- Sizes: US 6.5 to 15 | Materials: Synthetic fabric, Black Diamond NeoFriction rubber | Closure: Lace-up
Five Ten Kirigami
This cool, comfy shoe from Five Ten makes a very good first, second, or third pair of climbing shoes. It’s lined to prevent excess sweat from bogging you down and soled with durable rubber that holds up under lots of wear without sacrificing sensitivity. One reviewer loved how stable they felt in the Kirigami, while another felt more confident climbing while wearing their pair.
- Sizes: US 5.5 to 10 | Materials: Synthetic fabrics, Five Ten Stealth C4 rubber | Closure: Velcro straps
What should you look for in a beginner-friendly climbing shoe?
As is the case with running shoes and weightlifting shoes, the best way to find the right pair of climbing shoes is to try them on in person at your local outdoor equipment store or gym. If that isn’t an option, order from an online retailer with a good return policy, like REI or Backcountry. Either way, there are a few important features to keep in mind while shopping.
Fit
“Generally, climbing shoes are snug-to-tight,” Astra Wallace, retail sales coordinator at Philadelphia Rock Gyms, tells SELF. “They’re not shoes you wear to walk around the block, which is why most climbers take them off when not actively climbing.” Some climbers will intentionally size down (maybe by several sizes) to get a super-snug fit. But beginners should just look for the size that brings their toes to the front of the shoe without being painful, McPhillips says. Most shoes come in men’s or unisex sizes, unless they’re marketed as women’s models.
Materials
Most climbing shoes are made with leather uppers, though there are some vegan alternatives out there that use synthetic materials instead. As SELF has previously reported, leather shoes stretch over time, so some experts recommend you buy a pair that initially feels a little tight. Some models also have rubber around the top of their toe box, which isn’t necessary for beginners, McPhillips says. That much rubber around your foot can be uncomfortable, and it’s mainly useful for more advanced moves like toe hooking anyway.
As you may have noticed, a lot of brands use their own proprietary varieties of rubber (others use third-party rubbers from manufacturers like Vibram). You can really get into the weeds about which types of rubber offer the best traction, but you don’t have to worry about that as a newbie. As you try on your first few pairs, focus on which ones feel secure and sticky to you.
Closure
There are clear perks to both lace-up and Velcro-strapped climbing shoes, so this will come down to your personal preference. If adjustability is your top priority, go with a lace-up shoe, Blount previously told SELF. Laces provide more leeway than Velcro straps to dial in the exact fit you want, whether your feet are narrow or wide, and you can trim the ends if they get in the way of your footwork. On the other hand, shoes with straps are easy to pull on and off—an “underrated” feature, according to Wallace, especially if you’re wearing snug shoes or bouldering (which usually involves shorter routes and longer breaks).
Price
High-quality, entry-level shoes generally cost between $90 and $120 per pair, Wallace says. You certainly can spend more if you find the perfect shoes at a higher price point, but you don’t have to in order to get started.
Most importantly, just remember you’re trying out a new hobby—and the gear that goes along with it should make you excited to get involved. “Choose a shoe that you’ll be excited to put on your feet,” Larsen previously told SELF.
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