Aggressively downturned, these high-performance powerhouses excel on hard boulder problems and steep sport routes, but they are comfortable and sensitive for tricky footwork. A suction cup heel eliminates air pockets for a tight fit, locked down with a single, easily adjustable Velcro tab. “I can’t believe the fit is so solid with just a single pull tab,” one tester said. “These have never shifted a hair.” La Sportiva specifically created the women’s version with a narrower last to better fit low-volume female feet, and a skinnier heel helps them stay on while heel and toe hooking. (If you have wider feet, try the men’s). The downside? Sportiva stepped up in the design department, but not the color options. They only come in one flashy shade of fuchsia.

Why It’s Great for Women

A women’s-specific shape with a lower volume overall and a skinnier heel makes these top-notch kicks damn good for everything from vertical to overhanging.

$175; sportiva.com

Further Reading
Women's Climbing Gear Hall of Fame