If your climbing preferences involve a bit of all type of climbing, then you have undoubtedly faced plenty of shoe-related problems. Some climbing shoes are ideal for specific types of climbing, and they might not do well in others.
On the other hand, purchasing several pairs of climbing shoes to cater to the different types of climbing is expensive and impractical. Fortunately, we have tested and reviewed the best all around climbing shoes. Here they are.
List of the 5 Best All Around Climbing Shoes
#1 Scarpa Arpia
Unlike all the high-performance climbing shoes, the Arpia have a moderate asymmetric and averagely aggressive downturned last. Even though it offers better precision and control than most beginner shoes, it fails to generate the extreme compression present in more specialized climbing shoes.
The result is an amazing combination of comfort and climbing performance appropriate for most middle-level climbers. In tandem with its versatile last, the Arpia climbing shoe has a V-Tension randing mechanism that offers the needed power for climbing without sacrificing comfort in the process.
The 1.4mm midsole provides much-needed support when standing on tiny edges, and it will still be flexible enough for pulling and smearing on steeper terrains. When it comes to the upper, it is made of soft microsuede and incredibly soft lining.
his blend develops interior comfort that is virtually unmatched. The integration of the Z-style strap closure mechanism lets you fit easily and make adjustments effortlessly, which is ideal for all types of climbing. The Vibram XS Grip2 rubber is ideal for both rock and plastic.
Sizing
Scarpa advises that you downsize from half a size to 2 sizes from your standard shoe size. However, downsizing depends on the shoe version, use, and preference. For mountaineering, you should upsize by half size or more.
For women
The Arpia's women version is quite different from the male version. It comes in different colors and has a narrower heel to offer a snug for low-volume feet.Pros:
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#2 La Sportiva Miura
The La Sportiva Miura has been serving climbers for the last decade. It has a reputation for being an amazing all-around climbing shoe, and after testing it, we were not disappointed. Many all-around climbers who prefer to own one pair of climbing shoes go with these. Read our entire La Sportiva Miura VS review where we look into details.
Beyond all the hype that comes with the Miura, it is a high-performance shoe. It smears, edges, and hooks impressively, and the toe box makes it perfect for sticking inside pockets. What's more, it has a rubber that is somewhere between soft and stiff, making it ideal for climbing cracks.
The La Sportiva makes the women's Miura using Vibram XS Grip2, which is soft, though less durable. For lighter climbers, this rubber will offer more freedom, and as a result, more friction. The upper is made of leather which allows it to form into your foot's shape. The Miura has a three-strap closure system that lets you take off and wear them easily.
Sizing
When it comes to sizing the Miura, like all La Sportiva climbing shoes, these shoes run big. If you're looking to get the maximum performance from it, size it 1 to 1.5 smaller than your average shoe size.
On the other hand, if you are looking for comfort, go for your standard street shoe size or smaller for maximum comfort.
For women
Similar to the Katana's, La Sportiva launched the Miura women's climbing shoes in 2018.
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#3 Five Ten Anasazi Pro
The Anasazi Pro is a flat and stiff all-around climbing shoe that works well in all kinds of climbing adventures, precisely boulders, and routes that require tricky edging. The climbing shoe has a comfy fit and unmatched traction, thanks to the stealth C4 rubber.
The Mi6 toe patch translates to impressive toe hooking and smearing performance. Regardless of its iconic bouldering pedigree, the Anasazi Pro is mostly ideal for vertical routes.
The company took the previous Anasazi and incorporated a molded Mi6 toe patch, better closing straps, heightened heel tension, and a breathable tongue. Additionally, they got rid of the liner on the upper to come up with the Anasazi Pro.
This all-around climbing shoe keeps the relatively asymmetric last, somewhat stiff midsole, and stealth C4 rubber. The Mi6 is among the softest compounds purposely created to stick on virtually any surface. Five Ten only uses Mi6 rubber as an outer sole for just one shoe; the VXi, a specialized tool for overhanging and competition, climbs on smooth surfaces.
Sizing
To size, the Anasazi pro ideally sizes them down by one size. The climbing shoe has no lining and stretches minimally. The upper is made of polyester, and the toe cap helps in achieving a comfortable fit. These also reduce the upper's chances to mold the foot's intricacies.
