What do you need to know before you buy your first pair of climbing shoes? This article tell you everything you need to know about the different shapes and functions of climbing shoes, and makes some recommendations for a first-time pair.
Hooking? Smearing? Edging? Smedging?! Shoes for any type of terrain are on sale this week.
We tested 27 pairs on boulder problems, sport climbs, and trad routes. These were the top performers.
Proven strategies for preventing and removing odors from your shoes
The year’s top gear for climbers, tested and reviewed
This isn't a guide to 2025's flashiest new kicks. These are the shoes we return to when we’re not testing the latest and greatest.
It depends on your foot shape.
Our reviewer says La Sportiva has (finally) nailed their No Edge shoe tech with the Mandala. He quickly added the new-school weapons to his steep sport climbing quiver.
If I was going to Céüse or Siurana or the New River Gorge tomorrow, I’d pack the Sigma first.
This isn't a guide to 2023's newest approach shoes—it's the pairs we return to time and again.
Perhaps most exciting is the Generator’s sub categories: mid top or low, and high- or low-volume fit.
Putting the new Mago to work on everything from board-style granite boulders to limestone sport routes, our testers loved the shoe’s versatility
This isn't a guide to 2023's freshest gear. It's just what we're psyched on.
Check out Josh Howard's author page.
With the help of digital scans, Athos is creating shoes that climbers won’t downsize.
The Indalo offers high performance and versatility in an incredibly comfortable, low-volume package.
Gym-climbing movements are more varied than ever. And amidst the deadpoint hucks and run-and-jump dynos, the Mantra is perhaps the best new shoe to take on such limitless variety.
Though he’s stepped out of the climbing spotlight in recent years and has always been a reclusive, enigmatic figure—a soft-spoken “man of the forest”—he has something new to offer the community.
New goodies are coming to the market soon!
Instead of leather, the Skwama Vegan uses a “SkinLike” insole, which is as comfortable as leather and conforms to the foot like leather but (surprise!) isn’t actually leather.
Scarpa’s Quantix SF is a high-end all-arounder that outperforms many specialized shoes—and costs less.
Enter for a chance to win a pair of Scarpa Drago or Drago LV climbing shoes
The Instinct S nails the sweet spot for slipper fans who thrive on sensitivity and feedback, but who also want a solid dash of edging support.
Scarpa’s stiffest, most supportive shoe, the Vapor Lace, is an edging machine.
A no-frills all-arounder that does well across disciplines, especially in the gym.
Field Tested: the 2022 Katana Lace.
Stop wasting your money on shoes that don't fit or are painful or fail you. Don't be disappointed again. Here's how to buy what' just right, just for you.
Scarpa is pushing approach shoes to new heights—and distances
Quality rubber is the most important part of your crag bag
Years ago I cut squares, small windows, into the rands of my climbing shoes to ease pain on the small toe. This year I found a better fix.
From aggressive and high-performance rock shoes to comfortable, mellow gym shoes and everything in between, Backcountry.com has great deals on all your climbing footwear needs.
Bottom line: The Zenit earned its place in my shoe quiver for moderately difficult, high-volume days when I wanted support, comfort, and durability to not burn through my more expensive pairs.
Choosing a rock shoe from the over 100 options can be bewildering. This easy-to-use flowchart simplifies the process to get you just the right shoe.
Not enough chalk and you sweat off holds, but too much chalk can be even worse. We break down the science to find out the ideal dose.
Check out The Editors's author page.
A pro resoler answers FAQs on when it's time to refurbish your current pair
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Tight, new performance shoes refusing to break in? Try this quick, easy, and painless at-home hack
Win a new pair of climbing shoes from the one of the oldest, and most dependable climbing brands on the market.
Dario Piana reflects on the history of his climbing shoe company, and the people who made it great.
Check out Chris Van Leuven's author page.
These days almost every climbing shoe comes in a men's and a women's version. But this wasn’t always the case.
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Check out Levi Harrell's author page.
Check out Evolv's author page.
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Check out The Editors's author page.
Check out The Editors's author page.
Check out The Editors's author page.
Check out The Editors's author page.
Check out The Editors's author page.
Check out The Editors's author page.
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Check out Dakota Walz's author page.
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Our top climbing gear picks for 2020.
Our picks for the best gear of 2020.
Our top climbing gear picks for 2020.
Our picks for the best gear of 2020.
Our picks for the best gear of 2020.
Our picks for the best gear of 2020.
Do you? Really?
Check out Kevin Corrigan's author page.
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Check out Paige Claassen's author page.
Check out Paige Claassen's author page.
Check out The Editors's author page.
Climbing shoes are precious to each and every climber. They’re expensive and a literal pain to break in. So how do we prolong the life of our greatest performance enhancing tool?
Check out Matt Samet's author page.
Soft n’ Smeary
Hook-n-Scum Virtuosos
Boulder On!
Precision Mission
High Tension
Glommer-Onners
Edge-U-Ma-Cators
Snug Life