Best Women’s Rock Climbing Shoes

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Different people engage in rock climbing for different reasons, for some, it’s to experience the outdoors and wildlife, while others see it as a recreational or workout routine. While the motives behind rock climbing may vary, one thing rock climbing as an activity requires is safety. It is crucial to have the right tools to stay safe whilst engaging in the sport.

One of these major tools is the kind of shoes being used to climb. The right shoes should provide support and protection so you can enjoy your rock-climbing experience to the fullest. There will always be women who need to find out the best climbing shoes for bouldering, best climbing shoes for narrow feet or best climbing shoes for sweaty feet. While this may seem like such a little detail, it plays a major role in determining how well you enjoy the experience. This is why major shoe companies have created shoes for rock climbing. While this is such an interesting development for the sport, there a lot of misses with a few hits, and this could pose a problem for anyone looking to buy the best women’s rock climbing shoes.

The best women rock-climbing shoes are designed to fit tightly, leaving very little padding. Also, they should have a rubber sole that is both a sticky and soft. Leather is the best material for the uppers of rock-climbing shoes though fabric and synthetic leather are also very popular.

Rock climbing shoes will not magically make your climbing effortless. Climbing excursions should rely on the right climbing techniques, stamina, and strength. Nonetheless, finding the right size and the type of shoe for your rock climbing is very important. Most women rock-climbing shoes take advantage of the efficiency of friction, minimizing the efforts of the climber.

We have gone ahead to narrow down the top five best rock climbing shoes of 2019 to help you make the shopping process easier.

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Product Name

Ranking

Price

Rating

Latest Price

La Sportiva Oxygym Climbing Shoe – Women’s

La Sportiva Oxygym Climbing Shoe – Women’s

BEST OVERALL

$$

Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe (2014) – Women’s

Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe (2014) – Women’s

BEST VALUE

$$$

La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe

RUNNER UP

$

Butora Endeavor Tight Fit Climbing Shoe – Women’s

Butora Endeavor Tight Fit Climbing Shoe – Women’s

BUDGET FRIENDLY

$$

La Sportiva Mythos Lace-Up Climbing Shoe – Women’s

La Sportiva Mythos Lace-Up Climbing Shoe – Women’s

BUDGET FRIENDLY

$$

Evolv Nikita Climbing Shoe – Women’s

Evolv Nikita Climbing Shoe – Women’s

BUDGET FRIENDLY

$$

La Sportiva Finale Women’s Climbing Shoe

La Sportiva Finale Women’s Climbing Shoe

BUDGET FRIENDLY

$$

Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV Climbing Shoe

Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV Climbing Shoe

BUDGET FRIENDLY

$$


1. La Sportiva Oxygym Climbing Shoe – Women’s

La Sportiva Oxygym Climbing Shoe – Women’s

Features:

  • Washable
  • Fabric top
  • Rubber sole
  • Loop and hook closure system

Pro's

  • Easy to wash
  • Sturdy and Durable
  • Aesthetic
  • Great soles

COn's

  • Sizes run small
  • Expensive

Product Overview

This a shoe for frequent climbers. It is for those who have decided to make climbing a part of their life’s routine. La Sportiva’s Oxygym Climbing Shoe was designed to take its customers’ climbing experience to brand new heights. The shoe was scientifically crafted with comfort being its sole visionary component. The outdoors can be really hard on your skin, and there are so many harmful objects that your skin needs to be guarded against, this is a shoe that has you covered.

This rock climbing shoe also looks more unisex than feminine in nature, they are sturdy, durable, and will certainly be a part of your closet for a very long time. You have a better chance of passing it down to your daughter than actually wearing out the shoe. Although the aesthetic of the shoe is not the best and it could use a bit of work, the shoe easily compensates for this with rugged materials that can take on really harsh conditions. It might also be a little expensive due to the quality of materials used to create it but the payoffs will definitely last for years.


2. Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe (2014) – Women’s

Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe (2014) – Women’s

Features:

  • Asymmetrical
  • High trax friction rubber
  • Stick up closure
  • Padded
  • New antibacterial mesh
  • Soft and Synthratek VX upper layer
  • 1mm sensitive half-length midsole

Pro's

  • Aesthetic and cute
  • Washable
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Environmental friendly
  • Easy to wear
  • Sensitive, thick and soft sole
  • Ideal for occasional climbers

COn's

  • Sizes run small
  • Expensive
  • Stretches with each wear
  • Non-breathable material
  • Tendency to smell
  • Too flat

Product Overview

Elektra is not a new brand in the shoe industry but back in 2014, they decided to redesign their top selling shoe in two different color schemes. These new designs caught the eyes of many because the brand was able to design rock climbing shoes that were chic, affordable and beautiful. Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe (2014) – Women’s shoe is tailored towards the comfort of its users, and it is an ideal shoe for every experience level of rock climbers. Customer testimonials have easily described the shoe as combining the comfort of bedroom slippers with protection from the ruggedness of the outdoors.

This is one of the best climbing shoes because the brand was improved to include exciting features. The improvements were made to focus on the fitness and the material in the uppers. A further advancement was made to include a mesh with anti-microbial that eliminates odors. The shoes are an all-rounder making them suitable for any climber, even a beginner. The quality material and the creative design make the shoes both flexible and comfortable with enough withstand for rough activity over all terrains. The rubber sole is 4.2mm, which helps you feel the micro-features underneath your feet, giving you the confidence to trust your foot placement.

The Evolv Elektra Climbing Shoe (2014) is easily laced with best-performing rubber soles on the market made from TRAX XT high friction rubber. The shoe is perfectly balanced with high resistance to different types of rocks. The bottoms are slip-free and what is more interesting to know is that the TRAX XT high friction rubber is an environmentally friendly material as well, which can be recycled for the production of other things.


3. La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoes

La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoes

Features:

  • Leather
  • Single design
  • ubber heel
  • Well-padded
  • Classic unlined leather upper
  • 1.8mm LaspoFlex as the midsole and 5mm FriXion RS
  • Low-asymmetry RN45

Pro's

  • Comfortable
  • Long lasting
  • Fast Lacing System
  • Affordable
  • All-around performance

COn's

  • Not too aesthetic
  • Not washable
  • Sizing woes
  • Narrow-fit

Product Overview

The La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe is one of the strongest contending rock climbing shoes owing to its fast lacing system. La Sportiva seems to understand how unflattering it could be for people when the lacing system of any shoe is too complex, as this could take up some extra minutes before they can get ready for rock climbing. Regardless of your proficiency level in rock climbing, you are very likely to look like a professional as soon as you put them on.

With La Sportiva TarantuLace, you are guaranteed to get these and many more attributes that will make your climbing experience amazing. The shoe has quick-pull laces that give space when them and wraps the entire shoe tightly and uniformly. The shoe is downturned with a shape that does not crunch the toes, but they still feel sleek and not bulky. The outsole is sticky while the inner is comfortable with a lined tongue that ensures breathability.

The flexibility of these shoes is absolutely unrivaled as they can be used beyond rock climbing to double as gym shoes. While the shoe may seem perfect, the only downside is that it lacks many variations and does not give the customers different colors to choose from. The shoe comes in only two variations and requires its users to use its size chart before buying it. The design of the shoe is asymmetrical with a realistic build for technical support. With this shoe, all you need to focus on is climbing, and you will find yourself at the top in no time.


4. Butora Endeavor Tight Fit Climbing Shoe – Women’s

Butora Endeavor Tight Fit Climbing Shoe – Women’s

Features:

  • Organic hemp fabric
  • Leather
  • Stick up closure

Pro's

  • Custom Fit
  • Comfortable
  • Durable
  • Fast Lacing System

COn's

  • Sizing is not very clear
  • Tough to clean

Product Overview

The Butora Endeavor Tight Fit Climbing Shoe is perfectly designed to provide ankle support for women with its lower cut on the heel area. It is the kind of shoe that makes a woman feel powerful as soon as she puts them on. Its grip on the feet is magnificent, leaving no extra room for the shoe to slip off its wearer. The amount of comfort this shoe brings can only be rivaled by its aesthetic qualities which is something a lot of women will love.

Asides that, the leather properties of the shoe do not make it the best choice for rainy days but it does a perfect job during dry seasons. The shoe is also a little pricy but also worth the quality and fashion statement. Regardless of your climbing proficiency, this is an ideal option to hop on. The 100% organic hemp fabric helps to reduce the tendency to stretch while rock climbing. It also fights off odor development, which is not something you find in every shoe.


