October 18, 2022

What Are the Best Climbing Shoes Under $100 in 2023?

by Bernice

Many people believe that having the best climbing shoes is an excellent solution to hill or mountain climbing.

Over the years, people have concluded that climbing shoes are a significant constituent of your rock climbing and rappelling kit.

With the increased number of climbing shoes in production by different climbing shoe producers and brands, choosing a climbing shoe that suits you entirely is a daunting task.

There are many concerns and factors that one must consider before shopping for these shoes. 

You should address the issues such as the shoe being oversize, or undersized, the chances of you slipping while wearing the shoe in question, or overall inconvenience.

In this blog post, we will review the best climbing shoes under $100.

They are tested, trusted, and recommended by running coaches and experts for use when climbing.


Table of Contents
Best Climbing Shoes Under $100
What Are the Best Climbing Shoes Under $100 This Year?

Out Top 10  Climbing Shoes Under $100

It is hard to find the best climbing shoes under 100 because the cost of manufacturing climbing shoes has gone up in recent years. In 2021, the average price for climbing shoes was one hundred nineteen dollars.

We will give you a list of high-quality climbing shoes that you can buy for less than $100 dollars.

  1. Climb X Rave Strap
  2. Mad Rock Drifter
  3. La Sportiva Tarantula Performance
  4. Black Diamond Momentum Lace
  5. Butora Endeavor
  6. Evolv Nighthawk
  7. Scarpa Helix
  8. La Sportiva Tarantulace
  9. Tenaya Tanta
  10. Scarpa Origin

1. Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoes

Climb X RaveX Purple Strap Performance Rock Climbing Shoe 2020 (Numeric_11)
  • Padded Collar and Heel for Comfort.
  • Visit https://climbx.us/ for more details.

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The lack of appropriate climbing tools such as high-quality climbing shoes may largely contribute to many climbers’ uneventful expeditions.

The Climb X Rave Strap climbing shoes are fashionable, high-quality, and a durable climbing shoe that is carefully designed to enhance your climbing experience.

Over time, this shoe has consistently shown perfect results backing the reasons for its manufacture.

The Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoe 2019 is designed carefully by professionals to fulfill potential users’ expectations without affecting or degrading the shoe’s quality.

These manufacturers use high-quality materials to make climbing shoes.

With these climbing shoes, you have the power to fully enjoy high-level comfort while you are working out at the gym and when climbing any raised platform or a rock.

The climbing shoe has padded heels and a padded collar to ensure the comfort of the user.

The Climb X Rave Strap shoe features include a padded collar, a padded heel to ensure comfortability, one binding piece, a double stitch construction, and a polypropylene midsole.

To get a fantastic outdoor climbing experience, buy a pair of these comfortable shoes for yourself.

2. Mad Rock Drifter Climbing Shoes

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Mad Rock shoes are a simple-looking yet a fashionable climbing tool that is ideal for climbing.

It is a flexible and highly durable climbing shoe.

The shoe is custom-made to correctly incorporate fashion, efficiency, and luxury in one package at an affordable price.

The shoe has different sizes available to the users based on their climbing needs and preferences.

To ensure the shoe’s durability, the manufacturer makes it using 100% leather.

The shoe’s rubber sole makes sure that the climber gets a firm and flexible grip while climbing.

The shoe’s upper layer is made of pure leather to provide a comfortable, smooth feeling on the climber’s feet.

It has an incorporated hook and loop effect that makes sure the user is comfortable.

The Mad Rock shoe is innovatively and outstandingly designed to make it one of the most superior climbing shoes available in the market.

The shoe designers ensure that this shoe has a high-quality technical feature to give climbers a great experience when using the shoe.

The shoe can withstand extreme usage regardless of the gym or rock that the user is climbing.

Other than the factors of functionality and fashion, the shoe designers also consider the shoe’s protection feature.

The shoe is specifically designed to offer protection from any feet hurting form that may face the climber before, while, or after climbing activities to its users.

3. La Sportiva Tarantula Performance Rock Climbing Shoes

La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes - Men's Black/Poppy 46
  • Quick pull lacing harness that delivers a snug precise fit
  • Durable FriXion RS rubber compound for great grip and durability
  • Lined tongue for moisture management

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The La Sportiva Tarantu Lace men’s climbing shoes are high-quality shoe that is perfectly designed to give the user a whole new experience when climbing.

