![]() ![]() The Instinct VS is a relatively new shoe from Scarpa that quickly has grown in popularity. What we don’t: Some will want a softer shoe. What we like: A bouldering slipper that provides amazing support. See the Men's La Sportiva Tarantulace See the Women's La Sportiva Tarantulaceīest Bouldering Shoe 3. For a more comprehensive list of recommendations, check out our article on the best climbing shoes for beginners. All gripes aside, those looking within the budget category simply won’t find a better deal (La Sportiva also makes the velcro Tarantula, which retails for $99). In our experience, we’ve found the Tarantulace to be fairly stiff and insensitive-along with its roomy build, this makes it a great shoe for all-day comfort (think moderate multi-pitch routes or long gym sessions) but not ideal for steep or particularly technical climbing. That said, if you’re a quick learner, a strong athlete, or primarily interested in bouldering, it might be worth starting with a more purpose-built design. Most beginner climbers won’t yet be too picky about their climbing shoes, prioritizing factors like durability and comfort over performance. In short, it’s for good reason that we see the Tarantulace at the gym and the crag more than almost any other shoe. We won’t beat around the bush-our favorite thing about this shoe is price: In an era when climbing shoes have risen to over $200 a pop, the Tarantulace has kept costs low with its $89 MSRP. But it still checks all the boxes for most casual climbers, with an unlined leather upper that will conform to your feet over time, a flat last and roomy toe box for excellent comfort, and a sticky yet durable FriXion RS rubber sole. Whether you’re a new climber or looking for an inexpensive shoe to thrash in the gym, it doesn’t get any better than the La Sportiva Tarantulace. What we don't: Not a high-performance shoe. What we like: A durable and comfortable shoe for just $89. See the Men's La Sportiva Katana Lace See the Women's La Sportiva Katana Laceīest Budget/Beginner Climbing Shoe 2. The updates are accompanied by an eye-catching price tag-at $219, the Katana is one of the priciest shoes here-but it's hard to argue with this much versatility and performance, both for new and seasoned climbers alike. Both models feature an updated heel for better hooking performance, which really boosts the Katana’s all-rounder prowess (although neither is ideal for dedicated boulderers). On the other hand, the white version was built with a split last and softer XS Grip 2 rubber, resulting in a more sensitive and flexible feel. The yellow Katana is similar to the outgoing design, featuring a full last and stiff yet sticky Vibram XS Edge rubber that work together to provide a powerful edging platform. The Katana Lace was updated last year, with the big news being the release of two models: a yellow version and a white version. ![]() And unlike many sport climbing and bouldering shoes, the Katana’s moderate downturn and wide toe box are a great match for wide feet or climbers who aren’t sold on a more aggressive design. Worn tightly, the Katana’s edging prowess is on par with the likes of the Otaki below. Sized up and worn in, you get a comfortable all-day shoe with much more precision than a flat design like the TC Pro (a liner at both the heel and toe boosts comfort and breathability, too). What stands out most about the Katana is its ability to do almost everything well-crack climbing, smearing, technical face, slab, pockets, you name it. Of all the shoes in our quiver, the Katana Lace is the one we reach for most, whether we’re sport climbing at Smith Rock, multi-pitch climbing in Red Rock’s canyons, or ascending finger cracks at the Creek. What we don’t: Expensive most boulderers will want a softer shoe. What we like: Versatile yet high-performance available in two versions. Best Competition Climbing Shoe: Scarpa Dragoīest All-Around Climbing Shoe 1.Best Shoe for Granite and Crack Climbing: La Sportiva TC Pro.Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Instinct VS.Best Budget/Beginner Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva Tarantulace.Best All-Around Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva Katana Lace.And if you’re just getting into the sport, check out our list of the best rock climbing shoes for beginners. For more information, see our comparison table and buying advice below. Below we break down the best rock climbing shoes of 2023. Whether you’re looking for an aggressively downturned shoe for hooking your way up boulder problems, a precise edging model for long limestone sport routes, or a comfortable kick for all-day granite ascents, we’ve got you covered. The good news for climbers is that there are more styles and quality designs to choose from than ever before. We love rock climbing shoes, and we bet you do too. ![]()
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