19 Indoor Climbing Shoes For Beginners 2024

Finding the best indoor climbing shoes for beginners? You are in the right place for an honest review!

Once a niche sport, climbing is gaining popularity over the years since its Olympic debut. However, despite it being more mainstream, both my peers and I face the same issues in finding the best beginner climbing shoes.

I remembered the first pair I bought online came in one size too tight and I could not tell what I was stepping on other than it felt like broken glass. I had to go through multiple pairs before finding one that fits me like a Cinderella slipper and they do not come cheap!

Hence, getting the right climbing shoes for beginners can be daunting! I do not want you to experience the same mistakes I did and hope that your first pair will be just as snug.

Whether it is finding a beginner rock climbing shoe that suits Asian feet, a more downturned shoe, or a Scarpa review, you will find everything you need here along with a breakdown of the best climbing shoes for beginners.

DISCLOSURE: This article is linked to an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks!

Related Posts:

• What Is A Gumby In Climbing?
• Dictionary of Beginner Climbing Terms

My Top Choice: Best Beginner Climbing Shoes: Butora Endeavor

The Butora Endeavor is an underrated beginner climbing shoe and I can’t recommend it enough as my top choice for the best beginner indoor climbing shoes. This climbing shoe fits like a glove with a true shoe size fitting for a comfortable fit.

It is lined with 100% organic hemp fabric which has antibacterial properties preventing mold and odor so you are not climbing with stinky shoes. The Butora F5 Rubber is a mid-rubber that is super sticky and versatile for all kinds of holds.

Best Indoor Climbing Shoes For Beginners (Performance): Scarpa Veloce

Scarpa Veloce is by far the best climbing shoe for beginners I have ever had and my favorite to date. The soft Scarpa S-72 rubber is great for volume and edging on small crimps.

It also comes with a downturned profile that is accommodative to beginners. The tightness of the shoe may need some time to get used to but once you start climbing, you will appreciate it more than ever for its precision and progress faster in your climbing.

Best Beginner Indoor Climbing Shoes On A Budget: ClimbX Rave

The ClimbX Rave model is the most popular among beginner climbers for its affordability. Focusing on support and comfort, this budget climbing shoe is perfect for climbers looking to transition away from rental shoes and enhancing their climbing footwork on the wall.

Best Beginner Climbing Shoes Comparison Chart

Climbing Shoe	Rubber (Soft/Mid/Hard)	Closure	Upper	Best For…
Scarpa Origin	Scarpa Vision (Mid)	Velcro	Leather	Comfort in and out of the gym
Butora Endeavor	Butora F5 (Mid)	Velcro	Suede/ Leather	Balance between comfort and performance
ClimbX Rave	ClimbX X-Factor Rubber (Mid)	Velcro	Leather	Most Budget-Friendly Indoor Climbing Shoe
Evolv Defy	Trax-SAS (Mid)	Velcro	Synthetic	All-around comfort and performance
Five Ten Anasazi VCS	Stealth C4 (Soft)	Velcro	Synthetic	Intermediate climbing performance with comfort
La Sportiva Tarantulace	FriXion® RS (Hard)	Laced-up	Leather	All-Around Beginner Climbing Shoe
Scarpa Veloce	Scarpa S-72 (Soft)	Velcro	Synthetic	Performance-Driven Beginner Climbers
Black Diamond Momentum	NeoFuse Rubber (Mid)	Velcro	Synthetic	Comfortable Indoor Climbing Shoe
Mad Rock Drifter	Science Friction 3.0 (Mid)	Velcro	Leather	Cheapest Indoor Climbing Shoe
Scarpa Force V	Vibram XS Edge (Mid)	Velcro	Leather	ultimate Scarpa beginner indoor climbing shoe for comfort
Mad Rock Shark 2.0	Science Friction 3.0 (Mid)	Velcro	Syn Flex	Best Vegan-Friendly Climbing Shoe
La Sportiva Mythos	FriXion® Eco (Mid)	Laced-up	Leather	All-day Eco Climbing Shoes
Evolv Kronos	TRAX® SAS (Mid)	Velcro	Synthetic	Beginner Bouldering Shoes
Mad Rock Remora HV Tokyo Edition	Science Friction 3.0 (Mid)	Slip-On	Syn Flex	Sleek and high-performance beginner shoe
Ocun Jett QC	CAT 1.5 (Mid)	Velcro	Microfiber	Vegan Climbing Shoe
Evolv Elektra	TRAX® SAS (Mid)	Velcro	Synthetic	Beginner Climbers With Narrow Feet
La Sportiva Finale	Vibram XS Edge (Mid)	Laced-Up	Leather	Comfortable Laced Climbing Shoes
Simond Rock+ Climbing Shoes	Vibram XS Grip (Soft)	Velcro	Synthetic	Cheap Climbing Shoes
Saltic Spirit	EXTASY (Hard)	Laced-Up	Microfiber	Very Durable Climbing Shoes

