10 Best Beginner Climbing Shoes in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

La Sportiva Finale is a beginners’ climbing shoe made up of sturdy leather and microfiber upper. Designed for beginners, this pair of shoes has dedicated its focus on comfort over performance.

The La Sportiva Finale integrates some of the best features for beginners climbing shoes. It can easily outshine most climbing shoes in the market when it comes to comfort. It is one of the most comfortable lace-up climbing shoes you can get your hands on.

The Finale model, although inexpensive, is designed for lengthy climbs, whether on climbing routes or in the gym. However, it tends to fit better on a narrow foot. We have our review on La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoes here.

Besides, it also includes an excellent toe box and sole, ideal for small footholds. Although this shoe pales in quality and performance compared to other high-end models designed by La Sportiva, it includes the same 5mm Vibram XS Edge rubber outsole. The 5mm Vibram XS Edge rubber sole is sticky and provides a solid grip while climbing.

Likewise, the La Sportiva Finale performs surprisingly well to tackle the edges. It includes a Powerhinge and a tensioned heel to support the underfoot. This extra support helps to improve the performance of edging.

La Sportiva Mythos, although one of the oldest models, is still the best selling climbing shoes out there. The unlined suede leather is surprisingly easy-to-break-in from the first day you put them on.

For those who value all-day comfort over technical performance, La Sportiva Mythos is undoubtedly a top choice. While most beginner climbing shoes neglect quality materials and craftsmanship, La Sportiva Mythos also prioritizes quality.

Its popularity stemmed from its all-round performance and its versatility to climb on diverse terrains. For beginner-oriented climbing shoes, the Mythos is highly durable. While most beginner shoes are built for gym-purpose only, this model is designed to withstand rigorous outdoor routes.

The narrow toe and flat foot position allow you to move your toes, unlike more aggressive-shaped climbing shoes. The 4mm Vibram XS Edge Rubber sole also performs decently well. Although the outsole relatively lacks traction compared to other La Sportiva models, it performs reasonably well for beginners.

Additionally, La Sportiva Mythos has also adapted the eco-friendly approach. Believe it or not, the manufacturers have used 95-percent-recycled components to construct this pair of climbing shoes. Fair play for all the eco-minded consumers!

Scarpa Helix is an all-time classic climbing shoe that integrates flat profile and symmetric shape. It is well-suited for both beginners as well as mid-level climbers. It is certainly a great choice for those looking for comfort on multi-pitches.

The upper is made of suede leather, which slightly stretches to conform to your foot. It features a 3.5mm Vibram XS Edge Rubber that provides excellent grip all season long. Additionally, it also combines an ultra-thin 1.9mm Flexan midsole excellent for mid-level climbers.

For extra cushion and comfofect blend of comfort and performance, this product can go head-to-heart, Scarpa Helix includes a padded tongue that comes handy to climb the cracks. With a perd with most of the top-notch climbing shoes.

Weighing less than a pound, Scarpa Helix is undoubtedly one of the lightest outdoor footwear on the list. It allows climbers to have greater control of the footing, and as a beginner having extra control is a massive advantage.

Since this model is slightly more specialized for beginner-level shoes, it also makes a decent choice for intermediate climbers. Hence, if you’re willing to take your passion for climbing to the next level, you do not have to worry about investing in other footwear with Scarpa Helix.

It may come as a surprise, but a pair of La Sportiva TarantuLace costs half the price of premium climbing shoes. Fitted with 5mm FriXion RS rubber sole and 1.8 mm LaspoFlex midsole, this beginner-oriented shoe provides excellent grip as well as comfort. Although the midsole of this model is not stiff enough, it still feels highly sensitive

This model features an unlined leather/synthetic leather build. Although it consists of a relatively small synthetic fabric on the lacing, it does not hinder the leather from stretching. In the first few sessions, the La Sportiva TarantuLace fits extremely tight. However, after a few rough sessions, the leather stretches out and molds to your feet precisely.

In terms of comfort, this model comes with an unaggressive design. The flat sole adds extra comfort, particularly to the beginners, as they do not have enough feet strength to nail aggressive shoes.

Additionally, the low-profile toe of this climbing shoe allows a decent performance into thin cracks. The flat sole prevents your toes from bunching together and provides extra comfort while resting on foot jams.

However, the La Sportiva TarantuLace has below-average performance when it comes to edging. Therefore, if you’re also considering buying climbing shoes with decent edging performance, there are much better choices than the La Sportiva TarantuLace.

With the blend of performance, quality, and durability, Scarpa Origin is fantastic introductory climbing shoes. Designed by legendary Heinz Mariacher to encourage more people to climb, this shoe certainly serves its purpose.

Scarpa Origin ensures all-day performance with an irresistible comfort. Unlike other climbing shoes, this model has put its primary focus on performance to help kickstart the climbing passion of beginners.

It includes a flat sole with unlined suede leather that provides excellent grip and flexibility in all climbing terrains. The full-foot midsole also ensures much-needed support to keep your toes in place. More reviews here.

The hook-and-loop dual closure is easy to use and ensures maximum adjustability. In addition to that, the exclusive Scarpa Vision rubber guarantees solid grip and traction.

When it comes to durability, the stitching in Scarpa Origin is surprisingly robust and sturdy. Even after heavy use in some of the roughest climbing routes, the stitching stays resilient.