It is a cheap and excellent climbing shoe that has a price of below $100. 

The La Sportiva shoe enables you to experience extreme luxury and comfort at a reasonably low price.

The climbing shoe material is 100% leather and making this climbing shoe long-lasting without degrading its functionality.

The shoe has a fast lacing system that allows the user to precisely and quickly readjust the inner volumes.

The La Sportiva Performance shoe tightly wraps the user’s foot to fit, providing comfort and support.

It has a well-balanced performance that helps beginner and intermediate users smear, edge, and hook-like climbing pros when climbing outdoors.

The shoe has a low asymmetry RN45 make, a high-quality heel rand made of rubber, and a sticky friXion RS sole made of rubber that enables the users to find climbing surface’s edges with great precision sensitivity without experiencing cramps or any pain in the body.

The shoe gives you high comfort while climbing, whether you are in the crags or the gym.

It has a soft and comfortable unlined upper leather, while the shoe’s lined tongue enhances air circulation and maximum breathability and regulates moisture.

Besides, its synthetic leather overlay provides adequate support levels that are necessary for high-quality climbing shoes. 

It is a perfectly designed shoe to make sure that it is durable and is used either for outdoor or indoor purposes.

It is an excellent shoe for climbing, walking, or general usage.

The shoe is a great climbing shoe option that will give you the power to experience the perfect climbing experience.

4. Black Diamond Momentum Lace Climbing Shoes

BLACK DIAMOND Equipment Momentum Lace Climbing Shoes - Men's - Black-Anthracite - 10.5
  • Neutral, flat last for vertical climbing or all-day comfort
  • Updated midsole for improved edging ability
  • Lace entry for fit adjustability?

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Black Diamond shoes are highly durable climbing shoes proven to withstand extreme usage over a long time.

Based on the user’s reviews, the product is seen to be long-lasting and withstand intense outdoor, indoor, gym, high-mountain, or long-distance usage.

It has a hook and loop feature that is perfect for climbing beginners, intermediates, and professionals.

The Black Diamond shoe is a high-quality climbing shoe that incorporates the best of luxury, effectiveness, and fashion into one package without depriving the shoe of its skill.

In recent years, many users have, without bias, picked this shoe over others due to its high-quality features and its performance.

The shoe, like other climbing shoe types, boasts great comfortability. Its flat last has a neutral asymmetry as its hook and loop.

It features a tighter fit and a firmer flex that gives the climbers more focus and precision.

Climbers with technical prowess can use the shoe perfectly. It is made of lace closure, a NeoFriction rubber that is about 4.3mm, and synthetic.

Read our full review on Black Diamond Shadow climbing shoes.

5. Butora Endeavor Rock Climbing Shoes

Butora Men's Endeavor Tight Fit Rock Climbing Shoe, Sierra Gold, 15
  • ODOR CONTROL: 100% Organic Hemp lining to control stretch and odor
  • HIGH-QUALITY FOOTBED: Split leather footbed for comfort and performance
  • MOLDED MIDSOLE: 3D injection molded ABS midsole for precision edging and torsion rigidity
BUTORA Women's Endeavor Climbing Shoe - Tight Fit, Lavender, 9
85 Reviews
BUTORA Women's Endeavor Climbing Shoe - Tight Fit, Lavender, 9
  • OUTSOLE - Butora NEO Fuse sticky rubber
  • LINING - 100% Organic Hemp lining to control stretch and odor
  • FOOTBED - Split leather footbed for comfort and performance

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

For climbers seeking one of the most credible climbing shoes available in the market, worry no more as the Butora Endeavor shoes are here and cater to all the specific qualities of a perfect climbing shoe for wide feet.

The manufacturer has carefully crafted the shoe to give climbers what they require. 

With this shoe, the climber has impact and precision power wherever and whenever you might need it.

The Butora Endeavor is a highly durable climbing shoe. It is specifically crafted to offer your feet protection from cramps and harsh impacts while climbing and aid in your climbing.

To ensure perfection, it has a toe shape that is slightly asymmetrical and follows the foot’s natural line.

For custom fitting, the Butora Endeavor climbing shoe has an already fitted triple fork webbing system.