1. Scarpa Origin

Scarpa Origin is the brand’s model shoe for comfort. These Scarpa beginner climbing shoes come with a thick outsole at 5 mm with a flat profile that is designed to support any first-timers on the indoor gym climbing wall.

The straps have just the right tightness to create a snug fit for your feet along with a padded tongue for extra comfort. In addition, the thick Vision rubber makes it durable against any wall scraping, although it isn’t the stickiest especially with toe hook holds.

For Scarpa’s craftsmanship, we do think that this is one of the best indoor rock climbing shoes for beginners to get.

Pros:

• Feels snug especially with a half-a-size down
• Shoes are easier to break in so you will feel comfortable in and out of the gym

Cons:

• Slightly pricey for a beginner climbing shoe
• Rubber sole does not feel as sticky on the wall
• Lackluster design

2. Butora Endeavor

One of the most underrated brands in the market, Butora climbing shoes are versatile indoor climbing shoes that do well both in bouldering and indoor climbing.

They definitely have a wide range of climbers in mind, designing a variety of shoe types that are either gender-based or for wide feet.

Unlike most leather shoes, the Butora has a hemp lining that prevents shoes from overstretching, retaining the shoe’s pristine shape. Also with the hemp fabric, you will get zero ODOR from these shoes in comparison to many other climbing shoes.

Pros:

• Slight downturned shoe for better precision
• Butora F5 Rubber is great for smearing
• Versatile shoe designs for any type of climber’s feet
• Eliminates typical shoe odor due to hemp fabric
  

Cons:

• Climbing shoe size is not always true to the size
  
  

3. ClimbX Rave

ClimbX models tend to be less expensive but that is not the only reason why it is so popular. One of the best climbing shoes under $100, ClimbX Rave works great for climbers wanting comfort along with performance.

Some climbers have used this pair on V7 bouldering routes so I can dare say that it is effective.

Despite its flat profile, it comes with the X-factor rubber that provides enough durability and stiffness to edge on small holds. These shoes are a great introductory pair but do note that it expands over time, losing their tight fit.

Pros:

• the best introductory climbing shoe with mid-performance and comfort
• value for money for its price
• versatile on all climbing walls, outdoor and indoor
  

Cons:

• expands quickly over time (6 months or so if you climb regularly)
• rubber may wear out faster than others
  

4. Evolv Defy

The Evolv Defy falls under the popular range of affordable climbing shoes in the market and can be compared to the Black Diamond Momentum for its comfort and performance.

These indoor climbing shoes for beginners come with a mid-TRAX-SAS rubber that is on the softer side, offering good smearing on the wall, although they do wear out fast.

This shoe size runs small, and is much narrower in the front, curling up your toes (this is completely normal). Once you get the hang of it, you will fall in love with its overall performance and potentially buy another pair.

Pros:

• suitable for wide feet
• softer rubber for good smearing action
• great for heel hook routes
• very value-for-money
  

Cons:

• climbing shoe size runs smaller than street shoe size
• may expand over time

5. Five Ten Anasazi VCS

Not to be confused with the Five Ten NIAD VCS in a similar desert color, the Five Ten Anasazi VCS is a well-designed and value-for-money climbing shoe that has attracted both advanced and beginner climbers alike.