Although this product is specially beginner-oriented, it provides relatively decent performance for mid-level climbers as well. So, with Scarpa Origin, you no longer have to worry about investing in another shoe as you improve your climbing techniques.

With decent performance and excellent comfort, the Evolv Defy marks as one of the best beginner-level climbing shoes in the market. In recent years, this model has gone through several upgrades. However, it still holds the 4.2mm TRAX Rubber sole and 1mm half-length midsole, which offers high friction and grip.

When it comes to comfort, there are hardly any climbing shoes that can compete with Evolv Defy. Right from the get-go, the beginners will appreciate its near-walking-shoe-like comfort.

Made up of soft synthetic suede, Evolv Defy is extremely sensitive footwear that offers extra support in small footholds and sharp edges. However, you might need decent footwork to stick them in the stiffer sections. If you do not have proper footwork, this shoe isn’t going to cut it for you.

But if you’re going to use them on hand-sized cracks, they perform significantly well. The padded tongue adds extra comfort, especially for climbers with a narrow foot.

Scarpa Vapor V is one of the most demanded introductory climbing shoes. It features a slit-style rubber outsole to deliver exceptional flexibility, sensitivity, and control. It is one of the most sensitive climbing shoes for beginners. You’ll feel every foothold you step on with the Scarpa Vapor V.

This footwear is excellent for climbing steep overhangs and technical routes that require high sensitivity and flexibility. With its moderate downturned toes, this shoe is exceptionally comfortable on steep climbs.

In addition to that, it has an incredible edging performance because of the asymmetrical toes design. This unique design of Scarpa Vapor V makes a massive difference in challenging traditional routes. Besides, it is also ideal for the long climbing sessions as the padded mesh tongue offers extra cushion and comfort.

Similarly, it is backed by tons of excellent features for your convenience. It has a Bi-Tension Active randing that enhances toe strength and control. Also, it features a precise level of tension that offers a surprisingly perfect fit for all types of feet. It also provides extra padding and support for comfortable sessions.

With a dual-powered strap closure system, this footwear allows you to customize the fit with the necessary amount of snugness.

Black Diamond Momentum is a classic pair of beginner-oriented shoes. With a unique synthetic knit on the uppers, this model is by far the most breathable climbing shoes on the market. Without a doubt, this model is designed for durability and comfort with limited performance.

It includes 4.3mm NeoFriction Rubber, which is considerably thick and is super sticky. The thick rubber sole can withstand excessive use and ensures durability, even with sloppy footwork.

With flat and neutral lasts, the Black Diamond Momentum is highly comfortable for narrow width feet. The hook-and-loop velcro straps make it exceptionally easy to get them off and on.

This model is a lot stiffer and supportive compared to other climbing shoes. Therefore, it takes a while to get used to the edges with the Black Diamond Momentum. It is essential to pay extra attention to your footwork while starting out.

Besides, these shoes have below-average performance when it comes to crack climbing. Surprisingly, the synthetic knit upper is highly durable. For climbers with a narrow foot, this shoe feels reasonably comfortable while climbing hand-size cracks. However, it doesn’t do that well in finger cracks as the toe volume of this shoe is not low enough like other crack shoes.

In addition to that, it includes a medium-stiff midsole. Therefore, it allows that extra bent for low angle slab climbing. Also, the rubber sole is slightly thicker, which makes this shoe clunky and difficult to use in the edges and divots.

Mad Rock Drifter is a beginner climbing shoe that integrates comfort, quality, durability, and affordability. Although this shoe can be used both indoor as well as outdoor, it is specially designed for indoor climbs.

This model has a flat profile with two Velcro straps closure and a lined toe-box. It adds extra cushion around the midfoot area while also protecting the shoes from stretching at the toes. Initially, the shoes may feel medium stiff. However, the polyester insole softens up quickly.

When it comes to durability, Mad Rock Drifter excels from other similar models. With robust leather uppers and sturdy sole, this model certainly exceeds its expectations. The entire body of Mad Rock Drifter is taped with seam, making it suitable for all-terrain climbing. Although affordable, these shoes are made from top-quality leather. While it is apparent to resist wear and tear, it also stretches out over time to ensure a secured fit according to the climber's feet.

Science Friction 3.0 Rubber sole also provides a solid grip and traction. It also features a polyester lining and padded piping that adds extra strength to the shoes. This model is highly flexible with gripping and bending on steep surfaces. Additionally, it also enhances the foot strength on the vertical rocks.

Five Ten Rogue VCS is a multi-use climbing shoe designed for all types of outdoor terrains. With quality, comfort, performance, and affordability, this model is undoubtedly one of the best picks for beginners.

It features an ultra-sticky Stealth C4 Rubber outsole for comfort. The top of the shoes includes a quick-dry and breathable fabric. This breathable material works great not only at the gym but also comes handy for strenuous and sweaty climbing sessions.

The uppers are constructed with highly stretchable split-grain leather. From smearing to edging, these shoes perform exceptionally well for most of the foot techniques.

With dual Velcro strap design, these shoes feature all the latest technologies to stay functional and versatile. The Velcro closures are easy and quick to tighten and loosen and are rubberized to stay symmetrical with the shape of the climber's foot.

Right from the box, these shoes are incredibly comfortable for long climbing sessions. Unlike most climbing shoes, it hardly requires any break-in period.

As the lowest-priced beginner climbing shoes in the list, there is not much to argue about the quality of Five Ten Rogue VCS. However, one of the major drawbacks of this model is it wears out prematurely.