2025 Top Picks: Best Climbing Shoes for Intermediates

Stepping up from beginner shoes? Welcome to the sweet spot: intermediate climbing shoes. You’re hunting for more precision, better rubber, and a slightly more aggressive profile — but you still want comfort for long sessions. In 2025, many models strike that balance better than ever.

Below are three top intermediate picks we recommend trying at Boulder Planet Showroom: the So iLL Stay, Tenaya Ra, and Evolv Kronos. Each brings a different flavor of performance so you can pick what fits your feet and your climbing goals.

What to Look For in an Intermediate Shoe

• Slight downturn: enough to add toe power on steeper moves, but not so extreme it becomes painful.
• Sticky rubber: improved friction at the toe and edges for more effective footwork.
• Snug, supportive fit: more precision than beginner shoes, but still wearable for longer sessions.
• Versatility: able to handle both bouldering problems and sport routes.

So iLL Stay — Style Meets Serious Performance

So iLL Stay: Soft, sensitive, and ready for comp-style movement.

The So iLL Stay is a standout for climbers who want playful design with real capability. It balances a touch of downturn with a forgiving midsole, giving you the toe power to attack overhangs while retaining comfort during longer sessions or multiple attempts.

Why it works for intermediate climbers: the Stay offers sensitivity for precise foot placements and a supportive heel for secure hooks. If you like to mix bouldering sessions with short sport routes, this shoe gives you that adaptable edge.

Tenaya Ra — Precision and Comfort in One Package

Tenaya Ra: Balanced support and precision for technical terrain.

The Tenaya Ra targets climbers who want refined edging without sacrificing comfort. It sits in the middle ground: technical enough to help you on vertical to slightly overhanging terrain, yet comfortable enough for multi-pitch or longer gym days.

Why it works for intermediate climbers: the Ra’s tuned stiffness helps with standing on small edges while a well-designed last keeps your foot secure and stable. It’s a smart choice if your projects include technical face climbs and routes with subtle footwork.

Evolv Kronos — The All-Rounder With Premium Comfort

Evolv Kronos: A versatile all-rounder built for comfort and control.

The Evolv Kronos is built for versatility. With a moderate asymmetry and a fit that locks the foot in place, the Kronos performs across styles — from technical slabs to steeper boulder problems — while keeping comfort high.

Why it works for intermediate climbers: sticky rubber and a reliable heel cup make the Kronos dependable on many surfaces. If you want one shoe that comfortably covers most sessions while still giving you the grunt when you need it, this is a top pick.

How to Choose Between These Three

• Prefer sensitivity & playful movement: try the So iLL Stay.
• Want clean edging and a supportive feel: go for the Tenaya Ra.
• Need one versatile shoe for everything: the Evolv Kronos is your all-rounder.

Remember — the brand or model matters less than how the shoe fits your foot. Try all three, walk around in them, stand on a small edge, and if possible, test a few moves on a low wall to see which feels best under load.

Fit Tips for Intermediate Climbers

• Look for a snug heel with no slipping during toe hooks.
• Ensure toes are engaged but not painfully crammed — intermediate fit is snug, not torturous.
• Consider closure type: velcro for quick gym sessions, laces for micro-adjustment on technical routes.

Final Thoughts

Intermediate shoes are about refinement: more precision, better rubber, and a design that helps you push grades without sacrificing session time. The So iLL Stay, Tenaya Ra, and Evolv Kronos each offer a slightly different take on that balance — try them on at Boulder Planet Showroom and let fit, not hype, decide your pick.

Visit Boulder Planet Showroom to test these models, get expert fitting help, and find the shoe that helps you climb harder and climb smarter.