INTRODUCTION:
If you are a fan of bouldering, then you must know the significance of having the top quality climbing shoes for this activity. The entirety of this climb relies on how firm, strong your footing is, and to ensure solid footing; you need the best climbing shoes for bouldering. While this activity can be highly adventurous and enthralling, you cannot have the full experience if you lack the appropriate gear.
The vast range of these climbing shoes on the market can be a tad overwhelming, so we have listed down the best ones for you. Each of these shoes has been designed to ensure maximum comfort and solid footing for you. Read on as we detail the best climbing shoes to be your ultimate gear for bouldering and let you have the full practice.
Best Climbing Shoes for Bouldering
Here are some of the best climbing shoes for bouldering that strive to provide quality to boulderers everywhere. All these shoes have their unique features and excelling points, and we have detailed it all down for you.
5. La Sportiva Solution
A long-standing favorite of many, La Sportiva Solution reigns supreme as the best climbing shoes. With its high-quality material, it has been a part of climbers’ gear for quite some time. Its upper material is made of synthetic leather, and its closure system has an adjustable one strap Velcro that fits over completely even on smaller feet. The Solution is the best at providing toe and heel hooking. The pointy toe gives incredible precision on edges.
Pros
- nug fit
- No slipping
Cons
- Aggressive asymmetry
Sturdy Rubber Sole Design: The heel of the Solution is extraordinary because it utilizes flexible rubber; the Solution uses a rigid hemisphere of rubber all across the heel area. This gives an armor-like base that can hold its own on steep areas and keeps you going. Many enjoy this extra security of the stiff rubber as it provides great footing and some added support on the sole. The Solution has a little wider box than Sportiva is other shoes to allow feet some breathing room for adjustment. Overall, the Solution is a highly polished package of durability and fitness. Its downward shape ensures ultimate foot protection for bouldering.
4. Evolv Shaman
A heartfelt creation of the top climber Chris Sharma, Evolv Shaman, is the top contender for steep climbing. Made with soft microfiber material, The Shaman fits on the feet well and gives great footing. While it is formulated for hard boulders, it also works comfortably for beginners. Choosing this shoe as a novice will provide you with a lot of space to improve your climbing without upgrading shoes. This shoe works well on steep to overhanging climbs and less technical boulder situations.
Pros
- Rubber underfoot
- Fits nicely in thinner cracks
Cons
- Lacks edging ability
Ultimate Control: The comfort of the Shaman is its ultimate quality. A highly comfortable shoe will not hurt your feet or toes. It comes with the medium-wide fit, and the love bumps on the heels keep your toe in the power position. You do not need an extremely tight pressing on your ankles to ensure firmness. The low shape Velcro straps also work perfectly in cinching this shoe to your desired fit. The Shaman is the ultimate choice for those who seek comfort along with quality and sturdiness. This shoe will be with you for a long time in your bouldering actions.
3. Five Ten Hiangle
Hiangle is a known name in the bouldering community due to its impressive performance. The Five Ten Hiangle is an aggressive shoe with a cut sole to deliver the sensitivity and a general feeling of what is going on under the rubber. This new feature makes the Hiangle particularly appealing in bouldering. Despite its aggressive profile, the Hiangle is very versatile while executing well on technical terrains and slabs. It has a microfiber layout designed with synthetic material with one Velcro strap that fits nicely without causing chafing.
Pros
- Great shape retention
- Improved toe hooking
Cons
- Front bagginess
Power and comfort: With it’s aggressive profile, this shoe gives great power to extremely technical boulder situations. It is aimed for pro climbers that seek the best yet also strive for comfort. Discomfort is not an issue with the Hiangle as its heel contains C4 rubber that gives your feet extra comfort. The C4 rubber works wonders on all terrains and is strong enough to resist a fair amount of damage. You will find Hiangle to be the perfect combination of endurance and feet satisfaction that will take you a long way in bouldering successfully.
