When it comes to finding the best climbing shoes for women, there are various factors to consider—finding a shoe that offers the perfect fit and provides the appropriate amount of grip and support while climbing is essential.
This is especially important for those that are more serious about the sport and take their climbing seriously. In addition, comfort and breathability are essential features to consider when choosing the right climbing shoe.
With the number of options available today, it can be challenging to decide which shoe to choose. This blog post will provide an in-depth look at the top climbing shoes for women in 2023, so you can make the best decision for your needs.
We will examine each top shoe’s features, benefits, and best-rated models. We’ll also discuss the best places to buy your climbing shoes so you can get the perfect fit and best performance from your purchase.
List of the 5 Best Women’s Climbing Shoes
This is our list of the five best women’s climbing shoes. The list is created by doing extensive research for each pair of shoes and testing ourself most of the pairs.
- La Sportiva Miura VS
- Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV
- La Sportiva Women’s Solution
- Scarpa Women’s Vapor V
- Mad Rock Lotus
1. La Sportiva Miura VS Women’s
This is a classic choice if you want the best all-around climbing performance shoes. It was first launched in the mid ’90s, and it is still the best climbing shoe in the market.
This not only because it is the bestselling women’s climbing shoes but also because it is a high-performance sport climbing shoe.
- From the gym to the crags, the classic leather rock climbing shoe for women is soft yet supportive with moisture-wicking lining to feet dry and comfortable all day long
- Grippy 4mm Vibram XS Edge rubber sole and a highly tensioned Slingshot Rand that transfers power to the toes let climbers smear, hook, and edge like pros; Asymmetric build is ideal for precision...
- Quick-pull lacing harness allows for precise regulation of inner volumes; Wrapping the foot snugly for excellent support, fit, and comfort
- The indoor/outdoor Miura is constructed from industry-leading materials for high performance and durability; 1.1mm LaspoFlex forefoot midsole is lightweight and is designed for maximum torsion...
- Rock climbing shoes are designed to fit differently than other footwear; Be sure to reference the La Sportiva size chart in the product images for more accurate sizing; The fit should be tight, but...
Last update on 2024-11-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
La Sportiva Miura VS Women’s Features:
- Synthetic leather wicking liners aid to keep the shoe’s shape with time
- The firm midsoles support the feet
- The 4mm Grip2 rubber sole offers excellent friction regardless of the temperature
- Asymmetric last aims to focus power on your big toes for a particular performance
- The three straps help them achieve the perfect fit and make it easy to remove the shoes
- The Power-hinge feature covers the whole foot using rubber and links to a slingshot rand, making the toes stable when you weigh tiny edges
Initially, it was designed as a sport climbing and bouldering shoe, though now the Miura has become common among multi-pitch and trad climbers thanks to their impressive capability.
This climbing shoe for women has a relatively stiff sole and a down-to-earth profile. La Sportiva Miura VS Women’s Climbing Shoe has a slingshot rand that covers the shoe behind the heel and beneath your foot.
This offers a specific dais to stand on. Additionally, due to this feature, these women’s climbing shoes give you the support required from a stiffer climbing shoe while at the same time offering the user impressive sensitivity.
When we sized them tightly, they worked well on flat terrain, and they offered even more comfort on steep routes. The Miura women’s version has a slimmer fit and has an adequately padded tongue and heel.
It has Vibram XS Grip2 rubber, a more appropriate compound for the lighter adventurer since it is soft and comfortable to wear.
We found that choosing at least one size down from the usual street-sized shoes gave us better performance. They usually stretch by half a size or more when you wear them.
La Sportiva Miura VS Women’s Pros:
- Durable
- Designed for comfort and stability
- The rubber sole offers fantastic friction irrespective of the temperature
- It maintains its shape for a long time
La Sportiva Miura VS Women’s:
- Its shape and fit aren’t ideal for everyone
2. Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV
Our first impression of these climbing shoes was good, although the fit is somewhat different from the other climbing shoes we’ve reviewed. They are comfortable to wear, thanks to the presence of the two heel tabs.
- Performance climbing shoes with a narrow fit
- A low-volume version of the classic Anasazi VCS
- The narrow fit and asymmetric toe shape provide comfort and support for performance
- Hook-and-loop strap closure; Stealth C4 rubber outsole
Last update on 2024-11-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV Distinctive Features:
- They have two tabs per shoe for comfort and padded at the top for additional comfort
- They’re specifically designed for low-volume feet
- For balance and stability on small holds, they have the pointy toe
This is quite incredible since most climbing shoes typically have one heel tab per shoe. Additionally, we found the tabs’ placement helpful, one inside the heel and another on the back-these two tabs made fitting into these asymmetric climbing shoes very comfy.
