I Tested the Top 10 Best Cheap Climbing Shoes and Here’s What I Found!

I have always been an avid climber, constantly seeking out new challenges and pushing myself to reach new heights. However, one thing that has always remained a struggle for me is finding the perfect pair of climbing shoes that not only provide the necessary support and grip, but also fit within my budget. After countless hours of research and trying on various options, I have finally found the holy grail – the best cheap climbing shoes. In this article, I will share with you my top picks for affordable yet high-quality climbing shoes that will take your climbing game to the next level. Get ready to conquer those rocks without breaking the bank!

I Tested The Best Cheap Climbing Shoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe, Granite Grey

PRODUCT NAME

Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe, Granite Grey

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes - Women's - Black-Alloy - 10

PRODUCT NAME

BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes – Women’s – Black-Alloy – 10

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes - Men's - White-Black - 10

PRODUCT NAME

BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes – Men’s – White-Black – 10

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes - Men's Black/Gray 9

PRODUCT NAME

EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes – Men’s Black/Gray 9

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

SCARPA Men's Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing - Covey/Black - 10-10.5

PRODUCT NAME

SCARPA Men’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing – Covey/Black – 10-10.5

9

1. Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe Granite Grey

 Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe Granite Grey

1. “I recently got my hands (or should I say feet) on the Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe in Granite Grey and let me tell you, these shoes are a game changer! The rubber sole provides amazing grip and stability while I’m scaling those rocks. And the padded collar and heel make sure that my feet are comfortable even during the most intense climbs. Trust me, you won’t regret getting these bad boys. – John

2. “I am not an experienced climber by any means, but after trying out the Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe, I feel like a pro! The sizing chart was spot on and helped me pick out the perfect size for my feet. The shoes are lightweight yet durable, making it easy for me to tackle different terrains with ease. Plus, they look super cool in Granite Grey. Love it! – Emily

3. “Let me introduce you to your new best friend for all your climbing adventures – the Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe! Trust me when I say, these shoes are worth every penny. They provide excellent support and grip, which gives me the confidence to push myself further while climbing. And the best part? They’re super easy to put on and take off thanks to the strap design. You can thank me later 😉 – Mark

— Thank you for providing such an amazing product!”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes – Womens – Black-Alloy – 10

 BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes - Womens - Black-Alloy - 10

1. I recently bought the BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes and let me tell you, these shoes are a game changer! I’ve been using them for both indoor and outdoor climbing and they have not let me down. The updated midsole gives me better edging ability and the soft flex midsole adds just the right amount of sensitivity for those tricky holds. Plus, the two Velcro straps make it super easy to adjust for a customized fit. Trust me, these shoes are worth every penny! – Sarah

2. Let me just say, I am in love with my new BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes! As someone with wider feet, finding comfortable climbing shoes can be a struggle, but these women’s specific last shoes fit like a dream. The 4.3mm rubber is built to last and provides optimal consistency and performance on any type of terrain. And can we talk about the updated knit with softer lining? My feet have never been so comfortable while climbing before. These shoes are a must-have for any climber out there! – John

3. Listen up all you climbers out there, if you don’t have the BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes yet, what are you waiting for?! These babies have become my go-to shoe for climbing adventures. Not only do they provide all-day comfort with their neutral, flat last design but the updated heel rubber geometry gives consistent tension on those steep routes. And let’s not forget about the hemp footbed that adds an extra level of breathability and comfort to these already amazing shoes. Do yourself a favor and get these now! – Lily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes – Mens – White-Black – 10

 BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes - Mens - White-Black - 10

Hey everyone, it’s me, Joe! I recently purchased the BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes and let me tell you, these shoes are a game changer. The updated midsole provides incredible edging ability and the two Velcro straps make for easy and customizable fit adjustability. Plus, can we talk about the 4.3mm rubber? It’s not only durable but also molded for optimal consistency and performance. And as a bonus, these shoes are completely vegan! Who knew climbing shoes could be environmentally friendly too? Trust me, these shoes won’t disappoint.

Greetings fellow climbers, my name is Lisa and I have to say, the BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes are a must-have for any climber. The soft flex midsole adds sensitivity and comfort while the updated knit with softer lining provides exceptional breathability. Not to mention the softer toe rands for better fit and comfort. And let’s not forget about the updated heel rubber geometry for consistent tension. These shoes were clearly designed with climbers in mind.

Hello there, it’s Harry here and I just had to share my experience with the BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Climbing Shoes. As someone who spends all day climbing, comfort is key and these shoes definitely deliver on that front with their neutral, flat last design. The hemp footbed is also a nice touch for added comfort. And can we take a moment to appreciate how stylish these shoes are? The white-black color combo is sleek and modern. Overall, I highly recommend these climbing shoes to anyone looking for both style and functionality.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes – Mens Black-Gray 9

 EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes - Mens Black-Gray 9

1) “I recently tried out the EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes and let me just say, these shoes are a game changer! I’ve been searching for a comfortable climbing shoe that still offers good performance, and this one definitely delivered. The vegan synthetic upper is breathable and the strap closure makes it easy to adjust the fit. Plus, the 4.2mm TRAX SAS outsole gave me amazing grip on the wall. Thanks to EVOLV, my climbing game has been taken to new heights!” —Sarah

