Synthetic shoes are a popular choice because they tend to be less expensive and more breathable. They also generally don’t stretch out over time, which is ideal if you want the perfect fit from day 1. But, synthetic shoes do tend to get a bit smelly after regular use. The Verdict Users of the old shoe report needing to buy about one size larger in the new Five Ten NIAD shoes, so beware. And the toe box might be narrower, while the heel is wider. Whether this is good or bad depends on your foot. Synthetic: resistant to stretch, synthetic uppers ordinarily remain the same size as when they are first worn, although some models may stretch a small amount. These materials tend to be less breathable than leather and often feature moisture control to compensate. Less durable than leather and more susceptible to abrasion. But I still found myself reaching for the Shaman with reasonable frequency. On my foot, it was among the most comfortable shoes in this test.

There are a few key differences that stand out between intermediate climbing shoes, beginner, and advanced options.

VII. Summary of the Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes Our Favorites for the Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes But the Flash’s stiff platform does surprisingly well on small edges and footholds. It’s capable on most angles of terrain. There isn’t much toe-top rubber, but I found the heel a solid performer.

The Acro is one of a few shoes in this test offered in low-volume (narrow fit) and high-volume (wide fit) variants. To suit my narrow feet, I opted for the lower-volume blue version. The fit was effective, with the tongue holding my foot firmly in place. One velcro strap was plenty. The most important features in a kid’s first pair of climbing shoes are fit and comfort. You shouldn’t size them as tight as you might an adult’s shoes, because pain is no fun. On the other hand, you want them to be snug enough to give young climbers confidence on small footholds Somewhat similar in construction to the La Sportiva Solution, the Futura is distinguished by the company’s No Edge sole. It also has a 1.1 mm partial midsole under the toe box to provide additional support for edging maneuvers.

Acro

Another underrated option is to buy a used pair of the model you are interested in to try it out. This will allow you to determine if it suits your practice and morphology and figure out the sizing. Additionally, the Acro offers a great mix of sensitivity and underfoot support, making it a good all-around option for indoor and outdoor climbing.

But all that rubber does have a downside. More rubber means more heat trapped in the shoe. That’s why, as well as aiding with friction, you will find pinpoints vents dotted around the toe box, rand, and heel cup. Heel The unlined leather upper allows your feet to breath while enabling you to slip them on like other climbing slippers. A single velcro strap prevents the shoe from pulling off when heel hooking. Most of us don’t climb V9 or 5.13, but we still want climbing shoes that make moderate grades easier and help us climb with more grace and less effort. The La Sportiva Otaki does just that, on terrain from overhung to vertical that comprises the vast majority of most climbers’ diet.

While 5.10 can boast a fair number of devotees for their many excellent shoes, the Hiangle is not one that comes to mind. It does not often receive the adoration of the experts and is often overshadowed by its many siblings such as the Anasazi. However, this climbing shoe is recommended by a large portion of the climbing community, and for this reason, it deserves a spot on this list.

The aggressively downturned toe makes this shoe excellent at holding onto footholds on steep and techy terrain. We buy most of our stuff from REI.com. Their service is great, and it’s a co-op, so they treat their employees well and answer to their members, not shareholders.That said, the Theory isn’t ideal for longer routes or anything less than vertical. It’s still an excellent choice for super technical, steep sport routes. Just know that it may not last long with its lightweight construction and thinner rubber.