Due to the presence of Synthetic Cordura upper, the Five Ten LV stretch minimally. The Cordura is a leather-like fabric that stretches as little as possible.
This is why you should make sure to buy the exact size you wear. Overall, these all-around climbing shoes are comfortable to wear and high-performing.
Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV Pros:
- Comfortable to wear
- The Velcro closure mechanism is versatile, allowing for people with various foot widths
- Ideal for climbing cracks
- The two tabs on either heel make them comfortable to wear
Five Ten Women’s Anasazi LV Cons:
- A bit expensive climbing shoes
3. La Sportiva Women’s Solution
Similar to the Miura VS, the Solutions had launched some time ago, and they have swiftly become a favorite for many climbers. Whereas the Miura is well known as a technical climbing shoe, these usually do well in steep slopes, sport, and competition climbing.
- A high-performance rock climbing shoe purposely built to provide the solution for modern bouldering problems and challenging climbs.
- Laser-cut leather and microfiber uppers to reduce stitching and bul Lined only in the toe box and arch areas for comfort without sacrificing feel.
- Pointed, large down-turned performance fit with high asymmetry for slicing and dicing where needed. Overall, a sensitive climbing shoe with medium stiffness and volume for top performance.
- Wrapped in sticky Vibram XS Grip rubber with a molded 3D heel cup. The patented P3 (Permanent Power Platform) technical randing system delivers power to the sole and retains the downturned shape of...
- A single-strap, slipper design provides a precision fit while the highly adjustable Fast Lacing System lets you tailor the quick closing hook and loop closure for a highly personalized fit.
Last update on 2024-11-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
La Sportiva Women’s Solution Distinctive Features:
- The Lock Harness mechanism blends a flexible strap with a hook & loop closing system for the ideal fit
- Asymmetry specifically aims the power to the toes for fixed placement
- The divided 4mm Grip2 sole is only around the toes, making it easy to move them and optimize performance
- Thin midsole around the toes only
- P3 Permanent Power Dias to maintain this climbing shoe’s shape
Not only is this climbing shoe for women downturned, but it’s also an asymmetrical shoe. It features the P3 permanent power dias mechanism to guarantee the shoe remains in shape after utilization.
On the other hand, the 3D pressure-molded cup on the heel remains in position when necessary.
We found that the La Sportiva Solution Women’s shoe can be bought in full size or one size down from your usual street shoe size since stretching after wearing is minimal.
La Sportiva Women’s Solution Pros:
- The rubber sole makes it durable
- It fits comfortably thanks to the split Grip2 sole
- Ideal for steep slopes and sport climbing
- The closure system makes it easy to wear and remove
La Sportiva Women’s Solution Cons:
- They’re not ideal in a competitive field
4. Scarpa Women’s Vapor V
These are amazing climbing shoes for women, and they offer a sculptured fit. On the other hand, we found the toe box relatively uncomfortable but not unbearable. Thanks to the Velcro straps, Scarpa Women’s Vapor V Climbing Shoe are simple to adjust due to the secure fit.
- Versatility In Form | Built with a moderate downturn and slightly asymmetric profile, the Vapor V blends performance in steep terrain with the sensitivity and comfort you need when the angle eases...
- Suede In Spades | A microsuede upper with a reduced tongue volume keeps the shoe supple, while a suede foot base conforms to the shape of your foot, providing all-day comfort.
- Vibram XS Grip 2 Rubber | The mid-stiff Vibram XS Grip 2 outsole pairs nicely in the forefoot with the softer M70 rubber in the heel to give you a highly technical shoe that won’t shy away from any...
- Women’s Last | These climbing shoes feature a more narrow last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit.
- Bi-Tension Rand | Using a reverse slingshot design, this system connects your heel to your toe, resulting in less foot discomfort and more power being driven towards your primary edging surface.
Last update on 2024-11-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Scarpa Women’s Vapor V Distinctive Features:
- The Vibram XS Grip2 sole makes it durable and flexible
- The upper part is made of micro-suede
- The tongue is made of mesh lining, which makes this climbing shoe breathable
- A secure hook & loop closing mechanism
- 1.5mm Talyn midsole
The tongue is made of mesh fabric, which makes this women’s climbing shoe breathable.
Additionally, the gusseting was handy in positioning the tongue appropriately as you climb. We found that these climbing shoes are perfect for multi-pitch climbs.
What’s more, the fit does not slip, whether you’re on an overhang or vertical wall. When we tested the Vapor V, we found that they are highly functional and stable, even on a 150 plus foot route.
