undoubtedbest Best Men's Rock Climbing Shoes every climber should have
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Best Men's Rock Climbing Shoes every climber should have

Published In Outdoors and Sports & Fitness

If you love the thrill that comes with rock climbing this guide is for you as we help you choose the perfect pair of rock climbing shoes with our in-depth top 5 reviews and detailed buyer’s guide. 

Recommendations

 

Few sports and out outdoor activities are as enthralling as rock climbing. From the adrenaline rush to the genuine fear that comes with every rock climbing adventure, it is impossible to describe the thrill that this fantastic sport brings. 

But, it can also be quite dangerous and so it is always important to make sure that you have the right attire. And one of the most important things that you need is a good pair of rock climbing shoes.

Unless you are seasoned rock climber that knows everything there is to know about this sport, all rock climbing shoes will probably look the same. And so the chances are that you will pick the pair that you find most attractive. 

However, you do not have to settle for something that might not help you when climbing because our reviews and shopping guide below provide the information you need to pick the best climbing shoes.

01

La Sportiva TarantuLace Rock Climbing Shoes by La Sportiva

Our Pick

Pros

  • Highly durable leather material
  • Works for both indoor and outdoor climbing
  • Fast and precise lacing
  • Very supportive overlay
  • Breathable shoe interior
  • Great all-round performance

Cons

Not very versatile shoes.
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If you are an intermediate climber that is looking for footwear that will help you hook an edge like a professional this is what you need to buy.

It is a genuine leather shoe and so you can be sure that it will last for a long time ad it is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

This climbing shoe comes with a fast and precise lacing system that ensures you never have to worry about handing laces. This supportive synthetic overlay and breathable tongue also help to enhance the cover comfort.

This shoe is one of the best rock climbing shoes on the market as they fit well and are super comfortable.

For more about La Sportiva TarantuLace Rock Climbing Shoes, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

02

Mad Rock Drifter Climbing Shoes by Mad Rock

Pros

  • Genuine leather uppers
  • Rubber sole provides excellent grip
  • Great all round shoes
  • Lightweight overall construction
  • Available in various colors

Cons

Sizes run a little large.
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These genuine leather shoes are not only super comfortable but also very long lasting. They are great all round shoes that will come with a rubber sole that provides that excellent grip that all climbers are always looking for.

They are also lightweight and highly breathable with Velcro closure for easy fastening and they come in various colors to give men more choices.

This shoe works well for all types of rock climbers and for different climbing conditions.

You know what’s the most important feature of Mad Rock Drifter Climbing Shoes? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

03

Evolv Men’s Defy by Evolv

Pros

  • More anatomical fit
  • Fresh and appealing look
  • Soft and secure synthetic uppers
  • Anti-microbial interior material
  • Excellent traction sole

Cons

Synthetic material is not very long-lasting.
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While synthetic climbing shoes are not as durable as the leather ones they are still a good choice for men that are shopping for something affordable.

And despite the affordable price tag, these shoes also come in a fresh and appealing look that will impress most rock climbers. Also the soft and secure synthetic upper and the excellent traction from the synthetic outsole help to make them great climbing shoes.

This is a great climbing shoe choice for climbers that are shopping for something affordable.

If you’re interested in reading customer reviews of Evolv Men’s Defy, you should check from Amazon Now. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

04

Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes by SCARPA

Pros

  • Incredible grip outsole
  • Durable overall construction
  • Maximum toe power
  • Unique floating power straps
  • Simple heel hooking

Cons

They seem to stretch out too much after a few uses.
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The tuned up slipper design of these shoes and the single strap closure are the highlights of these rock climbing shoes.

They are made with the average rock climber in mind with a durable overall construction that consists of a textile upper and a synthetic sole.

The shoes provide maximum top power thanks to the highly charged bi-tension active randing and the Vibram XS grip makes heel hooking simple.

Top notch rock climbing shoes that will edge and smear incredibly to help you climb both indoors and outdoors.

