In this time and age, rock climbing is no longer just a leisure fun activity for adults or a one-off adventurous pursuit. With tons of kids and toddler-friendly climbing gyms opening up all around the world, we’ve seen rock climbing become a regular sports activity and workout for the young as well, similar to swimming or dancing. And for us, this change is something we’ve loved to see over the years.
At a young age, toddlers and kids are attracted to rock climbing, due to the curious minds in that developing stage, as well as natural tendency to like to discover what is around them by touching and grabbing things. For this reason, parents are happy to enrich their kids lives by bringing them for rock climbing and even signing up for group classes as a young child.
With this surge of popularity and demand, climbing shoes become the first gear that parents help purchase for their children, just like ballet shoes or soccer boots. There is a new market for kids classy rock climbing footwear. And they are nothing like adult rock climbing and bouldering shoes.
What are they? Let us show you.
What are the Best Climbing Shoes For Kids?
Below you’ll find the list of the top 5 Best Climbing Shoes For Kids. We compiled this list from climbing shoes for kids we have used, asked others about, and researched further to give you the best possible roundup. With many years of experience with kids 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. Butora Youth Brava
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Sole Material: Eva cushioned Rubber Closure Type: Velcro Shoe Material: Synthetic microfibers Shape: Flat and Neutral |
The Butora Youth Brava comes with EVA midsole rubber which adds cushioning and extra comfort for the kids. The design is narrow fit but it has a wide opening to fit any size of feet. With an adjustable heel strap, this shoe is your money saver option that will make the shoe usable for longer.
Pros
- Midsole cushioning comfort to keep the shoes on for a longer time
- Reasonable price
- Great overall performance
- Wide opening
- Adjustable heel strap
Cons
- Not good for tiny footholds
- Less breathable
2. Scarpa Piki Junior
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Sole Material: Vision Rubber Closure Type: Velcro Shoe Material: Lycra and microfiber panels Shape: Flat and Neutral |
Scarpa Piki Junior introduces Neoprene lining for padding around the toe. Therefore, a shoe for your kids if they enjoy crack climbing. The shoe has a comfortable heel covering so no ankle back pain. If you know about Scarpa, living up to it has brought high quality and durable shoes.
Pros
- Comfortable
- True to size fit
- Additional toe lining
- Extra padding
- Extremely durable
Cons
- No midsole support
- Not good for small holds
3. La Sportiva Kids Stickit
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Sole Material: Rubber Closure Type: Velcro Shoe Material: Leather Shape: Flat and Neutral |
Popularly known as the all-rounder shoes is really comfortable and will provide excellent grip for your kid’s little feet. Children can easily wear and remove them due to the single lace velcro tightening strap design. It has a less technical and straightforward style that will simplify climbing shoes for your kids. Frixion RS rubber will provide good grip as the skills of your child develops.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Excellent comfort
- Varied range of sizes are available
- Comes at a good price
Cons
- Good ankle support compromises heel hook
- Straps wear out easily
4. Black Diamond Momentum Kids
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.73 pounds (0.33 kg) Sole Material: Rubber NeoFriction Closure Type: Velcro Shoe Material: Microfabric synthetic leather Shape: Flat and Neutral |
Black Diamond has always brought indigenous solutions in climbing. With Momentum, they have introduced a knitted net outer layer. Your kids will enjoy sweat-free in hot climates for its breathable outer layer. With a single strap on and heel locking loops, the shoe is easy to use. I bet you can find your kid’s favourite colour from many of bright colour options. The flexible midsole is good for any kind of toe movement.
Pros
- Good for beginners and intermediate climbers
- Highly breathable
- Sizes for adults are available
- Lots of colors available
Cons
- Less durable
- Uncomfortable for wider feet
5. Evolv Venga
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Sole Material: TRAX high friction rubber Closure Type: Velcro Shoe Material: MX-P Synthetic Mid Sole and Nylon Lining Shape: Flat and Neutral |
If your kid is into hard climbing Evolv Venga is best for you that will remain with your kid as he/she progresses towards high-grade routes. It is one of the best shoes in the market that promises comfort, adjustability and competitive climbing ability. The shoes have adjustable lacing and heel loop that your kid can easily learn using. The shoes have excellent grip and are good for smearing.
Pros
- Good for technical climbing
- Asymmetric toe
- Suitable for crack climbing and edging
- Comfortable
- Versatile adjusting straps
Cons
- Outer layer may wear quickly
- May seem less comfortable compared to other shoes
Verdict
Based on all of our experience with kids climbing shoes, we found that Butora Youth Brava is the best climbing shoe for kids available today.
Our Premium Option is Scarpa Piki Junior 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 La Sportiva Kids Stickit as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
- Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet
- Best Bouldering Shoes for Intermediate Climbers
- Best Indoor Rock Climbing Shoes
What You Should Know Before Buying climbing shoes for kids
Price
Price for climbing shoes can vary depending on brand and type. Anywhere between $60 and $140 is the beginner shoe market. There is no need to go beyond that price range. You don’t want to be that climber with $300 shoes and $20 arms. You just need to hang on in (pun intended), and keep climbing. Your biggest investment as a new climber is time on the wall.
How to pick the best kid’s climbing shoes?
To pick the best kid’s climbing shoes, it is all about comfort. Neglect the petite scarring shoes. Kids have softer feet that are still developing, hence must enjoy every move reaching to the top. Let’s not forget that any painful experience will scar their memories and they may lose their interest in climbing.
Kids grow fast, hence so must their shoe. Pick a shoe with velcro or laces so that it can be adjusted as the kid grows. Select shoe size that is either the same size or only a half size smaller than regular shoes, not more than that. Not as you would do for a full-grown climber. If the kid is not able to tie laces pick a shoe with velcro.
One trick is to wear socks with shoes to tighten the fit. As the children grow socks can be omitted and they still can use the same shoes.
Another tiny detail is back of the ankle comfort. I have seen kids giving up half-way through routes just because their back of ankle hurts. This also means an easy process of putting on and removing the shoes.
Questions and Answers About climbing shoes for kids
Do kids need climbing shoes?
To a large extent, yes, your kid needs shoes for climbing for a better experience. However, that doesn’t mean you need to get them top-of-the-line climbing shoes for starters. Get a slightly beginner range pair and upsize it, which they can counter with wearing socks. This helps as their feet size will grow rapidly at this age. Also, the discomfort and constant burning of toes from tight fitting shoes is the last thing we or the kid want to go through. A kid’s climbing shoe will start to train them towards climbing better and later on they can easily advance to an adult shoe.
How do I maintain my climbing shoes?
Maintaining your climbing shoes will extend their lifespan, so it is important for all climbers to follow a few basic rules. Only wear your shoes when climbing – every step off the wall wears the rubber out. Wipe your rubber soles down with a damp cloth after use and dry it under shade. This is particularly important should you take them outdoors and they get covered in mud.
Take them out of your pack when you get home, so they can dry out and don’t develop mould.
Store them in place that avoids direct sunlight and extreme temperature changes. This avoids the glue cracking and the fabrics fraying. Don’t wear them as part of a costume at fancy dress party. Again, rule 1 – they will wear out.
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