Scarpa Women’s Vapor V Pros:
- Mesh’s tongue is breathable
- Comfortable thanks to the bi-tension mechanism
- Velcro straps make them easy to slip on
- Flexible and durable
Scarpa Women’s Vapor V Cons:
- The downturn makes it challenging to stand in these climbing shoes for a long time
5. Mad Rock Lotus
These peculiar Velcro women’s climbing shoes were a fabulous pair of climbing shoes to test out. Though they look a bit belligerent, and they were relatively difficult to wear at first, we found them to be among the most versatile, comfy, and sensitive women’s climbing shoes we tested.
Last update on 2024-11-29 // Source: Amazon Affiliates
Mad Rock Lotus Distinctive Features:
- The interior and exterior is made of Syn FlexEdge heel
- Aggressive downturn
- Polycarbonate midsole
- 3.8mm science friction sole
- Asymmetrical shape
- One hook and loop strap
They are pretty expensive, though a bit cheaper compared to other high-performance women’s climbing shoes. They are a handy companion through vertical and steep terrain and even impressive on slabs.
If you are looking for a women’s climbing shoe for beginners that offers awesome downturn and comfort, then the Mad Rock Lotus Climbing shoe is the way to go.
Essentially, they are excellent for climbers searching for aggressive shoes but don’t want to use their entire month’s salary to buy them.
It offers high performance on steep boulders, sport climbs, and even in the gym. It is a flexible and high-performance shoe and still costs a lot less than most women’s climbing shoes in the same league.
Mad Rock Lotus Pros:
- Affordable
- Blends performance and comfort
- Flexible
- Ideal for beginners
Mad Rock Lotus Cons:
- Lacks versatility
The Buyers Guide to Choosing the Best Climbing Shoes for Women
Here is our guide for choosing the best rock climbing shoes for women before buying any pair.
Consider the Value of the Climbing Shoes for Women
The price of women’s climbing shoes increases every year. Considering this, we want to ensure you get the right Women’s climbing shoes for you. The priciest climbing shoes in our review are the La Sportiva Solution.
They are specifically designed for steep climbs, and they are ideal for experienced climbers. There is an extensive price range in the women’s climbing shoe market.
You might not find the ideal models or shoes within your budget immediately, but you will eventually.
On the other hand, when the toes are becoming thin on your climbing shoes, purchasing new ones is not your only choice.
You can buy used pairs or send your already worn-out pair to a re-sole firm to have them fixed and serve you for a more extended period.
Consider the Comfort of the Climbing Shoes for Women
Since many people describe comfort differently, it is pretty challenging to determine a climbing shoe’s comfort.
But, generally, climbing shoes are less comfortable than the usual street shoes. Some climbers prefer a tight size for optimum performance.
However, other climbers will prefer a fit for the usual street shoes to feel comfortable. We based our comfort evaluation on how tight the climbing shoes hug the feet, among other features that make a climbing shoe wearable.
Climbing shoes featuring a flat shape, such as the Anasazi LV, are comfier to climb with for long periods than climbing shoes featuring an aggressive downturn. The comfort with the flat-shaped shoes is thanks to the position at which they hold your feet.
Amazingly, a few of the climbing shoes with an aggressive downturn we tested, like the La Sportiva Solution, are also quite comfortable.
They don’t squeeze your toes, and the tongue is designed to support the feet. Moreover, the Mad Rock Lotus also fit comfortably. The shoe’s padding can also determine comfort.
For instance, the interior padding of the Miura VS aids tighten the fit and add comfort, which makes these climbing shoes more comfortable to wear. We found the La Sportiva Miura VS Velcro version more comfortable than the laces version.
Consider the Sensitivity of the Climbing Shoes for Women
Among the few reasons why climbers buy climbing shoes instead of sneakers or boots is because they have the capability of making your toes feel the rocks and utilize tiny features on your wall.
The Muira VS is among the most sensitive climbing shoes in our review. While they are somewhat stiff and relatively downturned, these aspects did not affect its sensitivity on all kinds of terrain.
Another climbing shoe with impressive sensitivity is the Mad Rock Lotus. After testing them, the Lotus swiftly turned into our favorite when it comes to its ability to access tiny holds and comfortably stick through granite.
Consider the Ease of Use of the Climbing Shoes for Women
This is not a significant consideration for climbing shoes, though our assessment showed substantial differences between this review’s models. The climbing shoes with Velcro straps are the easiest to wear and remove, and ones with laces take more time.
This feature might not be something women consider since laced shoes have a customizable fit. For climbers with weirdly-proportioned feet, the Muira VS is an excellent lace-up option.
Consider the Performance of the Climbing Shoes for Women
When choosing the best climbing shoes for women, consideration of performance should be given equal weight. Shoes that are too stiff can cause foot pain and fatigue, while shoes that are too flexible can lead to instability.
