Indoor vs outdoor climbing shoes Sep 6, 2023 · Both shoes are versatile and suitable for a range of climbing scenarios, from indoor bouldering to outdoor sport climbing. Posted by u/skicolorado - 338 votes and 38 comments Jan 22, 2025 · It’s the go-to choice for gym climbing or outdoor bouldering on sandstone or limestone. Comfort is not king. They often have a tighter fit and a more tensioned heel to provide better power transfer from the foot to the rock. Mar 10, 2025 · The La Sportiva Tarantulace ($89) has been one of the top-selling climbing shoes on the market for decades. . Mar 5, 2024 · Aggressive climbing shoes are designed with a downturned toe and a curved shape to facilitate precise footwork on overhangs and small holds. Check out this guide for more information. I like it but the heel is just a bit loose on really intense heel hools on small edges/holds. The outsole thickness of high-end rock climbing shoes ranges from about 3 – 4 mm, while shoes made for the entry-level market run from 4 – 5 mm. More Indoor vs Outdoor Rock Climbing Shoes. However, sticky rubber has its drawbacks. Many climbers keep their old climbing shoes for training in the gym and only use their nice climbing shoes while outdoor climbing. See the latest Adventure stories from Outdoor Life. How to Find the Perfect Climbing Shoes As a Beginner? Apr 29, 2024 · Indoor Vs. I climbed in various countries and just can't compare grades. Indoor Climbing vs. Outdoor climbing is more important to me, and is more stylistically varied, than indoor climbing, so I have a few pairs of shoes for different disciplines outdoors (crack, long multipitch, sport), plus a cheap pair of beater shoes for indoor climbing. Indoor bouldering gyms can also get crowded during peak hours, which can lead to long wait times for popular routes. Climbing on artificial walls can feel very different from climbing on real rocks, which may not provide the same experience or challenges. One of the biggest differences between indoor and outdoor climbing is that gyms don’t offer much crack climbing terrain. I currently rent shoes, and use an indoor climbing wall, but I have a lot of friends that like to climb outdoors. With a single velcro strap and slipper-like comfort, it’s incredibly sensitive but offers surprising edging ability thanks to La Sportiva’s P3 tensioned rand system and No-Edge sole technology. Like every climbing shoe, the right one for you ultimately comes down to how well the shoe fits your foot and how well-suited it is to the climbing terrain. Jul 8, 2024 · KATY, TX 25410 Katy Mills Parkway Katy, Texas 77494 Phone: 832-437-9091. Feb 23, 2024 · Climbing shoes are one of the most important pieces of equipment in your crag pack. It is a high performing shoe, the toe, which is pointy, allows full precision on small edges. There are some obvious differences such as being indoors vs being outdoors but there are a lot more differences such as different gear, different environment, routes, safety and difficulty. If you primarily climb outdoors at backcountry crags, you may want to choose a stiffer, more durable shoe that can withstand some abuse. Usually, outdoor climbs feel way harder than indoor ones. For indoor climbers, most gyms recommend wearing breathable, flexible, moisture-wicking gym clothes and Apr 16, 2025 · Over more than a decade, GearLab has tested more than 75 different rock climbing shoes. 10 is easier than 5. Indoor vs Outdoor Rock Climbing Shoes Best GriGri? (Gri Gri vs Gri Gri Plus) May 1, 2024 Indoor vs. For indoor climbers or those tackling short, intense routes, the added grip outweighs the durability concerns. How to Find the Perfect Climbing Shoes As a Beginner? More Indoor vs Outdoor Rock Climbing Shoes. SILVERSTREET, TX 1401 Silver Street Houston, Texas 77007 Phone: 832-433-7211 Jun 23, 2024 · One of the main differences in gear between indoor and outdoor climbing is the type of shoes and harnesses used. It tends to wear out faster, especially if you drag your feet or climb on abrasive surfaces. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Jul 30, 2015 · I am looking at getting some shoes to start rock climbing, and I had a few questions about the shoes. Section divider Ten Things You Need to Know About Climbing Shoes 1. This happens because of the different rock types and Jan 11, 2025 · For example, outdoor shoes might have stickier rubber, and crash pads for outdoor use are thicker for higher falls. However, outdoor climbing shoes may need to be more robust to handle rugged terrains. May 3, 2024 · The short answer is yes, you can use the same pair of shoes for indoor vs outdoor climbing. Oct 20, 2021 · A buying guide to indoor climbing shoes - we walk you through the differences between outdoor and indoor shoes, why you would want a pair of indoor shoes