Best Climbing Shoes for Women of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Versatile and adaptable
• Highly durable
• Superb sensitivity & feel
• Excellent in edging and crack climbing

Reasons to Avoid

• May run small for some foot shapes
• Break-in period may be required
• Pricey for beginner climbers

The Important Specs

• Sole: Vibram XS Grip2 sole
• Closure: Velcro Straps
• Material: Leather/Synthetic Blend

Review Roundup

The La Sportiva Skwama are climbing shoes that bring style and substance together. The shoes have an advanced design with strong attention to detail, thoughtfully created for aiding climbers. What really stands out is their incredibly flexible and adaptive nature. This flexibility ensures they can tackle various climbing scenarios with sheer precision and dexterity.

One of the key features of the Skwama is their S-Heel construction. This provides a robust fit for retaining power in heels during intense moves or when you're walking the trickiest terrains. Many users appreciate this feature for the added security and stability it provides under harsh conditions.

As for comfort, this has been a major point of praise seen in buyer reviews online. The soft, unlined leather upper of the Skwama is designed to fit like a glove, and it definitely delivers on this promise. Say goodbye to those painful hot spots and blisters after a long day of climbing - these shoes have got you covered.

Another user-favorite feature is the P3 patented system the Skwama comes with. Never worry about losing the downturned shape of these shoes - the P3 system ensures the shape is maintained over time, providing consistent performance. This really bumps up the durability factor, making it a worthwhile investment.

Specifically speaking about women climbers, the Skwama offers an excellent grip. Thanks to their sticky Vibram XS Grip2 soles, climbers rave about the firm grip they provide on different surfaces. This feature truly amps up the confidence levels, as per many online reviewers.

However, it's not all sunshine and roses. A common criticism seen online is around the sizing of the Skwama. Some users report them to run smaller, recommending buying half a size larger than your regular shoe size. Another critique talks about the shoe's breathability, with a few users suggesting the material could be more breathable for comfort during longer climbs.

But in the big picture, the La Sportiva Skwama has proven to be a stellar performer. It stands out among climbing shoes, blending innovation, style and durability. It's a well-rounded shoe that ticks most boxes for a great climbing shoe, and numerous user reviews reflect this.

Reasons to Buy

• Comfortable and highly adjustable fit
• Superior grip on steep terrain
• Impressive sensitivity

Reasons to Avoid

• Pricier than other options
• May be too narrow for some
• Not the best choice for slab climbing

The Important Specs

• Last: Women’s Specific Last
• Closure: Single Velcro Strap
• Rubber Type: Vibram XS Grip 2
• Upper Material: Microsuede

Review Roundup

Scarpa Drago LV climbing shoes are well-known for their comfort and performance-oriented design. With a slightly downturned and asymmetric shape, they cater to the needs of the modern sport climber, boulderer or any lady who is after precision and agility.

These shoes are extremely lightweight, flexible, and soft, which pays off when it comes to sensitivity and grip on tiny footholds. The Vibram XS Grip2 rubber adds a considerable aggressive touch to the shoe while facilitating extra stickiness and durability.

One of the biggest highlights of the Scarpa Drago LV is the microsuede upper, which offers a glove-like fit. The single strap closure system adds simplicity and benefits a custom fit, ensuring the shoe stays tight but comfortable even after hours of climbing.

The Scarpa Drago LV distinguishes itself through its adaptability. Surpassing expectations in various terrains, the shoe exhibits excellent performance on steep terrains and overhangs. But they're also practical for slabby applications, showcasing their versatile nature.

Consumer reviews frequently mention the striking comfort despite its aggressive design, a trait uncommon to performance shoes. The softness and sensitivity, while causing some wear and tear over time, enable climbers to have a great feel of the rock, improving their footwork and precision.

The Scarpa Drago LV does run a bit small, so one might consider going up half a size. Additionally, some users said it tends to stretch out over time, so that’s something to keep in mind during the initial fitting.

While praised for performance, some users have mentioned durability as a concern. Regular use on extremely rough surfaces might cause the rubber to wear faster than expected. As for the price, they're on par with other high-end climbing shoes, but the performance and comfort tend to justify the investment.

Reasons to Buy

• Comfortable for long climbs
• Exceptional edging capability
• Remarkable versatility

Reasons to Avoid

• A bit pricey
• Long break-in period
• Not ideal for wider feet

The Important Specs

• Sole: 4mm Vibram XS Edge
• Closure: Lacing System
• Upper Material: Leather/Synthetic

Review Roundup

Kicking off our list is the La Sportiva Katana Lace, a top-tier climbing shoe that's a big hit with female climbers. These shoes are known for their versatility, smoothly transitioning between different types of climbing. But let's delve deeper into the features to fully evaluate this stand out offering.