It is a great training pair to send most indoor climbing routes with its soft C4 rubber and tight velcro straps.

When it comes to technical climbing, the Anasazi VCS does well in all movements except toe-hooks due to the lack of top rubber. But if you are just generally top-roping or on the lead wall, these shoes work perfectly.

Pros:

• affordable indoor climbing shoe under $100
• soft rubber that works well with edging and smearing
• best climbing shoes for beginner and intermediate climbers
  

Cons:

• not great for toe-hooking
• synthetic fabric attracts odor
  

6. La Sportiva Tarantulace

These are THE La Sportiva beginner climbing shoes that everyone is talking about. Aside from its low price for such a formidable brand, it feels like second skin even with a 5 mm thick Frixion RS rubber (this is on the stiffer side). It is also considered one of the best all-around climbing shoes to date.

This is a well-balanced beginner climbing shoe for beginners who are looking for flexibility and comfort with its unlined leather upper.

The flexibility comes from its LaspoFlex midsole, allowing your feet to rest on volumes without slipping off. Personally, I am not a fan of the color and the lace, but if you prefer something that edges out from the crowd, the La Sportiva Tarantulace is your definite pick.

Pros:

• A great laced-up beginner indoor climbing shoe from a good brand
• flexible midsole to move delicately on the walls
• Unlined leather upper for soft comfort

Cons:

• sizing can be inconsistent (some climbers size up and size down)
• the color isn’t for everyone

7. Scarpa Veloce

This Scarpa indoor climbing shoe may seem intimidating at first to beginner climbers with its slightly aggressive profile. However, once you put it on, you will be amazed by its incredible sensitivity on the wall. It is as close as you can get to a rubber sock when climbing.

I wore this on my 4th month of climbing and found my climbing form improved with this soft rubber shoe and helped with intermediate climbing techniques like toe-hooking and smearing and it definitely this climbing shoe feel like a high-performance shoe.

The shoe is more of a slip-on with added security with its single Z-strap keeping it tight to your feet.

There is a Scarpa Veloce men’s and women’s version, where the Scarpa Veloce women’s shoes are much narrower at the forefoot, giving it better precision. If you have bad footwork, this is not the shoe for you as the rubber does wear off fast.

Pros:

• high sensitivity on the wall for smearing and toe-hooking
• easy to wear with a single strap
• gets more comfortable over time

Cons:

• Slightly roomy for heel hooks but does not dampen performance
• May not be suitable for wide feet due to its narrower profile

8. Black Diamond Momentum

Black Diamond didn’t start out as a climbing shoe brand, they were more well known for their entry-level climbing gear. The Black Diamond Momentum was the brand’s first product from the climbing shoe category.

Prioritizing comfort for beginners with its flat base, this is a shoe that you can keep on for the entire session and it still will not hurt.

This shoe stands out for its distinctive upper knit fabric that increases breathability in your feet. It is especially great for climbers who are concerned about trapping sweat and odor in this tight-knit shoe.

The NeoFuse rubber also has just the right flexibility for easy to intermediate routes in the indoor gym or on the outdoor rocks, making this one of the best indoor rock climbing shoes for beginners.

Do note that these shoes run small, so you will have to go one size up.

Pros:

• Flat sole that is molded well for exceptional comfort on and off the wall
• Value for money for the brand
• High-quality, sticky, and, durable NeoFuse rubber for an entry-level shoe
• A versatile shoe with a wide range of gender and age-specific shoe designs for kids, women’s and men’s with a laced-up option as well

Cons:

• Narrow-fitting shoe that is not suitable for wide-feet climbers
• Upper knit does not look as durable but does not dampen performance (and feet)

Wondering what’s a comfortable fit for beginner rock climbers? Find out my take on the right attire for indoor rock climbing here!

