with your toes and feet. The cheapest shoe on this list—and, consequently, one of the best-selling climbing shoes in the U. If you're a climber who is at the intermediate level, and you want your new shoes to be versatile, so you can experiment with climbing everything from crags to boulders, then this set of shoes might be ideal for you. If you have a local climbing gym, REI or similar sports store that sells climbing shoes, definitely go try a few pairs on. The ideal pair will offer the fit and performance that match your climbing style so you can tackle the wall more confidently. More info provided below :) Hey guys, I am currently looking to update my La Sportiva Mythos (been climbing through three pairs in the past few years). Butora Endeavor 2. Nov 11, 2023 · This is the reason why many of the best climbing shoes for edging use a stiff style of construction, either with a full-length or split sole. Jan 9, 2025 · In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when selecting climbing shoes. Kate Sedrowski . Sep 30, 2024 · Rubber Type: 5 mm Vibram XS Edge Lining: Unlined Upper Material: Leather/Microfiber Closure: Lace-up Can be Resoled: Yes Type: Neutral Sizing: Runs slightly small What we liked: comfortable enough for beginners but aggressive enough for intermediate climbers, a shoe that sticks with you as you become a more skilled climber, dialed in fit, grippy sole, value for the price Sep 16, 2024 · La Sportiva Tarantulace. The brand followed up quickly with Apr 24, 2025 · We’ve also updated pricing as well as shoe specs and info throughout. ). the scarpa vapor v is a fantastic shoe for intermediate climbing! if you wanted to go the la sportiva route you could try the kubos, i’ve never worn either of them but i have friends who have and loved the shoes— if you’re looking for more aggressive shoes and you’re primarily gym climbing la sportiva has the theories which are an Apr 16, 2025 · Over more than a decade, GearLab has tested more than 75 different rock climbing shoes. Apr 22, 2025 · The Best Climbing Shoes for Women. What are the best Scarpa climbing shoes for intermediate? The answer is the Scarpa Vapor V, which offers a balance of comfort and performance, catering to various climbing styles. I was previously recommended by friends to perhaps invest in a more intermediate climbing shoe as my bouldering problems often involve some overhang. Smearing. Chris Sharma Climbing Shoes. La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoe. Follow topic: Email Notify on site Post Reply. Top picks for beginners, intermediate, bouldering and under $100 plus COMPLETE buyer's guide! Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. I'm looking for a basic, all-around workhorse shoe that leaves everything up to my footwork to get by on anything I throw at it (except for overhang). Apr 2, 2023 · They offer a wide range of high-quality climbing shoes for various skill levels and climbing styles. Jan 11, 2022 · Evolv’s Defy is sold as an entry-level shoe but has the capability to push into intermediate grades, whether indoor climbing or outside on real rock. The Most Durable Climbing Shoes. In our gym there are 6 marks and I can climb all of the 3's (yellow) and I started climbing 4's (green). Nov 7, 2024 · A shoe’s magic lies in its rubber, construction, shape, closure system, and midsole. xfhxy ddxmxka dadjreh rgdeo wddod iao xns wuukm clsr knixx btt ykrzw ezms bucizhvk hlhiwlh