10 Best Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
By Chris M. MerrittLast Updated on 
When you’ve been rock climbing for a while, you are bound to feel some discomfort on your feet.
The reason for that is simple–you need an upgrade! You need more than your beginner gear.
After you learn rock climbing techniques, you might start feeling that your first pair of climbing shoes are restricting the footwork you’ve learned. You should look for intermediate shoes designed to assist you with the footwork and make you able to stick those moves at harder grades.
We have prepared a detailed listing of the 10 best intermediate rock climbing shoes available on the market. Each of the products has distinct characteristics and will serve some unique purposes.
With this list, it will be easier for you to find the perfect fit and the ideal footwear to kickstart your climbing adventures.
But first, you may wonder how to distinguish between beginner climbing shoes and intermediate shoes?
It’s simple! The intermediate rock climbing shoes feature a distinct pointed design at the end, which offers maximum flexibility during your climb. Besides, they feature a slightly downturned shape that helps you get controlled placements on more challenging routes.
As you explore, you can find a wide range of intermediate rock climbing shoes taking up the market in recent times. But this could also put you in a dilemma on which one to select for your climbing necessity.
Don’t worry! We are here to assist you in this cause.
Apart from the detailed review, you can go through an informative comparison chart, easy buying guide, and some frequently asked questions for your buying comfort. So, let’s begin!
What Are Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes?
Intermediate rock climbing shoes are designed mainly for more experienced climbers. It is easy to distinguish them from other beginner-level shoes as they come with a distinct pointed design towards the end of the shoes.
This handy feature helps make sure all your shoes are pointed in the right direction, offering you more flexibility during your climb.
Intermediate climbing shoes can be classed as all-around shoes. They have a slightly downturned shape, which puts your feet in a more powerful position. With that, you can get controlled placements on more challenging routes.
Similarly, these climbing shoes have stickier and thinner rubber than beginner shoes for better grip and sensitivity on the rock. All in all, they are a perfect choice for climbers who have the basic foot technique covered and are seeking to push for a higher grade.
Tenaya Masai Cat Feet Climbing Shoes
Intermediate shoes serve a single purpose — assisting the beginner-to-intermediate transitional climbers in improving footwork for more hard and challenging climbs. All of the products reviewed in this article are entitled to serve the same motive.
But if we have to rank the best among them, we prefer Tenaya Masai Cat Feet Climbing Shoes. This budget-friendly climbing footwear boasts a durable synthetic material design, so there is no issue of size inconsistency. Termed as the most supportive shoe, this model excels on a vertical and moderately-overhanging route featuring small edges.
Moreover, the footwear lets you have a controlled hold on the tiniest edges with the inclusion of asymmetric toe-box that concentrates all the power of the foot into a specific area.
Quick Summary of Best Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes
| Product Image | Product Name | |
|---|---|---|
 |
Top Pick for Small Edges
Tenaya Masai Cat Feet Climbing Shoes
With the asymmetrical toe tip and a moderate downturned toe, this climbing shoe helps you get a perfect hold on tiny edges. Besides, the footwear is constructed with synthetic materials that help to limit stretch, making sizing more consistent and predictable. |
View on Amazon |
 |
Best Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoe for All-Around Climb
La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoe
With an advanced edging feature and slip-lasted design, this intermediate rock climbing shoe is ideal for every type of climbing. It features a medium-asymmetrical toe-box for better precision and sensitivity. |
View on Amazon |
 |
Best Pick for Overhanging Sport Climbing
La Sportiva Men's Miura VS Climbing Shoe
The aggressive downturned toe and asymmetrical shape make this climbing footwear the best pick for an overhanging sport climbing. Furthermore, the shoe features a quick-pull lacing harness for an excellent grip. |
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 |
Quality Pick for Outdoor Crack Climbing
La Sportiva Men's TC Pro Climbing Shoe
This intermediate rock climbing shoe is a premium choice for outdoor crack climbing as it comes with a high ankle, which provides excellent support to your ankles during the hard climb. It features a ventilated tongue and lateral rand perforations for promoting air-flow. |
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 |
Great Beginner Transitioning to Intermediate Shoe
Five Ten Men's Anasazi VCS Rock Climbing Shoes
If you are looking to develop your climbing skills from beginner to intermediate level, this is the right pair of footwear for you. The climbing shoe features a flat foot and slightly rounded toe for ultimate comfort. |
