Rope climbing shoes are an essential part of any climber’s gear, as they provide the traction and support needed to safely scale a rope. These shoes should main focus is to prevent sliding on the rope, as it may lead to an injury, and that’s why they have slip resistant capabilities on the outsole and medial areas on the shoes.
There are many different shoes available on the market that are specifically designed for this purpose, so it is important to choose the right pair based on your individual needs. Some factors you may want to consider when making your purchase include the type of terrain you’ll be climbing on, the level of support you need, and your budget.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best shoes for rope climbing and what factors you should consider when making your purchase.
Top 8 Best Shoes for Rope Climbs
1. Inov-8 Men’s F-lite 260 Knit Boots – View On Amazon
2. La Sportiva Men’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe – View On Amazon
3. SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes – View On Amazon
4. Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer – View On Amazon
5. Reebok Men’s Nano X Cross Trainer – View On Amazon
6. Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe 2019 – View On Amazon
7. La Sportiva Men’s Finale Climbing Shoe – View On Amazon
8. Butora Men’s Endeavor Rock Climbing Shoe – View On Amazon
1. Inov-8 Men’s F-lite 260 Knit Boots – View On Amazon
The Inov-8 Men’s F-lite 260 Knit Boots are a versatile and comfortable sneaker that is perfect for any type of workout. The F-Lite™ 260 Knit training shoe offers superior breathability and allows more natural foot movement for an enhanced workout.
The sneaker uses Rope-Tec technology to deliver exceptional grip on the rope, making rope biting possible. The powerflow technology in the midsole provides heightened impact resilience, while the sticky rubber underside offers multi-directional grip on the floor
The differentiating factor of 8mm makes these shoes perfect for high-intensity workouts and plyometrics, while the DFB shank delivers added propulsion for explosive movements.
The sticky rubber outsole provides superior grip on all types of surfaces, ensuring you stay stable and supported throughout even the most intense workouts. And with its Rope-Tec™ technology and 360° wrap around protection, these shoes are built to perform well even in the toughest conditions.
Whether you’re doing burpees, box jumps, or rope climbs, the Inov-8 Men’s F-lite 260 Knit Boots are an essential training shoe for any serious athlete.
- Superior breathability and allows more natural foot movement
- Specifically designed for cross-training and high-intensity
- Lightweight upper allows quick, responsive movement.
- Lace-up closure for a secure and customizable fit
- Breathable mesh lining
- The welded toe bumpers protect your toes from impact
- The sticky grip rubber outsole offers outstanding traction and grip
- Not very durable, as they tend to show signs of wear and tear after just a few weeks of heavy use.
2. La Sportiva Men’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe – View On Amazon
The La Sportiva Men’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe is a versatile, beginner-friendly shoe designed for comfort and versatility. Featuring a lace closure system that allows you to easily tighten and adjust the fit, this shoe is ideal for new climbers who want to start climbing comfortably right away.
Made with 5mm of FriXion RS rubber on the sole, this shoe delivers excellent traction and grip on rock and plastic surfaces. The thick rubber also makes it great for edging, helping beginners learn proper foot placement techniques as they work their way up challenging routes.
With a comfortable and snug fit, the updated heel cup holds the heel in place while the quick-pull lacing allows for precise fit along the length of the foot. The two heel pull loops also make it easy to slip the shoes on and off.
The sticky FriXion RS rubber outsole provides powerful edging capabilities and durability, making this an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced climbers alike.
The toe box in the Tarantulace is roomier than most climbing shoes. It’s a more comfortable fit, which makes these shoes good for gym climbing, top roping and even some longer routes outside.
Overall, the La Sportiva Men’s TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe is an affordable option that offers excellent comfort and performance for beginner and intermediate climbers alike.
- Superb grip and durability thanks to the sticky FriXion RS rubber outsole
- Comfortable and snug fit provided by the updated heel cup
- Two heel pull loops make it easy to put on and take off
- Great support and edging capabilities for any type of climb
- Ideal choice for both beginner and experienced climbers
- May be too tight for some climbers
- Not as comfortable for standing and belaying as some other shoes
3. SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes for Sport Climbing and Bouldering – View On Amazon
The SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes are designed with performance and comfort in mind. Made from durable, high-quality materials, these shoes offer the perfect combination of stiffness and sensitivity, allowing you to feel the rock beneath your feet while providing the support and stability you need for challenging climbs.
