Vegan climbing shoes are designed for climbers who want high performance without compromising their ethical values. Here’s a selection of the best vegan climbing shoes available, focusing on features like comfort, grip, and suitability for various climbing styles.
Top Vegan Climbing Shoes
- La Sportiva Skwama Vegan
- Material: Microfiber upper with a SkinLike microbase.
- Features: Designed for maximum performance in bouldering and sport climbing, the Skwama Vegan features a single hook-and-loop strap for a snug fit and a Vibram XS Grip2 sole for exceptional traction. It also includes the P3 (Permanent Power Platform) technology to maintain the shoe’s aggressive shape over time.
- Price Range: Approximately $170 to $198.
- Why It’s Great: Offers precision and adaptability for technical routes and bouldering problems.
- Evolv Shaman
- Material: Synthetic upper.
- Features: Known for its aggressive fit and excellent heel hook capabilities, the Shaman is designed for both sport climbing and bouldering. It features a comfortable padded tongue and an adjustable closure system.
- Price Range: About $140.
- Why It’s Great: A favorite among climbers for its versatility and performance on challenging climbs.
- Scarpa Drago Vegan
- Material: Synthetic upper with a rubber sole.
- Features: This shoe is designed for high-performance climbing with a soft construction that allows for excellent sensitivity on small footholds. The Drago offers a snug fit with minimal stretch.
- Price Range: Approximately $200.
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for those who prioritize sensitivity and precision in their climbing shoes.
- Tenaya Oasi
- Material: Synthetic materials with breathable mesh.
- Features: The Oasi is known for its comfort and versatility, making it suitable for all types of climbing. It has a unique closure system that allows for easy adjustments and a secure fit.
- Price Range: Around $180.
- Why It’s Great: Highly praised for comfort, making it suitable for long climbing sessions.
- Evolv Zenist
- Material: Synthetic upper with rubber sole.
- Features: Designed specifically for indoor climbing, the Zenist offers great flexibility and comfort while maintaining performance on the rock. It has a snug fit that enhances precision on small holds.
- Price Range: Approximately $130.
- Why It’s Great: Excellent choice for gym climbers looking for a vegan option that performs well in various conditions.
Key Features to Consider
- Fit and Comfort: Look for shoes that provide a snug fit without being overly tight. Comfort is essential, especially during long climbs.
- Grip and Traction: The sole material is crucial; look for high-quality rubber like Vibram XS Grip2 or similar compounds that offer excellent traction on different surfaces.
- Breathability: Shoes with breathable mesh lining can help keep your feet cool during intense climbs.
- Durability: Choose shoes made from high-quality synthetic materials that can withstand wear and tear over time.
The Best Vegan Climbing Shoes: Insights for Beginners and Performance
When selecting vegan climbing shoes, it’s essential to consider factors like comfort, performance, and durability. Here’s a detailed overview addressing your queries about the best options for beginners, comparisons with traditional leather shoes, specific designs for bouldering, durability, and grip.
Best Vegan Climbing Shoes for Beginners
- Black Diamond Momentum Vegan
- Material: Engineered Knit Technology upper.
- Features: This shoe offers a neutral, flat last that provides all-day comfort and support. It has a soft flex midsole that enhances sensitivity, making it ideal for beginners.
- Price: Approximately $88.
- Why It’s Great: The Momentum Vegan is designed for comfort and versatility, perfect for gym sessions and outdoor climbs.
- Evolv Defy
- Material: Synthratek VX (synthetic leather).
- Features: A popular choice among beginners, the Defy has a flat sole and provides good support while allowing climbers to find their footing easily.
- Price: About $85.
- Why It’s Great: Known for its comfort and affordability, it’s an excellent all-rounder for new climbers.
- Scarpa Origin 2020
- Material: 1.8mm suede upper (vegan options available).
- Features: Designed for comfort with a flat-lasted profile, this shoe is suitable for various climbing surfaces.
- Price: Approximately $124.
- Why It’s Great: Offers a supportive fit and is ideal for beginners looking to progress in their climbing skills.
Comparison of Vegan Climbing Shoes to Traditional Leather Ones
- Performance: Vegan climbing shoes often utilize advanced synthetic materials that can match or exceed the performance of traditional leather in terms of flexibility, breathability, and weight. They can also provide excellent grip and sensitivity on rock surfaces.
- Comfort: While some climbers prefer the break-in period associated with leather shoes, many modern vegan options are designed to be comfortable right out of the box, making them suitable for all-day wear without discomfort.
- Durability: High-quality vegan materials can offer comparable durability to leather when properly maintained. However, they may not stretch in the same way as leather shoes do over time.
Vegan Climbing Shoes Specifically Designed for Bouldering
- Evolv Shaman
- Material: Synthatek VX (vegan-friendly).
- Features: Designed by Chris Sharma, this shoe is perfect for bouldering with its aggressive fit and excellent heel hook capabilities.
- Price: Approximately $139.
- Why It’s Great: Combines high performance with comfort, making it ideal for challenging bouldering problems. Available Here
- La Sportiva Skwama Vegan
- Material: SkinLike™ upper.
- Features: This shoe is designed specifically for precision on technical routes and bouldering problems with its P3® rand technology that minimizes stretch.
- Price: Around $159.97.
- Why It’s Great: Offers exact control on technical climbs while being entirely vegan. Available Here
Most Durable Vegan Climbing Shoes
- Inov-8 Roclite G 345 GTX
- Material: Synthetic materials with graphene-enhanced rubber.
- Features: Known for its durability on rugged terrains and waterproof capabilities.
- Price: About $180.
- Why It’s Great: Excellent grip and durability make it ideal for serious climbers.
- Evolv Shaman
- As mentioned above, this shoe is built to withstand the rigors of climbing while maintaining performance.
Vegan Climbing Shoes Offering the Best Grip on Smooth Surfaces
- Scarpa Drago Vegan
- Material: Synthetic upper with Vibram XS Grip rubber sole.
- Features: Designed specifically for high-performance climbing with exceptional grip on smooth surfaces due to its soft construction.
- Price: Approximately $200.
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for those needing sensitivity and precision on small footholds.
- Tenaya Oasi
- Material: Synthetic upper with Vibram XS Grip sole.
- Features: Known for its aggressive fit and excellent grip on various surfaces while remaining comfortable enough for extended wear.
- Price: Around $180.
- Why It’s Great: Highly recommended for technical climbs requiring superior grip.
Vegan climbing shoes offer excellent options for beginners and experienced climbers alike, providing performance without compromising ethical values. Brands like Black Diamond, Evolv, La Sportiva, Scarpa, and Tenaya provide high-quality choices tailored to various climbing needs—whether you’re bouldering or tackling long routes.By choosing vegan footwear, you can enjoy your climbing adventures while supporting sustainable practices that benefit both you and the planet!
Vegan climbing shoes offer excellent performance without compromising ethical values. Brands like La Sportiva, Evolv, Scarpa, Tenaya, and others provide high-quality options that cater to various climbing styles and preferences. Whether you’re bouldering indoors or tackling outdoor routes, there are plenty of vegan-friendly choices available to support your climbing adventures!