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 |
Premium Climbing Shoes Featuring High-Quality Construction
BUTORA Unisex Acro Rock/Indoor Climbing Shoes
The blend of soft synthetic and natural leather materials make this rock climbing shoe one of the best-constructed footwear on the market. With durable construction, it offers impeccable edging and excellent grip. |
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 |
Handy Option for Steep Traditional Climbing
Scarpa Men's Vapor V Climbing Shoe
The inclusion of a moderate downturned toe makes this footwear a reliable option for the steeper climbs. With all-day comfort, you get better control and power on the hard terrains. |
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 |
Best Rock Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet
Five Ten Hiangle Men's Climbing Shoes
Designed with 100% split-grain leather, this intermediate rock climbing shoe can stretch so that the toe can expand width-wise to the shape of your feet perfectly. It is less stinky and versatile climbing footwear. |
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 |
Excellent Choice for High-End Steep Bouldering
Red Chili Voltage Climbing Shoes
A product designed with a performance-fit heel, this rock climbing shoe is a perfect option for high-end steep bouldering. This feature makes sure your feet are snug and secure so that you can heel-hook the steep terrains with ease. |
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 |
Gym Crack Climbing Shoe for Beginners to Intermediate Climbers
Mad Rock Remora Climbing Shoe
Another perfect option for beginner to intermediate climbers, the Remora features a slipper design that makes it an excellent choice for your indoor crack climbing necessities. Plus, the model is affordable and vegan-friendly. |
View on Amazon |
Best Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes in 2020 - Reviewed
Tenaya Masai Cat Feet Climbing Shoes
Features Highlights
- Designed with synthetic material
- Features optimally-shaped, asymmetric toe-box
- Includes a full-lace closure system
- Comes with a microfiber upper and TST multi-layer Stretchtex insole
- Features moderate downturn toe for power
- Includes midsole designed for stiffness and sensitivity
Specification
-
Dimension:
9.3 x 3.3 x 5.1 inches
-
Weight:
0.75 pounds
-
Material:
Synthetic
-
Closure:
Laces
-
Downturn:
Moderate
-
Lining:
Cotton
Great Control
First of all, this premium climbing shoe earns remarkable points when it comes to control. Regarded as one of the most supportive shoes, this model excels on a vertical and moderately-overhanging route featuring small edges.
It excels because of the optimally-shaped, asymmetric toe-box that concentrates all the power of the foot into a specific area. With that, it focuses on your force onto the tiniest of holds and with great control.
Perfect Set of Features
The shoe comes with a blend of excellent features, focused on extreme precision on small edges, rounded holds, and cracks. It features a full-lace closure system that adapts to a wide variation in foot widths, which offers a perfect combination of performance and lasting comfort.
Likewise, the product comes with a midsole that combines sensitivity and stiffness, making the shoe feel like an extension of your foot. The moderately downturned toe further offers you much power on steep terrains.
Excellent Construction
This handy intermediate climbing shoe is engineered with synthetic materials. The materialization helps to limit stretch, making sizing more consistent and predictable. Besides, the treated cotton lining means you don’t have to worry a bit about this shoe stretching and interfering with sizing.
Pros
- Excellent comfort
- Great fit
- Lightweight
- The full-lace closure system adjusts to a wide variation in foot width.
- Designed with synthetic materials so no problem of size inconsistency
Cons
- Not good for bouldering
Verdict
Overall, with the blend of features and narrow profile design, this climbing shoe from Tenaya offers you a good fit without sacrificing comfort. It is undoubtedly the best pick for you if you seek comfort in the small edges.
La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoe
Features Highlights
- Constructed with synthetic material
- Features slip-lasted design
- Comes with highly breathable tongue and lining for moisture management
- Features slightly downturned toe and subtle asymmetry
- Includes P3 midsole and Vibram XS Edge rubber for incredible edging
- Features medium-asymmetrical toe-box for great precision and sensitivity
- Includes leather/lorica upper and pacific lined forefoot for comfort
Specification
-
Dimension:
14 x 7 x 5 inches
-
Weight:
1.2 pounds
-
Material:
Synthetic
-
Closure:
Slipper
-
Downturn:
Neutral
-
Lining:
Unlined
Incredible Performance
Often termed as a workhorse of a shoe, this footwear features a less aggressive shape that can perform perfectly well in cracks as well as steep walls. The shoe consists of a highly breathable tongue and lining for excellent moisture management. Plus, the slip-lasted design aids in improved sensitivity and reduces stiffness for better overall performance.