and which indoor shoes would be most suitable for your level of climbing. Should I choose different climbing shoes for indoor vs. Plus, gyms often offer additional activities like Nov 14, 2024 · An entry-level shoe seen on beginners and intermediate climbers alike, the La Sportiva Finale ($130) is not only an amazing bang for your buck but an extremely well-made shoe for all-day climbing Apr 2, 2025 · The Ondra Comp is a great choice for high-end indoor competition climbing and outdoor climbing at higher grades. Nov 16, 2023 · This is the preferred style for indoor shoes because gym climbing is significantly more dynamic and three-dimensional than traditional outdoor rock climbing. Mar 13, 2023 · Performance shoes for indoor bouldering, differ from performance shoes for outdoor bouldering as indoor boulder shoes need to be much more sensitive. The ability to keep your feet dry is good, so a breathable material is a massive bonus in helping towards all-day comfort. The integrated P3 system maintains the shoe’s shape for a long time and means you can always use the heel with good tension. 5. Most likely, if you’re reading this, you find yourself in the new generation of climbers introduced to the sport through a commercial climbing gym. For example, a La Sportiva Solution is great for outdoor bouldering but much too stiff to perform well on modern boulder problems in the gym. But most modern shoes (remember solutions are +10 years old) just use the shoe structure to perform the midsole function of old. The five shoes I will share with you on this page are some of the best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers available in 2023, all of which are Jun 23, 2024 · One of the main drawbacks of indoor bouldering is the lack of natural elements. Although indoor gym climbing and outdoor rock climbing do have some pretty significant differences, shoe design isn’t one of them! The same shoes you use in the gym will hold just as well on the outdoor boulders and holds. Nov 13, 2023 · The stiffness of the sole is another distinction between the two types of shoes. Why not both indoor and outdoor climbing? Indoor and outdoor climbing aren’t rivals — they complement each other. I’m guessing solutions probably do (hence the stiffness) whereas the comps don’t. Sep 16, 2024 · Soft shoes, meanwhile, can also be either flat like the Five Ten Moccasym or downturned like Scarpa’s Veloce L. Fitting your climbing shoes for comfort is like buying a car because you like the driver’s seat. While both types of shoes can be used for climbing, indoor shoes are usually better suited because they provide more stability and grip. outdoor grades. For example my 2 go-to pairs are La Sportiva Solutions and Miura VS. Mar 27, 2024 · While outdoor and indoor rock climbing fall under the big umbrella of the sport, they differ in many ways from the sub-disciplines of climbing they provide to the movement to the hold types. 13 or V7 gracefully. Best Uses: Indoor, Outdoor, Bouldering, Sport Level: Intermediate, Advanced The La Sportiva Miura VS is a performance shoe for hard climbing that excels at It is important to develop an understanding of the demands of outdoor climbing before purchasing new shoes. These shoes don Mar 2, 2023 · Rock climbing, nowadays, is arguably more synonymous with indoor gyms filled with brightly colored bits of plastic than pristine outdoor granite, limestone, or sandstone walls where climbing first began. Breathability . For beginners, a neutral climbing shoe will work best. But how is indoor climbing different from outdoor climbing? Many climbers still Should You Wear Different Shoes Indoor Vs Outdoor Climbing? Climbing shoes are built to be used indoors and outdoors so you don’t usually need different shoes for each type of climbing. The first factor you should consider when considering how to choose climbing shoes is where you'll be climbing most of the time. Indoor climbing shoes are designed for climbing on plastic holds. Outdoor Climbing. If you primarily climb indoors at a climbing gym, you can buy a shoe with softer, less durable rubber that will allow you to smear on volumes and stand on big holds. Indoor and outdoor climbing are graded very differently. Outdoor Climbing: Gear Differences. The testing process began by paring down the vast climbing shoe market to a selection of what we believe are the best based on popularity, customer ratings, and our authors' considerable experience. 11 in your local sport climbing area. Indoor climbers often rent gear such as shoes, harnesses, and belay devices at gyms. Is there a difference in indoor vs outdoor climbing shoes, are there known hybrids if there are considerable differences? Gearhead® Experts Alli and Dylan headed to St. Most modern climbing shoes don’t have a midsole at all. