Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes In 2024 (Top 6 Picks)

Climbing is a sport that challenges both body and mind. Having the right gear is essential to scaling those vertical heights with confidence.

One of the most important pieces of equipment for any climber is their shoes.

But with a plethora of options on the market, it can be overwhelming, especially for those who have moved past the beginner stage but aren’t quite ready for advanced climbing.

That’s where intermediate climbing shoes come into play.

Why Choose an Intermediate Climbing Shoe

Intermediate climbing shoes occupy a unique space between beginner and advanced models.

Here’s why:

Balanced Performance: Intermediate shoes provide a balance of comfort and performance, making them suitable for longer climbs and various terrains.

Improved Sensitivity: They offer better sensitivity compared to beginner shoes, allowing you to feel the rock and make precise placements.

Enhanced Support: Intermediate shoes often feature more advanced closure systems and materials for improved support and fit.

Skill Development: Choosing an intermediate shoe can aid in skill development without sacrificing comfort and safety.

Cost-Effective: They are usually more affordable than advanced shoes while offering a significant performance boost compared to beginner models.

By the end of our guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for in an intermediate climbing shoe and be well-equipped to choose the perfect pair for your climbing adventures.

So, let’s take a look at the offerings!

Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes

Best for Women

SCARPA Origin

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Best Budget

Climb X Rave

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Best Premium

La Sportiva Miura

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In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore what makes an intermediate climbing shoe different from beginner or advanced options, what to look for in an intermediate shoe, and we’ll provide you with a curated list of six excellent choices across different categories including the best shoe for women, budget-friendly options and premium picks.

1. Best Intermediate Climbing Shoe for Women

For women, our recommendation is the SCARPA Women’s Origin Rock Climbing Shoes. With low volume and a women-specific fit, they’re a great intermediate shoe. These shoes have the tagline ‘Start Comfy, Stay Comfy.’

With hook and loop closure, passive rand and flat lasted construction, they’re designed with comfort in mind first and foremost. And what more could you want from a climbing shoe! Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons:

Pros

A flat-last and only slight asymmetry
Comfort first but with the stick needed for a solid climbing technique
Narrower last and lower-volume heel cup than unisex or men’s shoes
Vision Rubber – a thick outsole that is highly durable for learning the nuances of good footwork
Pressure absorbing heel structure spreads the force of the tension, reducing any tension on the Achilles’

Cons

A little bit more expensive than some other choices
They can stretch a bit, even after minimal use, so be sure to buy a snug fit to begin with

Price on Amazon

2. Best Budget-Friendly Intermediate Climbing Shoe

Our budget-friendly choice is the Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe.

This shoe features a rubber sole, ultra-lightweight and thin midsole, a padded tongue, downturned toe and large buckle closures.

Let’s look at the pros and cons so you can make up your mind:

Pros

Designed to accommodate narrower feet
An ultrathin midsole for a more sensitive and softer fit
A lightweight aggressive climbing shoe
Thin padded tongue
“Dipped” seafoam green and black unique design
‘Sticky’ rubber outsole
A good stepping stone to more aggressive climbing shoes

Cons

Measures small. Choose a size and a half up from your regular size
A ‘messy’ finish to the shoe

Price on Amazon

3. Best Premium Intermediate Climbing Shoe

If you’ve got the dough to spare, the La Sportiva Miura Climbing Shoe is worth its price tag!

With a rubber sole, slingshot rand and speedy lace-up closure, this shoe sits a cut above the rest when it comes to intermediate climbers.

Let’s take a closer look at this stunner of a shoe:

Pros

Slingshot rang that is connected to a power hinge underneath the shoe, keeping you on edges with ease
8-panel directional lining for channeling stretch
Ideal for bouldering, overhand sport routes, technical face climbing and gym climbing
Intermediate-High performance shoe
Pointed, large downturn with high asymmetry
Medium-firm heel tension
Low volume
Narrow width

Cons

Can come up a little too small
Some find it bends a bit too much between the toe box and heel

Price on Amazon

What to Look for in an Intermediate Climbing Shoe

Wearing Intermediate Climbing Shoes — Tips for choosing intermediate climbing shoes

When searching for the perfect intermediate climbing shoe, you should consider several factors:

Size and Fitting: The shoe should fit snugly without causing discomfort. Pay attention to sizing, as it varies between brands.

Material and Construction: Look for shoes made with durable materials and precise craftsmanship.

Type of Closure: Decide between lace-up, Velcro, or slip-on closures based on your preference and needs.

Climbing Style: Consider the type of climbing you’ll be doing, whether it’s bouldering, sport, or trad climbing.

Sole and Rubber: Choose a sole with the right balance of stiffness and sensitivity to your climbing style.

Asymmetry and Downturn: Assess the level of asymmetry and downturn based on your skill level and climbing objectives.

Price: Set a budget and find a shoe that offers the best features within that range.

The Takeaway

If you’re wanting an intermediate climbing shoe, you’ve come to the right place. With luck, our three choices of climbing shoe will tick the boxes that you want and need.