Likewise, the tech fit and asymmetry are enough to increase the shoe's holding power on overhanging terrain.
Overall Comfort
As this shoe is not overly aggressive, it is a comfortable choice for wearing for the whole day. With a great design, this footwear keeps your toes from getting beaten up in cracks.
Furthermore, it has enough rigidity that makes sure you don’t feel like you are on your metatarsals while standing flat. It is a performance shoe that manages to hold comfort at a maximum on the difficult days.
Excellent Edging
The Katana includes a P3 midsole and Vibram XS EDGE rubber that makes it an incredible edging machine. With a slightly downturned toe, a semi-asymmetric fit, and some additional features, it performs well on a broader range of rock types and features. With that, the footwear can tackle much steeper sports terrain.
Besides, the more aggressive design helps for traditional climbing, allowing you to jam even in tiny cracks.
Check out our latest review article on La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoes.
Pros
- Durable design
- Comfortable fit
- Versatile product
- Excellent edging
- Highly sensitive
Cons
- Expensive
- Can be hard to find
Verdict
Overall, this intermediate climbing shoe is stiff enough to prevent your feet from fatiguing on the big days and takes to cracks better than many specially-designed shoes. But with the incredible performance, this climbing shoe will rattle your budget.
La Sportiva Men's Miura VS Climbing Shoe
Features Highlights
- Designed with leather material that adds to stretchability
- Features a slip-lasted design that makes it more sensitive and feels less stiff
- Comes with an aggressive downturn for power on overhanging routes
- Includes edge rubber sole and 4mm Vibram for proper weight distribution
- Features quick-pull lacing harness for best grip
- Includes edging power and pointy-toe that make great use of rock climbing pockets of all sizes
Specification
-
Dimension:
13 x 7 x 5 inches
-
Weight:
0.6 pounds
-
Material:
Leather
-
Closure:
Velcro Strap
-
Downturn:
Aggressive
-
Lining:
Dentex Synthetic Stretch Fabric
Excellent Edging
This function-specific intermediate climbing shoe is an incredible option for edging. The P3 sole assists you to power down through your toes on the smallest of features. Besides, the product edges well on all sides of the toe, helping you to turn your hips into the wall and notably increase your reach.
With the help of an aggressive downturned toe, you can get a proper grip into the rocks, and it works well even if you are stretching. Besides, its edging power and pointy-toe make great use of rock climbing pockets of all sizes.
Supportive Design
Although the leather upper of this climbing shoe is soft, it is sturdy, classic, and supportive. With that, this rock climbing footwear is the most appropriate shoe for crags and gym. This shoe embodies a grippy 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber sole and a highly tensioned Slingshot Rand. These handy features transfer power to the toes for you to hook, smear, and edge perfectly.
Great Durability
The footwear is designed with leather that is both powerful and durable. The material used in its construction is the industry’s leading for high and reliable performance. Additionally, the 1.1 mm LasoFlex forefoot midsole is lightweight and provides maximum torsional rigidity.
Pros
- Excellent edging
- Stiff
- Excellent in pockets
- Offers the best grip
- Durable construction
Cons
- Not too comfortable
- Bit pricey
- Shape and fit won’t work for everyone.
Verdict
All in all, the La Sportiva Men's Miura VS Climbing Shoe comes with stiffness, which leads to its high performance. It can hold you on any tiny edge you find in your climbing route. Plus, the stiffness in the toe can keep your foot occupied in any climbing pockets.
La Sportiva Men's TC Pro Climbing Shoe
Features Highlights
- Designed with synthetic material
- Features slip-lasted design responsible for increased sensitivity and less stiffness
- Comes with mid-height cuffs to protect ankles
- Features 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber
- Comes with flat-fit toes perfect for comfortable crack climbing
- Includes ventilated tongue and lateral rand perforations that promotes air-flow
Specification
-
Dimension:
13 x 7 x 5 inches
-
Weight:
1.14 pounds
-
Material:
Synthetic
-
Closure:
Laces
-
Downturn:
Neutral
-
Lining:
Unlined (underfoot)
Great Edging
The XS Edge rubber used in the design of this handy climbing shoe implies excellent edging. The pointed toe of the footwear stands on extremely microscopic features with ease, and both the inside and outside edges feel accurate enough for hard face climbing.
Similarly, the La Sportiva have used their P3 platform technology to add support and complete the edging package in this climbing shoe.
