

Its synthetic knit upper provides great airflow. The Black Diamond Momentum ($100) gets a thumbs-up for breathability. It also comes with a price tag that’s hard to beat, making it a great budget pick for someone just getting into the sport. Must size differently for updated versionĬheck Price at REI Check Price at Backcountryīest Budget Women’s Climbing Shoe: Black Diamond Momentumĭue to the flat last and nonaggressive character, one tester - who used this shoe on 5.9- to 5.11-rated multipitch granite in Yosemite, South Lake Tahoe, and Colorado’s Taylor Canyon - had this to say: “The Momentum is not my go-to gym shoe, but it’s a great cragging shoe and is good for beginner climbers.”.New women’s version comes with a split sole for increased sensitivity.Mild downturn makes it versatile for vertical and overhangs.Rubber type: Half-sole 4mm Vibram XS Edge Rubber.The Katana Lace performs exceptionally on all but steeper terrain, where you would want a more aggressively downturned shoe to better pull on holds. This shoe might not be the best for beginner climbers, however, as it has a very high price tag, and has performance qualities that are better suited for the intermediate to advanced climber. The updated version has a reconstructed heel cup, with a thinner strip of rubber that hugs the Achilles, as well as rubber on the sides of the heel for better sensitivity and performance, making this a great shoe for bouldering as well. The Katana is a mildly downturned, stiff shoe known for its precise edging and pocket performance while also being soft enough to smear on small granite footholds and twist into cracks. The Katana has been a beloved shoe by many for years, and La Sportiva just came out with an updated version in 2022 with slight improvements to key elements of the shoe. The Women’s Katana Lace from La Sportiva ($219) is one of the best all-around, high-performing shoes on the market. The Best Women’s Climbing Shoes of 2023 Best Overall Women’s Climbing Shoe: La Sportiva Katana Best Shoe for Sport Climbing and Bouldering.Best Women’s Climbing Shoes for Beginners.If you’re looking for a quick rundown of price and features, check out our comparison chart.

These are the shoes we wear and love - the best climbing shoes that will make you hit the boulders or the crag with more confidence than ever.įor even more help finding the best fit, refer to our buyers guide and FAQ at the end of this article. It can be useful to have different shoes for different climbing disciplines if you dabble in more than one, as many often do. The routes were scattered from Canada to Colorado, on various North American granite, and ranged between trad climbing, sport climbing, and toprope.Īnd while there isn’t a single pair of shoes that works for every person’s feet and climbing style, we’ve highlighted a variety of options.
Katana velcro crack#
These shoes smeared up multipitch slab, jammed into a range of crack widths, withstood drizzle, and hit the crag during 90-degree Fahrenheit summer heat. That’s why we’ve spent months seeking out and testing the top 10 best climbing shoes to meet your climbing needs and goals, examining factors like the shoe’s profile, closure system, fit and feel, comfort, performance, and sensitivity. Add in the fact that sizes, rubber type, and fit vary wildly from brand to brand, and it’s no wonder that finding the right shoe can be a challenge. Finding the right shoe depends a lot on what type of climbing you’re doing and what type of rock you’re doing it on. Climbing shoes are incredibly nuanced and diverse in shape and feel.