5. La Sportiva Mythos Lace-Up Climbing Shoe – Women’s

La Sportiva Mythos Lace-Up Climbing Shoe – Women’s

Features:

  • Leather
  • Lace-up
  • Precision Fit

Pro's

  • Durable build
  • Comfortable
  • Ankle support
  • Vibram rubber heel

COn's

  • Not for those who don’t like laces
  • Tough to clean

Product Overview

This is another shoe by La Sportiva that seems to be taking the rock climbing game to the next level. The brand is doing so well for themselves because of their track record of making some of the best sports shoes on the market. The La Sportiva Mythos Lace-Up Climbing Shoe is no different, as it strikes a perfect balance between comfort and performance. The shoe has a patented self-adapting Mythos feature that allows it to modify itself to fit the shape of your feet. Unlike most sporting shoes that force your feet into a certain shape, these shoes do the exact opposite.

Rock climbing cannot get any more comfortable with these shoes. Even with its padded interior, its external materials are also rugged enough to take on the most challenging environments. This is a shoe that sells out quickly, so if you would like to get a copy, the best time to do that is now. However, if you don’t really like laces, then this might not be a great option for you. Above all, the shoe does not compromise on the comfort of your feet, it is versatile, iconic and would make a great addition to your shoe closet.

Final Thoughts

Rock climbing is not for the faint hearted and those who dare to do it deserve to do it in the best gear possible. They do something a lot of people consider impossible every day and these shoes are guaranteed to help rock climbers make the most of their sport. They do not have to suffer from leg aches due to bad shoe choices;

The La Sportiva Oxygym Climbing Shoe is perfectly laced with comfort because the makers understand that rock climbing is already a strenuous sport and the wearer needs to be comfortable to do it successfully. The major downside to this shoe is that it is a bit pricy.

If you are a sucker for rugged shoes then the Evolve Elektra Climbing Shoe (2014) is for you. While the shoe does not have a variety of color options and designs for its users to choose from, it compensates for this with its rugged design. This is a shoe that can face all kinds of environments.

The flexibility of the La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe is absolutely unrivaled. If you are looking for the kind of shoe that you can easily wear to the gym, then go rock climbing with later in the evening, this is it. However, the shoe is not exactly washable so it might be difficult to clean.

The importance of ankle support in shoes is greatly undermined, but the Butora Endeavor Tight Fit Climbing Shoe has a great deal of focus on the essential features for rock climbing. The grip is incredible, and it is also quite beautiful to look at. However, it could also be a bit hard to clean.

The La Sportiva Mythos Lace-Up Climbing Shoe was built on the foundation of comfort and performance, and if this is your thing, then look no further. It is incredibly comfortable and a little pricy but the value for money is beyond your imagination.

While it is important to make excellent shoe choices, the occasion also needs to be taken into consideration. This is why our top recommendation for rock climbing is the; La Sportiva Mythos Lace-Up Climbing Shoe for its excellent balance of all rock climbing essentials. Our second choice, however, is the La Sportiva Women’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe for its versatility. Regardless of the choice you go with at the end of the day, all the shoes on the above list are excellent rock climbing shoes.

Here are a few other shoes worth considering


6. Evolv Nikita Climbing Shoe – Women’s

Evolv Nikita Climbing Shoe – Women’s

Features:

  • US unlined high quality leather
  • Full lacing with speed eyelets
  • Trax high friction rubber
  • 3D air mesh

Pro's

  • Enhanced Arch support technology
  • New design
  • Soft and breathable tongue
  • Arch support wing sole

COn's

  • Stitching on the tongues
  • Shoe will smell
  • Shoe stretches out

Product Overview

This type of Evolve climbing shoes is suitable for rope climbers ranging from plastic pullers to multi-pitch lovers. They boost the arch support that affords the power and comfort the climbers need. Their full-length midsole works together with the VTR 3D rand to give you an edgy performance and mid-level fitness. The sole is durable and with an exceptional grip that I guarantee will not let you down; even while climbing challenging terrain. The uppers are made from high-quality unlined leather, which makes the shoe durable and flexible. Another comfort feature is the cushy and airy tongue with the adjustable lace-up system and speed eyelets. The sizing of the shoes runs small, so you need to choose a size smaller, so it can fit perfectly.