Excellent Fit
Another great attribute of this climbing footwear is that the virtually flat toe fits nicely in cracks, allowing you to crank and jam in all directions with impunity. Besides, having high ankles ensures ultimate ankle support for your excellent fit.
Proper Comfort
The sole of this climbing shoe offers tons of support and helps stave off fatigue. Also, the footwear protects your foot in cracks. With all the protection and support, you can easily do many laps in this shoe, and your feet remain comfortable all day long.
Pros
- Excellent edging
- Solid crack climbing
- Comfortable
- Offers good sensitivity
- Durable
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Limited support/bouldering use
Verdict
Overall, this climbing shoe from La Sportiva is a way to go if you are interested in outdoor crack climbing. It offers excellent ankle support and is designed for perfect edging. But all these features come at a high cost.
Five Ten Men's Anasazi VCS Rock Climbing Shoes
Features Highlights
- Includes vegan construction
- Engineered with leather material
- Features slip-lasted design for sensitivity and less stiffness
- Features Cowdura upper and dual heel pulls
- Comes with a flat foot and slightly rounded toe for excellent comfort
- Includes two types of soles to choose from
- Features hook-and-loop closure for the perfect fit
Specification
-
Dimension:
12 x 8 x 4 inches
-
Weight:
1.2 pounds
-
Material:
Leather
-
Closure:
Velcro Straps
-
Downturn:
Neutral
-
Lining:
Unlined
Comfortable Design
With the flat foot and slightly rounded toe, this climbing shoe is one of the best picks for comfort. Though the rubber of this footwear is soft, it is adapted for crack climbing. It is sufficiently rigid to withstand torquing in jams, and standing flat in the crack is also very comfortable.
This shoe is your best friend on the slab where features are lacking, and you require an even weight distribution towards the foot for maximum friction.
Highly Sensitive
One of the major features of this climbing footwear is its sensitivity. The ONYXX rubber used in the construction allows you to feel virtually every feature in the rock. The Five Ten Men's Anasazi VCS Rock Climbing Shoe accomplishes this great feature without losing any shape or depending on the climber’s foot for structure.
With that, the climbing shoe performs valiantly on granite slab and face climbs where friction is the key.
Ease of Use
The VCS includes velcro closures for ease of putting on and taking off, which saves you a lot of time when you are climbing hard rocks. Additionally, this easy-to-use feature helps to get you the snug and secure fit you want from the climbing shoes.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Easy to wear
- Very sensitive
- Great grip
- Hook-and-loop closure for the perfect fit
Cons
- Rubber is a bit sticky.
- Sizing may be a little off.
- Velcro can hurt in cracks.
- Not suitable for bouldering and edging
Verdict
Though the product is not that recommended for bouldering and edging, it is the best transitional shoe from beginner to intermediate climbing with its perfect blend of stiffness and sensitivity. Plus, the footwear can be resoled easily, which saves you the agony of buying the new pair if the sole gets damaged.
BUTORA Unisex Acro Rock/Indoor Climbing Shoes
Features Highlights
- Features Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber
- Designed with soft synthetic and natural leather materials
- Comes with thin, sticky rubber toe patch that offers excellent sensitivity and grip
- Features adjustable, signature triple fork closure system for quick on/off
- Comes with high tension heel rand
- Features stretchy, padded mesh tongue
Specification
-
Dimension:
13 x 6 x 4 inches
-
Weight:
1.16 pounds
-
Material:
Soft Synthetic and Natural Leather
-
Closure:
Velcro Straps
-
Downturn:
Aggressive
-
Lining:
Microfiber
Comfortable Construction
The materials used in the construction of this rock climbing shoe are synthetic and leather. The upper part is a mix of both the materials that ultimately ensure a comfortable and customized fit.
Besides, the model is outfitted with a triple hook, fork, and loop strap that encourages functionality combined with your convenience. Moreover, the heel tension rand keeps the heel on during heel hooks without Achilles’ pain.
Powerful Build
This shoe has an aggressive asymmetry that helps it tackle steep sport routes and technical boulder problems. Moreover, the downturned toe provides a slipper-like fit for narrow feet. This shoe is also ideal for wide feet as it is stretchable, thanks to the leather construction.
Great Edging
With the high tensioned heel, this shoe delivers power to the forefront of the foot or the front toe to offer premium edging. Additionally, the stiffer midsole can handle the dime edges of dead vertical limestone, whereas the shoe is sensitive enough to feel tiny divots and crystals at the boulders.
