5 Best Climbing Shoes for Beginners Starting Their Journey
Photo by Chaewul Kim on Unsplash
Finding your first pair of climbing shoes shouldn't feel like solving a complex puzzle. Yet with hundreds of options featuring terms like "asymmetrical profile" and "aggressive downturn," many beginners feel overwhelmed before they even touch the wall.
Let's cut through the confusion. Your first climbing shoes need to be comfortable enough that you'll want to keep climbing, supportive enough to help you progress, and durable enough to withstand beginner footwork (we all scrape our toes at first!).
What Makes a Great Beginner Climbing Shoe?
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's understand what features benefit those just starting their climbing journey:
Key Features for Beginner Shoes
Neutral profile - Flat sole that allows all-day comfort
Balanced stiffness - Supportive without being too rigid or too soft
Durable rubber - Thicker soles that last through learning phases
Simple closure system - Velcro straps or laces that are easy to adjust
Comfortable fit - Snug but not painfully tight
Fit Guidelines for New Climbers
The perfect beginner shoe should:
Feel snug without causing pain
Have your toes flat or slightly curled (not scrunched)
Allow you to wear them for at least 30-60 minutes
Have minimal dead space or air pockets
Now, let's explore our top picks for beginner climbing shoes that balance comfort, performance, and value.
1. La Sportiva Tarantulace: The All-Around Workhorse
Price Range: $85-100
The Tarantulace has introduced countless climbers to the sport, and for good reason. This lace-up shoe offers a balanced combination of comfort and performance that works in virtually any climbing environment.
What We Love
Unlined leather upper gradually molds to your foot
Rounded, symmetric toe is comfortable for beginners
FriXion RS rubber provides good grip while lasting longer than softer compounds
Excellent versatility for both gym and outdoor climbing
Consider Before Buying
Laces take longer to put on/take off compared to Velcro
Leather upper will stretch approximately half a size with use
Not specialized for any particular climbing style
Perfect for: The all-around beginner who wants one shoe for everything from gym bouldering to outdoor sport climbing.
2. Scarpa Origin: The Comfort Champion
Price Range: $95-110
Scarpa designed the Origin specifically with beginners in mind, creating a shoe that's genuinely comfortable without sacrificing too much performance.
What We Love
Vision rubber provides excellent durability
Padded tongue enhances comfort during long sessions
Flat profile allows for all-day wear
Velcro closure makes for quick on/off transitions
Consider Before Buying
Slightly less sensitivity than some alternatives
Synthetic upper doesn't conform to foot as much as leather
Roomier toe box (good for comfort, less ideal for precise pockets)
Perfect for: Climbers with wider feet or those prioritizing comfort during longer gym sessions.
3. Black Diamond Momentum: The Breathable Option
Price Range: $90-105
A relatively new player in the climbing shoe market, Black Diamond created the Momentum with engineered knit technology that provides exceptional breathability—a game-changer for sweaty gym sessions.
What We Love
Knit upper allows feet to breathe better than leather or synthetic competitors
Neutral, flat last works well for beginner foot positioning
Rubber is molded (not cut), reducing waste and creating consistent thickness
Available in both Velcro and lace-up versions
Consider Before Buying
Less stretch than leather options
Medium-stiff midsole may feel board-like to some
Knit upper provides less structure than traditional materials
Perfect for: Hot climate climbers, those with sweaty feet, or climbers primarily focused on gym climbing.
4. Butora Endeavor: The Wide/Narrow Foot Solution
Price Range: $100-115
Butora solved a common beginner problem by offering the Endeavor in both wide and narrow models, helping climbers find their perfect fit regardless of foot shape.
What We Love
Available in distinct wide (orange) and narrow (moss) models
Organic hemp lining minimizes odor
Butyl Butora F5 rubber strikes a good balance between grip and durability
Padding in key areas enhances comfort without creating pressure points
Consider Before Buying
Slightly higher price point than some beginner options
Stretch is minimal, so size accordingly
Power strap may feel bulky to some climbers
Perfect for: Climbers with particularly wide or narrow feet who struggle with standard sizing.
5. Evolv Defy (Men's)/Evolv Elektra (Women's): The Budget-Friendly Pick
Price Range: $75-90
Evolv created true beginner-specific models with the Defy and Elektra, offering an accessible price point without compromising essential features.
What We Love
Most affordable quality option on the market
Synthetic upper maintains its shape and size over time
Anti-microbial mesh lining helps control odor
Asymmetric toe profile introduces beginners to more technical shoe shapes
Consider Before Buying
TRAX rubber is slightly less sticky than premium compounds
Velcro straps may wear out faster than other closure systems
Runs small compared to street shoe size
Perfect for: Budget-conscious beginners or those unsure about their commitment to climbing long-term.
How to Choose Between These Great Options
Still unsure which shoe is right for you? Consider these decision factors:
Foot Shape Considerations
Wide feet: Butora Endeavor Wide (orange) or Scarpa Origin
Narrow feet: Butora Endeavor Narrow (moss) or La Sportiva Tarantulace
Average width: Any on this list, with the Black Diamond Momentum offering the most neutral fit
Climbing Style Focus
Primarily bouldering: Black Diamond Momentum or Evolv Defy/Elektra
Primarily top rope/sport: La Sportiva Tarantulace or Scarpa Origin
Mixed climbing: Butora Endeavor offers the best versatility
Closure Preference
Quick on/off for gym sessions: Any Velcro option (Momentum, Origin, Endeavor)
Precise fit adjustability: Lace options (Tarantulace or Momentum lace)
Breaking In Your First Climbing Shoes
Once you've selected your perfect beginner shoe, here are some tips for the break-in period:
Start with short sessions - Wear them for 30-45 minutes at first
Expect some discomfort but not pain - Your feet need to adjust
Remove shoes between climbs at first to give your feet breaks
Don't wear socks unless the shoe is specifically designed for it
When to Consider an Upgrade
Most beginners will climb in their first pair of shoes for at least 6-12 months before needing to consider an upgrade. Signs it might be time for a new pair:
Visible holes in the rubber
Significant decrease in stickiness
Your climbing ability has progressed to routes where more technical shoes would help
Your understanding of foot placement has improved enough to benefit from a more specialized shoe
Finding Your Perfect Climbing Partner
Your first climbing shoes are like your initial partner in this vertical journey – supportive, forgiving of mistakes, and helping you build confidence with every step.
Remember that even the most advanced climbers started with beginner shoes. Focus on developing good technique and footwork rather than assuming more expensive or technical shoes will instantly improve your climbing.
Happy climbing!