The shoe’s unique features are moisture-wicking necessary for removing foul odor, a custom fitting for the user’s toe, and a split leather footbed that increases the user’s comfort.

For precision edging and torsion rigidity, this climbing shoe has a complete-length polyurethane midsole.

Besides, this climbing shoe is super sticky.

6. Evolv Nighthawk Climbing Shoes

EVOLV Nighthawk Climbing Shoe - Men's Gray/Black 14
29 Reviews
EVOLV Nighthawk Climbing Shoe - Men's Gray/Black 14
  • SYNTHETIC OVERLAY - Lace closure system to lock the foot in and maintain fit. SPLIT TONGUE - Gives maximum comfort and easy on and off.
  • AGION - Agion odor-controlling lining on the split tongue. FULL LENGTH MIDSOLE & OUTSOLE - For maximum support and comfort.
  • UNLINED LEATHER - Provides maximum breathability and comfort. MOLDED VTR - Evolv's Variable Thickness Rand (VTR) system puts thinner rand rubber in areas to reduce pressure points and hot spots around the foot as well as thicker rubber for increased longevity in the high wear zones near the toe for durability and performance.

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

The Evolv Nighthawk Climbing shoes are highly-durable climbing shoes as compared to other climbing shoes.

Evolv manufacturers make the shoe using high-quality materials that ensure its durability.

It is usable for two reasons: hitting the gym or for climbing purposes.

Regardless of using this climbing shoe for hitting the gym or for your climbing activities, it works perfectly for both roles.

The shoe has been specially crafted to help the climber avoid its predecessor’s problems such as rough feel, wear and tear after using the shoe for a short period, and overtightened laces.

It is a relatively cheap climbing shoe that comes with an additional improved fit feature. 

The Evolv Nighthawk climbing shoe is treated using an anti-microbial mesh material that efficiently eliminates odor.

The Evolv Nighthawk climbing shoe has special provisions that are ideal for great climbing expeditions.

Without a doubt, this Evolv Nighthawk climbing shoe is an excellent embodiment of the 21st-century perfect climbing shoe design.

The shoe is carefully crafted to emulate a regular climbing shoe.

It is a perfect shoe and is usable as a climbing shoe, a gym shoe, and an everyday shoe.

7. Scarpa Helix Climbing Shoes

SCARPA Men's Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad and Sport Climbing - Hyper Blue - 7-7.5
  • Classic For A Reason | With more than a few awards to its name, the Helix offers a classic lace-up design that’s a fan-favorite among climbing guides, beginning climbers, and anyone looking for an all-day climbing shoe.
  • Padded Heel Cup | Hugging your heel in all the right places, the built-in heel cushioning provides a secure fit without pinching your Achilles tendon.
  • Vibram XS Edge Rubber | Offering superb support, the XS Edge rubber is stiff, consistent, and durable — ideal for climbers learning the nuances of foot placements.
SCARPA Women's Helix Lace Rock Climbing Shoes for Trad and Sport Climbing - Low-Volume, Women's Specific Fit - Mandarin Red - 7-7.5 Women
  • EU Size: 38.5 – US Size: 7-7.5 Women/6-6.5 Men | Classic For A Reason | With more than a few awards to its name, the Helix offers a classic lace-up design that’s a fan-favorite among climbing guides, beginning climbers, and anyone looking for an all-day climbing shoe.
  • Women’s Last | These climbing shoes feature a narrower last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit.
  • Vibram XS Edge Rubber | Offering superb support, the XS Edge rubber is stiff, consistent, and durable — ideal for climbers learning the nuances of foot placements.

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

  • Type: Natural or flat profile
  • Upper Material: Suede material. It is a type of leather with a fuzzy appearance
  • Lining: Fabric lining in the heel
  • Closure: Laces
  • Size: Narrow and wide size options

People with a love for rope climbing love these shoes due to their lace design. You will not find many shoes on the market with laces because companies produce most climbing shoes with buckles.

You can stand out when wearing these shoes because they have an excellent classic design. Vibram XS Edge Rubber is part of these shoes.

This rubber makes these shoes excellent for professional climbing. The most fantastic aspect of these shoes is their price.

You can get them for under hundred dollars. These are comfortable shoes without an aggressive downturn.

