#9 on this list
Tarantulace
La Sportiva
The La Sportiva Tarantulace is one of the most accessible and popular entry-level climbing shoes on the market. Designed primarily for beginners, gym newcomers, and recreational climbers who prioritize affordability and foot comfort over specialized technical attributes, it reliably delivers an easy path into the sport. The shoe is constructed around a completely flat, neutral last that keeps the toes lying flat and uncompressed. A durable, thick rubber sole is specifically engineered to endure the sloppy footwork and frequent toe-dragging typical of climbers learning foot placement. The full-length lacing harness allows users to adjust the fit across varying foot widths, while the unlined leather upper provides good breathability during warm gym sessions. Because the shoe is optimized for durability and comfort, it sacrifices technical performance. The thick, firm rubber reduces sensitivity, making it hard to feel subtle features underfoot. The unlined leather upper stretches significantly after initial use, meaning buyers must size down carefully. Additionally, the lack of upper toe rubber and flat profile makes it unsuitable for steep overhangs or technical heel and toe hooking. **Highlights** * Budget-friendly price point makes it an ideal first climbing shoe * Neutral, flat profile allows pain-free wear during learning sessions * Thick, long-wearing rubber sole withstands poor foot technique and dragging * Full-length lacing allows customized adjustment for different foot shapes * Unlined leather upper offers solid breathability in warm gyms **Watch-outs** * Thick rubber platform significantly reduces tactile feedback on footholds * Substantial leather stretching requires careful initial sizing * Inadequate for steep overhung climbing, heel hooks, and technical edges
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#10 on this list
Momentum
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Momentum is a modern entry-level climbing shoe engineered for gym climbers, beginners, and anyone seeking high breathability and immediate comfort. Its standout design element is an engineered knit upper, which replaces traditional leather with a lightweight, woven synthetic fabric that maximizes airflow and minimizes foot sweating during indoor workouts. The Momentum uses a flat, neutral profile that allows the toes to sit naturally without pinching. The dual hook-and-loop Velcro straps make taking the shoes off between boulder problems or belays quick and effortless. The molded rubber sole provides decent durability on gym plastic, and the microfiber lining in the front of the shoe provides a soft, forgiving initial feel that requires little to no break-in period. The key drawback of the Momentum is its synthetic upper: unlike leather, the knit fabric does not stretch or mold to the unique contours of your foot over time, meaning the fit you get out of the box is the permanent fit. The shoe also features a relatively thick, soft platform that lacks the stiffness needed for micro-edging on outdoor rock, as well as the downturn needed for steep routes. **Highlights** * Engineered knit upper provides exceptional breathability and temperature regulation * Neutral, flat last keeps toes comfortable with minimal break-in needed * Dual Velcro straps enable fast, hassle-free on-and-off transitions * Molded rubber outsole offers consistent durability for gym climbing * Vegan-friendly construction with synthetic materials throughout **Watch-outs** * Knit fabric does not stretch to mold to unique foot shapes over time * Lacks the platform stiffness required for sharp outdoor micro-edges * Low sensitivity and flat profile limit performance on overhanging terrain
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Tarantulace | Momentum |
|---|---|---|
| Profile | Neutral and flat | Neutral, flat last |
| Closure | Full-length lace-up | Dual Velcro hook-and-loop straps |
| Upper Material | Unlined leather with synthetic tongue | Engineered knit synthetic |
| Sole Profile | Thick, hard-wearing rubber | — |
| Target Skill | Beginner to intermediate | — |
| MSRP Range | Around $99 | — |
| Lining | — | Front microfiber lining |
| Sole Type | — | Molded rubber outsole |
| Approximate Price | — | Around $130 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Tarantulace
- Budget-friendly price point lowers the barrier to entry
- Flat, neutral last prevents painful toe curling
- Thick rubber sole holds up well against toe dragging
- Full-length lacing accommodates diverse foot volumes
- Thick rubber dampens tactile feel on small footholds
- Unlined leather stretches significantly over time
- Flat profile struggles on steep overhangs and roof climbing
Momentum
- Engineered knit upper provides class-leading breathability for gym climbing
- Flat, neutral last eliminates the painful break-in period of aggressive shoes
- Dual Velcro closures allow fast and effortless transitions between climbs
- Fully synthetic materials offer a reliable animal-free construction
- Knit upper will not stretch to mold around irregular foot contours over time
- Soft, rounded toe profile lacks the precision required for micro-edging outdoors
- Flat geometry makes pulling on steep, overhanging routes difficult
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.