Climbing shoes are the single most important piece of gear for any climber—whether you’re bouldering in the gym, projecting on sport routes, or tackling long trad missions. The right pair enhances precision, comfort, power transfer, and safety. The wrong pair? Blown footwork, lost confidence, and painful sessions.
This guide highlights the best climbing shoes of 2025, categorized by use-case with pro-level evaluations, ratings, and trusted places to buy.
Understanding Climbing Shoe Types
Neutral
- Flat profile
- All-day comfort
- Best for beginners & long trad days
Moderate
- Slight downturn
- Versatile for sport, gym, and mixed climbing
Aggressive
- Pronounced downturn
- Best for steep routes, bouldering, and high-performance footwork
Top Climbing Shoes of 2025
1. La Sportiva Solution (Men & Women)
Best for: Steep bouldering & sport climbing
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8/5)
Why It’s Great:
A staple in the climbing world for years, the Solution continues to dominate overhangs with its aggressive downturn and sensitive toe. The P3® platform ensures the shoe keeps its shape, while the molded heel cup is exceptional for hooks.
Key Features:
- Aggressive downturn for powerful toeing
- Vibram XS Grip2 rubber
- Fast lacing hook-and-loop closure
- Molded 3D heel for precision
- P3® Permanent Power Platform
Where to Buy:
- La Sportiva official website
- REI
- Backcountry
2. Scarpa Drago
Best for: Competition-style bouldering & gym climbing
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.7/5)
Why It’s Great:
Ultra-soft, incredibly sensitive, and perfect for smearing on volumes. The Drago is a top choice among comp climbers and boulderers who need maximum feel.
Key Features:
- Soft, flexible construction
- Vibram XS Grip2 with enhanced sensitivity
- PCB tension system for added power
- Asymmetric toe for precision
Where to Buy:
- Scarpa official store
- REI
- Moosejaw
3. La Sportiva Miura VS
Best for: Outdoor sport climbing & edging
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Why It’s Great:
Few shoes edge better than the Miura VS. A perfect blend of stiffness and precision, ideal for limestone and vertical routes.
Key Features:
- Vibram XS Edge rubber
- Velcro closure
- Strong toe power
- Curved profile for vertical precision
Where to Buy:
- La Sportiva
- Backcountry
- REI
4. Five Ten Hiangle Pro
Best for: Gym routes & volume-heavy bouldering
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Why It’s Great:
Designed for indoor performance, the Hiangle Pro combines the famous Stealth C4 rubber with a soft platform perfect for modern comp-style movement.
Key Features:
- Stealth C4 rubber
- Unlined microfiber upper
- Soft, sensitive midsole
- Excellent for smearing
Where to Buy:
- Adidas/Five Ten
- REI
- Backcountry
5. Scarpa Instinct VS
Best for: All-around sport & bouldering
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.7/5)
Why It’s Great:
A favorite among intermediate and expert climbers, the Instinct VS excels at nearly everything: edging, toe hooks, heel hooks, and steep lines.
Key Features:
- Vibram XS Edge rubber
- Bi-tension active rand
- Stiff enough for edging, soft enough for power
- Microsuede upper
Where to Buy:
- Scarpa
- REI
- EMS
6. Evolv Defy / Elektra (Best for Beginners)
Best for: Beginners & all-day comfort
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.4/5)
Why It’s Great:
Affordable, comfortable, and forgiving—everything a new climber needs while developing footwork.
Key Features:
- Flat profile
- TRAX® SAS rubber
- Comfortable synthetic upper
- Hook-and-loop closure
Where to Buy:
- Evolv
- REI
- Amazon
7. Black Diamond Momentum (Budget / Gym Choice)
Best for: Gym climbing & beginners
Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.3/5)
Why It’s Great:
Known for comfort. The knit upper offers breathability, making it ideal for long gym sessions.
Key Features:
- Engineered Knit upper
- NeoFriction rubber
- Flat profile
- Affordable price point
Where to Buy:
- Black Diamond
- REI
- Backcountry
How to Choose the Right Climbing Shoe
Fit First
- Snug, not painfully tight
- Toes slightly curled, but not crushed
Match Shoe Type to Style
- Bouldering → Aggressive downturn
- Sport climbing → Moderate or aggressive
- Trad & long routes → Neutral
Rubber Matters
- XS Grip2 → Soft, sticky (bouldering)
- XS Edge → Stiff, sharp edging (sport)
- Stealth C4 → Great all-around
Consider Stretch
- Leather = stretches
- Synthetic = minimal stretch
Final Thoughts
The “best climbing shoe” depends heavily on your climbing style, level, and personal fit preferences. La Sportiva, Scarpa, Five Ten, Black Diamond, and Evolv continue to dominate the climbing world in 2025 with innovations in sensitivity, edging capability, and comfort.