There is no need for stiff material lining in the heel because the company is marketing them for their softness.

La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes

La Sportiva Men's Tarantula Rock Climbing Shoe Kiwi/Grey - 38
20 Reviews
La Sportiva Men's Tarantula Rock Climbing Shoe Kiwi/Grey - 38
  • Comfortable unlined leather upper provides all day comfort
  • Long lasting sticky FriXion rubber sticks to plastic and rock equally as well
  • Multi-position closure system adapts to various foot types

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

  • Type: Natural downturn profile
  • Upper Material: Synthetically made leather
  • Lining: Cotton lining with padded tongue
  • Closure: Laces
  • Size: Wide size option only

These are beginner-friendly climbing shoes. You may see these shoes frequently when climbing walls in the gym because climbers prefer them for training.

Most climbers suffer from toe pain when they wear climbing shoes for a long time. It is due to less space for the toe in the climbing shoes.

You will not suffer from this problem with La Sportiva Tarantulace due to more space for the toe. You will not hurt your feet when you wear these shoes for a long time.

It is due to the flat profile of these shoes. Climbing shoes with an aggressive profile can hurt your feet more than flat profile shoes.

You can also save time with these shoes because there is no need to take off these shoes between sessions. Some shoes are uncomfortable. You need to remove them between sessions to avoid foot damage.

Tenaya Tanta Climbing Shoes

Tenaya Tanta Lace Rock Climbing Shoes, (M 10.0, W 11.0) Blue
  • Upper Material: microfiber
  • Lining: TXT-treated cotton, multi-layer Stretchtex
  • Closure: lace

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

  • Type: Moderate downtown with more properties of aggressive climbing shoes
  • Upper Material: Synthetic fiber thinner than threads known as Microfiber
  • Lining: Cotton lining
  • Closure: Firm Strap
  • Size: Available in wide and narrow options

There are few shoes on the market with a moderate downturn in price under hundred dollars. You can get several benefits from the moderate downturn because it will enhance your performance.

Most climbers like climbing shoes with moderate downturn because it does not hurt your feet and gives the benefits of a better downturn profile.

You can stand on a slab with all your weight when you have shoes with a moderate downturn. It is better to try these climbing shoes when you want to enhance your performance.

Climbers select this shoe when they pass the beginner phase of their climbing career. You can prevent odor by getting these shoes.

The odor prevention is due to the synthetic material upper. You can perform edging and smearing with these shoes.

Scarpa Origin Climbing Shoes

SCARPA Men's Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing - Covey/Black - 7.5-8
  • EU Size: 40.5 – US Size: 8.5-9 Women/7.5-8 Men | Start Comfy, Stay Comfy | Featuring a flat-last and only slight asymmetry, the Origin climbing shoe puts your comfort first while still giving you the stick you need to develop a solid foundation of climbing techniques.
  • Dual-Strap Closure | Two hook-and-loop straps let you customize the fit based on the shape of your feet and the performance you want.
  • Vision Rubber | The thick rubber outsole is highly durable, giving you the time you need to learn the nuances of proper footwork.
SCARPA Women's Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing - Low-Volume, Women's Specific Fit - Maldive/Black - 9.5 Women
100 Reviews
SCARPA Women's Origin Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym and Sport Climbing - Low-Volume, Women's Specific Fit - Maldive/Black - 9.5 Women
  • EU Size: 41.5 – US Size: 9.5 Women/8.5 Men | Start Comfy, Stay Comfy | Featuring a flat-last and only slight asymmetry, the Origin climbing shoe puts your comfort first while still giving you the stick you need to develop a solid foundation of climbing techniques.
  • Women’s Last | These climbing shoes feature a more narrow last and lower-volume heel cup for a women’s-specific fit.
  • Vision Rubber | The thick rubber outsole is highly durable, giving you the wiggle room you need to learn the nuances of proper footwork.

Last update on 2023-12-10 // Source: Amazon Affiliates

  • Type: Flat profile with natural fitting
  • Upper Material: Leather with a fuzzy surface
  • Lining: No interior lining
  • Closure: Firm Strap
  • Size: Only available in the wide size option

You can select these shoes when you want comfort. You can wear them all day long without pain in the feet.

