Rock climbing is among the more popular adventure sports around the world. But to get the best out of the activity, the most important thing you need is a great climbing shoe.
While every climber dreams of the perfect shoe with the best fit and comfort, finding a shoe that meets all the expectations can be a tricky affair. This is especially for women who struggle to find the perfect fitting shoe due to a narrower foot shape.
But this is not a big issue now since most of the top shoe companies have come up with climbing shoes made specifically for women.
The best women’s climbing shoes is one which will not only make climbing easier but also ensure that you have happy feet. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced level climber, without a great shoe, even the easiest climbing route would seem arduous.
The right shoe will assist you in all your climbing sprees and will have the perfect fit, flexibility, and feel. While deciding on the ideal pair of shoes is no easy task, here we have compiled a list of the best climbing shoes for women to help you make your choice. Take your pick among these!
Top 19 Best Women’s Climbing Shoes 2023
1. Climb X Crush Lace NLV
The Climb X Crush Lace NLV is among our top picks for the best women’s climbing shoes. This high-performance shoe is crafted to fit a range of different foot shapes. This Climb X model is designed for multipurpose usage and is comfortable enough to be worn all day long.
It features a lace-up closure to help you get a perfect fit molded to the shape of your foot. You can adjust the laces to make sure that the shoes wrap comfortably around your feet. To add to the comfort, they have created the shoe upper with high-quality leather, which offers excellent stretch along with breathability and a soft feel.
The sole is made of X-Factor rubber, which is among the best you can get in this price range. This superior quality rubber sticks well to all types of surfaces, along with being highly durable.
In addition, the smooth shoe-last makes it ideal for long term usage, without tiring your feet. The slightly downturned shape of the shoes makes them perfect for climbing a variety of terrains, especially where precision is essential.
The Climb X Crush Lace boasts of being practically odorless due to its footbed made from hemp. This organic fiber makes it easier for your foot to breathe and cuts down on sweat, which will reduce the odor. Also, it comes in a lovely shade of purple, which adds style along with comfort.
Pros
- Lace closure
- Great for long term usage
- Stretchable design
- Suitable for beginners and intermediate climbers
- Climb X X-Factor rubber sole
- Odorless design
Cons
- Narrower width makes it unsuitable for people with wider feet.
- Not as effective for highly challenging climbs
2. Five Ten Women’s Rogue VCS
If you are a beginner in climbing, then the Five Ten Women’s Rogue VCS is among the best women’s climbing shoes that you can opt for. This superbly comfortable pair offers outstanding fit along with being super soft. As a result, you don’t have to rush to take it off in between climbs.
Being made of leather, the upper part of the shoe allows your feet to breathe. Also, the unlined leather can stretch up to half a size with use. So order your size while keeping this in mind to ensure that you get the perfect fitting shoes.
The shoes have a double strap velcro closure system, ensuring that you get a snug fit for the best climbing experience. Moreover, the straps are well-designed so as not to hang off the edges. Also, putting them on and off is a lot easier due to the velcro straps.
The best thing about this pair is the outsole made of 2mm stealth rubber! This type of rubber is highly sticky, offering an excellent grip on a variety of surfaces. It ensures you have no problem conquering any kind of terrain! It also adds to the sensitivity of the shoes.
Last but not least, this pretty pair comes in a dual-tone of purple and charcoal, which is quite pleasing to the eyes.
Pros
- Perfect for long term usage
- Hook and loop closure system
- Stealth C4 rubber sole
Cons
- Not the best choice for more challenging climbs
3. La Sportiva Tarantulace
The La Sportiva Tarantulace is an asymmetrically shaped climbing shoe that is perfect for beginners and intermediate climbers engaging in various climbing tasks. It features a 5mm sole made of FriXion RS rubber, which not only provides stickiness but also adds to its durability.
It consists of a tie-up lace closure, which ensures that it fits securely around your foot without compromising comfort. If you are searching for the best women’s climbing shoes that are high performance, along with offering great comfort, this is the right pair for you!
The soft unlined leather and moisture controlling lined tongue ensures breathability and reduces sweat. Furthermore, it is overlaid with synthetic leather to provide an increased level of support. The shoes stretch with usage.
