So you’re on the cusp of getting started with rock climbing classes for adults. Great, it’s an enjoyable, rewarding, mentally stimulating exercise that’s great for people of all ages and skill levels.
Best of all, you can get started with basically no gear. Just a harness, a chalk bag, and of course climbing shoes. If you get started with bouldering, you won’t even need the technical stuff. Just shoes and (if you want) chalk.
But where should a beginner start with rock climbing shoes? Well, here’s a primer.
Which Rocking Climbing Shoes Are Suitable for Beginners?
Here’s the thing. The world of rock climbing shoes is quite involved and convoluted, with a variety of different shoe shapes that vary significantly in terms of symmetry and profile, with some shoes having nearly flat soles and others with very aggressive downturns.
For a beginner, though, we recommend shoes with high symmetry and a relatively flat sole, without an aggressive downturn. These features can benefit experienced climbers by enabling more aggressive heel hooking, toeing, and control on overhangs, but when you’re just getting started, there’s really no need for it. Plus, aggressively downturned rock climbing shoes with high asymmetry tend to be very uncomfortable.
What you should be looking for is a pair of shoes with relatively flat soles, and a symmetrical shape. These will keep you more comfortable as you learn the proverbial ropes. Some good choices for beginners are:
- Five Ten Niad VCS
- Five Ten Niad MOCC
- La Sportive LS Tarantula
- La Sportive Kubo
- Evolv Defy
- Evolv Kronos
- Black Diamond Momentum
- Butora Endeavor 2.0
- Scarpa Reflex V
All of these rock climbing shoes (when sized appropriately) would make excellent beginner options as they have relatively neutral profiles and should fit with relative comfort.
About Fit in Climbing Shoes
Rock climbing shoes should absolutely be snug, especially around your toes and heel, but they shouldn’t be painful. This is one of the reasons you shouldn’t buy sight unseen online without trying them on first (see below on renting). Every manufacturer has its own fit, despite the sizing, so really it’s a good idea to try on a model before buying. Also, a safe bet is to buy a half a size up – in many cases, climbing shoes in your size will be uncomfortably tight (though this is not always the case).
Lace or Velcro?
While there’s nothing wrong with lace up climbing shoes (and when expertly laced can provide a glove like fit), for beginners, velcro closures are probably easier to use and less daunting. That’s where our vote goes.
Rent First, Buy Second
Most rock climbing gyms offer gear rentals. Take them up on that especially if you’re not sure if you’ll stick with the sport or not. You don’t want to sink money into climbing shoes if you’re only going to climb a few times. On top of that, renting lets you see how a model will fit and feel, so you’ll know what you’re getting into, before you can commit to the purchase.
Get Started with Rock Climbing Classes for Adults
Not sure where to get started with rock climbing, or even which discipline appeals to you? Check out a climbing gym in your area. Many of them offer rock climbing classes for adults (and gear rentals) and would be more than happy to get you off on the right foot. Reach Climbing is the perfect example. If you’re in the Philadelphia area, they are the best choice to get started with indoor rock climbing.
