Climbing Shoes for Kids: The Right First Pair

In short: Kids need a flat, comfortable climbing shoe with Velcro that isn't too small. Curled toes like in adult performance shoes have no place here. Our pick for a first pair is the La Sportiva Tarantula Jr. If feet are growing fast, models with an adjustable heel such as the La Sportiva Stickit or Scarpa Piki-Y are a good choice.

Kids' climbing shoes compared

Weights are per shoe as stated by the manufacturer. "RRP" is the price in the manufacturer's shop; the Tarantula Jr price is a current retailer price.

Selection criteria: what matters in kids' climbing shoes?

Size: a proper fit, not too small

The adult rule of "two sizes down" does not apply to kids. For the Tarantula Jr, La Sportiva recommends choosing from your child's normal street shoe size down to at most one EU size smaller. Toes may touch the front but should not be strongly curled. Scarpa stresses a "foot-friendly" fit for the Piki-Y that doesn't restrict the natural growth of a child's foot. Don't just ask whether something pinches: let your child stand and walk for a few minutes in the shop and check for red pressure marks afterwards.

Closure: on and off without help

Velcro is easiest for kids. La Sportiva explicitly describes the Tarantula Jr closure as quick and easy for children. The Stickit has a cord around the heel that you can lengthen or shorten with a knot, so the shoe grows with the foot for a while. The Evolv Venga uses an adjustable double D-ring for the same purpose.

Flat shape

Kids don't need downturned shoes. A flat last is more comfortable and keeps the toes straight. Scarpa describes the Reflex-Y with a flat, neutral last and toes positioned without compression. Scarpa positions more downturned youth models like the Drago-Y for young climbers who want to push their limits. That's a shoe for ambitious teens, not a first pair.

Durable sole

Kids drag their feet along the wall. A thicker sole lasts longer. The Tarantula Jr has 5 mm FriXion RS, the Piki-Y and Reflex-Y have 4 mm Vision rubber, and the Stickit has 3 mm FriXion RS.

Our recommendation: La Sportiva Tarantula Jr

The Tarantula Jr is the kids' version of the well-known beginner shoe. La Sportiva lists an unlined leather upper, one Velcro strap, two heel loops, a 5 mm FriXion RS sole and sizes 26 to 36. At 120 g per shoe it is light. The leather gives a little, so the shoe doesn't need to be tight when you buy it. You can get the Tarantula Jr here at Bergfreunde.

For fast-growing feet: La Sportiva Stickit and Scarpa Piki-Y

La Sportiva built the Stickit so the heel can adjust to a growing foot. The aim, according to the manufacturer: you need to buy new pairs less often. Sizes come as double sizes (26/27 to 34/35).

On the Piki-Y, the heel tension band is only partly attached to the upper and runs free below the ankle. Scarpa says this lets the shoe adapt better to a growing foot. An EVA insert under the heel improves shock absorption, according to Scarpa.

Vegan for kids: Evolv Venga

Evolv labels the Venga as vegan. Its breathable polyester upper is meant to accommodate many growing foot shapes. More models without animal-derived materials are in our guide to vegan climbing shoes.

When is buying better than renting?

Rental shoes from the gym are fine for the first few sessions. The Alpine Club's gear rental also offers climbing shoes, as the Munich & Oberland section notes in its guide to kids' gear. If your child climbs regularly, for example in a kids' group, their own pair is worth it. Second-hand shoes are a good option: according to the article, a visual check is enough to see whether climbing shoes still work. Look for an intact sole and a closure that still holds.

Find a gym with kids' courses near you in our climbing gyms by city. What gear you need besides shoes is explained in climbing gear for beginners.

FAQ

At what age do kids need their own climbing shoes?

There's no fixed age. What matters is how often your child climbs. Rental shoes are fine for taster sessions. With regular training, an own pair is worth it because it fits better.

What size should kids' climbing shoes be?

About the same as their street shoes or at most one size smaller, as La Sportiva recommends for the Tarantula Jr. Toes should touch the front but not be strongly curled. Don't buy much too big, or the foot slides around and your child stands insecurely on the holds.

How often should I check the size?

That depends on growth. Check before each new season and whenever your child complains of pressure or the toes are visibly curled. Models with an adjustable heel like the Stickit keep up a little longer.

Are expensive kids' climbing shoes worth it?

Not for a first pair. A comfortable, flat shoe is enough. Downturned youth models like the Scarpa Drago-Y are made for kids who already climb ambitiously.

Bottom line

Choose a flat shoe with Velcro that fits rather than pinches. The La Sportiva Tarantula Jr is a solid first shoe. If feet grow fast, the La Sportiva Stickit or Scarpa Piki-Y with their adjustable heels are a good choice. Buy second-hand if the sole and closure are in good shape. For teens moving into adult sizes, see our guide to the best climbing shoes for beginners.

Sources: manufacturer information on the La Sportiva Tarantula Jr, La Sportiva Stickit, Scarpa Piki-Y and Evolv Venga.

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