With plenty of choice and too much to consider, buying a new pair of climbing shoes can be a tricky task. So, we've picked out a few of our favourite women's models for you, taking everything from performance levels and intended climbing terrain to cost into consideration. Whether you're a new indoor climber or a seasoned outdoor crusher, there should be a suggestion in here for you.
1. Boreal Joker Lace Women’s
Purse Friendly Purchase
Laces | Medium Stiff Last | Comfortable Fit
A true climbing shoe classic, the iconic Boreal Joker Women’s has been given a facelift for 2022 with a new colour way and design alongside the use of newly incorporated recycled materials. Made from a mixture of leather and synthetic materials, the Joker might just be the comfiest women’s shoe on sale.
Who For? Ideal for beginners with an affordable price tag and comfortable fit but similarly suitable for more advanced climbers looking for a shoe that packs all day comfort into a decent performance package.
Key Features:
- Cushioned Heel System - Boreal have developed the Cushioned Heel System (CHS) - using shock absorbing EVA under the heel to cushion the foot when walking across rocky, hard ground.
- Integrated Rand System - A one-piece climbing sole that never deforms and has a superior fit.
2. Scarpa Veloce Women’s
Our Favourite Indoor Shoe
Velcro | Soft Last | All-round Fit
The mega-popular Scarpa Veloce is our recommendation for climbers looking for a ‘do-it-all’ indoor shoe. With a softer last and downturned profile, the Veloce has been designed to deliver peak performance on a variety of indoor climbing holds like volumes and smears. Made entirely from synthetic materials, the Veloce is a vegan friendly shoe that should maintain its shape and fit.
Who For? Perfect for the indoor climber, the Veloce is an ideal choice for the climber looking to upgrade from their first pair of shoes with an abundance of performance orientated features complimented by an accessible, comfortable fit.
Key Features:
- Scarpa S-72 Rubber - The S-72 rubber compound from Scarpa is ultra-sticky and can be resoled by a Scarpa approved resoler.
- Wave Strap Closure System - Locks the foot in for fast and flexible closure and improves breathability by reducing layers across the top of the foot.
3. Scarpa Vapour Lace Women's
Our Favourite Outdoor Shoe
Laces | Stiff Last | Technical Fit
The latest laced version of Scarpa's ever-popular Vapour range is our favourite outdoor shoe. With a full length sole and stiffer thermo plastic midsole than its velcro equivalent, the Vapour Lace excels on technical face climbing terrain where it can maximise its front end edging power. With a lower volumed, narrower fit for a Scarpa shoe, the Vapour Lace is ideal for a woman's foot shape and comes with those all important laces that play a vital role in finding the perfect fit for any climbing outing.
Who For? The technical climber looking for a powerful edging shoe that can be dialled in tight for those redpoint sport climbs but slackened off for long trad climbing days.
Key Features:
- PAF Heel System -A tension mechanism placed behind the heel to reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon.
- Dual Density 'Toe-Cap' -This consists of a one-piece outsole which incorporates the base sole and toe rand come toe-hooking patch into one unit. This maintains sole rigidity whilst allowing the top of your toes to move more easily.
4. Red Chili Fusion LV II
Bang For Your Buck
Velcro | Medium Stiff Last | All-round Fit
New in for Summer 2022, the Fusion LV II might be the best looking women’s shoe on the market. But, the Fusion backs up its style with performance orientated substance featuring a moderately downturned profile and medium stiff last which make the shoe an incredibly versatile choice. This is our bang for your buck option thanks to a reasonable price tag that belies its superior all-round performance. Made from a mixture of leather and synthetic materials, the Fusion should be comfortable in all the right places.
Who For? The climber with a go anywhere, do anything climbing diet.
Key Features:
- Aramid Lace Closure - New for the Fusion’s second model, the Aramid lace velcro closure system is highly adjustable and durable, made from materials used on paragliders.
- Heel Impact Zone - Red Chili’s signature in-built heel impact protection technology.
5. La Sportiva Skwama Vegan Women’s
Our Ultimate Performance Choice
Velcro | Medium Soft Last | Performance Fit
La Sportiva’s super impressive Vegan Skwama is our pick for the ultimate women’s performance climbing shoe. Aggressively downturned with a split sole, the Skwama is a sensitive, flexible choice for the climber that wants to feel every hold. Complimenting this flexibility is midsole reinforcement in the toe box enabling the Skwama to be just as effective on small edges. The perfect shoe for overhanging terrain. Made from a mixture of synthetic materials, the Skwama should hold its shape but feel super comfortable on the foot.
Who For? Advanced climbers looking for the ultimate vertical tool.
Key Features:
- P3 Rand System - Superb rand technology that ensures the shoe doesn’t lose its downturned profile.
- S-Heel - Heel technology similar to that in the original Solution. A rigid ball cup heel which provides stability and control on every hook.
So there you have it, a wide range of shoes to suit a wide range of budgets and feet! However, if you feel you still need a little more advice - don't hesitate to drop us an email at info@rockrun.co.uk 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.
- For all women's specific shoes, click here.
- As well as all of the above, we stock kids shoes too!
- And don't forget to consult our Rock Shoe Sizing Guide before making a climbing shoe purchase.
