The Best Shoes for Climbing

For the Beginner: La Sportiva's Mythos

While many new climbers are put off by how uncomfortable most climbing shoes are, the Mythos is a welcome exception. Costing $130 as of 2009, the Mythos is the epitome of climbing in comfort--its leather upper stretches to accommodate any foot, while its lacing system ensures a custom fit. A great all-around climbing shoe, the Mythos is ideal for long days of climbing, as it stretches to accommodate swelling feet, and its rounded profile makes it especially ideal for crack climbing.

For Climbing Overhanging Walls- Five Ten's Project

When you climb an overhanging route, effective footwork is essential to keeping you on the wall, and Five Ten's Project shoe is built for fancy footwork. Costing $145 as of 2009, the Project is designed specifically for overhanging rock faces. The Project utilizes an extremely durable rubber in the sole, which allows it to be roughly half the thickness of most climbing shoe soles, giving wearers' feet a more prehensile grip on the most meager footholds--it's the closest you'll get to having opposable toes.

For The Boulderer-La Sportiva's Cobra

For many climbers bouldering's appeal lies in its simplicity--no ropes, quickdraws or harnesses to set up; with bouldering, you just find a rock, put on your shoes and go for it. La Sportiva's Cobra shoe makes bouldering just a bit simpler with its lace free design. Whereas most climbing shoes are lace-up or Velcro, the Cobra's slipper style makes for easy entry, and Vibram XS rubber sole and aggressively down-turned shape is ideal for the toughest bouldering problems. As of 2009, La Sportiva Cobras cost $120.