It is subtly tapered towards the toe end and comes with a very slight downturn, which makes it great for edging. It is a perfect pair for beginners, especially since it allows precision in climbing while keeping your feet free from pain. It’s a great companion that will help you evolve into a better climber!
In short, this do-it-all pair will become the perfect partner for all your climbing missions! And that’s not all; you also get to choose between two equally fantastic color options! The La Sportiva Tarantulace truly combines a stylish look with great comfort.
Pros
- Affordable
- FriXion RS rubber sole
- 1.8mm LaspoFlex midsole
- Lace closure
- High durability
Cons
- Unsuitable for climbing very steep terrain
- Limited sensitivity
4. Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Gore-Tex
Are you on the lookout for the ideal climbing shoe that will suit all climatic conditions? If yes, then the Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Gore-Tex is possibly the best women’s climbing shoes that you can get your hands on.
This pair features an advanced water-resistant design, which makes it perfect for use in all weathers. Now no more worrying about getting your shoes wet in damp terrain or weather conditions!
These are suitable for a variety of different exercises, including running, climbing, hiking, etc. Therefore you can go for all these activities without the burden of changing into other pairs! It is a good advantage if you are someone who engages in different sports activities routinely.
The rubber sole comes with deep lugs to enhance the grip of the shoe. The even spread of the lugs all over the sole from the toe area to the heels makes this an ideal shoe for climbing.
The shoes feature a lace closure for a snug and secure fit and come with a pocket at the top to tuck in the hanging lace ends. So bid adieu to the fear of tripping on your own shoelaces! Also, the anti-debris mesh upper design saves you the effort of taking off your shoes to get rid of the unwanted particles that might get in.
The Salomon Speedcross 5 GTX Gore-Tex comes with just the right amount of cushioning, which ensures that your feet are super comfortable. The high-quality materials used make it quite durable, even for rough use. Also, you get a variety of different color options to choose from!
Pros
- Gore-tex technology
- Multi-directional lugs
- Superior grip
- Lightweight
- Suitable for multiple activities
Cons
- Comparatively less breathable
5. Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
If you are someone who values comfort over everything, then this pair might just be the best women’s climbing shoes for you. These sneakers by Slow Man are so lightweight and super comfortable that you might not want to take them off even after climbs!
The upper part is made from a mesh fabric, which gives it excellent breathability and flexibility. Also, it is highly absorbent, which keeps your feet free from sweat and combats odor. It also features a perforated arch for better ventilation so that your feet stay cool enough.
The outer sole is made of highly durable and slip-resistant rubber for enhanced grip. The slip-on style makes it easy to put on and take off. The shoe comes with a wider toe area to add to the comfort. This feature also makes it suitable for wearing over a long period without tiring out your feet.
Last but not least, these sneakers look super stylish and come in over 20 different color combinations! So you can get your pair in the perfect shade that matches your style and personality.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Wide toe area
- High breathability and comfort
- Can be used for multiple activities
- Durable
Cons
- The absence of straps or laces might make it difficult to get the perfect fit for some.
- Not suitable for advanced climbing
6. La Sportiva Tarantula
Best described as a ‘Jack of all trades,’ this is undoubtedly the best women’s climbing shoes you can get if you are a beginner. The La Sportiva Tarantula features a 5mm FriXion RS rubber sole, similar to the La Sportiva Tarantulace. But contrary to the latter, it has an almost flat sole.
Being a beginner-level shoe, it may not meet your expectations if you are into more extreme climbing. But it is a perfect choice if you want a comfortable pair that does an acceptable job for all-around climbing activities.
It has a hook and loop velcro closure, which is pretty good for adjusting it per your foot shape to get the perfect fit. The design is ideal for people with narrower feet and not as suitable for wider feet.
The best thing about these shoes is the level of comfort it provides! The unlined leather upper ensures that your feet are super comfortable while also managing moisture. You also get excellent stretchability. On the downside, the shoe’s sensitivity is limited, which may be an issue for some climbers.
The asymmetrical shape of the Tarantula makes it easier for beginners to get the point of contact while climbing. Lastly, the dash of color makes it quite appealing visually.