7. La Sportiva Finale Women’s Climbing Shoe

Features:

  • Central perforated panel
  • Tensioned heel rand and powerhinge
  • 5mm Vibram XS edge sticky rubber outsole.
  • Unlined leather

Pro's

  • Durable
  • Sensitive and firm
  • Great all-round performance.
  • Resoleable

COn's

  • Expensive
  • Too specialized.
  • Below standard durability

Product Overview

When it comes to a climbing shoe that is aggressive, sensitive, and comfortable, La Sportiva Finale Climbing Shoes does not fall short. Comfort is the metric where the shoe shines because despite being worn for long periods of time, it will provide an unimaginable level of comfort. It has a lace-up system that adjusts to fit your leg comfortably. The Vibram XS Edge 5mm rubber is sticky, making the rubber sole less crisp than other climbing shoes. The shoes also have a Powerhinge and a tensioned heel rand that provides adequate underfoot edging performance. Because of the soft midsole, flat outsole, and leather microfiber upper, the shoe is perfect for squeezing through cracks.


8. Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV Climbing Shoe

Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV Climbing Shoe

Features:

  • Rubber sole.
  • 100% synthetic.
  • Simple fold-over fastening.
  • Velcro brand straps.

Pro's

  • Sticky rubber sole
  • Comfortable
  • Maximum precision and sensitivity
  • Easy to wear

COn's

  • Narrow feet
  • Expensive
  • Narrow and subtly longer toe.

Product Overview

The Five Ten Anasazi LV women specific shoes are best suited for women with narrow feet. The shoes are high performance and versatile in challenging environments. They are low instep with a high arch and a narrow heel cup, which makes the shoe extremely comfortable. The outer sole is rubber, making it sticky and durable. Similarly, the upper part is synthetic and secure, but it stretches over time to allow the foot to form in the shoe. The shoe is also sensitive enough for the toes to feel the cracks in the rock and find support in them. The shoes are lightweight and bright in color, which is perfect for many women. With the flatter profile, they are the best pick for someone who wants Velcro straps and a perfect fit.

Conclusion

Most women rock climbing shoes have certain features that set them apart from other climbing shoes. The style, material, fastenings, tension, size and fit, and heel area are among the distinctive hallmarks that give them a precise and definite look.

Materials

There are two types of materials that are popular for women rock climbing shoes: synthetic and leather. Synthetics are a cheaper option compared to leather though there are more stable. Therefore, their fitting will remain intact for a while. On the other hand, leather shoes are more breathable, reducing sweat from the feet. Nonetheless, they are more expensive and less stable.

Fastenings

Laces, hook-and-loops, Velcro straps, and slippers are all types of fastenings that are relevant for both comfort and safety. Laces help in adjusting the shoe to fit at different pints, but they are inconvenient and take longer to put on. However, hook-and-loops are faster than laces though they are prone to breaking. Slippers are the best choice as they are extremely tight and fast to wear.

Tension

Tension in a climbing woman’s shoe ensures that the right areas of the shoes get the support they need. Pre-tensioning is a build-up of tension in the sole through the heel. Tension can also build up in the sole by sculpting it and giving it a downturn to emphasize strength on the big toe. Most aggressive women rock-climbing shoes have more tension for trickier climbs though they are less comfortable.

Heel Area

Taking care of the heel area is essential, especially when it comes to bouldering. However, the feature is not suitable for beginners since they mainly use climbing ropes. As for experienced climbers, it is essential to find shoes that do not press the Achille’s tendon or put pressure on the heel.

Size and Fit

Some women’s rock-climbing shoes are hard to find in the right size because they are narrow at the front. Still, each brand has a different type of shape and size, therefore, it is possible to find a pair that allows you to enjoy your rock-climbing experience.

In summary, here are some of the things you should look out for when looking for a pair of climbing shoes.

  • Avoid shoes that have zero air space.
  • Look out for shoes that fit snugly against your foot.
  • Make sure your feet do not move inside to avoid slipping, but it should also not strangle your toes.
  • Consider the features, quality, and the price of the shoe before picking it.