Ask any climber, and they will confess that climbing is one of the most satisfying outdoor activities there is out there. It is an ingenious way of keeping fit and enjoying the outdoors as you try to outdo each other with climbing skills.
But you do not develop the skills of Spider-Man overnight. It takes some time, and of course, effort. As a result, there are three levels of climbing, and they include beginner, intermediate and expert.
Whichever level, you are going to need some equipment and tools to help you accomplish the activity. The best intermediate climbing shoes are critical items to help you as an intermediate climber enjoy the action, and ensure some safety.
But as an intermediate climber, how do you select the best footwear for the activity?
It is an undeniable fact that there are many shoes on the market, and some of them claim to be climbing shoes, and others are not appropriate at all. They don't have the necessary features to fit the bill.
Below is a discussion of some of the ideal intermediate climber shoes that you can choose from and enjoy the activity.
Best Intermediate Climbing Shoes (Reviews)
La Sportiva Men's TarantuLace Performance Rock Climbing Shoe
A good quality climbing shoe comes in the shape of La Sportiva climbing shoes. In other words, these are some of the best intermediate climbing shoes that you can come across. But that is a big claim. So, what makes us think so?
For starters, the quick pull lacing harness allows you to get a good fit and be comfortable. As a climber, you cannot gamble with the fit of the shoe if the goal is to be efficient and safe. But apart from the excellent fit that this feature provides, it allows swift wear and removal. The people that prefer velcro lacing system will find it quite helpful.
The low-asymmetry build and the aggressive rubber heel rand makes it ideal for edging. It has excellent sensitivity and will prevent cramping and pain. As an intermediate climber, these are some of the most common problems associated with having the wrong kind of footwear.
For comfort when climbing, the unlined leather upper is soft and flexible and together with the soft tongue create a feeling that you love when climbing. The materials are quite breathable to offer optimal climbing comfort experience.
What we like
Quick lacing system for proper fit and fast wear
Low asymmetry build and the aggressive rubber heel rand for edging
Boasts an exceptional sensitivity
Prevents cramping and pain
The climbing shoes are generally comfortable
What we don't like
There are complaints of ripping eyelets and the poor quality laces
La Sportiva Men's Miura Climbing Shoe
As an intermediate climber, you already have the skills to climb relatively steep inclines and have developed good edging. Therefore, you are going to require a good quality climbing shoe to compliment your skills fully, and La Sportiva climbing shoe Miura fits the description.
The edge rubber sole and 4mm Vibram combine with an exceptionally tensioned rand to help distribute the weight across the shoe comfortably. You're therefore going to hedge, hook and smear just like a pro.
A classic leather upper combined with a moisture-wicking lining is a source of comfort when climbing. The material makes the shoe flexible, breathable and feels dry as you climb.
The quick-pull lacing harness helps to achieve a good fit for comfort and safety.
What we like
Edge rubber sole and 4mm Vibram for proper distribution of weight
Classic leather upper and moisture-wicking lining for comfort climbing
Quick-pull lacing harness for the best grip
Made from durable materials
What we don't like
They are a bit pricey for some people
La Sportiva Katana Lace Climbing Shoe
It is quite apparent that la Sportiva is a brand to reckon with in the market of climbing shoes. You can expect to get nothing but the best from the manufacturer, and nothing best highlights this fact that this good quality climbing shoe.
The climbing shoe is quite versatile, and you can use it at the gym as well as rock climbing. Mainly, you can use the footwear in every type of climbing.
Vibram XS Edge is a source of exceptional climbing experience and makes it possible to concentrate your body weight on a small piece of surface. Additionally, a downturned shape provides the best weight distribution to make you efficient in climbing.
Excellent sensitivity and precision is from the toe box which is medium asymmetrical. It is excellent for edging especially where pitching is necessary.
What we like
The climbing shoe is versatile, and you can use it on any level of climbing
Vibram XS Edge for an efficient climbing and edging experience
A downturned shape to provide proper weight distribution
The toe box is medium-asymmetrical to provide excellent sensitivity and precision
What we don't like
It may be small for some people
A little bit pricey
Scarpa Men's Vapor V Climbing Shoe
Most intermediate climbers will find Scarpa climbing shoes to be a little different from the favorite La Sportiva brand shoes. However, they are good quality shoes with some of the best features.
The synthetic upper material is flexible and comfortable for climbing. It has a new split rubber sole that allows more flexibility when climbing.
You will find the low-tension Achilles to be comfortable and appropriate for long periods of climbing. It has an efficient randing system for optimal toe power. Furthermore, the Vibram XS edge is another critical feature that helps with edging and weight distribution.