Pros
- Adjustable design
- Breathable material
- Affordable
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced climbers
- Limited sensitivity
- Not for people with wider feet
7. Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV
A high-performance pair offering good grip, the Five Ten Anasazi LV is one of the best women’s climbing shoes available presently. Perfect for edging and high precision climbs, its high sensitivity offers an added advantage for challenging climbs.
The shoes are designed for longer and narrower feet, featuring a lower heel cup and instep. High on comfort, the upper part is made of synthetic Cordura material, which gives a soft and smooth feel. Additionally, it comes with a padded tongue flap to provide extra protection as well as comfort.
The outer sole is made with superior quality C4 Stealth rubber, which has a high level of stickiness irrespective of the terrain you are climbing on. Added to this is its super-sensitivity, which lets you feel all the minute details of the rocks beneath your feet!
The two-strap velcro closure system, along with the padded tongue, ensure that it perfectly fits different foot shapes easily. Also, the straps make it possible to wear and take it off in an instant!
Overall this is a great buy if you are looking for a comfortable and trendy pair that performs well in all-around climbing.
Pros
- Limited stretchability ensures that the shoe doesn’t become loose over time.
- Hook and loop closure
- C4 Stealth rubber sole
Cons
- Smaller and narrower in comparison with other climbing shoes
- Unsuitable for people with wider feet
- Expensive
- Less durable
8. La Sportiva Women’s Solution
If you are on the lookout for a comfortable climbing shoe that is ideal for steep terrain, then you have the ‘Solution’ right here! The La Sportiva Women’s Solution is a well-crafted piece made for aggressive climbing.
The sole is made from Vibram XS Grip rubber, which sticks well while climbing. It also scores decently on the sensitivity factor. The sole, instead of being stiff, has a soft feel, which enhances sensitivity. While the shoes work great for edging, it is not as suitable for crack climbing due to its shape.
One of the best women climbing shoes in its price range, the Solution exceeds expectations in terms of comfort. Despite featuring a drastic downturn, the shoes are surprisingly comfortable on the feet, although they require some time to break in.
The upper is made of leather and lorica (synthetic leather), which is slightly stretchable to adjust with your foot shape. Also, the asymmetrically shaped toe area offers much-needed precision during climbs.
The closure system is unique because it offers the features of both velcro and lace-up closure for getting the perfect fit. A single velcro strap makes it easy to fasten, while the laces attached with the strap ensure that you get an overall precise fit.
In short, these shoes are an incredible blend of comfort, sensitivity, and performance, along with being easy to fasten. This stylish pair is just the thing you need if you love steep and challenging climbs!
Pros
- 4mm Vibram XS Grip rubber sole
- Aggressive downturn
- Unique Lock Harness System
- Asymmetrical shape
Cons
- Expensive
- Comparatively less breathable
9. Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 3
The Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 3 is among the best women’s climbing shoes if you are looking for a shoe with a minimalistic design combined with great features. Although this is originally crafted as a trail running shoe, it offers high flexibility and grip for climbing activities.
The outsole of the Vapor Glove 3 is made of Vibram TC5+ rubber, which provides a superb grip. This, combined with the lugs all over the sole, ensures that you get a good grip on various surfaces. This pair is a good option for climbing different terrain but is not recommended for more difficult climbs.
The thin and soft outsole means that it has a high sensitivity, so you can feel the rock surface as you climb. The soft feel of the shoes makes sure that your feet are not tired. It features a wider toe area for added comfort.
The shoe features a mesh upper, which adds flexibility and breathability. The overlays on top provide support to the foot. The material dries fast, so you don’t have to wait for ages to use it again if it got wet.
The shoe’s design ensures that it is super lightweight. So you won’t feel weighed down during climbs, which is an added advantage for all climbers. Also, it comes in multiple colors and a stylish and visually appealing design.
While this is not a pair designed specifically for the task, it works great for beginners looking for a comfortable shoe for primary climbing activities.
Pros
- Vibram TC5+ rubber sole
- High comfort and flexibility
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not very Durable.