Pros
- Comfortable design
- Easy to wear
- Durable construction
- Stiff yet sensitive
- Great edging ability
Cons
- Feels baggy on narrow feet
- Lots of additional space in the heel cup
Verdict
Overall, the blend of soft synthetic and natural leather makes this rock climbing shoe durable and comfortable for hard climbs. Though the model feels somewhat baggy on narrow feet, the upper made of German Split Leather Nylon mesh and Silicon sponge aids for proper moisture management.
Scarpa Men's Vapor V Climbing Shoe
Features Highlights
- Engineered with synthetic material
- Features new split sole allowing great flexibility
- Comes with lower tension on the Achilles for all-day comfort
- Includes a Bi-Tension active randing system for maximum toe power
- Comes with dual power strap closure for an adjustable fit
- Features microsuede toe-box for comfort and fit
Specification
-
Dimension:
13 x 7 x 5 inches
-
Weight:
1.09 pounds
-
Material:
Synthetic
-
Closure:
Velcro Straps
-
Downturn:
Moderate
-
Lining:
Unlined
Flexibility
As this climbing shoe features a slit-style rubber sole, it is more flexible for greater control and sensitivity, and you can feel the ground you are stepping on. Besides, the flexible sole is ideal for steep overhangs and high grades that require sensitivity and a maximum amount of agility.
Comfortable Design
With the moderately downturned toe, this climbing shoe offers great comfort and control on steep climbs. Besides, modeled with a more asymmetrical toe, this footwear allows you to edge more on the smaller holds, which can make the difference in tougher traditional climbs.
Likewise, the padded mesh tongues in this shoe ensure you are comfortable wearing it on those long pitches.
Great Set of Features
This handy climbing shoe comes with a lot of handy features for your convenience. The first of them is the Bi-Tension active randing that provides the ultimate toe power. It has the ideal level of tension, offering a perfect fit that increases sensitivity and provides enough padding and support for a comfortable climb.
Another great feature of this rock climbing shoe is the strap that includes a dual power closure that lets you customize the fit for the ideal amount of snugness.
Pros
- Flexible design
- Comfortable wear
- Supportive
- Excellent grip and control
- Durable construction
Cons
- Feels somewhat baggy on narrow feet
- Not as sensitive as softer shoes
- Buckles can cause pain in wider cracks.
- Not adequately breathable
Verdict
With the dual power strap closure for a comfortable fit, this Scarpa Men's Vapor V Climbing Shoe earns its place among the rock climbing enthusiasts. It is designed for the intermediate climbers who seek excellent grip and control for their skill development. On the downside, the footwear is not as sensitive as other softer shoes and lacks proper breathability.
Five Ten Hiangle Men's Climbing Shoes
Features Highlights
- Designed with 100% split grain leather
- Includes single-strand velcro closure system
- Comes with Stealth C4 4.2 mm rubber outsole
- Features unlined leather upper with half size-stretch
- Features aggressive downturned toe
Specification
-
Dimension:
12 x 8 x 4 inches
-
Weight:
0.5 pounds
-
Material:
Leather
-
Closure:
Velcro Straps
-
Downturn:
Aggressive
-
Lining:
Unlined
Stiff Aggressive Design
The aggressive downturned shape of this climbing shoe puts your feet into a stronger and more powerful position than the neutral shoes. Acquiring a strong position helps you climb more challenging routes and make more advanced movements like heel-hooking easier, given that you have the right fit.
All-Round Performance and Versatility
With the inclusion of high-friction rubber, this climbing shoe achieves its all-around performance and versatility. The Stealth C4 rubber outsole allows your feet to stick well on bare edges, lock into the smears, and cruise up technical terrain with confidence.
Comfortable Construction
The unlined leather upper with half size-stretch gives this Hiangle shoe a comfortable feel and more efficiency in climbing. Furthermore, it has an asymmetric shape that curves the big toe, focusing power over the toe for accurate placements on small holds.
Pros
- Most breathable
- Less stinky
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Great fit
Cons
- Uncomfortable heel cup
- Hard to get on
Verdict
The Five Ten Hiangle Men's Climbing Shoe is definitely a quality product to go for if you have wide feet. The heel cup can cause some discomfort at times, but you will love how versatile and breathable this shoe is for your efficient climbing expedition.
