Climbing shoes are one of the first purchases made once we start climbing more regularly, and it’s one that can have a massive influence on how we engage with the sport throughout those first few months. Buying your own pair of shoes won’t just free you of the costly, sweaty hire shoes at your local gym but should mean you improve as a climber - with a pair that fit your feet properly and last you for months to come. Knowing which shoes to buy can prove a minefield of choice (and for some a pretty big investment) so, here are our top 5 beginner climbing shoes:
1. Red Chili Ventic Air Lace
Key Features:
- All textile elements of the upper are recycled from post-consumer polyester and produced in line with the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). The mesh fabric upper isn't just great for the planet but fantastic for your feet, proving superbly comfortable and breathable.
- 100 % Vegan friendly materials
- RX-2 Techgrip - If you're looking for high edge stability, you can't beat the RX-2 Techgrip. It's pleasantly stiff and optimally supports standing on small footholds
- Neutral Fit - to suit a wide range of foot shapes
- RC-Support - The RC-Support is a full-length midsole that is used in Red Chili comfort and performance shoes. It is a very supportive midsole. It provides beginners and intermediate climbers with a very stable feeling while standing on any type of foothold
- Hemp Footbed
Who for?
Climate conscious climbers who want a supremely comfortable shoe.
Climbing or comfort?
Comfort.
What makes it special?
The Red Chili Ventic Air Lace might just be the most environmentally friendly climbing shoe ever made and it backs these credentials up with respectable and accessible performance.
2. La Sportiva Tarantula / La Sportiva Tarantula JR
Key Features:
- Leather construction (Softer Suede for JR) – will stretch up to 1 UK size.
- Durable FriXion rubber.
- Highly adjustable, Velcro closure system.
- Medium Volume fit – will suit a wide range of foot shapes.
Who for? Beginners seeking comfort who want to get maximum wear from their first pair of shoes.
Climbing or comfort?
Both.
What makes it special? The Tarantula’s durability and construction make it the perfect, versatile shoe for a beginner who’s interested in learning to climb both indoors and outside on real rock.
3. EB Electron
Key Features:
- Synthetic construction – will stretch 0.5 UK sizes.
- 5mm Optimax highly durable rubber.
- Double velcro closure.
- A medium volume shoe with a classic shape to fit most climbers feet.
Who?
Developed for outstanding comfort, aimed at newbie climbers or experienced climbers looking for a shoe that can still perform at indoor walls & outdoor crags. A great all-around sport climbing and bouldering shoe with all the features you would come to expect from a modern-day climbing shoe, at a very reasonable price.
Climbing or comfort?
Comfort.
What makes it special?
Intermediate levels of performance in a beginner friendly package at a fantastic price!
4. Boreal Joker / Boreal Joker Womens
Key Features:
- Split leather and microfibre construction – will stretch 0.5 / 1 UK size.
- Boreal FS-Quattro 4-4.6mm rubber depending on size.
- Laces – perfect for optimising fit.
- High Volume fit – best suited to climbers with wider feet.
Who?
Beginners with larger feet and those beginners who are serious about developing their climbing technique, particularly across a range of climbing disciplines and mediums (indoors and outdoors).
Climbing or comfort?
Both.
What makes it special?
Boreal's Cushioned Heel System utilises shock absorbing EVA foam in the heel of the shoe to protect the climber’s feet whilst standing on or walking over rocky terrain.
5. Scarpa Origin VS / Scarpa Origin VS Womens
Key Features:
- Scarpa's S72 high friction rubber.
- One strap closure system.
- Microfibre upper.
- Neutral shape and a medium-width fit, the perfect all-rounder!
Who?
For those beginners who really want to push their first pair of shoes. Whether this is with loads of climbing or through adventurous climbing trips outside, the Origin VS has been designed to withstand the punishment. A must-shoe for any regular novice indoor climber looking to up their game, trad climber looking for all-day comfort and performance, or just someone who wants a well rounded shoe that is comfortable.
Climbing or comfort?
Both.
What makes it special?
The toe box is generously coated with soft M50 rubber often found on Scarpa's high-performance models, providing optimal grip for hooking on any surface, from modern indoor holds to all types of outdoor rock.
Wild Card: Evolv Defy/ Evolv Elektra
Key Features:
- High quality material.
- Treated with a new anti-microbial mesh material to eliminate odor.
- MX-P: 1.0mm sensitive full-length, soft mid-sole - enables good smearing and sensitivity
- 4.2mm TRAX® high friction rubber sole
- Men's Defy features a wider, medium volume fit whilst the Women's Elektra features a narrower, lower-volume alternative.
Who for? The premium choice for the beginners that want some serious features on their first shoe. The Evolv Defy and Elektra are technically excellent and should be more than good enough to see a climber through both the beginning and intermediary stages of their climbing progression.
Climbing or comfort? Both.
What makes it special? Premium features will enable you to hone your skills, whether inside or outside.
One last thing to remember is if you've been wearing rental shoes for a while, don't expect your new pair to feel as comfortable straight away. Constant use will have stretched them out, but with a little patience your new shoes will soon feel as comfy (if not more!) once they've moulded to your foot shape.
So there you have it, a wide range of shoes to suit different sized budgets and different shaped feet! However, if you feel you still need a little more advice - don't hesitate to drop us an email at info@rockrun.com or give us a call on 015395 64540 and we'll do our best to help you decide.
Climbing shoe collections
- Click here to see our entire selection of climbing shoes
- To see all mens and unisex climbing shoes, click here.
- For women's specific shoes, click here.
- Click here to see a wide variety of 'extra large' climbing shoes.
- As well as all of the above, we stock kids shoes too!
