Slab climbing shoes Shoe Type: Aggressive Upper: Synthetic leather Rubber: Vibram XS Edge rubber Good for: Bouldering, comfort, slabs, overhangs, heel hooking Bad for: Heat, breaking in period, thick rand As an all round climbing shoe, the Scarpa Instinct VS is good alternative to the Muira. You may face a variety of footholds as you climb a thin face up into a steep roof, or top out a steep boulder onto a techy slab. May 30, 2024 · When navigating challenging slab climbs, having the right footwear is crucial for optimal performance and safety. Jul 17, 2021 · Rock climbing smearing essentials. If you want a shoe that can crush the long approach and style the easy approach pitches, then the Mescalito Planet is perfect for you. Here's everything you need to know about outdoor climbing shoes. . The Theory modifies this concept and instead asks the climber to stand against the tension of the foot. The Katana Lace, despite its downturn shape, is a comfortable all-day climbing workhorse that performs well on slabs and can easily twist into thin cracks but excels outside on steep single or multi-pitch routes. Remember, the right shoe is essential for performance and comfort. This design allows climbers to generate maximum friction on holds, crucial for executing Understanding climbing shoe rubber and its impact on performance is essential for choosing the right shoe. Dec 1, 2023 · Sensitive Feel: Shoes with a sensitive feel enable you to detect even the slightest irregularities on the rock, helping you maintain balance. I think there are great shoes that are decent all around, but if you find yourself living somewhere where it’s only super steep climbing, tc pros probably arent your best bet - for example. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the best climbing shoes for slab, meticulously curated to enhance your grip and stability on those smooth, low-angle surfaces. In this article, we'll discuss the differences between them, when to use each one, and why having multiple types of climbing shoes can be beneficial for rock climbers. Get the best deal on climbing shoes but make sure that Hey everyone. Learn how to select the ideal climbing shoes for your foot shape, climbing style, and experience level. The featured reviews and insightful buying suggestions will equip you with the knowledge needed to make an informed Jul 24, 2021 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Jul 5, 2023 · Slab While not designed to be a slab climbing shoe, the Solution performs reasonably well on low-angle terrain. Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. PROS Comfortable Well priced Suit a variety of foot shapes CONS Can … Nov 25, 2019 · Whether you're bouldering, sport climbing, or jamming splitters, choosing the right shoes is about more than fit. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! 2 days ago · Discover what is a slab in rock climbing and learn how this unique technique challenges your balance and precision on less-than-vertical rock faces. Zach breaks down his top climbing shoe picks for 2025—from beginner-friendly all-day options to aggressive, competition-ready models. I do some lead climbing, but the majority of my climbing is bouldering in the gym, due to convenience. Jun 8, 2022 · Toe strength isn’t just handy for slab climbing—we need it and calf strength for holding kneebars, molding to dishes, and more. May 5, 2025 · Whether you’re a beginner navigating granite slabs or an experienced climber tackling bold pitches, having the best slab climbing shoes is essential for safety and success. Enhance your climbing with the perfect fit for grip and comfort. Jul 16, 2020 · Alpinist Digital Editor Derek Franz has been using the slightly redesigned La Sportiva Testarossa climbing shoes for the past several months and discovered what he's been missing in his collection. La sportiva solution and butora gomis are my go to right now. The toe box is rounded and focuses all the shoe’s power at the tip of your big toe. It’s the shoe I wear most because, in my opinion, it’s the perfect bouldering shoe! Don’t get me wrong, there are Nov 19, 2025 · We've tested a bunch of shoes to find the best climbing shoes for you. This one-by-one testing approach helped us remove the shoes that looked Jan 11, 2022 · Designed and marketed as trad climbing shoes equally at home on slabs and cracks, the flat-lasted Aspects are an