Starting with comfort, a key aspect for climbing shoes, the Katana Lace performs very well. Users said they found it comfortably snug without being overly tight, thanks to its elegant lace-up design. The laces allow for fantastic adjustability ensuring climbers can get a personalised fit. A few users, however, did mention that the shoes took a little time to break in, after which they were nothing short of comfort and support.

Their performance on the rocks is where these shoes truly shine. Many climbers have praised the Katana Lace for their great edging ability. The cleverly designed toe box and the Vibram XS Edge rubber sole prove to be handy when standing on small holds. They're also quite adept at smearing and crack climbing with an overall grip that impresses most users.

As for the shoe's build and durability, the Katana Lace earns high marks. Female climbers love the shoe's build quality and have attested to its longevity even after many rigorous climbs. Designed with a mix of leather and synthetic material, it offers flexibility and breathability while still being rugged enough to withstand rough terrains. Some users, however, noted a slight degradation in stickiness after feeling the full force of wear and tear.

It's also worth noting that these shoes have a more neutral shape with a slight downturn, catering well to beginners and experienced climbers alike. The Katana Lace was particularly praised for its comfort during prolonged periods of climbing, a trait not many shoes in this category possess.

Though they aren't precisely known for their sensitivity, the La Sportiva Katana Lace offers an all-around performance that's hard to beat. While they might not be the top choice for extraordinarily technical climbs, their versatility, comfort, and durability have won the hearts of many climbers. A few critics tagged it as pricey but reiterated that they felt they received value for the money they had spent.

Reasons to Buy

• Great for beginner climbers
• Durable design
• Comfortable fit
• Good sensitivity for rock surfaces
• Affordable price range

Reasons to Avoid

• Might be tight for wider feet
• Not as sensitive as high-end models
• Limited performance on overhung routes

The Important Specs

• Sole: Durable 5mm Vibram XS Edge Rubber
• Closure: Lacing system
• Material: Unlined leather upper

Review Roundup

The La Sportiva Finale proves that you don't have to break the bank to get a quality pair of climbing shoes. The Italian company La Sportiva nailed the balance between cost and quality with these shoes. They're crafted with comfort in mind, without compromising on performance - a tricky balancing act indeed.

Customers seem to appreciate the shoe's comfort level, with many stating they felt no need to 'break them in', a rarity in climbing footwear. The Finale offers a flat profile that allows for prolonged climbing sessions without torturous toe-curling. It's a clear hit among users, especially those new to climbing, who often grapple with typical discomfort issues.

However, it also stands up in more testing environments. Reviewers have happily taken the Finale on a variety of trips, from gym climbing to lengthy outdoor routes. Its versatile and durable design means it can hold its own in different climbing situations.

The shoe's rubber soles also earn praise. La Sportiva uses a 5mm Vibram XS Edge rubber to make the Finale stick well on anything from plastic gym holds to small granite edges. Customers appreciate the enhanced grip and solid foot placements the shoes provide.

On the downside, a few users comment that the Finale lacks in sensitivity. This is a known trade-off in climbing shoes - too stiff and precise, and our feet are screaming for relief; too soft and comfortable, and we lose that precise feel on the rock. With the Finale, some feel the balance is skewed slightly towards the comfort side. However, for beginners or those taking on less technical routes, this will likely be less of an issue.

Sizing is another common theme amongst reviews. Climbing shoes are notorious for their unconventional sizing, and the Finale is no exception. Some customers found they needed a size or two smaller than their regular shoe size to achieve an optimal fit. It's recommended to try them on in-store if possible, or at least check the sizing chart thoroughly before purchasing online.

In summary, it seems the La Sportiva Finale has carved out a tidy niche for itself: a reasonably-priced, comfortable climbing shoe capable of handling a variety of climbs. It may not satisfy the ultra-technical climbers out there, but for most, it hits all the right notes.

Reasons to Buy

• Comfortable for beginners
• Laces up securely
• Excellent value for money
• Sturdy and durable construction

Reasons to Avoid

• Lack of sensitivity
• Not ideal for more advanced climbers
• Not designed for aggressive climbing
• Not easily breathable

The Important Specs

• Closure: Lace-up
• Midsole: 1.8mm LaspoFlex
• Profile: Neutral
• Material: Leather upper, FriXion RS sole

Review Roundup

The La Sportiva Tarantulace is a fantastic starting point for ladies new to the vertical world. These shoes offer the right blend of comfort, performance, and affordability. They feature a quick-pull lacing system, which means you can get them on and off quickly and they fit snugly, which is helpful when you're learning to trust your feet. They also have a relaxed, flat last and are made from unlined leather, adding to their comfort.

