by Morgan Cvetkovic-Jones
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:
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.
Five Ten Kirigami / Five Ten Kirigami Womens / Five Ten Kirigami Kids
Key Features:
- Synthetic Microfibre Upper provides out of the box comfort
- Vegan friendly materials
- Stealth C4 Rubber developed by Five Ten designed for high friction and durability
- Neutral Fit - to suit a wide range of foot shapes
- Extended rubber over the toe to aid toe hooking for more advanced climbing
Who for?
Beginners who want to progress in a variety of climbing styles, more experienced climbers as their /comfy’ all day pair of shoes.
Climbing or comfort?
Both.
What makes it special?
A shoe for the whole family, the Kirigami provides an affordable comfortable shoe that can perform equally well across a range of disciplines.
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?
Boreals 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.
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!
Scarpa Velocity V / Scarpa Velocity V Womens
Key Features:
- Scarpa's ultra durable Vision rubber.
- Eco-friendly, this is a vegan climbing shoe.
- One strap closure system.
- Microfibre upper.
- Medium volume shoe, 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 Velocity V has been designed to withstand the punishment.
Climbing or comfort?
Both.
What makes it special?
The eco-friendly choice – repairable, washable and made from animal and planet friendly materials.
Wild Card:La Sportiva Zenit /La Sportiva Zenit Womens
Key Features:
- Knitted mesh and suede leather construction – should stretch up to 1 UK size.
- 4mm Vibram XS Grip rubber.
- Two strap Velcro closure.
- Low – Medium Volume fit – will suit narrower feet slightly better but leather construction means the shoe will stretch and adapt around larger foot shapes.
Who for? The premium choice for the beginners that want some serious features on their first shoe. Varying knitted mesh weaves, premium Vibram rubber and an injection moulded heel, the Zenit has every fancy feature a beginner could ever want.
Climbing or comfort? Both.
What makes it special? The premium features will help 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!