Red Chili Voltage Climbing Shoes
Features Highlights
- Includes synthetic upper
- Features asymmetric rand with an aggressive downturn
- Features integrated nylon eyelets with two offset VCR straps
- Comes with ultra-grip toe patch
- Features performance-fit heel with Vibram XS grip
- Comes with RC-tension, soft pre-shaped midsole
- Consists of two-layered 4.5 mm Vibram CS grip sole
Specification
-
Dimension:
N/A
-
Weight:
1.2 pounds
-
Material:
Synthetic
-
Closure:
Velcro Straps
-
Downturn:
Aggressive
-
Lining:
Unlined
High-Performance
This climbing shoe features a wide, asymmetrically-designed rand with a powerful downturn that enables perfect pullings on overhangs. It also supports the toes when standing on the smallest of footholds.
Likewise, the pre-formed midsole offers precise toe sensitivity and ensures that the shoe permanently retains its pre-stressed shape. The aggressive profile of the shoe gives you extra power on challenging routes.
Stability
The Red Chili Voltage Climbing Shoe features a two-layered Vibram XS-Grip sole that combines the best friction values with high edge stability and longevity. The generous toe patch makes the hooks easier as well.
Ease-of-Use
Another great feature of this climbing shoe is that it fits perfectly. The precise fit is the result of the combination of a slipper and VCR straps that guarantee a glove-like fit. Meanwhile, the integrated knitted tongue facilitates convenient stepping in and ensures the shoe can be quickly put on and taken off.
Pros
- High-performance fit
- Comfortable
- Excellent grip
- Great color combination
- Affordable
Cons
- Not a multi-pitch traditional shoe
Verdict
So, if you are seeking a high-performance climbing shoe for hard routes and bouldering at your limit, then you will be well-equipped with this voltage shoe.
Mad Rock Remora Climbing Shoe
Features Highlights
- Engineered with synthetic material
- Features vegan design
- Features non-aggressive, flat profile
- Enhanced with power upper and Synflex materials for a precise fit
- Includes a slight downturn for good performance on vertical to steep climbs
Specification
-
Dimension:
14 x 7 x 5 inches
-
Weight:
1.99 pounds
-
Material:
Synthetic
-
Closure:
Slipper
-
Downturn:
Neutral
-
Lining:
Unlined
Excellent Fit
The large toe box and the forgiving Synflex upper makes sure this climbing shoe fits snugly on your feet. Besides, the heel fits perfectly and deep enough not to slip or leave air pockets.
The main reason for Mad Rock Remora’s excellent fit is its rubber wrapped toe that helps keep the shoe snug around the foot and doesn’t hurt during grips in cracks. It also makes the footwear less shifty, which is great for bouldering and sport climbing.
Comfortable Design
Due to the softness of the upper and sole, this climbing shoe provides enough flex allowing for extended and comfortable wear. You don’t need to take the shoe on and off constantly. Moreover, the flex also makes for good performance over stabbier terrain. Additionally, the comfortable fit assists the shoe from a performance standpoint on vertical terrains.
Pros
- Great fit
- Comfortable design
- Vegan-friendly
- Soft and squishy
- Affordable
Cons
- Not the best option for steep climbs
Verdict
In general, this affordable product from Mad Rock is a wise choice for comfort and longevity, if you are looking for a nice all-day shoe. Coming with a non-aggressive profile, it can even perform well on slab climbs. However, due to the design, this shoe is not an ideal option for steeper climbs, where edging on small holds is required.
Comparison Table of Best Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes
| SN | Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes | Weight (Pounds) | Material | Closure | Downturn |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tenaya Masai Cat Feet Climbing Shoes | 0.75 | Synthetic | Laces | Moderate |
| 2 | La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoe | 1.2 | Synthetic | Laces | Moderate |
| 3 | La Sportiva Men's Miura VS Climbing Shoe | 0.6 | Leather | Velcro Strap | Aggressive |
| 4 | La Sportiva Men's TC Pro Climbing Shoe | 1.14 | Synthetic | Laces | Neutral |
| 5 | Five Ten Men's Anasazi VCS Rock Climbing Shoes | 1.2 | Leather | Velcro Straps | Neutral |
| 6 | BUTORA Unisex Acro Rock/Indoor Climbing Shoes | 1.16 | Soft Synthetic and Natural Leather | Velcro Straps | Aggressive |
| 7 | Scarpa Men's Vapor V Climbing Shoe | 1.09 | Synthetic | Velcro Straps | Moderate |
| 8 | Five Ten Hiangle Men's Climbing Shoes | 0.5 | Leather | Velcro Straps | Aggressive |
| 9 | Red Chili Voltage Climbing Shoes | 1.2 | Synthetic | Velcro Straps | Aggressive |
| 10 | Mad Rock Remora Climbing Shoe | 1.99 | Synthetic | Slipper | Neutral |
Factors to Consider Before Buying Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes
Since you have gone through the detailed feature breakdown of the mentioned intermediate rock climbing shoes, you may have tracked down many common elements. Well, they all are high-performing and comfortable to wear, which as an intermediate climber, is what you want from a pair of climbing shoes.