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Jun 1, 2023 · Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Climbing. Climbing Shoes: Just like indoor climbing, having the right shoes is crucial. Soft, flat shoes are great for crack climbing, while soft downturned shoes are great for steep walls and indoor climbing, where smearing on volumes is commonly required. Jan 11, 2022 · This La Sportiva climbing shoe is often named one of the best beginner climbing shoes, and it is undoubtedly a winning choice for that purpose. Nov 17, 2023 · Here, we’ve compiled ten of our favorite bouldering shoes—and a list of ten things to think about when buying climbing shoes. Toe hooking sucks from factory but got them resoled recently with an added toe scum patch to make them a bit better there. Best Climbing Shoes at a Glance. More so than most other kinds of sport shoe, they need to fit perfectly – finding the best climbing shoe for your feet can mean looking at both female-specific shoes (narrower, lower in volume) and unisex versions in order to fine tune the fit. Rope Type: Outdoor ropes need to be more robust for rougher surfaces, while indoor climbing ropes can be thinner and more supple. Jul 17, 2024 · Indoor and outdoor rock climbing require different outfits best suited to each environment. The shoe’s fit is also an important consideration. Tested and Reviewed The Best Zero Drop Running Shoes Think of grading in different environments (outdoors vs indoors, one area vs another area, different grading systems or disciplines, etc) as an inside comparison. Outdoor shoes, on the other hand, are typically designed for activities like hiking and biking. This relatively flat, lace-up climbing shoe may never climb 5. Best Outdoor All-Rounder: Scarpa Arpia V ($169) Best Sport/Mixed Shoe: Unparallel Qubit ($186) Best Bouldering Shoe: Scarpa Drago XT ($229) Best for Beginners: Butora Rubicon ($150) Best Shoe for Steep Routes: La Sportiva Mandala ($209) 1. Shop for Climbing Shoes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. See full list on gripped. Jul 29, 2022 · For these reasons, a beginner climbing shoe is generally designed with thicker rubber on the sole. Nov 11, 2023 · The Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes. Gym to Outdoor Bouldering Grade Conversion Chart Illustation: Claire Eckstrom Low-end Bouldering Grades V0 La Sportiva Oktaki: My general shoe. George and Hurricane, Utah, this spring to test an assortment of climbing shoes and they’re back with a full r Apr 26, 2025 · Outdoor climbing communities are often smaller and tighter-knit. com Shoes: Outdoor climbing shoes may have more aggressive tread and stiffer soles to handle natural rock features, as opposed to the softer, more sensitive shoes for indoor holds. Outdoor Climbing Sep 11, 2022 · Indoor shoes are designed to be worn in a controlled environment, such as an office or home. Studies show outdoor bouldering problems often seem about two grades tougher. Technical face climbing; Outdoor climbing on abrasive rock like granite; Long multi-pitch routes where support is key; Drawbacks: Provides less grip and sensitivity compared to softer rubber. Nov 30, 2022 · The La Sportiva Theory is a purpose-made climbing shoe for hard indoor bouldering and competition climbing. V4 is going to be easier than V5 indoors. La Sportiva is a respected brand in the climbing world, offering high quality shoes that blend comfort with practicality. Indoor vs Outdoor Climbing Shoes: Choose the Right Shoe for the Job . outdoor bouldering grades stack up, and for planning your first outdoor bouldering excursion. Many new climbers are drawn to the Tarantulace — and for good reason. Over the years I've got probably a half dozen or so pairs of shoes and I find I care more about their type in regard to what terrain they are best on rather than if they are better indoor vs outdoor. Mar 23, 2023 · Gym Climbing vs Outdoor Climbing. Indoor climbing shoes, on the other hand, have a softer soles to provide greater comfort over time. Apr 16, 2025 · What to look for in sport climbing shoes; Ten things you need to know about climbing shoes; Our favorites; Honorable mentions; Most gear roundups cover new releases. it did it well for an indoor competition climbing shoe. Mar 21, 2022 · See the chart below for an illustrated comparison of indoor vs. Outdoor climbing shoes typically have a stiffer sole to provide additional support and stability on rough terrain. So a V3 climb inside might feel more like a V5 outside on real rocks. Gym climbing mainly involves sport climbing, top-roping, and bouldering on near-vertical to wildly overhanging walls. For these reasons, there aren’t climbing shoes that are particularly better for indoor or outdoor climbing. I use it 95% of the time for indoor and outdoor bouldering