If you are asking yourself constantly that whether or not you should go for a pair of indoor rock climbing shoes, then we shall recommend you to go for it and buy a good pair. Although your regular sneaker may seem to work for climbing now, but it cannot take you further which a pair of best indoor rock climbing shoes can.
Climbing shoes are particularly designed to help you push off on the footholds to shift to the next one. These shoes are designed to serve the requirements of the craft, in addition they are made to hug your feet tightly to allow support. So if you are going to climb, make sure that you have the climbing shoes on.
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Shoes in 2021
We are here to spare you from the hassle of finding the right pair. We have done the odd job, you just have to go through the list below.
Image | Product | Features | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | La Sportiva Rock Climbing Shoes | Sticky rubber soles Low asymmetry RN45 build Synthetic leather overlay Quick pull lacing system | $$ | |
 | Climb X RaveX Strap | Synthetic outer material 3D butyl rubber sole 3D heel design Unique offset printing technology | $ | |
 | Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS | 100% leather fabric Rubber sole material Vibram XS forefoot and heel Floating power strap | $$ | |
 | La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoes | Leather / Lorica upper 1.1 mm laspo flex midsole P3 patented technology Vibram XS edge compound | $$ | |
 | Five Ten Gym Master | Cotton blended fabric Rubber sole material Canvas outer material Hook and loop closure | $$ | |
 | La Sportiva Man’s OXYGYM | 3 layer WashTex external fabric Patented hook and loop closure system AirTex silver lining Internal breathable fabric | $ | |
 | Scarpa Drago | 100% microsuede fabric Rubber sole material 1/3 length vibram XS PCB active randing | $ | |
 | La Sportiva Solution | Leather/Lorica upper material 1.1 mm laspoflex midsole 4 mm vibram XS grip2 3D molded heel cup | $ | |
 | Adidas Five Ten Hiangle | Aggressive downturn shape Stealth C4 rubber outsole Synthetic upper material Full heel coverage | $$ | |
 | Evolv Defy Men’s Climbing shoes | Enhanced anatomical fit High quality upper material Anti microbial liner Fresh new look | $ |
1. La Sportiva Rock Climbing Shoes - Best Overall
When you want the best, the La Sportiva Men’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoes can be the answer.
These shoes are built for letting you climb higher and higher. With the composition of leather body, these shoes are designed to offer you the grip you need. The inclusion of leather harness is another feature which aims at providing strength to the climber. These snug fitting shoes will absorb the perspiration after a heavy workout, and also let you enjoy the freshness on your next session.
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2. Climb X RaveX Strap – Best Comfort
With these shoes on, you will feel like you are stepping on clouds rather than on rocks. We thank the generous amount of padding inside these shoes that makes this product the most comfortable option out there. These shoes will not rub your skin while climbing. The ankle padding will provide extra grip to the climber.
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3. Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS – Best Support
The combination of instinct slipper and instinct lace of these shoes is designed to provide you the unbeatable support. The downturn profile of the shoes will allow you to climb up the precipitous roofs and taut edges. So go higher as these shoes are there to give you maximum support.
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4. La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoes – Best Grip
These shoes are highly praised for the amazing downturn and asymmetrical shape. These features will offer you a proper foothold. The rigid midsoles will allow you the maximum amount of support. The design of the shoes will also allow you to have a snug fit and minimal space to move around. This feature will not let your feet to slip off the rock.
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5. Five Ten Gym Master – Best for Beginners
Beginner climbers, are you listening? These are the perfect pair of shoes that will provide the maximum support to any beginner climber. Think of anything that a you will need from your shoes on the first day of your climb - traction, sturdy grip on rough edges, secured velcro closure, leather upper to help to place the shoes firmly in a position – these shoes have it all.
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6. La Sportiva Man’s OXYGYM – Best Hygienic Option
We present the best breathable option in the market, with 3 distinct layers. The topmost layer releases the absorbed moisture droplets. The mid layer is made of a micro fiber cloth to enhance the construction of the shoe. The bottom layer is designed to not only keep your feet dry, but also to reduce offensive odor.