- Not suitable for advanced climbers
10. Mountain Warehouse Belfour Women’s Waterproof Hiking Shoes
A perfect companion for all-weather climbing, the Mountain Warehouse Belfour Womens Waterproof Hiking Shoes has awesome features packed with them! It is among the best women’s climbing shoes if you want a power-packed performance along with affordability.
The shoe upper is made of a synthetic material that is highly water-resistant. So you get a pair perfect for all outdoor activities irrespective of the weather conditions. Additionally, the membrane with advanced IsoDry technology is designed to let perspiration out while keeping your feet dry.
Furthermore, it comes with a mesh lining, which makes it super breathable and keeps your feet from getting damp. Also, the material is durable, making it perfect for prolonged use.
The outer sole is made of high-quality rubber and features deep lugs all over. These provide a good grip along with stability during any sports activity.
The midsole comes with Eva cushioning. It consists of a foam insert so that you have extra support and comfort for your feet.
Last but not least, the Belfour Womens Waterproof Hiking Shoes are very lightweight and have a stylish look that you are sure to fall in love with!
Pros
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Lightweight
- High durability
Cons
- Unsuitable for difficult climbs
11. Scarpa Women’s Origin Wmn Climbing Shoes
It is one of the best women’s climbing shoes for beginners and intermediate climbers who want a great shoe within a limited budget. These affordable shoes are perfect for climbing for long hours without discomfort.
The body, made from soft suede leather, feels great on the skin. This, combined with the double velcro straps, ensures that you get a secure and comfortable fit. It also makes it easier to take it on and off between climbs.
The Scarpa Origin Women’s shoes come with a 5mm Scarpa Vision rubber sole that has good durability and stickiness. It allows you to get a good grip on any kind of rock. A Flexan midsole offers support during climbing. The shoes feature a flat profile that makes them ideal for use on extended climbing sprees.
These are an excellent option for using over long durations as the flat shape, and soft material keeps your feet comfortable all day. It also adds versatility for all-purpose use. In short, this shoe is crafted for beginners to provide them with a durable and comfortable shoe that performs well in all types of terrain.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- 5mm Scarpa Vision rubber outsole
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced climbers
- Limited sensitivity
12. Evolv Skyhawk Climbing Shoes
The Evolv Skyhawk is among the best women’s climbing shoes, which are perfect for all-around climbing. It offers you all the precision you need for a variety of actions, including crack climbing and edging.
The shoe body is made of unlined leather to ensure that your feet are wrapped in comfort. It also allows the shoe to stretch and mold with the shape of your feet. The synthetic overlay adds to its performance.
It features a lace-up closure system, which gives optimum adjustability to fit as per your foot shape. The outer sole, made of Trax SAS rubber, offers a solid grip on rock surfaces and is tough and durable.
It is a neutral shoe (having a flat profile), making it great for use over long periods. The shape is asymmetrical, which allows you to get a precise grip on smaller edges or cracks.
And to add to all these, the shoes are treated with an antimicrobial formula which ensures that it remains odor-free!
The Evolv Skyhawk Climbing Shoes are a great option if you are a beginner. Also, the precision and comfort offered by this masterpiece will ensure that intermediate and advanced climbers equally prefer it.
Pros
- Affordable
- Neutral shape
- Trax SAS rubber sole
- High durability
Cons
- Not suitable for steeper and more aggressive terrains
13. Black Diamond Momentum Lace Climbing Shoes For Women
If you are looking for a shoe for some primary climbing activity, then the Black Diamond Momentum Lace Women’s shoes are just the thing you need. Perfect for beginners, it combines comfort with flexibility and good grip.
The Momentum Lace features a soft and flexible upper, which is super breathable. The flat sole and well-cushioned body make it comfortable enough for long durations. And this makes it one of the best women climbing shoes at the primary level.
You can also adjust the tie-up lace closure to ensure that it fits your foot like a glove. The rubber sole provides good grip and sensitivity for basic climbing.
It is flat-lasted and has a slightly asymmetrical shape on the toe area, which adds to the comfort level. On the downside, it does not offer much precision, making it unsuitable for advanced level climbing.
Pros
- Breathable
- Good sensitivity
- 4.3 mm high-quality NeoFriction rubber sole
Cons
- Not suitable for wider feet.
