Low Volume (LV) vs Regular Climbing Shoes: What's the Difference?

Quick Tips Before You Buy

• Low volume (LV) shoes are designed for climbers with narrower feet, lower arches, and slimmer heels.
• Regular volume shoes tend to fit medium to high-volume feet better.
• Fit matters more than anything — always try on both versions if you’re unsure.
• Brands like So iLL, Tenaya, and Evolv often release both LV and regular versions of their top models.

What Does "Low Volume" Mean in Climbing Shoes?

"Low Volume" (LV) refers to the overall internal space in a climbing shoe — especially in the toe box, instep, and heel cup. LV shoes are made for climbers with:

• Narrower feet
• Lower arches
• Thinner heels

They’re often labeled as LV, W (for Women’s), or sometimes just as a gender-specific version. But really, it’s all about foot shape — not gender.

Key Differences Between LV and Regular Shoes

While both versions usually share the same outsole, rubber, and performance features, they differ in a few subtle but important areas:

• Toe Box Width: LV shoes are narrower at the front to reduce dead space.
• Instep Height: The top of the shoe has less volume, creating a snugger fit.
• Heel Cup Size: LV models have a smaller heel to better grip narrower feet.

These adjustments help the shoe hug the foot more precisely, boosting performance and comfort — especially on technical climbs.

Side-by-side: The So iLL Street (left) and Street LV (right) — same style, different fit for different foot volumes.

Who Should Choose Low Volume Shoes?

You might benefit from LV shoes if:

• Your feet feel loose or sloppy in standard models.
• You often have dead space around your toes or heel.
• You find regular shoes bunch up or bag out over time.

They’re especially useful for climbers with narrow or low-profile feet, regardless of gender. Don’t get caught up in the men’s/women’s label — go by fit.

Popular LV vs Regular Shoe Models

Many top climbing shoes come in both versions:

• So iLL Stay and So iLL Stay LV
• Tenaya Oasi and Oasi LV
• Evolv Zenist Pro and Zenist Pro LV

These versions are often identical in rubber and performance — the only difference is the volume.

Fit Mistakes to Avoid

• Sizing Down Too Much: Don’t rely on painful downsizing to compensate for volume issues.
• Assuming LV = Women’s Only: LV shoes are for foot shape, not gender.
• Buying Without Trying: Shoe shape varies between brands. Always try both LV and regular if you’re unsure.

Tenaya Oasi (left) and Oasi LV (right) — a perfect example of how volume adjustments can fine-tune your climbing shoe fit.

Final Thoughts

Getting the right volume is just as important as choosing the right model or size. A well-fitting shoe will make you climb better, longer, and with more comfort. If you’re not sure, swing by the Boulder Planet Showroom — our team can help you try on both options and find the perfect match.

Come try on both LV and regular models at Boulder Planet Showroom today!