The shoes feature a stiffer sole and more aggressive edging, making them ideal for traversing and technical moves. The heel hook is also extremely impressive, providing ample support and stability when needed.
Featuring a toe rubber patch for maximum toe coverage, as well as Vibram XS Edge and XS Grip 2 rubber for exceptional traction on any rock type, these shoes are ideal for experienced climbers looking to push their limits.
Designed with a bi-tension rand for enhanced foot comfort, and a Flexan dynamic midsole for reduced foot fatigue, these shoes are the ultimate choice for serious climbers.
If you are an experienced climber looking for a high-performance shoe for your sport or bouldering adventures, the SCARPA Instinct VS Rock Climbing Shoes are a great option that you should definately consider!
- Excellent quality and craftsmanship
- Stiff and supportive platform ideal for edging
- Large rubber toe patch for maximum coverage
- Vibram XS Edge and XS Grip 2 rubber for exceptional traction
- Flexan dynamic midsole for reduced foot fatigue
- Ideal for both sport climbing and bouldering
- Durability may be an issue, especially if the shoes are used frequently or under demanding conditions.
4. Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer – View On Amazon
The Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a versatile and comfortable workout shoe.
These shoes are stable and provide good support for lifting, kickboxing, and other high-impact activities. The wide toe box and breathable, flexible mesh design make them comfortable and ideal for extended wear. With a variety of stylish color options, the CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 is sure to be a favorite among gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
The outsole is constructed with durable rubber that provides superior traction on a variety of surfaces. Whether you’re training for a competition or just working out for fun, the Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave Cross Trainer is a great choice for any fitness enthusiast.
The Nano 8 is known for its plush interior, which provides a comfortable and cozy fit. Additionally, the shoe’s hard yet flexible heel offers excellent stability and traction, making it ideal for performing squats, jumps, and other explosive movements.
And with its maximum cushioning in the midsole, this shoe keeps your feet and joints feeling supported, even during intense and challenging workouts.
Whether you’re lifting weights, performing box jumps, rope climbing, or doing high-intensity interval training, these stylish and comfortable crossfit shoes will help keep you going strong all day long.
- Durable and lightweight material
- Efficient foot support
- Comfortable and sturdy design
- High-performance sport shoes
- Flexweave upper that provides breathability, stability, and durability
- Cushioned sole and heel bootie construction for ultimate performance comfort
- Toe Tection technology for added durability during high-intensity workouts
- CrossFit-specific outsole with grip for optimal performance in the box or gym.
- The low-cut design of the shoe may not provide enough support for some activities.
5. Reebok Men’s Nano X Cross Trainer – View On Amazon
The Reebok Men’s Nano X Cross Trainer is a high-performance sports footwear that is ideal for all types of workouts, including cardio, lifting sessions, climbing, and running.
They are comfortable and have good support, especially in the back and heel. The toe box is wide, and the mesh expands enough to not cramp your toes. They are stable for lifting and have a good grip on gym floors.
Crafted with a soft woven textile upper that provides support and flexibility where needed, these iconic cross training shoes are engineered with lightweight EVA foam cushioning that keeps your feet agile and comfortable all day long.
With a deep heritage in fitness, Reebok has redefined endurance with the Nano X to celebrate a decade of supremacy and history of pushing vigorous boundaries.
Whether it’s in the gym, the studio or the streets, we are here to help you be the best version of yourself.
- Comfortable and stylish sneaker
- Made with recycled and durable materials
- efficient foot support and are ideal for high intensity workouts.
- Secure fit abd Great stability
- Very durable,long lasting
- perfect for any type of exercise, including running, cardio, and lifting.
- Lacking tread for grip when jogging
6. Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe 2019 – View On Amazon
The Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe 2019 is a great all around shoe that is precise enough for your next gym session.
The shoe features a synthetic leather upper that is comfortable and breathable, as well as a rubber sole that provides excellent traction. The Rave Strap also features a lace-up closure system that ensures a secure fit, and the shoe is available in a variety of sizes to fit most feet.
The double stitch construction, padded collar and heel, and polypropylene midsole make this shoe comfortable and durable, while the one-piece binding provides a good fit.