You need to get one size smaller in these shoes because suede leather can stretch after some time. Your toe will fit in these shoes better because it has perfect space for the toe.

These shoes look luxurious because there is leather padding on the top. Some call this hoes Cocoon of comfort because of its flat profile and relaxed fit.

These shoes will not come off during climbing because of their specialized design. The rubber on the base of these shoes is highly durable.

It will help you stay on the climbing wall. It is due to the sticky nature of this rubber.

6 Factors to Consider Before Buying Climbing Shoes Under $100

1. Climbing Shoe Size

Climbing shoes are of different shapes and sizes, and when purchasing one, you need to consider the climbing shoe of the right size in proportion to your leg.

If you fail to select the right climbing shoe size, you might find yourself having a terrible climbing experience.

You can avoid that by ensuring that your choice’s shoe size is of your size, not too tight, not too loose. Just fitting with a room for your feet to be free and comfortable.

2. Climbing Shoe Fitness

Ideally, a climbing shoe needs to be well-fitting without any loose edges. A firm shoe makes for a better foot grip against a rock during climbing.

A loose shoe, however, can turn your climbing experience problematic, hence not recommendable. 

A climbing shoe reinforces your confidence instead of instilling fear, and when you select a shoe that fits perfectly, you will enjoy your climbing experience.

All shoes that we’ll mention in this post are verified to give you the topmost fitness regardless of your shoe size.

3. Climbing Shoe Comfort

We can’t stress the importance of having a comfortable climbing shoe enough.

The comfort of a climbing shoe is paramount to making the climbing experience memorable and unforgettable.

It should not be even slightly uncomfortable or itch, lest your climbing experience is awful.

4. Climbing Shoe Quality

The quality of a climbing shoe is another essential factor to consider when purchasing a climbing shoe.

If you are buying substandard climbing, you should be least assured that your climbing experience would be bad.

Besides, the product is liable to damage during the climbing experience, and if it survives, it is not likely to last long. 

If your climbing shoe is made from low-quality material, you’ll start to notice some ripping or overstretching of the product over time.

However, all products in this review are tried and tested and can be trusted to endure intense usage because the manufacturers’ materials are of high quality.

5. Climbing Shoe Weight

You realized that weight is an essential factor to consider when choosing your climbing shoe, especially when you intend to climb hard and fast.

For intense climbing, you will want a light shoe with a tough but lightweight design.

A climbing shoe with a robust and thick sole and thick inner lining materials tends to be heavy.

However, a durable but straightforward shoe such as Mad Rock Drifter is an ideal lightweight climbing shoe choice for you.

6. Climbing Shoe Cost

The cost of a climbing shoe is an essential aspect to consider because you got other bills by the end of the day.

All the shoes that this post mentions cost less than $100, and they are ideal for climbing or bouldering.

They are great for both indoor and outdoor use. However, some may not work well with bouldering, although we will specify.

It is also vital to note that these models are not meant to form intense and challenging climbing routes and may not work well for advanced climbers.

Compared to more expensive models, these climbing shoes may have inferior performance, especially overhang routes, aggressive small footholds, and hardcore slab routes.

However, they are perfect for training, especially for beginners who want to minimize their investment.

Besides, they can last for an extended period, around 2-3 years, before you gain better experience and advance to top climbing levels.

These climbing shoes are perfect when you are extending your days at the cliffs and are great for use at the gym when you are training.

It would be best if you kept in mind that a time will come when these shoes will become undersized requiring you to buy other more expensive bouldering or climbing shoes.

Final Thoughts on the Best Climbing Shoes Under $100

When selecting the best climbing shoes for under $100 bucks, it isn’t easy to figure out the best product for you.

The above products provide the best comfort, and fit, and bring an overall fantastic climbing experience.

Before making your decision, you should figure out which product perfectly fits and suits your needs.

These shoes below $100 will give you the perfect climbing experience that you desire.

Related Articles:

The rankings on rappellingequipment.com are curated to save you time by aggregating the best reviewed products from the most reputable companies. We may receive a commission if you buy something using a link on this page.

Last Updated on April 3, 2023 by Roger

About the author

Bernice

Bernice often jokes that she is better at climbing than walking. With avid parents of climbing, her first encounter with the high vertical rock walls was at the age of one. Her favorite style of climbing is bouldering.

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