What we like
Split rubber sole for more flexibility
Low-tension Achilles to provide comfort for long hours of climbing
The shoe is quite lightweight
Randing system for optimal toe power
A dual-power strap closure to give a good fit
What we don't like
It may not be adequately breathable
The synthetic material may not hold up for a long time
Five Ten Men's Anasazi VCS Rock Climbing Shoes
It comes in two styles, and you can choose the most appropriate for you. If you are more interested in edging, then the most suitable shoe is Petroglyph Blue's Stealth C4 outsole. On the other hand, technical climbing requires something like The Golden Tan's Stealth Onyxx outsole.
Five ten rock climbing shoes come with a padded tongue and lined Cowdura upper to provide optimum comfort when climbing. The upper material especially feels good on the skin, and it is not impossible to continue wearing it even after intensive climbing.
What we like
Two types of soles to choose from to help with ether technical climbing or edging
A flexible rubber sole with good grip for climbing
Padded tongue and lined Cowdura upper to provide the best comfort when climbing
Hook-and-loop closures for the perfect fit
What we don't like
The rubber may be a little sticky
The sizing may be a little off
What to Look for in the Intermediate Climbing Shoes
There's time for everything, and you are eventually going to find time to buy intermediate climbing shoes. Your current pair may not be the best, and you are looking for an upgrade, but have no idea where to start. In the following few paragraphs, we are going to list some of the elements to help you choose the right shoe.
It doesn't have to be a laborious exercise.
Shape
Climbing shoes come in different shapes depending on the climbing that you are going to undertake. Typically, one form is not appropriate for all types of climbing, and so you may need a few pairs to fulfill your needs appropriately.
The three most common shapes are neutral, moderate and aggressive. As an intermediate climber, you're going to need the neutral and moderate form most of the time. But that does not mean you cannot get an aggressive climbing shoe. Some of us are quite ambitious, and there is nothing wrong with that.
But what does each shape represent? Where can you use each of them?
The neutral shape type of shoe is appropriate for multi-pitch and trad climbing. It is also the best for everyday comfort, as well as negotiating cracks and smears. You will mostly find the intermediate climbing shoe with people that do not engage in aggressive climbing. Nothing serious, just a way of passing time for them.
The moderate shoe has the right balance between comfort and functionality. It is excellent for slightly steep rock and vertical climbing. Therefore, if the terrain that you're going to climb is not so much intensive, then you will be alright with moderate shoes.
On the other hand, the aggressive shape is for the truly serious climbers that need something versatile and reliable for the best performance. They are best for overhang rocks, steep inclines and bouldering. These are the kind of shoes that you should go for if you are looking for something to provide the ultimate performance.
Select a Closure System
There are three different types of closure systems with the most straightforward being in the slippers. Mostly, the slippers are the easiest to get on and off — no complication in any way.
The system is for the kind of people that seem to be in a hurry to do something. They have no time for the laces or anything else that might seem to slow them down. But you should realize that mountain climbing is not as easy as you may think. You need to prepare adequately in advance, and that includes having an appropriate closure system for climbing shoes.
Regardless, the slippers are most appropriate for cracks climbing and are some of the most compatible. Unfortunately, they do not have heel prowess and enough security for high-intensity climbing.
The next common type is velcro. Velcro is better than slippers in terms of security, and they are easy to put on and off. They are appropriate for indoor and sport climbing. You can as well use them on bouldering.
However, you cannot compare the velcro system to the laces when determining which is more secure. The laces win hands down.
Choosing the material
The most common material that you are going to come across when choosing intermediate climbing shoes is rubber. However, it is not all rubber that has the same qualities. Some are better than the others.
So how do you determine which rubber is the most fitting for you?
The lightest and most flexible is the 3mm rubber. It is very sensitive and the best for smearing. Unfortunately, this type of rubber wears quickly, and it is not the best for edging.
The 4mm rubber blends both sensitivity and durability. It is the medium soft rubber and the best for edging and smearing. And even though the 5mm rubber does not have any sensitivity, it is the most durable. Typically, the stiff rubber is excellent for edging.
However, the 5 millimeters does not smear so well.
The other common materials include the lined leather, unlined leather, and synthetics. Each of the materials is appropriate for a particular purpose.
The lined leather has excellent breathability and has a medium stretch of up to 50% or less. The stink of this material is moderate. It also has a decent molding to provide a good fit for some people. In contrast, the unlined leather stretches to full size and has exceptional breathability.
The stink for the lined leather is minimal.
The synthetics do not stretch, and the breathability is poor.
Final Note
The best intermediate climbing shoes are comfortable and versatile to help you enjoy the activity. Climbing may be fun but it is not always easy and having the right kind of footwear is the first step to success. It is an open market and you're going to find numerous climbing shoes that will leave you confused when choosing.
And the above shoes are pretty much what you should be looking for, or an example of the ideal intermediate climbing shoe. You are free to choose any of them based on preference and needs. It is our belief that nothing should come between you and the fun of climbing. So, go ahead and choose the right footwear. Happy climbing!
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