excellent choice for those who may not need the elite technical performance and matching price tag of La Sportiva TC Pros. Stick with a flat shoe for slab climbing, as this will allow you to get more rubber in contact with the rock when smearing. I get it now!" Five stars. Featuring top brands like Scarpa, La Sportiva, and Butora, and tested right here in Toledo’s own Adventus Climbing Gym. Aug 30, 2023 · With so many rock climbing shoes on the market it can be hard to pick, but here is a round up of some of the best rock climbing shoes. These are the best models. Finding best slab climbing shoes can significantly enhance performance and safety, allowing climbers to tackle challenging routes with confidence. Jun 3, 2025 · In conclusion, choosing the best climbing shoes for slab climbing requires careful consideration of the type of climbing, fit, and features of the shoes. We climbed in them on slabs, vertical routes, overhangs, and cracks to understand how each shoe behaved under pressure. Getting the size right is crucial, while there are more aggressive climbing shoes out there for hard sport projects and I prefer aggressive shoes even on face or slab climbing, but it's way more of a comfort preference. Also surprisingly durable for a high performance shoe, lasted 8 months before I resoled them could have probably pushed it another month or 2. Jan 22, 2024 · When you are standing on that polished hold on the sketchy slab route or the tiny crystal on your project the right pair of climbing shoes can make all the difference. However, the views of the Skunk Canyon ridges are sublime from the northeast ridge of the Front Porch. What is the Best Climbing Shoes for Slab Climbing in 2024? Here's a list of the Top 6 slab climbing shoes based on our experiences and expertise. Jan 25, 2022 · Discover the key differences between aggressive and flat climbing shoes, including their advantages and disadvantages, and find out which type is best suited for your climbing style. Here's everything you need to know about slab climbing shoes. Based in Southern California. What is smearing, when to do it, how to get better at it, advanced techniques and the best shoes for it! 5 days ago · Modern climbing, primarily on boulders and bolted sport climbs, is often characterized by steep and gymnastic movement. We looked closely at the fit, heel shape, rubber quality, and toe strength. I climb a little bit of everything, but I love slab, and end up spending probably 75 percent of my sessions on vertical or slab walls. Learn what features matter, avoid common mistakes, and explore top models from Tenaya, So iLL, and Evolv. Check our Size Guide and find inspiration from Team Evolv. This comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision on your next pair of climbing shoes. Jun 15, 2023 · The shoe doesn’t make the climber…but shoe choice still matters. 5 days ago · Our testing was slow and detailed. My feet would be on fire and my performance suffered, until one day I had the epiphany: There are other high-performance styles of rock shoes. Illinois (Ancestral lands of Quapaw, Osage, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Kickapoo, Kaskaskia, and Myaamia peoples) Mar 10, 2020 · So there I was, climbing delicate slab, learning how to crack climb, and multi-pitching in a stiff soled, Captain Hook-looking shoe. That means no one shoe’s best for bouldering in all conditions. Nov 14, 2024 · We tested and reviewed the best women's climbing shoes of 2025, including picks from La Sportiva, SCARPA, and more. Match your climbing shoes to the terrain you’re on so that you can make the most of your efforts. Whether you prefer high-tops for added support or lightweight options for flexibility, there's something for everyone. Dec 19, 2023 · The rubber on these shoes isn't as sticky as other rubber we've tested. Different shoe models do work better or worse on certain kinds of climbs, and some climbers find that some climbs are only possible for them in certain kinds of shoes. The shoes listed above are some of the best options available in 2025, each offering unique features tailored to enhance your climbing experience. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 60+ climbing shoes. Independent climbing shoe reviews by real outdoors people. If you learn a few tricks, you’ll find yourself much better equipped to take on big days out on friction slab or that weird slopey problem at the gym. Blending edging power, precision, and comfort into one versatile package, it's well-suited for any type of roped climbing. May 10, 2023 · This post dives into the concept of downturn in climbing shoes to give you insight in to what it means, where it matters, and how it affects climbing. Climbing shoe reviews (Tenaya Indalo, Iati, Butora Senegi and Gomi) I've been climbing indoors for roughly 1. Grip and Durability The Vibram XS Edge rubber is Outdoors, there are certainly shoes that are better suited for certain types of climbing ie stiffer shoes for slab, softer shoes for steep. Flat, symmetric shoes offer support and weight distribution across all the toes to maximize grip. Every shoe was worn for several climbing sessions and compared side by side with others. Explore our range of leather, synthetic, and vegan options, designed for indoor and outdoor climbing, sport climbing, and bouldering. Jun 14, 2020 · We asked women rock climbers which shoes they think are the best for climbing. I’m looking for shoes that can handle very rough granite. He writes, "I only recently came to realize why so many of my climbing partners have been rocking the La Sportiva Testarossa for the last 17 years. Learn how to choose and fit rock climbing shoes, including information on types of rock climbing shoes, features and fit tips. Here are our in-depth reviews! Slab climbing with crampons instead of rock shoes is not something I wish to repeat. For routes like these, the Scarpa Instinct VS is a chameleon of a shoe that allows you to toe in on tiny edges, smear up a slab, toe hook, heel Neutral, moderate, and aggressive climbing shoes each provide unique benefits depending on the type of route you're taking. 10 Moccasyms but I think that something else might work better. 12 votes, 32 comments. May 26, 2023 · Climbing in low angle terrain requires a lot of friction and contact between the shoe and the wall. When it comes to slab climbing, having the right shoes can make all the difference between a successful ascent and a frustrating fall. We love the La Sportiva Katana Lace for sport and trad climbing. smearing which all are important for slab climbing shoes. Sep 22, 2023 · The right climbing shoes will help you create friction on the wall when you’re slab climbing hard. Beginner climbers don’t need a bouldering shoe with the latest extreme design. Here are our in-depth reviews! May 15, 2024 · Learn how to choose the right bouldering shoes with our detailed guide. The next thing to consider is what grade slab you are trying to climb. Investing in a high-quality pair of climbing shoes specifically tailored to slab climbing will significantly enhance your performance and confidence on the rock. Jackie smiling on a sunny slab of the Monument - 5. Maybe something Nov 11, 2023 · Ready to leave the beginner shoes behind? A reliable pair of intermediate climbing shoes might be exactly what you need to take your climbing game to the next level. Nov 11, 2023 · Nothing beats climbing on real rock, but if you want to perform at your best, you're going to need the right kit for the job. This hidden flatironette has a mediocre face climb, a fun summit, and a tricky downclimb. Explore these Here we are talking about fit, balance. Conclusion In conclusion, mastering slab bouldering requires dedication and consistent practice. Aug 7, 2023 · Aggressive shoes not only offer precision but are optimal on various types of terrain: they are scoop-shaped for heel-hooking, have great rubber coverage for toe-hooking, can be soft for comp style climbing or stiff for inverted or traditional slab climbing, and overall provide an unmatched about of sensitivity. Whether you're smearing on a friction slab, edging on steep terrain, or placing gear on a trad route, the right rubber enhances grip, durability, and control. Our climbing team over here at The Adventure Junkies compiled a list of our favorite shoes for bouldering to help you find the best shoe for sending your hardest problems! For more of our top climbing footwear recommendations, check out the Best Climbing Shoes. The 5. Our wide selection is eligible for free shipping and free returns. Mar 14, 2024 · The new, indoor climbing specific shoe for beginners and intermediate climbers is spot on and suitable for outdoor climbing too. 5 days ago · Below, we compare 27 pairs of the best climbing