These shoes for crack climbing are designed to provide you with the ultimate grip while you are climbing. Featuring a sticky rubber sole, these shoes provide you with maximum traction and stability on the rocks. The rubber is designed to mould to the shape of your foot so that you can move easily and efficiently while climbing. The upper is made from a durable, breathable fabric and is designed to fit snugly against your foot to provide you with the best support and comfort. The midsole is made from a soft foam to provide cushioning and protection from the rocks. The lacing system is designed to give you a secure fit, and the rubber toe rand provides extra protection. Whether you are a novice or an experienced climber, these shoes will help you get the grip you need to tackle any crack.
Top 10 Picks Best Shoes For Crack Climbing, Expert’s Top Recommendations
1#. Black Diamond Mens Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes
Features
Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort
Updated midsole for improved edging ability
Two Velcro straps for fit adjustability
4.3mm rubber is built for durability and molded for optimal consistency and performance
Soft flex midsole for added sensitivity and comfort
Materials in entire shoe are completely vegan
Hemp footbed
Updated knit with softer lining provides exceptional breathability and improved comfort
Softer toe rands for better fit and comfort
Updated heel rubber geometry for consistent tension
2#. Ocun Jett Crack Rock Climbing Shoes | Performance Shoe for Crack and Trad Climbing
Features
Rubber sole
COMFORT & PROTECTION: Featuring a moderate downturn and slight asymmetry, this climbing shoe offers the high-level performance you’ve come to expect from Ocun, with the ideal comfort and protection you want for crack and trad climbing.
REDUCE FOOT FATIGUE: Offsetting the padded upper, the Jett Crack midsole is stiffer, offering plenty of support and reducing foot fatigue on multipitch routes.
PERFECT DESIGN: Vegan microfiber upper, 2D Fit Hard midsole, natural leather insole, and ankle coverings for foot protection make this the best climbing shoe for balance comfort, protection, and performance. Whether you’re flashing routes or conquering your projects, Ocun has got you covered.
CLIMBING ADHESION TECHNOLOGY: Featuring Ocun’s own CAT Rubber 1.5, a “super sticky” and stiff compound developed with high adhesion qualities that giving you the grip you need for steeper walls and overhanging boulders. Ideal for any rock type and style, optimal hardness ensures stability even when standing on edges and tiny footholds.
BUILT TO LAST: A full length rubber rand covering the toes and heels provides a fit that molds to the shape of your foot while ensuring that the shoe retains its shape over time. In addition to covered laces for maximum durability.
3#. Black Diamond Zone LV Climbing Shoe
Features
Rubber sole
Downturned last for steep pulli
Minimalist midsole for extra sensitivity on
Upper Material: synthetic
Closure: hook-and-loop
4#. Black Diamond Aspect Climbing Shoe
Features
Rubber sole
Lining: microfiber
Midsole: stiff
Upper Material: leather [tongue] knit synthetic
Closure: lace
5#. Evolv Defy Climbing Shoes – Men’s
Features
Rubber sole
The Evolv Defy climbing shoe was designed to have a comfortable fit and a modest amount of performance. Perforated vegan synthetic upper & breathable
Closure: Straps, Midsole: MX-P: 1.4mm SENSITIVE FULL-LENGTH, Outsole: 4.2mm TRAX SAS
Profile: ASYMMETRIC, Rand: VTR (THICKER FRONT TOE AREA)
Liner: NYLON MESH, Materials: Synthetic
Weight: 8.5oz Per Shoe (Size 9 Men’s), Vegan Friendly!
6#. SCARPA Women’s Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad and Sport Climbing – Low-Volume, Women’s Specific Fit
Features
100% Suede
Imported
Synthetic sole
Classic For A Reason | With more than a few awards to its name, the Helix offers a classic lace-up design that’s a fan-favorite among climbing guides, beginning climbers, and anyone looking for an all-day climbing shoe.
Women’s Last | These climbing shoes feature a narrower last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit.
Vibram XS Edge Rubber | Offering superb support, the XS Edge rubber is stiff, consistent, and durable — ideal for climbers learning the nuances of foot placements.
Symmetrical Profile | Designed to match the natural shape of your foot, the nearly symmetrical construction is perfect for slab and crack climbing.
Passive Rand | Prioritizing comfort over power, the passive rand is tensioned perfectly to let you wear these climbing shoes all day, without feeling any foot fatigue.
7#. Black Diamond Mens Momentum Lace Rock Climbing Shoes
Features
100% Synthetic
Lace-Up closure
Machine Wash
Snug fit: You may wish to size up a half-size larger than normal
Featuring Engineered Knit Technology for exceptional breathability and our innovative proprietary molded rubber, the Momentum Lace is built for ultimate comfort and excels in performance
Designed as the perfect entry-level climbing shoe, this lace-up shoe provides ultimate adjustability for all day comfort at the gym or crag
Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort
Lace entry for fit adjustability
4.3mm rubber is built for durability and molded for optimal consistency and performance
8#. La Sportiva Womens Mythos ECO Rock Climbing Shoes
Features
Leather sole
Responsible Collection: Recycled/Repurposed
Upper Material: Eco Idro-Perwanger biodegradable leather
Lining: unlined
Closure: lace
Midsole: LaspoFlex (1.1mm)
9#. La Sportiva Mens TC Pro Rock Climbing Shoes
Features
Leather sole
A favorite lace up rock climbing shoe designed for vertical edging, crack climbing and all-day support and comfort.
Unique mid-height cuff with padding in the ankles provides extra foot protection in wider cracks. Perforated leather upper and ventilated, padded tongue increase air flow for better breathability and comfort.
Pointed, moderate to large downturn with medium-high asymmetry ideal for Trad climbing. High stiffness for support with low sensitivity. A medium volume shoe.
Vibram XS Edge rubber compound for the ultimate edging performance. The updated rubber rand pattern increases durability and performance.
Durable ECO Leather upper uses metal-free tanning for lower environmental impact. Microfiber lacing and tongue reinforcement help reduce shoe weight.
10#. SCARPA Men’s Vapor Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Sport Climbing and Bouldering
Features
Rubber sole
Technical Expert | From featureless slabs to crack multi-pitches, the updated Vapor climbing shoe offers underfoot support on technically demanding routes.
Fantastic Fit | The soft, supple microfiber upper is strategically designed to mold to the shape of your foot and reduce pressure points for lasting comfort.
Flexan Dynamic Midsole | Offsetting the softer upper, the Flexan midsole is slightly stiffer, reducing foot fatigue on multi-pitch climbs.
Bi-Tension Rand | This unique system connects the heel of the shoe to the toe, resulting in less foot discomfort and more power being driven towards your primary edging surface.
Vibram XS Edge Rubber | Stiff enough to let you stand on the thinnest edges, the XS Edge outsole is complemented by the sticky D2 rubber toe cap for extra protection and friction in cracks.