Finding the balance between comfort and performance is critical. Look for climbing shoes with a snug fit, with snug but not overly tight footbeds that provide arch support, and with a rubber sole that offers good grip and durability.
Additionally, look for features like breathable fabric, a lacing system that allows for a customized fit, and an ankle cuff that provides support but not too much restriction.
Consider the Durability and Construction of the Climbing Shoes for Women
Durability and construction are key considerations when choosing the best climbing shoes for women. Climbing shoes need to withstand a lot of wear and tear, so you should look for shoes made of high-quality materials with strong stitching.
You should also ensure that the sole is thick and stiff enough to provide good support while remaining flexible enough to allow you to move quickly.
Choosing shoes with a good heel cup is also essential, as this will provide extra stability when climbing.
Consider the Types of Soles of the Climbing Shoes for Women
The type of sole is a key factor to consider when it comes to the best climbing shoes for women. The most common types of climbing shoe soles are rubber, leather, and synthetic.
Rubber soles are the most popular option as they provide great grip, support, and durability. Leather soles are more rigid and can be great for edging, but they are less durable than rubber. S
ynthetic soles are lightweight and flexible and often used for all-day climbing. Each type of sole has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to consider the type of climbing you’ll be doing and which sole type is best suited for your needs.
Consider the Women’s Shoe Sizing
Finding the perfect pair of climbing shoes is essential for any climber. Sizing is particularly important when selecting the best climbing shoes for women.
Climbing shoes are typically sized differently than regular shoes and are often smaller, so it is essential to know your exact shoe size before making a purchase.
It is also important to consider the type of shoe purchased, as some shoes may run larger or smaller than other brands. When trying on shoes, be sure to wear the same type of socks that you would wear while climbing.
Always make sure to double-check the sizing chart for the specific brand of the shoe before buying.
Consider if the Rock Climbing Shoes Are Suitable for Crack Climbing
This is an aspect that assesses how well your climbing shoes handle cracks. Placing your foot inside a crack and turning it on one side so you can comfortably stand up is among the remarkable ways you utilize your feet when climbing.
The ideal climbing shoe is supposed to have a flatter shape. This is because this shape allows your foot to fit in a crack without negatively affecting the knuckles.
What’s more, crack climbing shoes feature a rigid platform that cuddles the entire foot. Essentially, a crack shoe will also perform well at smearing and edging since you may require doing all this on a conventional climb.
While the Miura VS features some downturns, they are not curved enough to be distressing when jammed, and this aggression assists in working the toes into tricky and small cracks.
Consider How Wall the Women’s Climbing Shoes Can Handle Pockets
This classification is an assessment of how well a climbing shoe can descend inside a rock’s surface. Frequently, a shoe featuring a pointed toe will be ideal for this situation.
What’s more, climbing shoes featuring a toe downturn provide additional hooking pockets on steep terrains, letting you pull your legs close to the wall for the body’s effective positioning.
Remember, pocket assessment is basically the opposite of crack climbing evaluation. For this reason, the climbing shoes that don’t perform well in crack climbs are frequently the best performers on pocketed topography.
Best Climbing Shoes Women’s FAQs
1) Which are the best beginning climbing shoes for women?
The best beginning climbing shoes are the Mad Rock Lotus Climbing Shoes.
They offer an impressive downturn, and they’re pretty comfortable. Besides, they are also quite sensitive.
2) Which are the best women’s climbing shoes for sport climbs?
The best women’s climbing shoes for sport climbs are the La Sportiva Solution.
They have an asymmetrical shape and are downturned, making them ideal for sport climbing. Additionally, they have the 3D pressure-molded cup on the heel that remains in position when necessary.
3) Which are the best aggressive women’s climbing shoes?
The Scarpa Women’s Vapor V climbing shoes are the best aggressive women’s climbing shoes.
They offer a tight fit and have an asymmetrical toe box; thus, plenty of power is targeted on the big toes so you can feel comfortable when positioning your feet on tiny cracks.
4) Can women wear men’s climbing shoes?
Yes, women can wear men’s climbing shoes. Women’s climbing shoes are usually relatively narrower, specifically in the heel.
Although, if your feet are low-volume and you find women’s climbing shoes challenging to fit in terms of width, you should try out unisex or men’s shoes.
To Summarize: The Best Climbing Shoes for Women
In conclusion, the best climbing shoes for women depend on your intended use and the terrain you’ll be climbing.
There are a variety of shoes available, from beginner-level to experienced climbers.
The most important thing is to ensure you find the right fit for your feet and the type of climbing you plan to do.
With the right shoes, you’ll be confident to tackle any climb quickly.