- Lacks precision
14. La Sportiva Women’s Solution Comp Rock Climbing Shoes
The La Sportiva Women’s Solution Comp is an upgraded version of the La Sportiva Solution and considerably exceeds the latter in various aspects.
The first feature that differentiates it from the Solution is the use of more rubber around the toe area, which works great for hooking with the toes. It also features the patented figure-8 sling-shot tensioning, which helps in focussing power in the toe area. Also, the upgraded heel is narrower and offers more sensitivity.
The Solution Comp has an aggressive shape that makes it apt for steep climbs. The Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber sole makes it grippy without compromising on sensitivity. It is built for high precision climbs and, just like the Solution, does not disappoint in terms of comfort as well.
This upgraded version is more suitable for all-around climbing than the original model and is also softer and scores higher on sensitivity. The unique fast lacing system combining a velcro strap with laces ensures a snug fit and makes it easy to put on and off. Besides, it also takes a comparatively less amount of time to break in as compared to the earlier model.
In short, the Solution Comp is the total of all the good things of the original Solution, along with a few extra features that take its performance a notch higher. It is undoubtedly one of the best women’s climbing shoes for challenging climbs.
Pros
- Great sensitivity
- Vibram’s XS Grip 2 rubber sole
- Fast lacing system
- Great for advanced/steep climbing
Cons
- Expensive
15. Five Ten Gambit VCS
The Five Ten Gambit VCS is another option to look at if you are looking for the best women’s climbing shoes for beginners. It is a reliable pair that blends comfort along with precision.
The Gambit VCS has a comfortable design that is suitable for extended climbing. The upper is made of leather lined with cotton, which allows for minimal stretching. This feature ensures that it has a snug fit even after a long period of use.
The dual velcro straps allow you to adjust the shoes for a snug fit. It also has a perforated padded tongue that increases breathability and enhances fitting.
The sole is made of the incredible C4 Stealth rubber, which is sticky and provides outstanding grip on any type of surface. It also adds durability to the shoe. The midsole is somewhat stiff, which decreases its sensitivity to some extent.
Overall, this is an excellent pair for beginners looking for climbing shoes that have a decent performance and are durable.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Hook and loop closure
- C4 Stealth rubber sole
Cons
- Unsuitable for advanced-level climbing
- Sensitivity is limited
16. Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoes
What can be better than a superbly padded pair of shoes for all your climbing adventures’ The Climb X Rave brings you just that! It’s no wonder that it is considered to be among the best women’s climbing shoes that you can get.
It features a highly padded soft interior, which offers excellent comfort. The separate padding on the heel and collar ensures that you do not lose out on grip. Moreover, the mesh material of the shoes makes them super breathable and also cuts down on odor.
Furthermore, the interior of the sole is lined with hemp, which is mainly responsible for reducing the odor emanating from the shoes during or after a climb. The outer sole comprises the high-quality Climb X X-Factor rubber, which sticks well to all surfaces.
These are also extremely easy to wash due to the material used, so you do not have to worry about ruining your shoes through frequent washes! And that’s not all; it comes within a pocket-friendly price range.
In short, the Climb X Rave is great for climbers of all levels who want a comfortable pair for multi-pitch climbs, although it is more suitable for beginners.
Pros
- Affordable
- High comfort
- Lightweight and flexible
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May tend to run small.
17. Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes
The JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes is a masterpiece that will help you conquer all rugged terrains with ease! As can be understood from its name, the shoes are crafted for trail running, but the incredible design makes them just as suitable for climbing activities.
The best thing about this pair is the level of comfort it provides to your feet. It features a wide toe box that lets you spread your toes, adding to the comfortable feel. The shoes are made to be worn for long durations and do not tire out your feet.
It has removable insoles to provide support to the arches of your feet. This feature ensures that your weight is well transferred all over your foot without causing pressure on any particular area. So get ready to bid goodbye to foot pain! Furthermore, the slip-on design makes it easy to get on and off.
The expertly crafted shoe adjusts as per the shape of your foot. So you get a close and comfortable fit, just like a glove! Also, the material ensures that it is very breathable.