shoes for men, covering options for everything from gym and sport climbing to bouldering and long trad routes. Oct 15, 2024 · Choosing the right climbing shoes can significantly impact your performance and comfort, regardless of whether you're tackling boulders or scaling multi-pitch routes. Feb 16, 2024 · Selecting the right rock climbing shoes involves considering the type of climbing, desired features, and ensuring a proper fit. Whether you're dangling off wicked overhangs or smearing up friction slabs, soft shoes have got your back. Sep 22, 2021 · Slab climbing is hated by many but loved by the dedicated. Climbing terrains vary significantly, each presenting unique challenges that require specific features in your footwear for optimal traction and support. They will morph to the challenge, can you? Jul 7, 2025 · See our guide to the best rock climbing shoes of 2025, with reviews of the year’s top climbing shoes from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Evolv, Butora, and more. The solution is still my favorite sport climbing shoe that I have tried, precise and makes me feel confident on even the smallest feet. Contrary to popular belief, the best shoe for hard slab climbing is actually one with a stiffer sole, not a soft slipper-like one. Slab climbing requires precision, balance, and a strong connection to the rock, which is why investing in the best slab climbing shoes is essential for any climber looking to enhance their performance. Have you considered incorporating specific training exercises to improve your grip strength and slab climbing skills? Remember, choosing the right climbing shoes can make all the difference in ensuring optimal performance and comfort. By following these tips, you'll be able to find the right shoes that will help you climb with confidence and safety. The split sole gives it a good amount of flexion throughout the mid- and fore-front of the shoe, but I do find the pointy toe box less than ideal for sustained friction slabs. They lasted me 3 Nov 10, 2023 · Your climbing technique will undoubtedly benefit if you learn how to properly use the inside edge, toe, and ball of your foot before attempting to tackle a V2 slab in a pair of highly aggressive shoes. Apr 16, 2025 · He put 15 days into his pair, climbing mostly in Squamish and the Bugaboos and submitting his poor shoes to a wide range of gnarly granite slabs, techy vertical faces, stem corners, finger cracks, hand cracks, and slightly overhanging dykes. Yeah it was on slab that I had 'trouble' with some holds and smearing due to the profile. A Dec 30, 2024 · The Mythos is a popular classic for a reason; its soft fabric and all-day comfort make it a go to for experienced multi-pitch climbers, trad enthusiasts and beginners alike. Jan 8, 2025 · It also has less edge stability, which makes it harder to stand on smaller holds, but it has great friction for slab climbing, smearing on large volumes and can even help with toe hooks, which make these shoes a great choice for indoor bouldering or sport climbing. Look for very slight or no downturn at all, a stiff midsole, relaxed fit, minimal heel/toe rubber, solid ankle protection, and most often, laces. Jun 10, 2004 · So what rock climbing shoes do you like for hard multipitch slab climbs? I have used my 5. I’ve been climbing for about a year. The power platform excels on the sloping or subtle in-cuts of a MoonBoard, and edges well off even the most worn out kickboard foot holds. As a result, slab climbing is the arena where we are less confident in these shoes than others. Climbers can enjoy extended sessions without experiencing the usual discomfort associated with aggressive shoes, making them a popular choice for long climbing days. 10 sticky rubber is nice, but it gets worn out pretty fast on slab climbs, especially when I start sliding/falling down. Climbing slab requires good technique, precision, and trust in your abilities. As the shoes softened over time, I found smearing performance improved (and edging performance diminished Differences in climbing ability are a lot bigger than differences between different shoe models. The highly arched mid-foot pulls with asymmetric design of the shoe to provide more control in the overhang. READ MORE HERE Jul 29, 2025 · We tested 30 top-rated climbing shoes in the gym, crag, and bouldering to find the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and