The best intermediate climbing shoes – Buyers Guide
- Rashid Minhas
- 0
- on May 26, 2022
As an experienced climber, you’re looking for an edge. Whether it’s on the rock face or in the gym, you need every advantage.
You’ve been eyeing up a pair of intermediate climbing shoes. But with all the different brands and models out there, how do you know which ones are right for you? Look no further – this buyer’s guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Contents
- 1 What to Look for When Buying Climbing Shoes
- 2 The Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes
- 3 Best Shoe for Intermediate Climbers: The Scarpa Vapor V
- 4 The La Sportiva Miura VS
- 5 La Sportiva Mythos Climbing shoe climbing shoes for intermediate
- 6 But Acropolis – best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers
- 7 Best For Comfort: The Scarpa Arpia
- 8 The Tenaya Oasi – best intermediate rock climbing shoes
- 9 The La Sportiva Skwama – best intermediate bouldering shoes
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 Soft vs hard climbing shoes
- 12 Best climbing shoes for beginners
- 13 Best advanced climbing shoes
- 14 Differentiators for intermediate climbing shoes vs beginner and advanced shoes
What to Look for When Buying Climbing Shoes
When you’re looking for the best climbing shoes for comfort or for hiking, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to consider the type of climbing you’ll often be doing. If you’re primarily a sports climber, you’ll want a shoe designed for that purpose.
If you’re primarily a trad climber or the best indoor bouldering shoes, you’ll want something that’s more versatile and can handle different types of terrain.
Another thing to consider is the fit of the shoe. It’s essential to get a shoe that fits snugly but isn’t too tight.
You don’t want your shoes to be so tight that they’re uncomfortable, but you also don’t want them to be so loose that they don’t provide the support you need. Try on several different pairs of shoes to see what feels best.
Finally, think about the features you want in a shoe. Some shoes have extra padding or arch support, while others are designed to be lightweight and breathable. Consider what’s most important to you, and then choose a shoe with those features.
The Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes
As an intermediate climber, you’re developing your skills and becoming more comfortable on the rock.
You’re also becoming more aware of the importance of having the right gear, including your climbing shoes.
Knowing which shoes are right for you can be challenging with so many options on the market. Here’s a quick guide to the best intermediate climbing shoes, based on our experience and expertise.
Best Shoe for Intermediate Climbers: The Scarpa Vapor V
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When it comes to finding the best shoe for your climbing, there are a few things you need to take into account.
The first is what level of climber you are. Are you a beginner? Or are you an experienced climber? If you’re somewhere in the middle, you’re an intermediate climber. And that’s where the Scarpa Vapor V comes in.
The Scarpa Vapor V is the perfect shoe for intermediate climbers. It’s comfortable, supportive, and has just the right amount of grip.
Plus, it looks good, too! So if you’re looking for a shoe that will help you take your climbing to the next level, the Scarpa Vapor V is a perfect choice.
Pros
- The moderate downturn and slightly asymmetric profile make the shoe versatile for different types of terrain.
- The microsuede upper is supple and conforms to the shape of your foot.
- The Vibram XS Edge sole provides good traction and durability.
- The reduced tongue volume makes the shoe more comfortable.
- The Scarpa Vapor V is light and breathable shoe.
Cons
- The Scarpa Vapor V is a bit pricey.
The La Sportiva Miura VS
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When choosing the best intermediate climbing shoes, the La Sportiva Miura VS are a great option. These shoes offer a good balance of comfort and performance, and they’re built to last.
They have a synthetic leather upper lined with breathable mesh, and they feature a Vibram sole designed for durability.
The Miura VS also have an asymmetrical lacing system that provides a more customized fit, and they’re available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
If you’re looking for a high-quality pair of climbing shoes that will provide you with years of use, the La Sportiva Miura VS is a great option.
Pros
- The La Sportiva Miura VS is a great all-around climbing shoe that can be used for various activities.
- The P3 with •1mm LaspoFlex provides good support and cushioning.
- The Vibram XS Grip2 sole offers good traction and durability.
- The WPD 75 last provides a good fit with high asymmetry.
- The shoe is relatively lightweight at •23 oz / 228 g.
Cons
- The La Sportiva Miura VS may be too aggressive for some climbers.
La Sportiva Mythos Climbing shoe climbing shoes for intermediate
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These versatile all-rounders are great for intermediates who want a shoe that can do it all. The Mythos are comfortable enough for long routes and easy to walk in, yet still, perform well on technical terrain.
La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoes are a new gear that can be a game-changer for climbers.
Their designs make them incredibly comfortable to wear, easy to break in, and easy to put on. The feel is an upgrade from La Sportiva’s traditional leather feel. The rubber is stitched to the uppers, and the laces are on the outside for easy tightening.
This article is about the new La Sportiva Mythos Climbing Shoes! I love the Mythos because it’s super comfortable, easy to put on, and comes in three different colors.
They’re an upgrade to the traditional leather design. They have rubber on the uppers and laces on the outside for easy tightening. They’re also built to last, so you won’t have to replace them as often as you would with a cheaper shoe.
Pros
- Ideal for crack climbing, face climbing, and big walls
- La Sportiva ECO rubber outsole
- The patented Mythos lacing system
- 95% of components come from recycled materials
- Fine-tuned adjustments and a precise fit
Cons
- It May is not ideal for beginners
But Acropolis – best climbing shoes for intermediate climbers
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Looking for the best intermediate climbing shoes, look no further than the Butora Acropolis.
These shoes are designed for climbers looking to improve their skills and performance, and they offer the perfect blend of comfort and support.
The Acropolis features a synthetic leather upper that is durable and breathable and a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction.