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7. Scarpa Drago – Best Quality
The Scarpa Drago has the premium quality that you will expect from any indoor climbing shoes. These shoes have the perfect construction. The sticky vibram rubber offers the perfect friction to hold on to the edges. The downturn and large toe patch will easily accommodate your feet with great comfort.
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8. La Sportiva Solution – Best Performance
These shoes are designed with lots of outstanding features to offer you the best performance in climbing. The 3D molded heel cup is exclusively useful at hooking up at any rock. The downturn and hooked shape sole are combined with the hook and loop closure to assure you quality performance with every step.
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9. Adidas Five Ten Hiangle – Best Versatility
A big shout-out to all the adventure loving ladies out there! These medal winning classic climbing shoes will give you company in both indoors and outdoors. These shoes feature Five Ten’s stealth C4 rubber that is known for amazing grip. These shoes also feature the aggressive downturn shape that keeps the climber locked into steep or vertical terrain.
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10. Evolv Defy Men’s Climbing shoes – Best Bargain
We love shoes that include quality features but do not cost a hell amount of bucks. The Evolv Defy Men’s Climbing shoes come up with an upgraded look and high quality upper material. The thick rubber and mid sole will allow you to wear these shoes more often. This pair of shoes is designed to provide the best performance in indoor climbing shoes.
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Indoor Rock Climbing Shoes Buying Guide
You buy shoes according to your preference. However, certain factors are necessary to remember while purchasing indoor rock climbing shoes.
Size
Each of the brands of climbing shoes has a distinct size chart. One chart may vary a bit from the other. But this tiny difference can take a toll on your performance. You can notice that the same size of shoes can seem too wide or too narrows depending on the brand. For the perfect size, try out different sizes and then purchase the one that suits you the most.
Downturn
There are multiple types of downturn shoes available in the marketplace, each with its own pros and cons. Flat downturn shoes will give you the relaxed fit throughout the day, but they often lack sensitivity. Moderate downturn shoes are ideal for strength and durability, although they are prone to wear off quicker. Aggressive downturn shoes have asymmetrical shape, distinguished heel tension, and downturned toe box. These are made for performance, although they are not comfortable. Hence you have to decide between performance and comfort.
Closure System
You can buy climbing shoes that have either velcro closure, or lace system. Beginner climbers often opt for the velcro closure system as it allows the feet to relieve and is super easy to use. But velcro system cannot give you the perfect fit that lace system can provide. These are easily adjustable and hence the choice of many athletes. Modern technology has allowed slipper system to introduce itself to climbers. This system is regarded for its sensitivity. The low profile also helps it in performing well on narrow pathways. So, choose your style.
Upper Composition
The common upper material of indoor climbing shoes is either leather, or synthetic. Leather uppers are prone to stretch. But synthetic uppers do not stretch. So go for the one that you like the most.
Breathability
No matter what sort of climbing shoes you buy, never compromise on breathability. You will not prefer to suffer from wet feet, offensive odor, or hot feet. Choose the shoes that allow ample amount of airflow to make your feet feel cool.
Latest climbing shoes in the market often allows hygiene features like releasing the water vapor from inside to outside so that your shoes do not smell even after a daylong practice session. Always keep an eye out for the vents and meshes in the shoes for greater breathability.
Price Range
Good quality indoor rock climbing shoes will cost more than the average ones. But, you will be able to find the best ones within an affordable price range. Just look for the ones that fit you the best and meet your need. The ones we reviewed are within a cheap price range, so find the one you like!
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Shoes - Final Thoughts
Whether you are a regular climber or just a beginner who is willing to go higher on the rocks, you will need a good pair of climbing shoes to support you in your path upwards. The quality of your shoes will decide how far you go, so go for the pair of shoes that meets your requirements.
We have mentioned 10 products from the market of indoor climbing shoes, each of them is best in certain criteria. But we have found the La Sportiva Men’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoes best of the rest for their durable leather body construction, leather harness for unbeatable strength, and the 5 mm heel to allow strong foothold. But more than anything, we admire the freshness that these shoes are bound to give you by absorbing the perspiration after your hard working climbing sessions.
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