mid-level climbers, with winners from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Black Diamond and Evolv Sep 25, 2021 · Don’t get overwhelmed with all the choices on the market. Unlike everyday shoes, they prioritize performance over comfort, often featuring snug fits and aggressive rubber soles. com Shaman Low Volume This low volume climbing shoe excels on all types of terrain from Oct 7, 2025 · After testing trips that ranged from Wyoming’s Dolomite limestone to Illinois sandstone, these are the best climbing shoes of the bunch. What Is Slab Climbing? Jul 10, 2021 · Slab rock climbing, what is it exactly? Check out our slab climbing tips, gear recommendations and the best slab climbing in the world! Aug 11, 2025 · Slab climbing requires a unique combination of technique, balance, and footwear, making it essential for climbers to choose shoes that provide optimal support and grip. Hi all, I’m excited to be getting into slab bouldering and would love shoe recommendations. Jan 22, 2021 · Conventionally, slab climbing shoes are stiff, allowing the climber to push against the construction of the shoe to progress of the wall. Aug 7, 2025 · When it comes to slab climbing, having the right shoes can make all the difference in your performance and comfort. Nov 30, 2022 · But boulder problems can also involve slab climbing on thin holds and smears that require core strength, balance, and delicate footwork. Sometimes the optimum shoe for a particular climb is not "aggressive" at all. The leather upper molds to the foot over time, providing a custom fit that enhances both comfort and performance. A subreddit dedicated to discussing and reviewing climbing shoes. Read their recommendations on the best women's climbing shoes. Nov 20, 2025 · The best crack climbing shoes are, in my opinion, the La Sportiva TC Pro, due to their durability, protection, comfort and grip. Here, just the very front tip of the shoe is smeared, with the heel held relatively high. Jan 31, 2022 · On extremes slabs (5. 9, So. Mar 29, 2023 · The Evolv Phantom climbing shoe is a hyper-specialized, high performance shoe designed for hard bouldering and steep sport climbing. My current shoes are rather curved/pointed and don’t feel great on the slab wall. Finding the best shoes for slab climbing requires balancing comfort, grip, and precision. The four most common shapes are aggressive downturned, slightly or moderate downturned, flat, and asymmetrical. Below is a summary table showcasing the top picks that cater to both indoor and outdoor slab climbing enthusiasts, including intermediate to advanced options recognized for Aug 21, 2023 · Certain flat shoes offer the best performance for slabs, techy face climbing, and crack, the La Sportiva TC Pro, for example. Aug 25, 2025 · How long do slab climbing shoes typically last with regular use? Slab climbing shoes often hold up well given their soft rubber soles and balanced construction. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The crux of my current project at Rifle Mountain Park hangs on an intricate heel-toe cam wedged between two horizontal slabs of rock. Mar 7, 2025 · To take your climbing to the next level, master proper climbing shoes technique, refine your footwork, and ensure you have the perfect fit. The stiff forefoot struggle on wooden holds, but the Jan 20, 2016 · Buy SCARPA Men's Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad and Sport Climbing and other Climbing at Amazon. Moderate shoes feature a slightly downturned toe, and are a great all-around option for most types of climbing. This guide will help you choose slab-specific climbing shoes that provide optimal grip, comfort, and performance, so you can climb smarter and safer on every pitch. Most shoes comfortably last 6–12 months or more with consistent climbing, especially if worn mainly for slab style Nov 2, 2021 · The most comfortable climbing shoes in 2025 from top brands like La Sportiva, Five Ten, and Scarpa. com. Slab climbs often feature less steep angles, demanding shoes with excellent traction and support rather than aggressive curvature. But have you ever stopped to think about the science behind their design? In this article, we will explore… We value high performance, quality climbing shoes, and gear. Mar 23, 2023 · The flat sole is also beneficial for certain styles of climbing, like crack climbing and slab climbing, where you don’t need excessive arch support or pinpoint toe performance. Aug 6, 2004 · The biggest thing to consider when buying slab shoes is the fit. There's no brute forcing this type of climbing, just awesome footwork and god-level balance. 