If your kids love climbing, then getting them the right pair of shoes is a must. Young climbers can be seriously harsh to their shoes. Finding the right pair will provide better support and protection for their feet. It is also a crucial bit of equipment to help them develop their skills and find better holds while on the rock or wall.
Children’s climbing shoes need to be durable, comfortable, and able to adjust to fast-growing feet. In a sport where supporting your body through friction is everything, a great pair of shoes is something that just can’t be missed out on!
Let’s take a look into some of the best youth climbing shoes available, and how to choose the right pair.
Tip: Need more climbing gear? Check out these climbing helmets.
Quick Jump
Kids Rock Climbing Shoes Reviewed
- Climb X Kinder Kids Climbing Shoe
- Butora Youth Brava Climbing Shoe
- La Sportiva Kids Stickit Rock Climbing Shoe
- Mad Rock Mad Monkey 2.0 Climbing Shoe
- Evolv Venga Climbing Shoe
Best Kids Climbing Shoes Comparison Table
| Climbing Shoes | Image | Best For | Price | Overall | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Climb X Kinder Kids Climbing Shoe |  | Overall Best | $$ | 9 | Check Price |
| Butora Youth Brava Climbing Shoe |  | Best Value | $ | 8 | Check Price |
| La Sportiva Kids Stickit Rock Climbing Shoe |  | Convenience and Comfort | $$ | 8 | Check Price |
| Mad Rock Mad Monkey 2.0 Climbing Shoe |  | Toddlers | $$$ | 8 | Check Price |
| Evolv Venga Climbing Shoe |  | Durability | $$$ | 7.5 | Check Price |
Overall Best Child Rock Climbing Shoes
Looking for the overall best pick for your child? We would have to recommend the Climb X Kinder Kids Climbing Shoe. This versatile shoe provides comfort, grip, and durable quality – everything you need for a happy climber!
Best Toddler Climbing Shoes
If you have a really young climber, then we would recommend the Mad Rock Mad Monkey 2.0 Climbing Shoe. This pair is soft, well-padded, and easy to put on. It also comes in a wide range of sizes for little feet.
Best Value Children’s Climbing Shoes
Good value is important when buying shoes for kids. We would have to recommend the Butora Youth Climbing Shoe. This product offers excellent quality at an attractive price point.
Climbing Shoes For Kids Reviews
Interested in finding out more on the best rock climbing shoes for kids? Take a look at our top 5 product reviews below.
Climb X Kinder Kids Climbing Shoe
- Removable heel cup for size adjustments
- Strong, durable material
- Uses a single strap
- Organic hemp lining
One of the major issues with buying shoes for kids is that they outgrow them so quickly. Climb X took this into consideration when developing this awesome shoe. The shoe features a clever removable heel cup that allows for size adjustments. This means that you can expand the shoe as your child’s feet grow.
This isn’t the only feature that gives the shoes a long life span. They are also made from super durable material, including an organic hemp lining. Kids can be brutal on their shoes, and this pair has been specially designed to withstand this.
In terms of climbing, these shoes tick all the right boxes. They are comfortable for small feet, and easy to take on and off thanks to the single top strap. The shoes also feature a sole with strong grip and padded breathable toes for action-packed climbing.
- The shoes are size adjustable
- Comfortable and nicely padded
- Durable
- The shoes allow for easier holds
- The shoes will need to be worn in a bit at first
Butora Youth Brava Climbing Shoe
- 100% synthetic microfibers
- Single flap hook and loop closure design
- EVA cushioned midsole
- Adjustable heel
This pair of children’s rock climbing shoes by Butora includes some impressive features. This shoe may be designed for kids, but any avid rock climber would be happy wearing these. The shoes have a comfortable adjustable heel strap. This makes finding the right size easy. It also allows you to expand the shoes a bit as your child’s feet grow.
There is also an EVA cushioned midsole to add to the comfort of these shoes. This allows kids to wear them all day without complaining. There is a single flap hook and loop system over the top of this shoe to keep it on snugly. This makes it easy to take on and off.
These shoes are comfortable, easy to adjust, and durable. They also utilize a special rubber to add that traction needed for longer, tighter holds.
