10 Best Bouldering Shoes: Reviews & Complete Buying Guide

Getting to grips with the best bouldering shoes is an important part of your climbing journey. Whether you are a newbie looking for inspiration, or a seasoned pro looking for your latest pair of shoes, making the right pick is crucial for safety, comfort and overall enjoyment – there is nothing fun about losing your footing and ending up with a bruise in an awkward location!

With so many options available on the market, finding the best solution can be a real challenge, not to mention an expensive undertaking. Beginners may be baffled by the choice available, and it can be hard to know when to take the next step to a more advanced piece of kit. Fortunately for you, we have decided to take care of the legwork, and put together a comprehensive list of the very best bouldering shoes to choose from – your feet will thank us later!

In a hurry? Here is our Top 5:

• Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoe
• La Sportiva Solution Climbing Show – Men’s
• Tenaya Oasi Rock Climbing Shoe
• La Sportiva Men’s Miura Climbing Shoe
• SCARPA Origin Climbing Shoe-U

 

Reviews of the Best Bouldering Shoes 2019

1. Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS Climbing Shoe

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The bright and snazzy orange of these shoes means they are easily identifiable, and perfect for standing out from the crowd. Made of 100% textile, they are designed with comfort and safety at the forefront and are a great pick for climbers of all experience levels – especially those who may be leaving the beginner slopes behind and looking for what lies ahead.

Key Features

• Black and orange design
• Constructed from 100% textile
• Soles are made of synthetic material
• Heel hooking is easy and secure thanks to the Vibram XS Grip 2
• Forefoot includes Vibram XS Edge – this helps to boost your grip
• Extra toe power thanks to the Bi-Tension Active Randing

Pros

• The shoes adapt to the size and shape of your feet over time
• Suitable to fit wider feet
• Comfortable to wear even for longer periods
• Toes have room to move and breathe
• Great for those looking to make the step up from beginner level
• Designed to be very durable and long-lasting

Cons

• Can take a while to break-in, and this can be quite uncomfortable while the process completes – patience is essential!
• Sizing tends to come up a little small compared to other models

Rating: 100

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2. La Sportiva Solution Climbing Show – Men’s

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

At the higher end of the price range, these La Sportiva shoes are perfect for serious climbers who are looking to take their skills and adventures to the next level. With a fantastic black and yellow design, there is a real focus on the individual, with each pair being unique and original – these are truly a tailor-made pair of climbing shoes. Why not treat yourself and invest in the best – this is a chance to totally transform your bouldering experience!

Key Features

• Strong black and yellow design
• Made of a combination of 80% leather and 20% Lorica synthetic leather for a more premium feel and finish
• Design has a dramatic downturn to help you get the ultimate grip every time
• Vibram XS Grip rubber for added security

Pros

• Really professional, premium feel and finish – this is kit for serious climbers
• Design is formulated for bouldering to provide maximum security and safety
• Very comfortable to wear, even for a longer period 
• The downturn means it is easy to grip without running into the dreaded foot cramp!
• Pointed ends mean that your toes are comfortable without feeling restricted

Cons

• A little pricey compared to some other models

Rating: 100

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3. Tenaya Oasi Rock Climbing Shoe

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This is a climbing shoe which takes style to the next level with a sleek and modern blue and white design which is sure to turn heads. There is no need to worry about sacrificing quality for good looks – with this Tenaya option, you can benefit from both, and also enjoy some of the most comfortable shoes on the market. Concentrate on the climb, and don’t worry about the cramp!

Key Features

• Made from synthetic material;
• Very aggressive design – not suitable for beginners
• Designed for precision even in a tight or tricky spot
• 3.5mm Vibram XS Grip allows you to feel safe and secure

Pros

• Very versatile – this shoe can handle bouldering, as well as vertical or overhanging routes
• The heel sits much lower than other shoes, and this allows you to achieve both comfort and control
• The synthetic material means that stretch is limited, and this allows for a closer fit and less stretch
• Very comfortable, even during the breaking in period

Cons

• Quite expensive – definitely one for more experienced climbers looking to invest in serious kit
• The heel can feel a little unnatural until you are used to it

Rating: 98

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4. La Sportiva Men’s Miura Climbing Shoe

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bright, bold and daring to be different, this design is a fantastic upgrade to a classic look. The bright yellow and black finish means there is no risk of mixing up your shoes with another climber and allows any anxious spectators to easily spot you from the ground! Even better, these La Sportiva shoes combine this bold style with a host of safety and comfort features.

Key Features

• Made from 100% leather
• 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber sole allows for extra grip and security
• Dentex lining helps keep feet dry and comfortable
• Fast lacing system is convenient and allows for a closer fit
• 1.1mm LaspoFlex midsole – lightweight but firm enough to ensure safety

Pros

• The fit is very tight and secure – perfect for feeling a little safer
• Laces allow you to mold the shoe to the exact fit you require
• Very good grip allows you to climb in comfort while feeling supported and safe
• Aggressive arch – perfect for more adventurous climbers
• Soles have good stick and grip

Cons

• Can be a little uncomfortable if worn for an extended period
• May be uncomfortable if you have naturally wider feet
• May need to downsize to get the perfect fit

Rating: 96

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5. SCARPA Origin Climbing Shoe-U

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

At a super affordable price, these are the perfect climbing shoes for those looking to get equipped on a budget, or who may be starting out on their bouldering adventures. As an added bonus, they look smart and stylish and offer a comfortable, sturdy performance which is perfect for those finding their feet. Overall, these are our top pick when it comes to the best bouldering shoes for beginners.