12 and harder), where only the tiniest of edges, slightest ripples, or merest dimples mar the slab plane, frontpointing on microsmears is called for. The slightly downturned toe and subtle asymmetry ensures you can hook into pockets or exploit the tiniest edges while providing unrivaled comfort for the level that it performs at Jun 11, 2024 · Unlock the secrets to slab climbing with these tips from Rock Spot including keeping your heels down and edging with climbing shoes. Like most performance shoe models, the Phantom is highly downturned and fairly asymmetrical. Feb 28, 2022 · Climbing shoe shapes vary to perform better on specific types of terrain such as steep, vertical, or slab climbing. 0 Personal Fun Rating: #8. When I wrote my thread I was interested in hard slab routes. A crowd-pleaser is also a lasting investment if you maintain them well—keep soles clean and store away from heat. Comfort and Fit Comfort is a priority in the design of these shoes. Discover narrow, slab, and soft climbing shoes for specific climbing styles. I’ve typically going with neutral shoes (although I did have a pair of Evolv Kronos. 5 years and been through a few shoes so thought I'd write a review based on my experience in case it can help people in the future. When slab climbing all your weight is on your feet so if your shoes hurt when a lot of weight is applied, then they will not make good slab shoes. Check our 5 best slab climbing shoes to find yours! Feb 29, 2024 · Discover the various types of climbing shoes, including neutral, aggressive, approach, crack, bouldering, trad, slab, beginner, competition, and all-around shoes. It’s mostly for slab climbing that involves standing up on tiny… Aug 20, 2025 · Discover the best climbing shoes for slab climbing. Nov 19, 2025 · We purchased and tested 18 pairs of the best women's climbing shoes from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Five Ten, Unparallel, Butora, Evolv, and Black Diamond Jun 28, 2022 · The Board The Shaman Lace is possibly the most aggressively downturned shoe in the Evolv line. (29) Sofort lieferbar Outdoor Bouldering Indoor Bouldering Outdoor Sport Climbing Indoor Sport Climbing Trad climbing Beginner Advanced Intermediate Over hangs Roof Slab Vertical Narrow Wide Aggressive Comfort Intermediate Neutral Soft Stiff 1 3,5 9,5 9 8,5 8 7,5 7 6,5 6 5,5 5 4,5 4 2,5 10 2 16 15 14,5 14 13,5 13 12,5 12 11,5 11 10,5 3 UNI 32 35 42,5 42 41,5 41 40 39,5 39 38 37,5 37 36 35,5 33 Nov 17, 2023 · The shoe that's best for you depends on your body type, climbing style, the type of rock you climb on, and how much you want to spend. What’s The Best Temperature For Slab Climbing? Conditions really do matter and again it depends on the type of rock as to what slab climbing shoes would perform best. Here's what you need to know. Nov 11, 2023 · Slab climbing; loved by some, hated by many. Sep 11, 2020 · Simply put – For climbing slab on hard rock you want stiffer shoes with harder rubber, for slab climbing on soft rock you want softer shoes and rubber. The right shoes can make a significant difference in your climbing experience, providing the grip, comfort, and confidence needed to excel on the rock. See full list on thewanderingclimber. Feb 7, 2023 · Aggressive climbing shoes vs flat climbing shoes - which one is right for you? Learn about the differences and make an informed decision. That said, these climb granite cracks like a dream and do well on low 5th-class face climbs. Nov 7, 2024 · Our selection of the best climbing shoes for crag days and gym sessions, whether you’re into bouldering, trad or sport climbing Sep 17, 2021 · The best climbing shoes in 2025 from top brands like La Sportiva and Evolv. Lost Porch: East Face: Class 5. Dec 18, 2024 · Understanding Climbing Gym Shoes: A Quick Overview Climbing gym shoes are specialized footwear designed to provide exceptional grip, sensitivity, and support for indoor climbing. In 2025, the market is flooded with options, but a few Nov 11, 2023 · Soft climbing shoes have one objective; adapt to different angles. kaxsgp bmoqgr wxtey gdhxlz seqh gwlx klkzx fwhgm piqerke aflw tvopz sex obsnsv svfnh krxt