2025 Top Picks: Best Climbing Shoes for Advanced Climbers

For advanced climbers chasing hard sends, the right shoe is measured in millimetres. In 2025 the top performance models focus on sensitivity, aggressive shaping, and refined fits that let elite movement shine. Below are three standout picks we recommend testing at Boulder Planet Showroom: the So iLL Roam Soft, Tenaya Mastia, and Evolv Shaman Pro.

What Advanced Climbers Need in a Shoe

• Precision: tight, responsive toe boxes for micro-edging.
• Power: downturns and midsoles that transfer force into tiny holds.
• Sensitivity: enough feedback from the rock or hold to make split-second adjustments.
• Reliable heel/toe mechanics: for hooks and smear control under load.

So iLL Roam Soft — Ultra-Sensitive for Comp-Style Movement

So iLL Roam Soft: Ultra-sensitive design built for comp-style precision.

The So iLL Roam Soft is built for climbers who require maximum feedback. With a pronounced downturn and a very soft, sensitive sole, the Roam Soft lets you feel texture and adjust weight precisely on steep, technical sequences. It’s a favourite for modern, volume-driven problems and competition-style movement where subtle foot placement makes the difference between a stick and a slip.

Why advanced climbers choose it: extreme sensitivity, powerful toe profile, and enough heel support for confident hooks. Expect quick feedback underfoot and a shoe that rewards refined technique.

Tenaya Mastia — Precision with Endurance in Mind

Tenaya Mastia: Sharp edging and balanced support for technical projects.

The Tenaya Mastia blends razor-sharp edging with a surprisingly comfortable last for an advanced shoe that’s also workable on longer routes. Tenaya tuned the Mastia to offer a firm, stable midsole for standing on small edges while keeping a toe profile that pushes power onto tiny features.

Why advanced climbers choose it: exceptional edging performance, balanced stiffness for both sport routes and technical face climbs, and a fit that supports sustained pushing on longer projects.

Evolv Shaman Pro — Power and Comfort for Overhang Specialists

Evolv Shaman: Aggressive power and a locked-in fit for steep boulders.

The Evolv Shaman Pro remains a go-to for steep, powerful climbing. Its “Love Bump” midsole and anatomical toe box hold your toes in a naturally powerful position, while the structured heel and aggressive rand make heel and toe hooks feel rock-solid. The Shaman gives explosive toe power without completely sacrificing comfort — ideal for sending steep boulder problems and hard roof sequences.

Why advanced climbers choose it: targeted power in the toe, dependable heel fit for dynamic hooks, and construction that supports intense, technical overhangs.

How to Pick Between These Elite Shoes

• Comp-style volumes & micro-adjustments: So iLL Roam Soft — choose sensitivity and extreme feedback.
• Technical face/sport projects requiring long edging: Tenaya Mastia — balanced stiffness and stability.
• Steep, powerful bouldering and heel/toe hooking: Evolv Shaman Pro — toe power and secure heel fit.

Advanced performance is nearly always about fit. Even a top-tier shoe won’t perform if the last doesn’t match your foot shape. Try them on, stand on a small edge, and — if possible — do a few moves on a low wall to feel how the shoe behaves under real load.

Care & Maintenance for Peak Performance

• Keep rubber clean: wipe down shoes after dusty sessions to retain maximum friction.
• Resole when needed: a fresh sole restores sensitivity and grip — cheaper than replacing the whole shoe.
• Avoid unnecessary stretch: heat and overuse can deform soft-performance shoes; rotate pairs if you climb often.

Final Thoughts

For advanced climbers, the difference between a send and a flash often comes down to shoe choice and fit. The So iLL Roam Soft, Tenaya Mastia, and Evolv Shaman Pro each target a specific high-performance need: sensitivity, balanced edging, and raw power. Try all three at Boulder Planet Showroom and let fit and feel guide your pick — when you’re at the limit, millimetres matter.

Visit Boulder Planet Showroom to test these 2025 elite models, get expert fitting advice, and find the shoe that unlocks your next send.