These shoes also have an asymmetrical design that helps improve your footwork, and they’re available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Pros
- But NEO Fuse sticky rubber provides a good grip.
- 100% organic hemp lining controls stretch and odour.
- The split-leather footbed is comfortable.
- 3D injection-moulded ABS midsole is precise and rigid.
- Triple fork webbing gives a custom fit.
Cons
- The shoes may be too stiff for some climbers.
Best For Comfort: The Scarpa Arpia
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If you’re looking for an all-around comfortable pair of climbing shoes, the Scarpa Arpia should be at the top of your list.
These shoes feature a soft, suede upper that conforms to your foot for a snug fit and a padded tongue and collar for extra comfort.
The Aria also has a moderate amount of arch support, making them ideal for intermediate climbers looking to improve their footwork.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good performance
- Customizable fit
- Easy to get on and off
- Women’s specific last
Cons
- Not as good in cold weather
The Tenaya Oasi – best intermediate rock climbing shoes
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The Oasis is one of the most popular shoes among intermediate climbers. It’s comfortable and has a great fit, plus it performs well on all types of terrain.
Tenaya shoes are the newest in climbing technology, and this post will tell you all about them.
The Tenaya Oasi climbing shoes are the perfect balance of comfort and performance. They are stiff enough to provide support and stability but sensitive enough to feel the rock as you climb.
They’re not too stiff. They’re not too soft, and they’re just right. This is the perfect shoe for newer climbers because they offer the best of both worlds. These shoes are the perfect shoe for any climbing on the market.
The Oasis is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of climbing styles.
Pros
- The Tenaya Oasi has a Vibram sole, known for its durability and traction.
- A Yosemite veteran founded the company, so they know a thing or two about making climbing shoes.
- Professional climbers wear shoes all over the world.
- They have helped advance the sport of climbing with their innovative designs.
- The Tenaya Oasi is one of the most aggressive shoes on the market, perfect for experienced climbers looking to push themselves.
Cons
- Some users have complained that the shoes are too stiff and uncomfortable.
The La Sportiva Skwama – best intermediate bouldering shoes
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The La Sportiva Skwamaclimbing shoes are a new, made in the USA, rock climbing shoe designed for high-performance climbing.
The Skwamaclimbing shoes are made of rubber and nylon and are designed to be lightweight. The Skwamaclimbing shoes come in a variety of colours.
We recommend La Sportiva Skwama as one of the best intermediate climbing shoes. This shoe is comfortable and supportive while still allowing for a high degree of precision and sensitivity.
The downturned toe and aggressive sole make this an ideal shoe for climbers looking to step up their game, while the soft leather upper provides a great fit.
Pros
- Technical for top performance
- Advanced edging
- Patented S-Heel construction
- Perfect heel cup fit
- split-sole construct
Cons
- P3 Patent System – may be difficult to replace parts
Conclusion
Intermediate climbing shoes are an excellent option for climbers who want a versatile shoe and can handle a variety of routes.
In this buyer’s guide, we have shared our top picks for the best intermediate climbing shoes.
We hope that our guide has helped you narrow down your search and find the perfect pair of shoes for your needs.
Soft vs hard climbing shoes
When you’re just starting out climbing, it’s essential to choose the right type of shoe. Do you want a soft shoe or a stiff shoe? Here’s a breakdown of the differences to help you decide.
Soft shoes are generally more comfortable and better for beginners. They’re also suitable for climbs that require more precision footwork.
Hard shoes are designed for more advanced climbers and are better for aggressive moves and powerful edging.
Keep in mind that all shoes will eventually break in and soften over time, so don’t be afraid to start with a soft shoe if that’s what feels best to you. You can always graduate to a more rigid shoe later on.
Best climbing shoes for beginners
As a beginner, you have a lot to learn about climbing. And one of the most important things you need to learn is what kind of shoes to buy.
There are a lot of different climbing shoes on the market, and it can be tough to know which ones are right for you.
We’ve put together this buyer’s guide to the best intermediate climbing shoes. We’ll help you understand what to look for in a shoe, and we’ll recommend some of our favourites.
When you’re ready to buy, check out our list of the best intermediate climbing shoes. We’ve got something for every budget, and we’re sure you’ll find the perfect pair of shoes for your climbing needs.
Best advanced climbing shoes
If you’re an experienced climber looking for an advanced climbing shoe, then this buyer’s guide is for you. We’ll help you choose the best-advanced climbing shoes based on your needs and preferences.
There are many factors to consider when choosing an advanced climbing shoe, such as the type of climbing you’ll be doing, the fit and feel of the shoe, and your budget. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
We’ve put together this buyer’s guide to the best-advanced climbing shoes. We’ll help you narrow down your options and choose the perfect pair of shoes for your next climb.
Differentiators for intermediate climbing shoes vs beginner and advanced shoes
When choosing the best climbing shoes for your level, it’s essential to consider the differentiators between intermediate, beginner, and advanced shoes. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Intermediate shoes generally have more padding and support than beginner shoes, but they’re still relatively lightweight and low-profile. This allows for better precision footwork and improved comfort during long routes.
Advanced climbing shoes usually have even less padding and support than intermediate shoes, which can help with delicate footwork but can also be quite uncomfortable. They also tend to be quite stiff, which can help with edging on small holds.
Intermediate shoes tend to run true-to-size or slightly large when it comes to sizing, while advanced shoes often run small.
You want a snugger fit with less padding in advanced shoes to feel the holds. With that said, make sure to try on a variety of sizes before settling on the right one.
Finally, keep in mind that the best shoe for you is the one that fits your climbing style and preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all for climbing shoes, so don’t be afraid.