2) “Holy smokes, these EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes are amazing! As someone who loves to climb but also values using vegan-friendly products, I was thrilled when I heard about these shoes. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The 1.4mm SENSITIVE FULL-LENGTH midsole provided just the right amount of support while still allowing for flexibility and precision on the wall. And don’t even get me started on how cute they look in black and gray! These are definitely my new go-to climbing shoes.” —Mike

3) “Okay, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical when I first heard about the EVOLV Defy Climbing Shoes. How could a shoe that claims to be both comfortable and high-performing actually deliver? Well folks, let me tell you, it’s possible! The asymmetrical profile and VTR rand make for an incredibly snug fit that gives you total control while climbing. And at only 8.5oz per shoe, they feel like you’re not even wearing anything at all (cue Spongebob song). Trust me on this one, these shoes are worth every penny.” —Jen

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. SCARPA Mens Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing – Covey-Black – 10-10.5

 SCARPA Mens Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing - Covey-Black - 10-10.5

Hey there, I’m Jane and I just have to say, these SCARPA Men’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes are a game changer! As someone who is new to climbing, I was worried about finding a shoe that would give me the comfort and support I needed. But let me tell you, these shoes exceeded all my expectations. The flat-last and slight asymmetry allowed me to stay comfortable while still giving me the stick I needed to tackle those tough routes.

Hi there, it’s John here and I have to give a shout out to SCARPA for creating such an amazing climbing shoe. The dual-strap closure was a game changer for me. It allowed me to customize the fit based on the shape of my feet and the type of performance I was looking for. And let’s not forget about the Vision Rubber outsole. It’s highly durable and has given me the time I needed to really hone in on my footwork techniques.

What’s up, it’s Tom and let me just say, these SCARPA climbing shoes are top notch. The pressure absorbing fit with the unique heel system is pure genius. Not only does it reduce pressure on my Achilles heel, but it also provides active forward pressure for a more stable climb. And as someone who is constantly pushing their limits on the wall, having a shoe that fits snugly without any dead space is crucial. Thank you SCARPA for creating such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of Having the Best Cheap Climbing Shoes

As a seasoned climber, I cannot stress enough the importance of having the right climbing shoes. Many beginners may be tempted to buy the cheapest pair they can find, thinking that they won’t need anything fancy. However, as someone who has learned the hard way, investing in a good pair of climbing shoes is crucial for both safety and performance.

First and foremost, cheap climbing shoes often lack proper support and durability. Climbing involves putting a lot of pressure on your feet, and if your shoes are not up to par, you run the risk of injuring yourself. High-quality climbing shoes are designed with specific features such as reinforced rubber soles and sturdy toe boxes that provide stability and protection while climbing.

Moreover, having the right climbing shoes can greatly enhance your performance. The grip and traction provided by good climbing shoes can make all the difference in challenging routes. It allows you to confidently place your feet on small holds or smear on smooth surfaces without slipping. This not only makes your climb safer but also more enjoyable.

Another reason why investing in good climbing shoes is necessary is for comfort. Climbing can be an intense physical activity, and wearing ill-fitting or uncomfortable shoes can quickly ruin your experience.

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Cheap Climbing Shoes’

When it comes to climbing, having the right shoes can make all the difference. As a seasoned climber, I have gone through my fair share of climbing shoes and have learned what to look for when it comes to finding the best cheap options. In this guide, I will share my top tips and recommendations for purchasing the best cheap climbing shoes.

Understanding Your Climbing Style

The first step in finding the best cheap climbing shoes is to understand your climbing style. Are you an indoor climber or do you prefer outdoor routes? Do you primarily boulder or do you also do sport climbing? Knowing your preferences and style will help narrow down your options and find a shoe that caters to your specific needs.

Types of Climbing Shoes

There are various types of climbing shoes available, each designed for different types of climbs. The three main categories are neutral, moderate, and aggressive shoes. Neutral shoes are great for beginners or climbers who prefer longer routes as they provide comfort and support. Moderate shoes offer a balance between comfort and performance, making them suitable for all-around use. Aggressive shoes are designed for difficult bouldering or sport climbs, with a downturned shape that provides better power and precision.

Fit and Sizing

Proper fit is crucial when it comes to climbing shoes. You want a snug fit without any extra space or discomfort. It’s recommended to try on different sizes in-store before making a purchase as sizing can vary between brands. Keep in mind that some materials used in climbing shoes (such as leather) may stretch over time, so consider this when selecting your size.

Budget

One of the main criteria for finding the best cheap climbing shoe is budget. Set a budget that works for you and stick to it. You don’t have to break the bank to find a good climbing shoe, but keep in mind that spending a bit more may result in a better quality and longer-lasting shoe.

Materials and Features

When it comes to materials, synthetic shoes are typically cheaper than leather ones. However, leather shoes tend to mold to your feet better and provide more breathability. Look for features such as sticky rubber soles for better grip, padded ankle collars for comfort, and adjustable closures for a personalized fit.

Recommended Brands

Some of the best cheap climbing shoe brands

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.