9. Mad Rock Drifter

The Mad Rock Drifter is a close 2nd place to the ClimbX Rave climbing shoes for the Best Beginner Indoor Climbing Shoes On A Budget. Aside from their similar designs, they are the cheapest pair on this list and are a popular favorite.

Many beginner and intermediate climbers found the Drifter as a mid-performance shoe despite being relatively flat. If you like a sensitive climbing shoe, then go for the Mad Rock Drifter!

Pros:

• Great for edging on small holds
• Suitable for wide-feet climbers who prefer comfort
• A budget climbing shoe that is value for money for the shoe performance
  

Cons:

• Rubber may wear out quickly if you climb frequently daily
• Climbing shoe size not always true to size

10. Scarpa Force V

The Scarpa Force V is the brand’s upgraded version of the Force X with a less aggressive profile and softer rubber. The Vibram XS Edge rubber is around 3.5 to 4 mm, which is more on the softer side for greater sensitivity on the wall.

You can tell it is built for comfort once you slip your feet in. It is padded all around with a rounder toe box, which is rare since most climbing shoes are asymmetrical to drive focus to the big toe. It is mostly true to size, although some climbers felt that the sizing runs small.

Pros:

• improved look and functionality that works well on indoor walls
• internal all-around padding for comfort
• rounder toe box

Cons:

• slightly expensive for a beginner climbing shoe
• inconsistent climbing shoe sizing

11. Mad Rock Shark 2.0

Yet another pair of vegan rock climbing shoes, Mad Rock has upgraded their most beloved pair with better features (I currently use their older version so I am pretty stoked with this model).

The Science Friction rubber has mid-stiffness but is harder at the toes to edge on the walls, although it requires some precision to stay on the wall. It is almost enveloped with rubber both at the top and bottom section, shaping your toes to stay curled in this moderately aggressive shoe.

The design is quite sleek, with a narrower toe box, and wider sides. This shoe may not be for everyone, but it is a great start for beginners exploring technical climbing with this indoor climbing shoes for beginners under $100.

Pros:

• Moderately aggressive shoe at a low price
• Encased rubber that is good for toe hooks and edging
• sleek design that is suitable for narrow feet
• vegan-friendly climbing shoe
  

Cons:

• single strap is not as tight-fitting, but the tongue is less elastic for a snug fit

12. La Sportiva Mythos

If you are looking for a sustainable climbing shoe, then look no further than the La Sportiva Mythos. Using recycled material and eco-biodegradable leather, this Mythos eco shoe still maintains its performance as an all-around climbing shoe, whether indoors or on trad routes.

These shoes are much softer and more accommodating, making them roomier for climbers when scaling the walls. You can probably walk in them! However, that makes sizing slightly difficult as the leather can stretch quite a bit.

Pros:

• eco indoor climbing shoes for beginners
• established shoe model and one of the oldest in the market
• super soft and comfortable fit

Cons:

• sizing can vary for different climbers

13. Evolv Kronos

The Evolv Kronos is the men’s version of the brand’s beginner indoor climbing shoe with a better performance profile. It may seem flat at first but as soon as you climb with it but you will notice the slight downturn profile for more precision.

It also has a variable thickness rand, with more rubber at the toe and a larger surface area of rubber at the top that is useful for toe hooks.

I like the single buckle strap (similar to the Scarpa Veloce) which makes it convenient to remove, tighten, and put on the shoes. The Evolv tends to sell itself more as a bouldering shoe brand, but it works great on outdoor and indoor sports routes.

Overall it is a great climbing shoe that is worth the price. Do note that this climbing shoe runs small.

Pros:

• one of the best indoor bouldering shoes for beginners
• convenient single buckle strap to tighten the shoes
• Variable thickness rand for lasting rubber and durability

Cons:

• can be slightly above budget for newbie climbers
• synthetic upper attracts odor
• climbing shoe size can be inconsistent
  

14. Mad Rock Remora HV Tokyo Edition Performance Rock Climbing Shoe

Dislike the idea of straps and laces but want something just as snug for your climbing shoes?