The well-designed soles offer a great grip on rough terrain, making it ideal for climbers. The irregular pattern of the lugs at the base helps your feet latch onto a variety of surfaces. A reflective strip on the heel is present, which is suitable for safety purposes during night time.
The minimalist design of this shoe excellently serves its purpose, giving you all the freedom for unrestricted movement. These are among the best women’s climbing shoes that you can get for a very affordable price.
Pros
- High on comfort
- Great fitting
- Breathable
- Good grip
- Lightweight
- Can be used for multiple activities
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Unsuitable for difficult climbs
18. Ecco Women’s Yucatan Sandal Sport
The ECCO Women’s Yucatan is a sandal style shoe that is crafted for use in sports activities. It is among the best women’s climbing shoes if judged from the angles of comfort and stability.
The molded EVA footbed is lightweight and has a soft microfiber covering that provides excellent stability and comfort. The midsole has a direct-injected PU foam that adds to the comfort level.
The upper is made of Nubuck leather and features a speed lace closure. While the open toe design increases its breathability and keeps your feet cooler, it also makes it unsuitable for difficult climbs. The outsole is made with good quality rubber, which is durable and provides a good grip.
In short, while it is not a traditional climbing shoe, this pair works just fine for basic climbing activities, making it a perfect pair for beginner level climbers. Also, it provides excellent arch-support and comes in stunning and eye-catching designs.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Versatile
- Speedlace closure
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for advanced climbing
19. Whitin Women’s Minimalist & Barefoot Shoes
The WHITIN Women’s Minimalist shoes are among the finest pairs for basic climbing that you can get on a low budget. It is among the best women’s climbing shoes for beginners in terms of sensitivity and comfort.
The thin but firm outsole increases the perceptive ability of your feet while also providing support. The rugged design at the base ensures that you get a good grip. Moreover, it comes with a removable insole, which is just perfect when you need increased sensitivity during climbs!
The neutral shape of the shoe does not stress out your feet, making it perfect for long time wear.
It features a wider toe area to help you spread your toes comfortably. The lace closure ensures that you get a perfect fit aligned to your foot shape. Also, you get many different color options to choose from!
The design is simple and breathable and works just fine for basic climbing activities. On the downside, it does not perform well for more challenging climbs and may not be great if you are climbing complex terrain.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Highly comfortable
- High sensitivity
Cons
- Unsuitable for advanced climbing
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Women’s Climbing Shoes
Choosing the best women’s climbing shoes is no easy task. You need to keep numerous factors in mind while buying a pair to be satisfied with its performance. This is especially true if you are a beginner and are not aware of the different features that you can get.
Furthermore, you need to buy a shoe according to the type of climbing you intend to engage with. Different levels of climbing require various features. Thus a beginner-level shoe will only prove disadvantageous for advanced climbing.
To help you make an informed choice, below are a few of the factors that you should consider for buying the perfect climbing shoes.
1. Material
The first feature to look out for while selecting the best women’s climbing shoes is the material of the shoes. The most common materials used for crafting the shoe upper are synthetic materials and leather.
Synthetic materials have a much lower stretchability, so you need to make sure you buy the right size. These can have high or low breathability, depending on the type of synthetic fabric used. Also, they offer lesser odor control than leather shoes.
On the other hand, leather is the most preferred material for the shoe upper, mostly due to its skin-friendliness. Leather uppers can be either lined or unlined and provide great stretch and breathability. Unlined leather stretches to a more considerable extent than lined leather.
2. Style And Shape
While choosing the best women’s climbing shoes, you need to be aware of the shape of your feet. Since women’s shoes are designed to be narrower, you might not get a good fit if you have wider feet.
Also, climbing shoes generally come with three types of closure systems – lace, strap, and slip-on. The lace-up style gives more adjustability so that you have a perfect fit, and you can easily loosen up the laces if your feet swell up during climbs. The downside is that you require more time to adjust the laces for fitting nicely.
The velcro strap closure is more popularly known as the hook and loop and is ideal for getting a snug fit. Although it does not provide as good a fit as a lace-up shoe, you can still get a nice fit by loosening or tightening the straps. It is also super easy to get on and off between climbs.