Key Features

• Made from 100% suede
• Include a rubber sole which is perfect for getting a good grip
• Snug fit for comfort and practicality
• Closure is by a dual-power strap – this allows you to adjust to the perfect fit for your feel

Pros

• Perfect budget option
• Designed to stretch and grow with your feet
• Ideal for indoor bouldering
• Very comfortable to wear even for longer periods
• Excellent quality for the price

Cons

• Will not be suitable for those looking to tackle tough terrain and steep or challenging slopes

Rating: 95

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6. Evolv Shaman Climbing Shoe

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Break the mold with this brilliant design – an eye-catching blue and orange color scheme is sure to help you stand out from the crowd and adds a touch of fun to any bouldering experience. The design is perfect for your needs, with great downturn to help you hook and grip with confidence, and there is a unique combination of style and substance which is ideal for climbers of all abilities – if you are looking for comfort, this is a great pick. 

Key Features

• Made from a microfiber material to allow breathability and increased comfort
• Fit is carefully tailored to your individual foot
• Includes additional toe rubber to help with toe hooking
• The front strap allows for better medial side toe scumming – ideal for more adventurous climbers.

Pros

• Very good grip – there is no need to worry about these sliding off your feet at a crucial moment!
• Aggressive design makes them perfect for more experienced climbers
• Ideal for navigating smaller, delicate edges
• Amazing toe and heel hooking – perfect for getting into any nooks and crannies you need to!
• Very durable and built to last

Cons

• Very thick sole means that these are not suitable for beginners looking to practice and develop footwork
• Breaking them in can be a lengthy and painful process

Rating: 93

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7. Five Ten Men’s Team 5.10 Climbing Shoe

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A sharp, sleek design combines with the ultimate comfort and convenience in this great offering. Every aspect of the shoe is carefully tailored and formulated to make your climbing experience as smooth and easy as possible, and the end result is a structured yet flexible climbing show which will allow you to tackle the toughest bouldering challenges with total ease and confidence.

Key Features

• Uses a Velcro brand strap to make closure quick and easy
• Made from microfiber polyester to increase flexibility and movement
• Super thin STEALTH HF rubber sole allows greater sensitivity
• Entry is elasticated to allow shoes to slide on easily
• A medium-stiff midsole means that you are supported, while still having the freedom to move

Pros

• Increased rubber across the toes makes toe-hooking easier
• Thinner rubber soles mean you can feel the boulders with greater ease, allowing for more accuracy
• Quick and easy to pull on and off
• Thinner toes allow for more precise footwork in tight spots
• Heel remains strong and secure for great support
• Designed to stretch and grow with your feet
• One of the better options for those on a budget
• One of the best climbing shoes for bouldering

Cons

• A little less durable due to the thin rubber material
• Unlikely to be tough enough for coarser or harsher terrains – this is very much a bouldering shoe

Rating: 90

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8. Butora Acro Wide Fit Climbing Shoe – Men’s

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you are looking for something to support a high-octane and fast paced bouldering experience, these Butora shoes are a perfect pick. They are specially designed to tackle the steepest slopes, and work well to combine a comfortable, secure fit with the finesse and strength you need to tackle the toughest bouldering challenges – a great addition to any climbers kit.

Key Features

• Made from a blend of natural leather and soft synthetic
• Aggressive down-camber is perfect for steep and tough slopes and climbs
• Allows a close, custom fit for extra security
• Great for toe hooking – all the power is sent to the front for a stronger grip

Pros

• Very well made and durable – these are built to last!
• The thicker soles mean that these are designed for comfort even on tougher edges
• Very close fit which gradually molds itself to suit your feet
• Can be put on quickly, allowing you to focus on the climbing!
• Ideal for tough overhangs and tricky terrain
• More suitable for more experienced climbers

Cons

• The thicker sole means that you sacrifice sensitivity
• The sizing comes up a little small – just be careful when ordering, and always try them on in person where possible

Rating: 89

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9. La Sportiva Men’s Skwana Rock Climbing Shoe

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bold, brilliant and utterly show-stopping, these are climbing shoes which help you to make a serious statement. Blending modern style with practicality and comfort, these are the ultimate choice for those looking to reach their A-game every time and are designed to help enhance performance with each and every step.