These vegan climbing shoes will chase the blues away with a slip-on shoe that gives you the precision and technique for your indoor climbing performance. Mad Rock released an all-black Tokyo edition to commemorate the sport’s debut in the Olympics.

Not going to lie, it is one of the best designs I have seen in a climbing pair, especially after eliminating the straps. It is also slightly downturned with a solid upper, perfect for toe-hooking those nasty hold making this the best indoor bouldering shoes for beginners.

With such an affordable price range, give it a go and be a product of envy among your climber friends!

Pros:

• Sleek all-black design to look sharp on the walls
• vegan-friendly indoor climbing shoe
• suitable for wide feet climbers and feels roomy for others
• durable Science Friction rubber that works well with toe hooks

Cons:

• non-adjustable but it feels super snug!

15. Ocun Jett QC

This Czech brand is another underrated climbing shoe manufacturer that has a vegan-friendly microfiber upper. When it comes to performance, the Ocun Jett QC delivers with its moderate aggressive downturn and impeccable grip.

If you can only afford one climbing pair to use for your entire climbing journey, get this pair for its great features and high-quality performance.

Pros:

• Great for overhang, indoor sports routes
• High-quality and vegan-friendly climbing material
• Great rubber grip for edging and smearing
• Value for money

Cons:

• Rubber may not last long with frequent usage

16. Evolv Elektra

The Evolv Elektra has a new look: you can choose between a dark maroon or turquoise shade. Both are equally pretty, which is why it is the top choice for Evolv’s best women indoor climbing shoe under $100.

One thing that is unique about the Elektra is the Variable Thickness Rand where they have made some parts of the shoe thicker than the rest (especially the big toe area). The fit of this shoe can be easily compared to Five Ten’s Anasazi models and the Simond Rock+ shoe with its slightly flat profile.

Pros:

• vegan-friendly climbing shoe
• durable rubber especially at the toe area with their Variable Thickness Rand
• value for money for the comfort and look
  

Cons:

• climbing shoe sizing runs small
• less sensitive at first at the toe area but gets better over time
  

17. La Sportiva Finale

The La Sportiva Finale is a versatile pair of beginner rock climbing shoes that is great for wide feet due to its accommodating leather and laced profile. It has an unlined leather upper that utilizes an ecological tanning process so it is metal-free and biodegradable.

The mesh tongue on the top is padder, giving the ultimate comfort when you climb. The heel does take time to break in, although this will soften over time. Most of their climbing shoe size runs true to size, although some customers found that it may sometimes run small.

Pros:

• Popular indoor climbing shoes for beginners with outstanding traction so you can grip on the walls
• Unlined leather upper for great comfort

Cons:

• Climbing shoe size isn’t consistent

18. Simond Rock+ Climbing Shoes

Also known as Decathlon bouldering shoes to some, it is my favorite beginner pair and I have been using it for over 3 years! Do not assume that Decathlon climbing shoes aren’t great, these beginner bouldering shoes are so durable that it can last through any terrible footwork.

It is also one of the more affordable climbing shoes in the market so if you are still debating if climbing is for you and you are on a tight budget, these Simond climbing shoes are the perfect indoor climbing shoes for beginners to get.

Pros:

• High-quality Vibram XS Grip soft rubber sole that shapes according to your feet for the perfect smearing
• Spacious shoe that is suitable for wide feet
• Value for money for its long-lasting quality
• Super comfortable shoe that you can even wear after your climb (not recommended)
• Unisex rock climbing shoes for beginners

Cons:

• Not great for toe hooks due to less rubber on the top of the shoe
• May get sweaty feet due to poor shoe ventilation

Underrated Czech Republic brand Saltic has some of the best beginner climbing shoes with its ultra-thick 5.5 mm rubber for long-lasting durability. In comparison, most climbing shoes will have a thickness between 4 to 5 mm. It also comes with a laced-up with a microfiber upper that molds well according to your feet.