One of the things users love about the Tarantulace is its versatility. From gym climbing to spending a day at the crag, users have found the shoes to excellently cope with a variety of climbing challenges. However, some customers have mentioned they might not be the best choice for really tiny footholds or overhanging climbs.

People who have bought these climbing shoes say they are durable, with the unlined leather upper and FriXion RS sole standing up to rough and rugged climbing conditions. The high-quality materials and construction also mean that they keep their shape well, important for maintaining good foot support and comfort.

Capable of handling both indoor and outdoor climbing scenarios, the Tarantulace also offers good traction, as echoed by many user reviews. The sticky FriXion RS rubber soles provide a trusted grip on a variety of surfaces, and the 1.8mm LaspoFlex midsole offers a nice balance of flexibility and support.

One minor downside that some users reported is that the unlined leather can cause these shoes to stretch a bit with use. This could lead to sizing issues over time. However, many have been able to mitigate this by downsizing slightly when purchasing.

Lastly, users applaud the aesthetic design of the shoe as well with its splash of vibrant colors—it's almost as if La Sportiva considered that even a budding climber would want to look great while they're making their first ascents.

Reasons to Buy

• Outstanding precision
• Excellent for overhangs
• Great sensitivity
• Wearable for extended periods

Reasons to Avoid

• May not be suited for flat walls
• Not ideal for beginners
• Pricey

The Important Specs

• Closure: Fast Lacing System
• Material: Leather / Lorica
• Sole Rubber: Vibram XS Grip2

Review Roundup

La Sportiva Solution Comp is a powerhouse among climbing shoes, much loved among the bouldering community. Designed with attention to detail, it not only ups your climbing game dramatically, but also promises comfort and durability—a rare combo in this landscape.

The rubberized toe box and heel cup offer great grip and hint at its inclination towards aggressive climbs. These features come in handy especially when toe-hooking and heel-hooking. Who knew such intricacies can provide such a big edge!

The overall fit is snug and hugs your foot like a second skin. The fast lacing system is a godsend. Personally, I found the ability to quickly adjust the fit incredibly practical. A significant number of users commended this particular feature, propelling the shoes to a cult status among serious climbers.

Performance on overhangs is another area where the Solution Comp shines, as a number of users have pointed out. The aggressive downturn and sticky rubber soles seem to be doing their job brilliantly.

On the flip side, some pointed out that the shoe may not be the best for tiny, precise foot placements, especially on slabs. So, it's safe to say that this might not be your go-to pair if your climbing involves a lot of these.

Also, sizing can be tricky. Some with wider feet had issues regarding comfort, but they recognized the impressive performance these shoes deliver. Trial and error might be required to get the perfect fit.

In terms of durability, while the shoes seem pretty robust and can take on countless hardcore climbing sessions, some users noted wear and tear in the toe area with prolonged use. But this is a common issue across climbing shoes. In the grand scheme of things, the La Sportiva Solution Comp holds up exceptionally well.

Overall, users rave about the mighty La Sportiva Solution Comp's performance on boulder problems and steep sport routes. The few negatives, they agreed, are worth overlooking for the versatility and raw power these shoes bring to the climbing terrain. These aspects make it a clear favorite among seasoned climbers and newbies who're keen to up their climbing prowess.

Reasons to Buy

• Great for both edging and smearing
• Sensitive enough to feel the rock
• Offers good protection in crack climbing
• Highly durable design
• Excellent value for money
• Fits true to size

Reasons to Avoid

• Takes time to break in
• Might be bulky for intricate footwork
• Heavy compared to other climbing shoes
• Could be uncomfortable for people with wide feet

The Important Specs

• Midsole: P3 platform (laspoFlex at the forefoot, combined with the PD 75 last)
• Rubber Type: Vibram
• Upper Material: Leather

Review Roundup

The La Sportiva TC Pro has made quite a name for itself in the climbing community, especially for trad climbers and crack climbers. These shoes redefine comfort, especially on long climbs with their padded tongues and just-right rigidness.

One of the most raved about features is their flat-sole design. It's a no-point profile that means these shoes aren't the least bit painful even after hours in a vertical world, making them an ideal choice for long, multi-pitch trad routes.

Another thing that user reviews consistently highlight is the stickiness of the Vibram XS Edge rubber. This provides excellent grip on both rock and artificial climbing holds. You might find that you can stand effortlessly on edges that your old shoes fumbled on.