Now the main concern remains on how to choose the one among them. For that, you need to take note of some buying factors that determine the quality and performance of the product that truly can meet your expectations.
Here are some of the primary considerations that you should look for in your next intermediate rock climbing shoes:
Shape
One of the main factors to look for in your climbing shoes is the shape. Well, it plays a key role in determining whether you can make it or break it on your next rock climbing adventure.
The shoes with downturned toes shapes fit tighter to your feet. If you are looking to do overhanging climbs, the shoes with downturned toe are a wise choice. Similarly, the asymmetry of the shoes is also something you need to consider when looking at which shoe shape you need for your style of climbing.
Weight
Since rock climbing is considered as a tough activity to be part of, it is ideal to consider shoe weight during purchase.
Look for lightweight shoes. Considering this factor makes sure that you won’t have to carry an extra load on your feet when you are up for a tough climb. Note that the thickness of the rubber and the material of the upper contribute to the shoe’s weight.
Fit
It is crucial to note whether the shoes you select fit perfectly or not so that you don’t have to tackle any issues during your climb. You would never want your heel slipping out or rising when moving on the wall in your climbing shoes.
The shoes you select should fit snugly, and should be tight enough that your toes curl down to maximize your grip on the rock. If you are a traditional climber, you will seek for a comfortable pair of shoes that can perform well in cracks and can be worn throughout on multi-pitch climbs. However, as you start climbing steep terrains, you will want the shoes with an even tighter fit.
Stiffness and Stretch
The shoes you select will eventually stretch somewhat over time, depending upon how frequently you use them. Though the synthetic shoes won’t have much stretch, the leather shoes will over time, so you need to plan your purchase accordingly.
Synthetic shoes are stiff compared to the leather ones as the latter tend to be unlined, which allows for a proper stretch.
Rubber
Like many other materials, rubber plays a significant role in the comfort and performance of rock climbing shoes. Mostly, the rubber that sticks well is softer and less durable, whereas the harder rubber scores good points in durability.
The main advantage of using the climbing shoes made of soft rubber is that they offer good friction for smearing and won’t edge as well. However, if you love doing long multi-pitch traditional climbs, a harder and durable rubber sounds the better bet.
Closure
There are three types of shoe closures, and they come with advantages:
1. Laces: They allow for better adjustments but take more time to put on and take off.
2. Velcro: Velcro can be tightened like laces, and it also enables a quick and easy on/off change. It can be convenient on multi-pitch climbs where you can easily open the straps to offer your feet a breather.
3. Slippers: Slippers are easiest to put on or take off and are the most comfortable of the three systems. As they tend to be unlined and basic, they are often used in specialized areas like crack climbing.
Appropriate Downturn
As we have already mentioned while talking about fit, the more aggressive the downturn, the better your climbing shoes perform for steep and overhang terrains. You need to select the rock climbing shoes with an appropriate downturn depending upon the terrains you are planning to explore.
Cost
The products mentioned in this review are not only reasonably priced but also are effective for all types of climbing. Since you are looking for the shoes as an intermediate climber, it is evident that you have to spend some additional bucks for quality and performance.
Durability
Last but not least, durability is another crucial factor to consider before buying intermediate rock climbing shoes. You want your shoes to hold up against all the scraping, dragging, and general wear and tear you will put them through for a long-long time.
Buying a new pair of shoes every time you go on for rock climbing is not convenient at all, is it?
Technical Features of Rock Climbing Shoes
Either you are a beginner, an intermediate, or advanced climber, knowing the technical features of your climbing shoes is crucial. Here are some of the critical technicalities that you should know of:
Outsole: This is the outer layer on the bottom of your shoes, which touches the ground.
