Bouldering or free rock climbing is one of the hardest things you can do as an adventurist. However, bouldering is the hardest of the two and often takes more concentration and better skills due to a lack of safety measures.
What are the best shoes for indoor bouldering?
When looking for an indoor bouldering shoe, you will need to keep in mind plenty of things. One of these things is the shoe and the angle at which the shoe bends to give you more grip over the boulders. These shoes are often made from lightweight materials, and when used, they are comfortable around the rocks.
Indoor bouldering is becoming more and more popular among many individuals. Since more people want to try these rocks, we must show you the best shoes to get the job done. We will be looking at the different features of these shoes and include a couple of the best shoes for indoor bouldering you can find.
Key Features To Look For Indoor Bouldering Climbing Shoes
Before we reveal the top shoes for indoor bouldering, we must show you the key features. While researching the shoes, we used a specific set of criteria. This section aims to show you some of the criteria we used, enabling you to find the best indoor bouldering shoes.
Materials
One of the first things you will need to consider is the different materials that can be used. When it comes to bouldering shoes, you can expect most of the shoes to be made from leather or synthetic leather. However, it is essential to look for a durable shoe that can stretch a little bit to ensure comfort.
Fit
The fit of your shoes is always important. However, when it comes to the fit of bouldering shoes, you need to have it right. If the shoes are too small, they might restrict the blood flow to your feet. If they are too big, you will have a hard time gaining traction with them and controlling the shoes when you go over boulders.
Laces
The great thing about bouldering shoes is that you have a couple of enclosures you can choose from. The most common is the laces and the Velcro straps. However, you can also find slip-on shoes, and while these might feel comfortable, they run the risk of slipping off your feet. We would recommend sticking to laces or Velcro straps.
Shoe Shape
The bouldering and climbing shoes all have different shapes, and the shape relates to the skill level and comfort of the climber. These shapes are the standard, the moderate, and the aggressive shape that could often impact how the shoes will bend and how they will function. Here is a small breakdown of each:
- Standard: The standard climbing shoe is often the easiest to use. These shoes feature a flat outer sole, and while they might not bend over the boulders, you can comfortably control your foot placement.
- Moderate: The moderate shoes are slightly different, and these shoes have a slight bend in them. They will slide around some of the boulders, but they are still comfortable to use for walking.
- Aggressive: The aggressive bouldering shoe is often recommended and designed for the experts. The shoes feature an aggressive bend, which will bend around the boulder, making climbing easier. However, it could take some time to get used to these shoes.
Outer Sole Material
Finally, we have to look closer at the outer sole material of these shoes. The outer sole is made from rubber for the most part, but you have to decide which rubber you will be comfortable using. Softer rubber often lacks durability. However, the stickiness will make them better for climbing. The opposite is true for the harder rubber, but it has more durability.
Top 3 Shoes For Indoor Bouldering
Now that you have seen some of the key features for selecting indoor bouldering shoes, you might be wondering which shoes we recommend. We have selected a couple of the top options that should be for beginners and intermediate climbers. Here are some of the best shoes that you might want to consider for indoor bouldering:
La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoe
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Durable leather construction
- Aggressive bend
- Vibram outer sole
- Velcro strap on
Cons:
- Expensive
Bottom Line: The La Sportiva Solution Climbing Shoe is one of the more aggressive and expensive options on the market today. It features durable construction, and the shoe includes a solid bend for aggressive climbing. It might be uncomfortable to start with for beginners but perfect for expert climbers to use.
Evolv Shaman Climbing Shoe
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Made from lightweight synthetic leather
- Hook and loop
- Rubber outer sole
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- The sizing is a little off
Bottom Line: The Evolv Shaman Climbing Shoe is one of the most comfortable options that you can use. The shoe is not as expensive, and it features a moderate bend. The synthetic leather is flexible, and the shoe should be comfortable. However, the biggest challenge would be for you to find the perfect size for the shoe.
Tenaya Oasi Rock Climbing Shoe
Where to Get It – Check it out on Amazon
Pros:
- Durable leather construction
- Breathable microfibers
- Velcro construction
- Reliable climbing brand
Cons:
- Expensive
Bottom Line: The Tenaya Oasi Rock Climbing Shoe is very similar to some of the previous options. The shoe has an aggressive bend, but it features leather construction for durability. The introduction of the microfibers makes the shoe ventilated, and this means you don’t have to deal with too much sweat.
What Are The Best Shoes For Indoor Bouldering Summary
Bouldering is an exhilarating and technical sport, and it is a great way to test your strength. These shoes will help you when climbing, and they should make the climbing process a little easier as well. We would love for some of the experts to weigh in and know which shoes we might have missed.
Need Gear for Your Rock Climbing Trip?
If you are planning a rock climbing adventure, you want to make sure that you have the right gear. Check out our beginners guide for rock climbing equipment.