In terms of sizing, these climbing shoes were designed to be true-to-size for most people. However, some female climbers with narrow feet have mentioned in their review that they needed to go down half a size to get a snug fit.

Durability is also notable with the La Sportiva TC Pro. While these shoes are not budget options, buyers say they are absolutely worth every penny. As per the feedback, a good amount of climbing is to be expected before you'll see any substantial wear and tear.

On the flip side, some users have voiced concerns about the shoes' breathability. The over-the-top padding is praised for comfort but it tends to make the shoe a bit warm to wear during hot weather. However, the problem isn't significant enough to offset the overall positive remarks about comfort.

Overall, the versatility and longevity of the La Sportiva TC Pro make it a top-rated option for trad and crack climbing. Despite minor temperature control issues, users are generally content with their purchase and highlight the shoe's reliability and performance in the rocks.

Reasons to Buy

• Extremely responsive and precise
• Unique velcro strap arrangement for perfect fit
• Great for overhanging routes
• Excellent high-performing shoes for experienced climbers

Reasons to Avoid

• May not be suitable for beginners
• Some comments on them being slightly uncomfortable
• Possibly not the best option for wide feet

The Important Specs

• Material: Leather upper, Dentex lining and Vibram rubber sole
• Closure System: Triple hook-and-loop strap
• Number Of Colors: 2 (Yellow/Black)

Review Roundup

The La Sportiva Miura VS is a popular choice among sport climbers and its reputation precedes it. This shoe is particularly favored by women for its precise fit and aggressive design.

Comfort is queen in the mountains. So how does the Miura VS stack up? Well, these shoes don't take long to break in and once they are, they fit like a dream. However, it's worth noting that they run a bit small, so you might want to take a size larger than your regular shoe size. Just keep in mind that they're supposed to have a snug fit, hold firm, and not cause any discomfort while climbing.

There's more to rock climbing shoes than just comfort, even though it's super important. Performance is high on the list as well. The Miura VS excels when it comes to standing on tiny holds and tackling steep terrains. Thanks to its aggressive design, you can fully trust this shoe when you're dealing with technical climbs. Dig into overhangs and hook onto tiny crevices with confidence.

But it's not all rosy in the garden of Miura VS. If smear climbing is your forte, you might want to think twice. They have a stiff sole, which makes it a tad bit difficult to feel the surface beneath. This might compromise the smearing capability you'd get with a softer, more flexible sole.

Another thing worth mentioning is the rubber used in these shoes. La Sportiva uses Vibram XS Grip2 rubber on the Miura VS model, which is favored by sport climbers for its excellent grip and its ability to withstand intense heat conditions. So these shoes are pretty tough. But you know what's not? Your wallet after buying them. They aren't cheap but if you're a pretty serious sport climber, it might be a worthy investment.

So, what's the final verdict from people who bought these shoes? By and large, climbers love the Miura VS. They commend it for the support and precision it provides. And while it lacks a bit in terms of smearing, it's an aggressive, durable shoe which is favored by experienced climbers. The price, though steep, is seen as a worthy investment for the high performance and quality these shoes provide.

Reasons to Buy

• Superb comfort and fit
• Great for indoor climbing
• Effective edging capability
• Excellent sensitivity & feel
• Good value for money

Reasons to Avoid

• Not ideal for outdoor climbing
• Can struggle with crack climbing
• Durability may be an issue over time
• Smearing ability may not be top-notch

The Important Specs

• Sole: Vibram XS Edge
• Closure: Fast Lace System
• Material: Suede upper and microfiber insole

Review Roundup

Scarpa, known for high-quality climbing gear, adds another winning product to their lineup with the Veloce climbing shoe. Designed specifically for women, it's a standout choice among indoor climbing enthusiasts.

These climbing shoes set the bar high for comfort, right out of the box. They feature Scarpa's unique S-72 rubber sole which offers a good mix of flexibility and grip, making it perfect for gym climbing. Foot fatigue is minimized with these gems, even after hours of climbing.

The shoes incorporate a slip-on design with hook-and-loop straps that allow for convenient wear and removal. The snug fit they provide can be easily adjusted to accommodate various foot shapes & sizes.

Durability is a prominent feature of the Scarpa Veloce, thanks to their solid construction and quality materials. The shoes also stand out for their breathability which can be a boon on gruelling indoor climbing sessions.

A few customers online, however, mentioned some minor issues with sizing, finding the sizing slightly smaller than typical street shoes. Also, there were rare instances of slippage on smoother surfaces, but this seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

Though not the cheapest option on the market, the Scarpa Veloce is a popular pick among users for their superior performance and comfort, offering value for money. The majority of online reviews on the product have been positive, applauding its design, comfort, and performance.