Insole: This is the footbed of the climbing shoes where your feet rest.
Rand: This is the layer of rubber wrapping that extends from the toes to the side of the shoe.
Toe Box: This is the entire front section of your climbing shoes.
Heel Cup: It refers to the section where your heel sits in.
Board-Lasted: This is the less sensitive and stiffer shoe that provides more comfort for all-day wear.
Slip-Lasted: These are shoes that are designed for sensitivity.
Asymmetrical: It refers to placing the longest point over the big toe to offer maximum edging.
Downturned: It is the shape of climbing shoes curving down toward the toe for a tighter and aggressive fitting shoe.
Neutral: It refers to the flat bottom shoe providing excellent comfort.
How to Maintain Your Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes?
After you purchase a pair of intermediate rock climbing shoes for your adventure, you need to take proper care of them for two main reasons:
- Trail safety, and
- Personal Hygiene
So what’s the best way to make sure your climbing shoes remain maintained for long-term use?
The best possible answer to this query is cleaning!
You can follow two methods for cleaning your climbing shoes[a] so that they sustain their performance and durability over time. Either you hand wash them, or machine wash them, you should follow the precautions properly so that there is no chance of damage whatsoever.
Steps for Hand Washing Your Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes
- Fill your tub or a large bucket with lukewarm water. Never use hot water as it may soften the rubber or other sole material of your shoes, putting them at risk of easy wear and tear.
- Add some mild detergent to the water so that all the unwanted particles get removed from your shoes easily.
- Use a soft brush to clean dust and debris from every small corner of your shoes.
- Gently scrub the outside part of your shoes, including the upper, the tongue, and the sole.
- Clean the inside of your shoes with the brush or even your fingers.
- Make sure your shoes are free of any dirt and soap by rinsing them thoroughly.
- Air dry your climbing shoes by keeping them away from the direct sunlight.
Steps for Machine Washing Your Intermediate Rock Climbing Shoes
- Set the washing machine in a gentle cycle so that your shoes remain secured from any kind of damage.
- Add some detergent to the wash water to remove the unwanted elements from your climbing shoes.
- Run through the wash cycle to clean the shoes thoroughly.
- Hand dry the shoes to make sure they are not wet.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
When you shop for a pair of rock climbing shoes, you need to make sure that they fit your feet perfectly. While being so, they should not be tight to the point that they hurt your feet and cut off your blood flow.
For the regular ones, the toes should touch the end of the shoes. In case you are getting aggressive shoes, there is the chance that the toes are slightly curled.
Besides, this also depends on the material of the shoes. Synthetic materials won’t stretch much when compared to leather. Therefore, if you are planning to buy leather climbing shoes, you can choose a model that is a bit tighter.
Usually, climbers prefer to wear their climbing shoes without socks as it allows them to feel more of the surface. Without socks, you can feel every bit of the climbing holds for a better experience.
However, if you are planning to rent climbing shoes for your expedition, it is better that you keep the socks on. You wouldn’t want to increase your chances of contracting nail fungus.
When you buy climbing shoes, there is the chance that most of them come stiff out of the box, and breaking them in can be a struggle. If you want to ease the pain, there are few ways you can follow to stretch them. But this is only applicable if you are using leather climbing shoes as synthetic are not stretchable.
If you are looking for a decent stretch, put on your rock climbing shoes and walk into a hot shower. Once the shoes get soaked, get out of the shower and walk around a bit. After a while, take them off and stuff them with some newspaper and leave them to dry.
The longer you use your climbing shoes for rock climbing, the more they are vulnerable to wear out. However, it doesn’t mean that you need to throw your shoes out when they wear out.
Usually, it is the rubber that wears out while the other part of the shoes remains good. It is not a good practice to start climbing on the rand once the sole gets damaged as the rand cannot take similar abuse. That’s why you should think of resoling your shoes when you notice the sole receding.
It depends on the use and how properly you maintain them. Besides, the durability of your rock climbing shoes can be affected by your footwork, the environment, and how much you climb. Typically, you will go through at least one pair a year if you have a habit of climbing rocks regularly.
Conclusion
That’s that! These are some of the best intermediate rock climbing shoes that you can find on the market. They all meet the standards to serve your advanced climbing purposes. Now it’s up to you to choose the one for your needs.
As you make the decision, go through the buying guide carefully, and consider every information that you can. By doing so, you can get the best out of your next climb.
Happy rock climbing!
