Top Rock Climbing Shoe Brands: Step Up Your Climbing Game

Rock climbing enthusiasts know that the right pair of climbing shoes can make a significant difference in their performance and comfort on the rock face. With a plethora of brands offering various designs and features, choosing the best climbing shoes can be overwhelming. However, some names consistently stand out for their innovation, comfort, and durability. Below, we explore a curated list of top brands that cater to every climber's needs and preferences.

Illustration of rock climbing shoes

Best brands of rock climbing shoes in 2025

La Sportiva

La Sportiva, a leader in the climbing shoes market, has been innovating for over 93 years, originating in the Dolomites in Italy in 1928. The company is renowned for its high-quality and performance-driven climbing shoes, with a commitment to using 100% renewable energy in its Italian factory and supporting 1% For the Planet. La Sportiva's products, such as the TC PRO and Solution Comp, are favored by climbers worldwide for their blend of tradition, heritage, and innovation. The brand has a significant presence in the global market, with a North American headquarters in Boulder, Colorado, and a new branded retail store in the same city. La Sportiva's dedication to quality and sustainability has made it a pivotal player in the climbing shoes industry. For more detailed information on their climbing shoes, visit their official website.

Scarpa

Scarpa, a renowned Italian specialist in outdoor footwear, is a leading brand in the production of high-quality rock climbing shoes. Founded in 1938, Scarpa has established a strong presence globally, with a significant 22% year-over-year sales increase in 2021, reaching EUR134 million. The company's export accounts for 82% of its revenues, with the U.S. being its leading foreign market. Scarpa's North American headquarters, opened in 2005 in Boulder, CO, has further solidified its position in the climbing and mountaineering industry. With a rich heritage and innovative designs, Scarpa continues to be a favorite among climbers. For more information, visit their official climbing shoes page.

Five Ten

Five Ten is a renowned brand in the rock climbing shoes market, celebrated for its high-quality and specialized footwear. Since its inception in 1985, Five Ten has been a favorite among climbers, particularly for its Anasazi line, which is praised for its narrow fit and superior performance in crack climbing. The brand's shoes, such as the Anasazi Velcros and Laceups, are known for their sticky rubber, which provides excellent grip on various surfaces. Five Ten's products have been used by professional climbers in notable ascents, including Steph Davis's climbs of Salathe Wall and The Diamond. The brand's commitment to innovation and quality has helped it maintain a significant market share in the competitive climbing shoes market. For more information about their climbing shoes, visit the Five Ten website.

Evolv

Evolv is a highly regarded brand in the rock climbing shoes market, known for its innovative and high-quality products. The company was awarded a "Proggy award" by PETA in 2005 for its cruelty-free and vegan shoe options, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. Evolv collaborates with renowned climbers like Chris Sharma to design shoes such as the Shamans, which are praised for their performance and comfort. The brand is part of a competitive market that is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4-5.21% from 2023 to 2030, driven by increasing popularity of rock climbing and advancements in shoe technology. Evolv's focus on product innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a favorite among climbers.

Black Diamond

Black Diamond is renowned as one of the top producers of rock climbing shoes, celebrated for its innovative and high-performance products. The brand has been ranked as a leading climbing equipment brand, particularly in hardware and harnesses, with nearly eight out of ten specialty retail respondents naming Black Diamond as their top seller in hardware in 2020. Black Diamond's climbing shoes are engineered with cutting-edge materials and techniques, such as molded rubber and Pebax plastic midsoles, to enhance comfort, durability, and performance. The brand's focus on climbing has led to significant market share, with climbing equipment representing roughly a third of Clarus Corporation's total sales in 2019. Black Diamond aims to expand its apparel segment, targeting $100 million in apparel sales by 2027. For more information about Black Diamond's climbing shoes.

Tenaya

Tenaya is a renowned Spanish brand that has been a pivotal player in the rock climbing shoe market since the late 1990s. Known for their high-quality, handmade shoes in Spain, Tenaya has gained significant traction globally, especially in the last few years. The brand has been instrumental in several climbing breakthroughs, including sponsoring athletes like Josune Bereziartu and Ramon Julian Puigblanque. Tenaya's shoes, such as the Ra model, are praised for their all-around performance, featuring a down-cambered arch, medium-stiffness sole, and Vibram XS-Grip Rubber. As part of the growing climbing shoes market, which is estimated to reach $1860.5 million by 2031 with a CAGR of 5.4%, Tenaya continues to innovate and contribute to the industry's advancements. For more insights on top-rated climbing shoe brands, explore this climbing shoe review guide.

Butora

Butora, founded in 2014 by Korean climber and seasoned shoe designer Nam Hee Do, has established itself as a prominent player in the rock climbing shoe market. Known for its high-quality materials, including split German leather and organic hemp, Butora's shoes feature innovative constructions like engineered-knit and ABS midsoles for durability. The brand's NEO rubber, manufactured in-house, is renowned for its performance, durability, and longevity, making it a favorite among climbers. Butora's commitment to sustainability is evident in its recycling and repurposing of rubber waste. The Butora Endeavor 2.0, for instance, is highly praised for its balance of price, performance, and comfort, making it a top pick for beginner climbers. For more details on Butora products, visit Common Climber.

Mad Rock

Mad Rock is a renowned brand in the rock climbing shoes market, known for offering sophisticated designs and high-quality materials at fair prices. The company's commitment to value, quality, and durability has made it a favorite among climbers, with its message of climbing enjoyment resonating widely. As the global climbing shoes market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.21% from 2023 to 2030, Mad Rock is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The brand's focus on innovation and customer satisfaction has led to a significant following, especially among those who appreciate the best gear for their climbing adventures. With the rising popularity of rock climbing and other outdoor activities, Mad Rock continues to be a key player in the industry. Learn more about their innovative technologies that set their products apart.

Red Chili

Red Chili is a renowned brand in the rock climbing shoe market, established over 25 years ago by Stefan Glowacz and Uwe Hofstatter. The company has quickly become one of the leading manufacturers worldwide, known for its comfortable and high-performance climbing shoes that cater to various climbing needs, from plastic to rock climbing. Red Chili's products are part of a global market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2018 to 2030, driven by the increasing popularity of outdoor activities and technological advancements in shoe design.

Ocún

Ocun is a renowned brand in the rock climbing industry, known for its innovative and high-performance climbing shoes. The brand, which emerged after the fall of the Soviet Union, has been at the forefront of climbing gear innovation since 1998, introducing products like crash pads and crack gloves. Ocun's climbing shoes feature patented technologies such as the 3-Force System and Climbing Adhesion Technology (CAT), which includes soft and harder rubber compounds for different climbing needs. Their shoes, such as the Nitro and Sigma models, are praised for their edging performance and durability, with some models being vegan and designed to cater to various foot shapes. Ocun's products have gained international recognition, including being worn by professional climbers like Kyra Condie at the 2020 Olympics.