- Very comfortable shoes
- Size adjustable heel strap
- Easy to take on and off
- Durable and grippy
- Finding the perfect size can be difficult
La Sportiva Kids Stickit Rock Climbing Shoe
- Synthetic and leather material
- Highly adjustable loop around the top and heel
- Grippy rubber sole
- A simple, functional climbing shoe
Children’s rock climbing shoes don’t need to be too complex. These are simple, practical pieces of equipment designed to get the job done. La Sportiva has created a shoe that is not very aggressive and slips on and off easily. This is perfect for little climbers.
The shoe features an unlined leather upper that is comfortable and breathes well. There is an adjustable loop around the top and heel to make sizing and fitting the shoe a little easier. This simplified lace system allows for a tighter fit, without any complications.
These shoes focus on comfort and grip. This is achieved through light but durable materials. If you are after a strong, multi-purpose shoe for young climbers, then this would be a great pick.
- Easy to fit snugly
- Made from durable materials
- Excellent rubber grip
- Easily adjustable
- Very comfortable
- Doesn’t have a velcro strap which many kids prefer
Mad Rock Mad Monkey 2.0 Climbing Shoe
- Two adjustable rear straps
- Easy on/off single strap
- Science Friction 3.0 rubber sole
- Thin and soft materials
If you are looking for children’s climbing shoes, then you will surely come across the brand Mad Rock. This pair of shoes is really popular, thanks to its excellent fit and comfy materials. The shoe uses two rear closure straps to make size adjustments more accurate. The material is also a little bit stretchy – allowing for superior comfort while finding tight climbing holds.
These shoes use thin and soft materials but are still very durable. The rubber soles provide excellent friction, while the toe area is well protected. There is a large single strap over the top which makes taking these shoes on and off very easy.
These are excellent all-round shoes that can be enjoyed indoors, outdoors, and in all kinds of climbing situations.
- Efficient adjusting system
- Easy to slip on and off
- Soft and comfortable
- A smart choice for growing feet
- Finding the perfect fit can be challenging
Evolv Venga Climbing Shoe
- Adjustable heel strap
- Single top hook and loop strap closure
- Synthetic material
- 4.2mm TRAX high friction rubber sole
Evolv is known for its quality rock climbing kit for kids, with these shoes being a fantastic product. These shoes are perfectly suited towards young children – they are not very aggressive, comfortable, and easy to adjust. This adjustment is enhanced by the heel strap, which allows the shoes to be worn by growing feet.
These shoes have a wide opening and use a single hook and loop strap closure. This makes it easy to take the shoes on and off. It is also an easy way to tighten the fit to your liking. The soles are nice and thick and made from very grippy rubber.
If your kids are becoming avid rock climbers, then these shoes will certainly help them to find better holds. With a thicker toe area, this product is also a great choice for kids with more sensitive feet.
- Easily adjustable
- Thick and comfortable materials
- Easy to take on and off
- Quality rubber grip
- The shoes sizing is smaller than other shoes
Climbing Shoes for Kids Buying Guide
There are a few things to take into consideration when buying shoes for kids. As these items serve a very specific purpose, you will want to make sure that they will be the right fit. Here are a few important aspects to consider.
Adjustable
Having a pair of shoes that are size adjustable is really important for kids. Firstly, it will allow you to get a longer lifespan from the shoes for growing feet. Secondly, the shoes will be more comfortable for kids to wear – especially if their feet are a little bit more sensitive. This feature is usually found in an adjustable heel strap.
Materials
Children can be really harsh on their shoes when climbing. Make sure that they are equipped with a pair that will last. Pay attention to the kind of material used, and how durable this would be against rock faces or climbing walls. This doesn’t only affect the life of the shoes, but it will also have an impact on comfort.
Profile
A climbing shoe’s profile refers to the curve between the toes and heel. This can range from a flat profile (much like regular shoes) to an aggressive profile (significantly curved). Beginner climbers and kids will generally prefer a more moderate, or flat profile.
Final Thoughts On Rock Climbing Shoes For Kids
Climbing is a fantastic activity for kids to enjoy. In order for them to really make the most of it, they will need to be equipped with a quality pair of climbing shoes. This will help to improve their skills on the wall or rock, as well as provide better support and comfort for developing feet.
When it comes to climbing gear, the shoes you choose are seriously important. This is where so much of your grip and balance comes from. So if you want your kids to make the most of their time climbing, then be sure to consider some of these great shoes.