The downside to these Saltic climbing shoes is that it expands over time, losing its shape. It will almost feel as comfortable as a street shoe! Our local climbing gym uses Saltic shoes as rentals and they are doing immensely well, lasting throughout the years.

Pros:

• Long-lasting durability with its 5.5 mm thick rubber
• Laced-up profile that can cater to wide and narrow feet

Cons:

• Shoe will lose its shape over time

FAQ

When Should I Buy Climbing Shoes?

You should get your own climbing shoes after a few sessions when you feel like a new shoe will be worth it. If you are climbing almost once a week and dislike sharing worn-out climbing rental shoes, it is definitely the time to get a pair of your own.

How Do I Choose Beginner Climbing Shoes?

Your beginner climber shoes should look like the following: thick rubber soles, neutral shoe type, and fits snugly without pain. You can look for climbing shoes that are laced (to adjust to the width of your leg), lined leather uppers (for stability, breathability and prevent unwanted stretching), and thick rand and sole.

When you are working on your footwork, you will tend to wear out your rubber soles quicker and having thick rubber soles will help your shoe last longer. Thick rubber soles are around 4 – 5.5 m and provide better support for your feet as well. Neutral shoes are similar to walking street shoes so your toes are flat instead of curled.

And most importantly, you do not want to feel like you have stabbed a toe when you are on the wall so if you find it too painful, get another size.

Do You Wear Socks With Rock Climbing Shoes?

For some climbers, socks can reduce chafing. You may have bought a shoe that is constantly rubbing into certain areas, cutting into your skin. Having an additional layer like a thin pair of socks may help and also break in your shoes. This did happen to me,

I once had a new pair that kept cutting into the back of my feet and no band-aid was enough until I wore socks! My feet are better now.

How Stiff Should Beginner Climbing Shoes Be?

A beginner climbing shoe normally has medium-to-hard stiff midsoles to offer better support and durability. Your first climbing shoes have to be tighter than your normal street shoes but not painful to the point that it hurts to even step with them.

Can I Use Running Shoes For Climbing?

No, running shoes do not have the same durability and stickiness as climbing shoe rubber and will not grip the walls well. You can climb easy grades between 5.2 to 5.7 (1 to 5 b) using running shoes but anything with a higher grade will be a slippery slope on running shoes.

How Should Beginner Climbing Shoes Feel?

Your beginner climbing shoes should feel snug, like a firm handshake or a rubber sock but not a painful squeeze to the point where your toes hurt when you step on each climbing hold. Think of your shoes as ballet flats on the wall where you want comfort and precision.

How Much Should You Spend On First Climbing Shoes?

For beginner climbers, your entry-level climbing shoes will cost under $ 100. Higher-performance pairs will cost between $100 to $ 300. I recommend going for an entry-level pair first to develop your footwork. You don’t want to be creating a hole so soon in your climbing shoes!

When Should I Move On From Beginner Climbing Shoes?

You should consider upgrading your beginner climbing shoes when the rubber of your current shoe rubber runs thin. A pair of climbing shoes can last an average of 9 months if you are climbing at least twice a week with average footwork. Most importantly, make sure your footwork has improved before your next purchase or you will risk wearing out the climbing shoe rubber even faster.

What’s The Difference Between La Sportiva Tarantula And Tarantulace?

The La Sportiva Tarantula has a velcro closure strap whereas the Tarantulace is a laced-up version of the Tarantula. Both shoes have the same comfortable features for all-day climbing outdoors and indoors with a rounded toe coverage and flat downturns.

What Is Similar To The La Sportiva Tarantula?

The Five Ten Kirigami comes close if you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the La Sportiva Tarantula. Both have medium stiff rubber soles with some extended toe coverage for beginner climbers with wide feet.

Conclusion

We hope that this comprehensive guide of indoor climbing shoes for beginners will guide you in your decision for your next purchase. Each pair has its own uniqueness and functionality so I will not be surprised if you end up buying more than 1 pair from this list.

Are there other beginner indoor climbing shoes that you will like to recommend? Let me know!