Understanding the unique needs of every climber is key when it comes to shoe performance, and this time, our focus is on those with narrower feet. As enthusiasts who have traversed a myriad of terrains, we’ve experienced the impact of well-fitted climbing shoes on our adventures, and know how important the right shoe is to a comfortable and enjoyable climb. Everyone’s feet are different, so finding the right shape can be tough.
Below, we’ve curated a list of the best climbing and bouldering shoes specifically designed for climbers with narrow feet. Following our previous piece on climbing shoes for wide feet, this article is dedicated to presenting options that ensure our fellow climbers at the other end of the foot shape spectrum are equally well catered to.
What are the Best Climbing Shoes for Narrow feet?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 5 Best Climbing Shoes for Narrow feet. We compiled this list from climbing shoes for narrow feet we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with narrow climbing shoes you can be assured that this article will give you what you’re looking for.
We also wrote a buying guide and answered some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) at the end of this article.
1. La Sportiva Tarantulace Performance Shoes
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Sole Material: Rubber Closure Type: Lace-up Shoe Material: Leather Shape: Neutral |
The La Sportiva Tarantulace are a very popular beginner shoe, and with good reason. It has a relatively flat profile and a stiff sole, yet provides enough flexibility for the beginner to mid-level climber.
While it is a lace up shoe, the system in place is quick to put on-and-off and provides a snug fit. It has a competitive price point, nice aesthetics, and is built for comfort.
Pros
- Durable rubber sole
- Comfortable
- Eye catching design
- Very flexible
- Affordable price
Cons
- Not best for experienced or advanced climbers
2. La Sportiva Futura Climbing Shoe
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Sole Material: Rubber Closure Type: Velcro Shoe Material: Leather Shape: Large downturn |
One of the key features of the La Sportiva Futura climbing shoe is the no-edge technology. It sounds pretty counterintuitive to have a feature called “no edge.” Surprisingly the no-edge technology creates an excellent platform to stand up. You see, you don’t have to rely on an artificial edge that can slip or bend.
Another feature you’ll find beneficial is the quick lace system. It uses three “laces” connected to velcro. If you’re looking for a secure fit without having to tie laces, these shoes are a great buy. People mentioned how comfortable these climbing shoes were out of the box… there was hardly any break-in period. The downside was how fragile the build quality was. It’s probably the most fragile shoe, so you won’t get a long life span if you climb hard. They are also tough to re-sole.
Pros
- Extra rubber around the toe box
- Fast lacing system
- No edge technology
- Comfortable out of the box
Cons
- Hard to resole
- Not very durable
3. Butora Women’s Endeavor Climbing Shoes
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.15 pounds (0.52 kg) Sole Material: Rubber Closure Type: Velcro Shoe Material: Leather Shape: Neutral |
If you are looking for an entry level women’s climbing shoe, the Butora Endeavour is the one to go for. Made from synthetic and leather material, this climbing shoe provides crafted precision and stability when climbing.
The lining is made of organic hemp lining to minimise odour. The good thing about the Endeavour range is that it comes in both a narrow and a wide option. In summary, its level of quality and affordability makes it a great all rounder shoe.
Pros
- Value for money
- Anti-odour
- Sticky rubber sole for edging
- Precisely crafted
- Very stable footing
Cons
- Runs small
- Takes a while to break in
4. La Sportiva Mythos Shoes for Climbing
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Sole Material: Recycled/Repurposed Rubber and Eco Idro-Perwanger Biodegradable Leather Closure Type: Lace-up Shoe Material: Biodegradable Leather Shape: Moderate downturn |
The Mythos is one of the most all rounded outdoor climbing shoe, and its common to spot multi pitch climbers having a pair of these. The soft and malleable form of the rock climbing shoe heel and arch is designed to be as comfortable as possible while still ensuring a maximum grip on sloopy volumes or grantite pieces of rock. With that in mind, while they might be brillant on slab climbs, these climbing shoes will not help you so much on standard sport or boulder routes. The lack of protective rubber and generally flatter profile makes them more suited as a beginner or intermediate climber shoe.
Pros
- Snug and comfy fit
- Great for long climbs outdoors
- Leather crafted
- Perfect for slab climbing
- Malleable heel for flexibility and sensitivity
Cons
- A bit of effort in putting on and removal
- Designed more for outdoor and top rope use
5. Scarpa Mens Techno X PRO M
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Sole Material: Rubber Closure Type: Lace-up Shoe Material: Leather Shape: Neutral |
The Scarpa Techno Pro-M are comfortable lace-up trad climbing shoes, with a relatively flat profile and soft sole to help smear on slabs and generate grip in cracks. While coated in less protective rubber than some other products on this list, they still provide ample friction on technical routes. This budget option is great for those who are not sure how much they want to commit to trad climbing but need a comfortable shoe for long multi-pitches.
Pros
- Cheaper than comparable shoes on the market
- Comfortable
- All around-climbing shoe
- Colourful design
- Soft sole for sensitivity
Cons
- Weak rubber joints may tear easily
- Not as durable as other climbing shoes
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with narrow climbing shoes, we found that La Sportiva Tarantulace Performance Shoes is the best climbing shoe for narrow feet available today.
Our Premium Option is La Sportiva Futura Climbing Shoe with all the best features and high-quality materials, but that’s only if you have more money to spend.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the Butora Women’s Endeavor Climbing Shoes as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
- Best Climbing Shoes For Kids
- Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet
- Best Bouldering Shoes for Intermediate Climbers
What You Should Know Before Buying climbing shoes for narrow feet
Price range
The price you pay for climbing shoes will greatly depend on your experinece level and the quality of the shoe you’re getting. Beginner shoes can cost as little as $50, while professional and advanced climbing shoes can cost upwards of $300.
Using Climbing Shoes Hygienically
It’s important to keep your climbing shoes clean and hygienic. The last thing you want is to get stinky feet or a foot infection from not caring for your shoes properly! Always make sure you clean them regularly by wiping them with a damp cloth. Antibacterial sprays may help keep the inside clean bewteen climbs as well.
Questions and Answers About climbing shoes for narrow feet
How do I know if my indoor climbing shoes are the right size?
There are a few things to look at to see if your indoor climbing shoes are the right size. A pair of climbing shoe should be snug and fitting without too much room. Ensure there is room for your toes to wiggle and it shouldn’t be a torture keeping it on. Ensure you test your shoe on a climbing wall in the shop to see how your feet feels smearing and edging.
Should your toes be curled in climbing shoes?
Yes, even in flat soled women’s climbing shoes, your toes will be slightly curled. For a beginner, your big toe should be curled down no more than 45 degrees. Remember, it’s not just your toes that should be snug in your shoes. Its also important to pay attention to how the heel of the shoe cups your foot.
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