2025 Top Picks: Best Climbing Shoes for Beginners

Starting out in climbing is fun — and a lot easier with the right shoes. The best beginner pair should be comfortable, forgiving, and reliable so you can focus on footwork and movement instead of aching toes. In 2025, brands have doubled down on comfort without sacrificing performance. Below are three excellent starter shoes available to try at Boulder Planet Showroom.

What Makes a Good Beginner Climbing Shoe

• Comfort first: wear them for a full session without pain.
• Moderate shape: flat or only slightly downturned — not aggressive.
• Durable & easy: grippy rubber and closures that are simple to adjust or slip on/off.
• Learning-friendly: stable enough to practice edging and smearing without forcing your feet into extreme positions.

Evolv Defy – The All-Time Starter Favorite

Evolv Defy: A timeless beginner shoe — soft, secure, and ready for any session.

The Evolv Defy has long been the go-to recommendation for new climbers. It’s soft and cushioned with a forgiving synthetic upper, so it feels comfortable right out of the box. The Defy’s slight asymmetry gives enough precision to learn edging while keeping toes relaxed during long sessions.

Best for: climbers who want a roomy, comfy shoe for gym bouldering and top-rope sessions.

Tenaya Arai – Comfort Meets Precision

Tenaya Arai: Tenaya’s newest comfort-first design brings subtle performance to new climbers.

The Tenaya Arai brings Tenaya’s well-known fit philosophy to beginner shoes: comfortable, breathable, and subtly technical. The Arai offers a gentle downturn and responsive rubber that helps new climbers trust footholds without forcing a performance-only fit.

Best for: beginners who want a slightly more technical feel while maintaining all-day comfort.

Evolv Elektra – Reliable Fit, Confident Grip

Evolv Elektra: The low-volume fit makes it ideal for women and many Asian climbers alike.

The Evolv Elektra is built for lower-volume feet with a shape tailored to many women climbers. It’s soft, supportive, and predictable — perfect for building technique on slabs, vertical routes, and easy overhangs. The Elektra balances a snug fit with enough padding to stay comfortable during longer sessions.

Best for: climbers seeking a women’s-specific last that prioritizes fit and confidence.

How to Choose Between These Three

• Roomy & comfy: choose the Defy if you want a forgiving, easy-wearing shoe.
• Technical but gentle: go with the Arai if you want slightly more responsiveness without pain.
• Women’s fit: pick the Elektra for a lower-volume option designed for many female feet.

Fit is the single most important factor — try each model on. Walk, stand on small edges, and, if possible, test a few moves on a low wall to feel how they perform when you climb.

Final Thoughts

Beginner shoes should make climbing fun and comfortable while helping you build skill. The Evolv Defy, Tenaya Arai, and Evolv Elektra are excellent 2025 picks that hit that balance. Swing by Boulder Planet Showroom to try them on, get personalized sizing help, and start climbing with the right foundation.