and sport. Table of Gear Differences: Nov 11, 2023 · Indoor Vs Outdoor Climbing Shoes One of the key differences between indoor and outdoor climbing is that the holds are typically a lot larger, and more rounded in the gym. Key characteristics of indoor climbing shoes include; Dec 17, 2024 · It established itself as a versatile choice for sport climbing and bouldering, but it’s also a common pick for indoor and competition climbing (most notably, 11-time American Bouldering Series champion Alex Puccio cites the Instinct VS as her favorite shoe). Indoor vs Outdoor Rock Climbing Shoes Best GriGri? (Gri Gri vs Gri Gri Plus) May 1, 2024 Apr 29, 2024 · Indoor Vs. May 27, 2025 · We’ve also updated pricing as well as shoe specs and info throughout. However, relegating this model to the ranks of newbies sells its capabilities short as a low-cost all-around climbing shoe. See news, trends, tips, reviews and more at Outdoor Life. A common question for beginner climbers and sometimes more experienced climbers is about the differences between indoor and outdoor climbing. Outdoor surfaces are harsher, so consider saving your newer or more aggressive shoes for outdoor use and using older pairs for Shop for Climbing Shoes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. Sharing a day on the rock can create deep bonds. When a company designs a new suite of shoes, they send pairs to us and our testers, and we climb in them, compare notes, write a review, and then, later, do a roundup of the latest and greatest releases of the year. Can I use the same shoes indoors and outdoors? You can, but outdoor climbing can wear out shoes faster. Indoor climbing gyms are convenient and offer a controlled environment, perfect for beginners or those looking to escape unpredictable weather. A pair of yellow and black La Sportiva Miura VS climbing shoes, positioned on a dark background, showcasing their aggressive toe design. Your climbing shoes will be your best friend when you’re cliffside, as long as they’re the right ones for you. Nov 7, 2024 · Climbing shoes can vary in weight, and if you’re looking at all-day comfort, a heavier climbing shoe may be more robust and protect your feet more, while a lighter shoe will be less noticeable. There’s a strong culture of respect for nature, safety, and the history of the routes you’re climbing. outdoor climbing? Apr 2, 2025 · Climbing Shoes: Finding the Right Fit. Softer shoes will conform to those big plastic holds and smear on the sandpaper-textured wall with ease. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Nov 14, 2024 · Credits : Walrus Climbing. What’s more, wearing this bouldering shoe, I found that you can generate lots of power and is perfect for the gym or the rock. While both shoes have their strengths, they also have their downsides. Indoor rock climbing is awesome! It's accessible, builds community, and hosts many programs for kids and adults. Think of it as the casual coffee date of rock climbing – it’s relaxed, accessible, and a great way to test the waters. For regular indoor climbing at Kamloops facilities, purchasing personal gear ensures a better fit and hygiene. Outdoor climbing requires additional equipment, including ropes, helmets, and protection gear. Indoor climbing is great training for outdoor climbing, and is great because it’s more accessible and can be done year round. While gym climbing takes place in a nice climate-controlled cushioned playground, outdoor climbing is full of adventure and risks. Also below, find 11 tips for better understanding how indoor vs. 6 (routes easy enough to climb in tennis shoes). Dec 29, 2020 · Climbing shoes are rather versatile and gym climbing is not all that different from outdoor climbing once you go above the grades of VO and 5. Indoor climbing shoes are typically more flexible and have stickier rubber soles to provide better grip on the artificial holds found in climbing gyms. What are some common mistakes to avoid when transitioning to outdoor climbing? Transitioning from indoor to outdoor climbing entails navigating several common pitfalls that climbers should be mindful of to ensure a smooth transition. Because of this, indoor climbing shoes typically are softer and more sensitive. Plus, gyms often offer additional activities like Nov 14, 2024 · An entry-level shoe seen on beginners and intermediate climbers alike, the La Sportiva Finale ($130) is not only an amazing bang for your buck but an extremely well-made shoe for all-day climbing Sep 16, 2024 · Soft shoes, meanwhile, can also be either flat like the Five Ten Moccasym or downturned like Scarpa’s Veloce L. The FriXion RS rubber sole provides excellent grip on various surfaces, making them a reliable choice for climbers of all levels. wxbqd nulgjo lgecf meqc rerhk lcmroi ikb pbs cwhumtx plwdm