2. Butora Acro
While it is relatively new to the climbing shoe game, the Butora Acro has amassed quite a reputation for its high-quality build and performance. It is a favorite of wide footed climbers for its stiff yet comfortable features. When it comes to steeper pocketed landscapes, this shoe’s overall downturn is tremendous for toeing in. The Acro also has some expanded downward design at the toe to strengthen its pulling capacity. The shoe is made out of synthetic leather and features a one strap Velcro.
Pros
- Soft build
- Delamination resistant
Cons
- Not very comfortable
Edging Champion: Edging has to be the Acro’s strongest suit due to its high-tension heel that keeps the big toe secure and firm at the power point. Add in with its stiff midsole, and you have a shoe that can deal with the edges of slippery boulders while staying sensitive enough to feel everything the heels meet. Moreover, Acro will keep your feet comfy, and it is highly durable, for it will not damage easily. The Acro is the perfect contender for when you seek shoes for difficult and tricky terrains, as it will lend your feet incredible hooking ability.
1. Mad Rock Drifter
The Drifter has premium leather material on top and polyester footbed lining. It is a flat-soled slipper, but it comes ready to be your ultimate bouldering partner. It has two Velcro straps that snug up the mid-foot area, and its toe-box protects the shoe from pulling at the toes. The Drifter feels moderately stiff out of the box, but the thick polyester insole quickly softens up. The shoe features a natural fit that ensures the utmost comfort for your feet.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Enhanced foot strength: If you seek a versatile solution for intense bouldering, then the Drifter is for you. Its high-grade materials make this shoe incredibly solid, and most importantly, it will improve your foot strength. It is flexible enough to grab onto the pockets in steep terrains. Its thick rubber sole shields your feet from any injuries and enables you to climb without worrying. The Drifter is sure to enhance the effectiveness of your climbing. For those wishing to polish their climbing skills, the Drifter is the way to go. It is comfortable yet sturdy design lends your feet the classic combination of ease and proficiency.
FAQs
1. How tight should climbing shoes be for bouldering?
The universal rule is that your climbing shoes should feel snug, but they should not be so tight that they cause bruises on your feet. While you need to have a good fit for bouldering, there is a fine line between the firm fitting and extremely tight fit.
2. How long do bouldering shoes last?
On average, bouldering shoes can last between three to nine months. However, concluding how often you climb, if it is once or twice a week, climbing shoes can easily last around nine months. At this point, the toe box generally reaches enough wear to require a resole.
3. When to resole climbing shoes?
Generally, you want to resolve your shoes before the rubber on the shoe’s toe is worn through considerably. However, if you observe small or even tiny nicks in the rubber if your edges have been rounded, or your rubber feels skinny, you should instantly stop wearing them and send them for a resole
4. How to know if a shoe has high performance?
It is said that the tighter the shoe fits, the better performance they will give. However, the fit should be tight but not too much. High performance relies solely on how firmly your shoe molds to your feet to give you maximum support.
5. What to avoid in bouldering shoes?
Keep away from shoes that have hollow space between your toes and the inside of the shoe. This will not let the shoe stay rigid enough when you position your toe on a foothold. These small details can determine how well you achieve your toe hooking.
6. Should you wear socks with bouldering shoes?
It is a matter of choice; as many think socks help fit the shoes more to your feet. It is ordinary to wear slightly larger shoes with socks for crack climbing. This is especially valid when the crack is big enough to jam your foot and calf in. Having thick socks can protect your ankle from grinding against the boulder.
7. Should I buy bouldering shoes smaller than my street shoes?
There is no need to buy smaller size shoes and then go through the misery of foot pain to break them in. You can buy shoes according to your street size and have them fit your feet naturally.
Final Words
Bouldering is not an easy activity, so having the correct gears goes a long way in ensuring your feet’s protection. You must know what material or profile suits your feet the most and your bouldering skill level to make the correct purchase. We are confident that you can find your perfect fit by browsing through the list we have provided. Our goal is to ensure you choose the best option to relish the full bouldering experience that many swear by.