The slip-on style is the most uncomplicated closure style. You just need to slide your foot into it, and you are ready for your climb! One of the drawbacks of this type of shoe is that you cannot alter the fit according to your foot shape. It is the easiest in terms of putting on and off and also offers a high level of sensitivity during climbs.
3. Comfort
Comfort is something that is of utmost importance, especially if you are climbing for a longer duration. The comfort level of a shoe depends on a number of factors, including its type, material, and shape.
Generally, leather shoes are softer and more comfortable than synthetic shoes. But the comfort level also depends on the type of lining or padding used inside. A highly breathable shoe is more comfortable as it will keep your feet cool. Absorbent material can also add to the comfort factor by keeping your feet dry, fresh, and odor-free.
A flatter sole will be more comfortable for all-day use when compared to a more downturned one. But this also depends mainly on the type of climbing that you undertake. So, be sure to choose the best women’s climbing shoes accordingly.
Choosing the perfect size is also essential for comfort. The sizing for climbing shoes is different from regular shoes since the former needs to fit like a glove for the optimum result.
The fit of the shoe should be tight enough to let your toes touch the end of the boots but loose enough not to cause too much pain. Also, climbing shoes take some time to stretch and fit the shape of your foot, so make sure that you choose one that is just a little tight so that it doesn’t become loose after stretching.
4. Suitability
You need to ensure that the shoe you buy is suited to the terrain you want to conquer! So make sure that the sole of the shoe aligns with the climbing activity you are going to undertake.
For lower angled climbs, a flat and thick rubber-soled shoe may do the job. But you will need a thinner and more sticky rubber sole to get the perfect grip during steeper and more difficult climbs.
The latter also demands much more sensitivity and precision, for which a shoe with a more aggressive build will be ideal. These also offer much more security and flexibility during climbs.
Also, if you want to go on a climbing adventure regardless of the weather, make sure that you choose either a waterproof or a fast drying shoe for the best experience!
5. Durability
It is another essential factor that you have to look for while choosing a perfect pair. The best women’s climbing shoes need to be durable, especially if you are into regular climbing.
The durability of the shoe depends on the material, sole, and closure system. Velcro straps mostly last longer than tie-up lace closures.
Stiffer and thicker soles offer limited sensitivity but last longer while also providing more support to the feet. Soles made of thinner and stickier rubber are essential for advanced climbers but are soft and, as a result, wear out faster.
In terms of the upper material, leather is generally long-lasting but may stretch over prolonged use, which may result in a loose fit over time.
In comparison, synthetic materials stretch less.
Different Types Of Climbing Shoes
Choosing the right kind of climbing shoe is extremely important not only for a satisfying experience but also in terms of safety. Therefore you must have a solid idea of all the different kinds of climbing shoes available, especially if you are a beginner.
Climbers can be divided into three levels – beginners, intermediate and advanced climbers. Climbing shoes are similarly made in order to meet the needs of all the three different levels of climbers and the variety of climbing activities they engage in.
To make it easier for you, we have described the different climbing shoes that you can buy depending on the type of climbing you wish to do below. Here you can find a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of climbing shoes to help you decide on the perfect pair you need.
1. Neutral Climbing Shoes
Neutral shoes are the most comfortable type of climbing shoes. These have a flat profile that lets your toes and heel lie naturally within the shoe. Perfect for all-day climbing, the shoes do not tire out your feet.
They usually feature a stiffer sole with thicker rubber outsoles to provide ample support to your feet.
The drawbacks of neutral shoes are that the thick and stiff soles fail to provide a high sensitivity level like more advanced climbing shoes. The shape and fit of the shoes also make it difficult to climb steeper advanced routes.
Neutral shoes are the go-to shoes for all beginners. Many intermediate and advanced climbers also use neutral shoes for longer duration multi-pitch climbing.
The La Sportiva Tarantula, Black Diamond Momentum Lace, Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV, and
Scarpa Women’s Origin are some of the best women’s climbing shoes in this category.
2. Moderate Climbing Shoes
Moderate shoes can be easily identified by their slightly downturned shape. These are multi-purpose shoes that work well for a variety of climbing activities without compromising too much on comfort.