For women
The Anasazi shoe is labeled as a unisex shoe; therefore, these all around climbing shoes are perfect for women and men.
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#4 La Sportiva Katana
The La Sportiva Katana is an ideal all-around climbing shoe. Why?
Firstly, this shoe excels on all kinds of terrain, and several features contribute to this:
- Smearing, hooking, and edging ability makes it perfect for vertical face and slab climbing.
- The P3 Midsole, asymmetrical toe box, and aggressiveness are handy in making this climbing shoe perform incredibly in bouldering. The P3 technology keeps this climbing shoe's sole downturned.
- The Vibram XS Edge rubber and laces are ideal for crack climbing.
The Katana climbing shoes perform best when it comes to edging on overhanging or vertical terrain. While its build may look quite simple, there is a lot that this shoe has to offer. This climbing shoe has an asymmetrical last with an average downturn.
The sole features a medium stiffness and a prehensile sport beneath the toes. What this means is that it has increased support in the toes while maximizing sensitivity. Therefore, you will be able to feel everything underneath your feet throughout the entire adventure.
Sizing
The upper is made of leather, and it will stretch relatively when you break in, which is a significant factor to consider when sizing the La Sportiva Katana.
On the other hand, we found that the normal street shoe size will fit you just right, or half a size down if you are really looking for maximum comfort.
For women
La Sportiva launched a lot of their most common shoes in women's versions in 2018. This is because women's feet are relatively different from men's feet. Women's feet are usually low volume compared to men's feet. Here are our best climbing shoes for narrow feet.
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#5 La Sportiva Finale
Here we have yet another shoe from La Sportiva - the La Sportiva Finale. This all-around climbing shoe features uppers with unlined leather. Typically, the upper part is made using leather which offers you more durability compared to a synthetic one. The leather also guarantees easy comfort and fit.
The 5mm XS edge rubber on the outer sole is ideal for excellent grip. The La Sportiva Finale's outsole is among the best in the market. The durability and grip are worth purchasing. The powerhinge lets this all-around climbing shoe to simply stretch half of the shoe in the back when it's weighed.
This leaves the toes unmoved on the rock's surface. Additionally, the La Sportiva Finale climbing shoes are extremely comfortable. After testing it several times, we realized that thanks to features such as powerhinge and the tensioned heel rand for superior edging ability and friction, which is essential for safe climbing. These features also make sure you are highly comfortable.
Sizing
Considering that these all-around climbing shoes are made using unlined leather, it is essential to remember that they will eventually stretch and form to your foot's shape.
Therefore, based on our tests, you will not need to downsize a lot to achieve a comfy fit. Try out 0.5 downsize from your normal shoe size, and reduce till its fits.
For women
Similar to all La Sportiva climbing shoes in this review, the La Sportiva Finales for women were released in 2018. It comes in a pleasant grey color, and it will surely be comfortable for your low-volume feet. Read our full review about La Sportiva Finale climbing shoes.
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Best All Arund Climbing Shoes Buying Guide
Now that you already know the best all-around climbing shoes, it is also essential to know what to consider when buying these shoes. Continue reading to find out more.
High-quality rubber
This feature is quite apparent since an all-around climbing shoe that will do well in all types of climbing requires a high-quality rubber with the ability to work in different situations.
As seen, most of the climbing shoes in this review feature either Stealth C4 or Vibram XS Edge compound. They are somewhere between stiff and soft, which is why they are ideal for various terrains and rock types.
Moderate last
An aggressive last is ideal for overhang terrain and bouldering. On the other hand, neutral last is comfier and better for edging and smearing. When searching for an all-around climbing shoe, go for one with a moderate last since it will perform well in both situations.
Closure
Velcro strap shoes don't usually perform impressively well in crack climbing like the slipper style or climbing shoes with laces.
Conclusion
Our top pick is the La Sportiva Miura which has been in the market for more than a decade. It smears, hooks, and edges well. Additionally, the upper is made of leather which allows it to form into your foot's shape.
It is made using Vibram XS Grip2, which is extremely soft. That said, you should try them out sometime!
Our #1 Product Recommendation in the Best All Around Climbing Shoes Category
La Sportiva Miura all around climbing shoes.
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