Key Features

• Patented S-Heel construction – this allows the ultimate heel hook
• Made from synthetic material
• P3 Patent System allows for more advanced edging
• Split – sole is great for weight distribution
• Sticky rubber toe patches are perfect for getting a good grip

Pros

• The synthetic material means less stretch – this is perfect for a closer and more secure fit
• Toes are tough enough to dig in where needed and soft enough to smear without issue – a great combination
• Very sticky sole allows for extra grip and hold
• Very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods
• Good sensitivity thanks to a split sole – you can really feel the rock beneath your feet
• Very versatile and suitable for a range of surfaces

Cons

• At the higher end of the budget 
• Not really suitable for beginners

Rating: 87

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10. Mad Rock Drone High Volume Climbing Shoe

Last update on 2020-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It is obvious from first setting eyes on these shoes that they mean business. The curved design is ideal for getting a great toe grip, and there is a certain elegance to the overall finish which help these look and feel far more premium than their fairly low price tag may suggest. 

Key Features

• Super chic blue and black design
• Full midsole – this allows strength and power to be transferred right across the foot
• Expandable heel design – perfect even if you have wider feet
• Sticky rubber allows for a great toe grip and hook
• Every aspect of the shoe is used thanks to an R2 rand rubber in the arches

Pros

• Designed to be snug and secure, but also comfortable enough to wear for extended periods
• Very good grip for extra safety
• Molds to your entire foot for comfort
• A great choice for beginners – they force you to do some real work to get the best results
• Cheaper price is perfect for those on a tighter budget

Cons

• The rubber on the toe patch is a little tough and may be hard to maneuver and move

Rating: 84

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Buying Guide

Picking the right bouldering shoes is an essential part of keeping yourself safe and comfortable while enjoying your activity, and these should be chosen with as much care and consideration as one would place in picking ropes, hang boards, harnesses, or any other essential safety equipment.

As we have seen from the selection above, there is a vast variety of choices on offer, and it can be hard to know where to begin. To help you make the best selection, here are some of the top aspects to consider when purchasing your bouldering shoes, to keep you comfortable and ensure that your expedition is safe and enjoyable.

Types of Climbing Shoe

One of the first things to decide is the type of climbing shoe which is best for your needs. There are three main areas here – neutral, moderate and aggressive.

• Neutral

These are the most relaxed options and tend to be the best choice for beginners. Your feet and toes will lie flat inside the shoes, emulating a typical street shoe style. They can be worn for extended periods, making them a great choice for climbers looking to complete extended and multi-pitch climbs, and who need to prioritize comfort. The soles are often thick rubber to enhance support, and the midsole will be medium-to-stiff. On the downside, this sacrifices sensitivity, and these are not the best choice if you are looking to tackle lots of overhangs – safety is key! 

• Moderate

As the name suggests, moderate climbing shoes are a good middle ground between neutral and aggressive. They have a slight camber – downturned shape – which means that the feet have more strength. This makes them perfect for trickier routes, and they are a popular choice for those looking to undertake more technical climbs. The soles are thinner, so sensitivity is enhanced, and it is easier to grip and feel the rock beneath your feet. They are less comfortable than neutral and do tend to wear out faster due to the thinner soles.

• Aggressive 

At the extreme end, we have aggressive style shoes. The toes on this style of shoe are extremely downturned, and there is a lot of tension in the heel. This gives the strength and support you need to complete an overhanging climb, and these are perfect for the hardest, toughest routes. Your feet are fully supported and the strength is directed here, making it easier to navigate the tough terrain. They can be quite uncomfortable due to the shape and very snug fit, and climbers may find that it is harder to smear due to the extreme downturn. They also tend to be less hardwearing.

Other Aspects

As well as the type of shoe you pick, there are a range of other factors which can help to impact the design and style.

Closure Type

The way in which your shoe closes is important and often comes down to personal preference. The three main types of closure are:

• Lace-Up

These offer the most versatility, as the laces can be adjusted, tightened or loosened depending on your needs. 

• Strap

The easiest types of shoes to get on and off whenever you need, these tend to be popular if you are bouldering or climbing in a gym – you can easily slip your footwear on and off at a moments notice.

• Slip-on

These are great for training and can be a great way to help build up strength in your feet when first starting out. They are also ideal for tackling thin cracks, as there are no bulky straps or laces to get in the way and offer the greatest level of sensitivity.

Material

As you will have seen from the choices above, there are a range of different material types available, and each has its own benefits.

• Unlined leather

These offer the most stretch and can increase by a full size in total. The toe should just touch the end of the shoe for optimum support. Unlined leather is also easy to care for, and can help to reduce the issue of stinky feet – not pleasant for anyone in your gym or group!

• Lined leather

Adding lining to a leather shoe reduces the stretch, but you may still be able to get around half a size in increase.

• Synthetic 

These are perfect if you don’t want your shoes to stretch – perhaps you have found the perfect fit and wish to keep it that way! They can also be treated to wick away sweat, increasing breathability and comfort during your climb.

Conclusion

When it comes to purchasing the best bouldering shoes for you, there are a range of factors which need to be taken into consideration to ensure that you make the right choice. These include your level of experience, type of climbing and of course, personal preference. Ultimately, it will be your feet on those rocks, so make sure you take the time to really find the best fit for you – this could be the start of an exhilarating and exciting new hobby which keeps you fit and takes you to places you could never have imagined – and it all starts with the shoes!