The soles on moderate shoes are relatively thinner than neutral shoes and hence offer more sensitivity. The outsole is crafted from stickier rubber to provide better grip and smearing on rocks.
The slight downturn helps put your feet in a more powerful position during challenging climbs. Although not as comfortable as neutral shoes, they still provide an adequate amount of comfort for extended climbing sessions.
On the downside, they are not as durable. The thinner sticky rubber sole tends to wear out faster than the thick rubber outsoles of the neutral shoes.
If a moderate shoe tick all the right boxes as per your needs, some of the best women’s climbing shoes you can look at includes the Climb X Crush Lace NLV, the La Sportiva Tarantulace
And the Climb X Rave.
3. Aggressive Climbing Shoes
Aggressive climbing shoes feature a striking downturn in the toe region to increase heel tension. It gives your feet both the power and strength required to go for the most challenging climbs!
The soles are very thin and made of highly sticky rubber. This property offers a high level of sensitivity during climbs, along with a firm and secure grip.
They usually feature an asymmetric shape, with the longest point being over the big toe. This feature helps in getting a good grip during high precision climbs.
While aggressive shoes are very high on performance, they score relatively low on the comfort factor. They are unsuitable for wearing over long durations and may cause some discomfort. You need to take them off at intervals to give your tired feet some rest.
The La Sportiva Women’s Solution and its upgraded version, the La Sportiva Women’s Solution Comp, are among the best women’s aggressive climbing shoes that you can go for.
FAQs on Women’s Climbing Shoes
Q1. What Are The Best Shoes For Indoor Rock Climbing?
Indoor rock climbing is a great way to build up your skills before venturing out for a more adventurous outdoor expedition. You have to choose a shoe that conforms to the skill level and the style of climbing you’re opting for.
Suppose you are a beginner or want a comfortable shoe for some basic climbing. In that case, you could go for options like the La Sportiva Tarantula, Evolv Skyhawk, Black Diamond Momentum Lace, or the Five Ten Gambit VCS.
The Climb X Rave and the La Sportiva Tarantulace are excellent for precise climbing without compromising on comfort.
The La Sportiva Women’s Solution and the La Sportiva Women’s Solution Comp are perfect for more difficult and high precision climbing by advanced climbers.
Q2. What Is The Best Climbing Shoe?
The best climbing shoe is one that gives you an edge during climbing. Due to the massive number of climbing shoes available in the market, one may feel confused regarding choosing the best one.
If you are searching for the best climbing shoes, the La Sportiva Women’s Solution Comp, the La Sportiva Tarantulace, Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV, and Five Ten Gambit VCS are some great options that you can look at.
Q3. How Do I Choose A Climbing Shoe?
For choosing the perfect climbing shoes, you need to take a number of factors into consideration. These include the durability, shape and fit, type of material used, and last but not least, the comfort level.
Q4. What Are The Best Shoes For Bouldering?
Bouldering is a climbing exercise that involves climbing over large boulders. It is a comparatively-easier and safer type of climbing.
Some of the things to look for in bouldering shoes are a tight and snug fit and a sticky rubber outsole.
The best shoes for bouldering include the La Sportiva Women’s Solution, La Sportiva Tarantulace, and the Scarpa Women’s Origin.
Q5. What Is An Aggressive Climbing Shoe?
An aggressive climbing shoe is identifiable by its sharp downturn and a highly sensitive, thin, and sticky rubber sole. It is the best option if you want to engage in challenging climbs. These are usually not comfortable enough for use over long durations.
Best Women’s Climbing Shoes – Conclusion
Choosing the best women’s climbing shoes is most definitely not an easy task. But here we have tried to help you make your choice by listing out some of the best shoes available in the market, along with all their advantages and drawbacks.
The best way to decide on the perfect shoe is to first identify the purpose for which you need the shoe. Make sure that you choose a pair that is great for the type of climbing that you want it for, and also try a few sizes before deciding on the one which fits best.
While all the above options are excellent in their way, we recommend you to try the shoes mentioned above to ensure that they match your expectations and requirements.