The best bouldering shoes for beginners in 2025

Suddenly, like it was night and day, I could climb better! No, my footwork didn’t instantly improve, but I wasn’t slipping off large footholds anymore. I was no longer all arms; instead, I was just poor technique!

Proper footwear for climbing is the best investment you can make if you want to climb regularly. Beginner climbing shoes are suited to be comfortable but still allow you to perform. The enhanced design of climbing shoes increases your footwork and decreases the slippage from regular sneakers. I’m not saying you’ll be an expert climber just because you buy your first pair of climbing shoes. Still, you’ll notice a significant difference right away.

Why you need beginner shoes

Are you a wannabe climber like us? Then you need beginner shoes.

Climbing shoes are shaped to drive the force of your foot into your big toe, allowing you to stand on footholds you imagined only pros could do.

Trainers and hiking boots are great at being trainers and hiking boots but climbing shoes are great at being climbing shoes. You wouldn’t go ballet dancing in sandals, would you? No, you’d wear ballet shoes! So, why shouldn’t you climb in climbing shoes?

Beginner climbing shoes are catered toward beginners. These shoe companies have your interests in mind because they want everybody to be a climber like us. Most brands offer a wide or narrow version of climbing shoes to cater to different feet. They also provide a variety of stiffness in their beginner shoes because they understand that everybody is different and people have varying preferences.

However, many beginner shoes are stiffer than more advanced shoes because beginners don’t have stronger-than-normal feet (unless you’re a ballet dancer, of course). Beginner climbing shoes come in all shapes and sizes, including Velcro or Lace Up options!

“Okay, so, what should my first climbing shoes be?”

Your first pair of climbing shoes should be something you can wear all day without discomfort.

As I mentioned, my first pair were lace-ups. I liked the laces because I could cater the fit to my foot, making my shoe tighter or looser in certain areas. I eventually grew to like Velcro closure systems once I started climbing more because of the ease of putting on and removing my shoes. It’s a personal preference!

Factors to consider when buying climbing shoes

What do you need as a beginner climber, you ask? It would be best to consider these factors to help you narrow down what pair of shoes you want.

• The type of climbing you’ll be doing
• Your foot shape
• Your budget

When I think back to when I started climbing, I didn’t need a downturned shoe perfect for climbing overhung walls. Instead, I needed anything but my sneakers. I was a beginner; it’s not like I could climb super hard routes anyway!

Your foot shape is a big decider for choosing climbing shoes. As I mentioned, many brands offer a wide (high volume) or narrow (low volume) version of their climbing shoes to cater to larger audiences. Try as many pairs as possible to determine if you have a wide or narrow foot. Consult with your local gear shop or climbing gym; they’ll help!

“How much is a beginner climbing shoe anyway?” If you’re anything like me, my budget was the most significant factor when buying my first pair of climbing shoes. If I had done more research, I would’ve found that I could’ve bought a less expensive pair of shoes for my first pair.

Top 5 bouldering shoes for beginners

Evolv V6

Out top pick is the latest and greatest shoe in the Evolv range for beginners: The V6! It is is made especially for those who want to become experts quickly on any terrain and progress to climbing V6 without crushing their feet!

With its easy adjustments and snug fit, you can now transition smoothly between climbs and grades. Thanks to its TRAX SAS rubber and a downturned toe, the V6 has excellent grip and stickiness and provides precision on steep small holds thus making it ideal for climbing. Moreover, it is 100% vegan, which is a great choice also for those who follow a vegan lifestyle.

To ensure the best fit for everyone, there is also a low volume (LV) version available, just like with all other Evolv shoes.

You can buy the Evolv V6 from our shop here.

If you want to know more about Evolv and their best shoes then check out our guide here.

Butora Endeavor

The Endeavor is has to be in my list of the best beginner climbing shoes because of its sizing versatility, affordability, and comfort level. This shoe comes in two versions, Men’s and Women’s, each with a wide or narrow option. The Endeavor is a stiffer shoe, allowing you to build those precious foot muscles while you learn about footwork.

La Sportiva Tarantulace

With beginner climbers in mind, La Sportiva offers an affordable yet durable climbing shoe for all-day comfort. With a roomy toe box, the Tarantulace won’t feel like you’re wearing ballet shoes. If budget is the main factor when buying your first pair of climbing shoes, look no further than these.

Scarpa Origin

Beginner climbing shoes don’t look more beginner than this. The Scarpa Origin’s padded tongue and stiff sole make it a great introductory shoe for climbing. Its Velcro closure system allows for easy on/off. If comfort is your biggest concern, you’ve found your first pair of climbing shoes.

Black Diamond Momentum

The Black Diamond Momentum is an excellent shoe for its price. This shoe’s stretchy knit upper allows for better breathability than some competitors. It’s softer than the others I included, but its recently improved midsole focuses on better edging. The Velcro closure system on the Momentum can leave unwanted fabric bunches under the straps. Still, for the price, it’s a great beginner shoe.

Things to consider with these shoes

Each shoe here is catered toward beginner climbers and includes flat or semi-flat lasts. They are not suited to steep or technical terrain but are intended to be introductory shoes to help you develop your footwork. If you’re planning on trying steeper climbing, look for all-around shoes. This usually have a slightly downturned toe and are suited for multiple styles of climbing.

Before making any choice, be sure to check out our selection of climbing shoes in our shop.

Tips for protecting your shoes

My biggest beginner climber tip…avoid dragging your trailing foot up the wall when standing on a foothold. This is the number one reason beginners will go through a pair of climbing shoes quickly. You’re a beginner; your footwork won’t be on par with somebody who’s been climbing for years. But, by consciously thinking about your trailing foot, you may save some money and use your first pair longer than the average beginner.

If you notice the edge on your shoes start to round out, consider having them resoled! I’ve had a specific pair of climbing shoes resoled twice because they’ve molded to my feet perfectly, and I don’t want to shed the extra money for new ones. Resoling is a great way to extend the life of your climbing shoes.

Tips for maintaining your shoes

Maintaining climbing shoes is more than worrying about the rubber falling apart. Always store your climbing shoes in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Leaving your shoes in a hot car is a recipe for delamination. Delamination is when the glue holding your shoe together heats up enough that the rubber peels away from itself. It’s an expensive mistake!

Do your climbing shoes smell bad? Like… really bad? Wash those puppies! Soak your shoes in warm water, then scrub-a-dub-dub those bad boys to remove any excess dirt and oil. Use a cleaning brush and soap to penetrate the deeper fabric, then rinse. Repeat this process until you’re pumped, and let them air dry.

Check out our selection of shoe hygiene products in our shop.

Final thoughts on bouldering shoes for beginners

The best bouldering shoes for beginners are ones that are comfortable and get you climbing. Suppose you’re still hesitant about whether climbing shoes will perform better than your hiking boots. In that case, I encourage you to rent a pair at your local climbing gym. I promise you’ll notice the difference.

Choosing beginner climbing shoes can be intimidating; there are so many options! First, consider whether you want Velcro or laces, then decide on the maximum price you’re willing to pay. This is a great starting point that will help you narrow your options.

Choosing the right beginner shoe can be the difference between continuing climbing or not. If you buy a pair that is too small and have a miserable time, you’ll likely want to avoid wearing them, meaning you’ll avoid climbing. We want everybody to embrace climbing!

Take the time to find the pair for you, and you’ll wonder how you went so long without climbing shoes.

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