The combination of leather and synthetic material allows the shoe to mold for a custom fit while preventing the shoe from overstretching. But by the end, these were some of my favorite shoes. They’re a top performer on overhanging terrain and a capable all-around bouldering shoe.

As for the comfort and fit issues, most had dissolved by the end of the testing period. The stiff ankle cuff eventually became comfortable, and while I could never get the Skwamas as glove-like as I wanted, performance didn’t suffer. These shoes will likely fit best if you have average to wide feet. Although the heel design is serviceable, the Miura VS’s three velcro straps prohibit toe-top rubber. That means that toe hooks are a struggle, which is another ding for a bouldering shoe. Last year saw a new generation of Solution, but the upgrades were largely cosmetic. The shoe is as good as ever. As the name suggests, neutral climbing shoes are fairly flat. These shoes are designed to be comfortable enough to wear for an extended period of time. But the Flash’s stiff platform does surprisingly well on small edges and footholds. It’s capable on most angles of terrain. There isn’t much toe-top rubber, but I found the heel a solid performer.This relatively flat, lace-up climbing shoe may never climb 5.13 or V7 gracefully. Fortunately for bargain hunters, most climbers will never achieve those lofty heights either! That’s why, aside from beginners, this shoe also has a cult following among more experienced climbers skeptical of the “tighter is better” philosophy. It goes without saying that the rubber on top of the toe box massively aids toe hooks. In fact, Butora claims that the Acro has ‘one of the largest toe rubber surfaces of any downturned shoes’ making hooks secure and comfortable.

This La Sportiva climbing shoe is often named one of the best beginner climbing shoes, and it is undoubtedly a winning choice for that purpose. However, relegating this model to the ranks of newbies sells its capabilities short as a low-cost all-around climbing shoe.Designed to help the next generation of climbers get off on the right foot, the La Sportiva Tarantulace is a comfort-focused pair of climbing shoes for wide feet.

A more downturned shoe provides more support and leverage on small footholds and overhanging, steep routes. Not to say climbers with wider feet shouldn’t try the Iati. The improved double velcro strap system gives a lot more flexibility in sizing than some closure systems. Plus, these shoes come with a 3D-injected midsole which provides extra stiffness underfoot. Although this also limits sensitivity to some degree, the added stiffness reduces foot fatigue, which is ideal for newer climbers.We will use and disclose personal information for the primary purposes for which it was collected, and for other related purposes we consider will be within your reasonable expectations. If we use your personal information for any other purpose, we will first obtain your consent, unless we are required or permitted by law to use or disclose your personal information without obtaining your consent.