For more about Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

05

Scarpa Vapor V Climbing Shoe by SCARPA

Pros

  • More flexible thanks to split sole design
  • Incredible grip and durability
  • Adjustable closure for a custom fit
  • All day comfort with minimal Achilles tension
  • Maximum toe power

Cons

Relatively pricier for synthetic shoes.
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Here is another excellent pair of synthetic climbing shoes for men. It also guarantees maximum toe power thanks to the bi-tension active rending system.

The split sole design makes it more flexible and the rubber materials offer incredible grip and durability.

There is also lower tension on the Achilles tension when wearing these rock climbing shoes and this makes them great for wearing all day for your length excursions. And the dual power strap closure ensures that you always get an adjustable and custom fit.

Synthetic shoes but they perform way much better than many genuine leather ones.

If you’re interested in reading customer reviews of Scarpa Vapor V Climbing Shoe, you should check from Amazon Now. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Factors to consider when buying

It is obvious that you need a knife block but you should never just settle for the first one you come across. Instead, you should take time to shop around and compare the many types out there using the following factors.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast that just loves rock climbing or you do it as a sport it is vital to make sure that you have proper shoes. And the good thing is that there are plenty of brands and types in the market to pick from. 

But, to make sure that you make the right choice, it is important to consider the following things.

Types

There are several types of rock climbing shoes and each type or style is suitable for a different purpose. 

For example, the approach shoes are ideal for getting from your camp area to the rock you intend to climb. Styles will also range between flat and aggressive and so you need to choose something that is appropriate for your specific climbing conditions.

Uppers

Like with all other types of footwear, the uppers form the largest part of climbing shoes and so you cannot afford to overlook them. 

Here you will in most cases need to choose between leather and synthetic materials and it is important to note that each has both advantages and shortcomings. 

Leather rock climbing shoes are the most durable and they also stretch to provide a glove-like fit while synthetic does not stretch but it is often very lightweight.

Closures

When it comes to the shoe closure the most common options are laces, elastic and Velcro. Many rock climbers seem to avoid laces for fear of then getting caught on the cracks in case they untie but they can also be quite secure. But, when it comes to the closure the decision will solely rest on your preferences.

Sole/Rubber

The rubber is probably the most important element of a rock climbing shoe as it is the part that will be in contact with the rock. And here the most important thing to consider is the amount of traction and the quality of the grip that you get. 

From XS Edge and XS Grip to Stealth HF there are various rubber options for rock climbing shoes and so you need to choose what you find most ideal for you.

Conclusion

Few other sports and outdoor activities are as thrilling as rock climbing. And if you want to get into it, the first step should always be to get proper shoes. 

Finding one should not be an issue as there are more than enough out there and our guide above will help you choose what suits you. However, the La Sportiva TarantuLace Rock Climbing Shoes is our top recommendation while the Evolv Men’s Defy offers the best value for money.

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01 La Sportiva TarantuLace Rock Climbing Shoes image large La Sportiva TarantuLace Rock Climbing Shoes
by La Sportiva
This shoe is one of the best rock climbing shoes on the market as they fit well and are super comfortable. Buy now on Amazon
02 Mad Rock Drifter Climbing Shoes image large Mad Rock Drifter Climbing Shoes
by Mad Rock
This shoe works well for all types of rock climbers and for different climbing conditions. Buy now on Amazon
03 Evolv Men’s Defy image large Evolv Men’s Defy
by Evolv
This is a great climbing shoe choice for climbers that are shopping for something affordable. Buy now on Amazon
04 Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes image large Scarpa Instinct VS Climbing Shoes
by SCARPA
Top notch rock climbing shoes that will edge and smear incredibly to help you climb both indoors and outdoors. Buy now on Amazon
05 Scarpa Vapor V Climbing Shoe image large Scarpa Vapor V Climbing Shoe
by SCARPA
Synthetic shoes but they perform way much better than many genuine leather ones. Buy now on Amazon
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