The shoes come pre-downsized, so you can go up a full size for a more comfortable fit or down a size for a more aggressive performance fit. With its
excellent traction and durable toe, the Rave Strap is an ideal choice for beginner climbers looking to improve their skills on the wall.
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Good for beginners
- Decently durable
- Good traction
- Padding reduces discomfort
- The straps on these shoes could be better designed
- The rubber sole will not last as long as other more expensive models
7. La Sportiva Men’s Finale Climbing Shoe – View On Amazon
The La Sportiva Men’s Finale Climbing Shoe is a versatile and reliable performer that can handle a variety of climbing surfaces.
It features a flat toe box for excellent smearing and edging ability, as well as a solid heel cup for excellent support and traction. The shoe also has a sufficient amount of rubber covering the heel and sides for excellent grip and reliability.
Made with unlined leather uppers, this shoe offers excellent comfort while still delivering reliable edging performance thanks to its tensioned heel rand and powerhinge system.
The sticky rubber outsole provides great traction on a variety of surfaces, making the Finale an ideal choice for beginner and intermediate climbers alike. So
whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire, the La Sportiva Men’s Finale Climbing Shoe is a great option for all your climbing advantures.
- Comfortable and support fit
- Can handle long days of climbing
- Great edging and smearing ability
- Heel cup provides excellent support and traction
- Small toe rand
- Inadequate sensitivity
8. Butora Men’s Endeavor Rock Climbing Shoe – View On Amazon
Butora Men’s Endeavor Rock Climbing Shoe is a great choice for all-around performance and comfort. The slightly asymmetrical toe shape follows the natural line of the foot, and the shoe has an innovative triple fork webbing system for custom fitting.
The shoes has amazing odo control , thanks to the 100% organic hemp lining. They also have a high-quality footbed made of split leather, which provides both comfort and performance.
The molded midsole is made with 3D injection molding for precision edging and torsion rigidity, while the two-piece tongue is constructed of breathable mesh for extra comfort and ventilation.
Other features include triple fork webbing (as we mentioned alread) for a custom fit and Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber soles. Overall, the Endeavor is a great option for anyone looking for a top-quality climbing shoe that can handle all types of terrain.
The Endeavor comes in four different colors (each color is width and sex specific). The Endeavor Moss is men’s wide. Endeavor Sierra Gold is men’s narrow.
With its unique features and super solid construction, the Endeavor will meet and exceed your high expectations as a great all-around climbing shoe.
- Provides amazing odor protection
- Doesn’t stretch
- most comfortable climbing shoes
- Durable, Long lasting
- Great edging
- Beginner friendly
- Great value at less than $100
- The shoes may be too loose in the heel for some people, and they may not be sensitive enough for experienced climbers.
Best shoes for rope climbs buying
When choosing shoes for rope climbs, it’s also important to find a good fit. Your shoes should be snug and supportive, but not too tight or restrictive. Be sure to try on different styles and sizes until you find the perfect pair that suits your needs and fits your feet perfectly.
Here are the factors you must consider when choosing your next shoe for climbing ropes:
Abrasion-Resistant Fabric
One of the most important qualities to look for when choosing shoes for rope climbing is abrasion-resistant fabric. This helps to protect your feet from getting scraped or torn up by the rope as you make your way up it.
Lateral Support
Another important factor to consider when choosing shoes for rope climbs is lateral support. This helps to keep your feet stable and in place as you make your way up the rope. Look for shoes with a wide base and good traction so that you can maintain a good grip on the rope.
Breathability
When you’re working up a sweat as you climb, it’s important to choose shoes that are breathable and will not cause your feet to overheat. Look for shoes with a mesh upper and airy design so that your feet can stay cool and comfortable during even the most intense climbs.
slip resisstant
Finally, consider shoes with good grip and traction. This will help you maintain your footing as you make your way up the rope, which is crucial for staying safe and preventing injury. Look for rubber soles that offer a good amount of friction against the surface of the rope so that you can feel confident and stable as you climb.
Rope Grip
Finally, when choosing shoes for rope climbs it’s important to consider the quality of their rope grip. Look for shoes that have an aggressive outsole and good traction so that you can maintain a firm grip on the rope at all times. This will help keep you safe and secure as you make your way up to the top!