The Best Climbing Shoes for Beginners 2026

In short: As a beginner you need a flat, comfortable shoe with a durable sole and Velcro closure. Our recommendation is the La Sportiva Tarantula. If your feet are on the wide side, also try the Scarpa Origin, because in the end the fit decides, not the model.

Our recommendations compared

Weights are per shoe as stated by the manufacturer. "RRP" is the price in the manufacturer's shop; the Tarantula price is a current retailer price. A dash means no manufacturer figure or no current German price was found.

Selection criteria: what matters in your first climbing shoe?

Fit before brand

The shoe has to suit your foot. It feels snug but never causes sharp pain. The heel sits without gaps and your toes rest slightly bent at the front. If you want out after ten minutes of standing, the shoe is too small or the wrong shape. Try several models, ideally in a shop with a climbing wall or a practice foothold.

Flat shape, not downturn

A flat shoe with little asymmetry is the right start. You stand comfortably, even through long gym evenings, and learn to place your feet precisely. Strongly downturned shoes only pay off on steep terrain and cost comfort.

Durable sole

Early on you slip off more often and drag your toes along the wall. A thick sole survives that longer. The Tarantula and Origin have 5 mm, the Reflex VS 4 mm. A stiff sole also helps you stand on footholds while your foot muscles are still developing.

Velcro or laces?

Velcro is beginner-friendly: you can take your shoes off and on quickly between routes. Laces adapt more precisely to your foot. That helps with narrow heels or unusual foot shapes, but takes longer.

Leather or synthetic?

Leather stretches. La Sportiva says so explicitly about the Tarantula's unlined leather. A leather shoe can therefore feel a little tight when you buy it. Synthetic shoes such as the Evolv Defy barely stretch and should fit from the start.

Our recommendation: La Sportiva Tarantula

According to La Sportiva, the Tarantula is a comfort shoe with low asymmetry and a rounded, higher-volume forefoot. The unlined leather stretches a little and moulds to your foot. Two Velcro straps adjust separately. La Sportiva says the 5 mm FriXion RS sole sticks equally well to plastic and rock. Sizes run from 34 to 50 in half sizes, and the shoe is rated stiff (4 out of 5). You can get the Tarantula here at Bergfreunde.

A good match if: you want a comfortable all-round shoe for your first year or two and your feet are average to wide.

Less suitable if: you have very narrow heels or already focus on steep boulders.

If you prefer laces, there is the Tarantulace. La Sportiva describes it with an asymmetric shape and a roomier toe box.

Alternative for wider feet: Scarpa Origin

The Origin has a flat last, slight asymmetry, a leather upper, two Velcro straps and 5 mm Vision rubber. Scarpa reworked the fit at the widest part of the foot to make it more comfortable there. You can get the Origin at Bergfreunde.

Scarpa's European shop also lists the Reflex VS as a beginner shoe. It has a neutral shape, lined suede, two Velcro straps with an elastic gusset and 4 mm Vision rubber. Scarpa explicitly recommends it for beginners in the gym.

For ambitious beginners: Evolv Defy

Evolv calls the Defy an entry-level shoe with a slight downturn and more asymmetry than traditional beginner models. It is fully synthetic and vegan, weighs 215 g and has a 3.5 mm TRAX SAS sole. A good fit if you want to move to steeper climbing quickly and don't mind a slightly snugger feel.

What size do I need?

Manufacturers give different rules of thumb. La Sportiva suggests one to two EU sizes below your street size for the Tarantula. Scarpa talks about roughly one size down, depending on how snug you want the shoe. As a beginner, lean towards the more comfortable size: you learn more when you can stand in your shoes longer. Our shoe finder helps you narrow down models by foot shape.

When is it worth buying your own shoes instead of renting?

Rental shoes are fine for your first few sessions. Many gyms rent shoes, and the Alpine Club's gear rental offers climbing shoes too. If you go regularly, your own pair pays off because it fits your foot and moulds to it. Find a gym near you in our climbing gyms by city. What else you need besides shoes is covered in climbing gear for beginners.

FAQ

What size climbing shoe should I buy?

For beginners, usually one to two EU sizes below your street size, depending on the brand. La Sportiva suggests one to two for the Tarantula, Scarpa about one. The shoe should feel snug but must not cause sharp pain.

How long do climbing shoes last?

It depends on how often you climb and how precisely you place your feet. Many models can be resoled. Scarpa advises doing this before the wear becomes excessive so the fit is preserved.

Can I buy climbing shoes online?

Yes, if returns are free and you order several sizes. Trying them on in a shop is better, because lasts and widths differ noticeably between brands.

Do beginners need expensive climbing shoes?

No. Expensive models are usually more downturned and built for hard routes. A comfortable, durable shoe is the better choice to start. How the models differ all the way up to performance shoes is shown in our overview of the 10 best climbing shoes of 2026.

Bottom line

For most beginners the La Sportiva Tarantula is the right first shoe: comfortable, durable and suitable for the gym and rock. If your feet are wider, also try the Scarpa Origin. Buy by feel, not by rule of thumb, and try shoes on before you decide.

Sources: manufacturer information on the La Sportiva Tarantula, Scarpa Origin, Scarpa Reflex VS and Evolv Defy.

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