Indoor vs outdoor climbing shoes reddit. Anything related to indoor (and outdoor) goes.

Indoor vs outdoor climbing shoes reddit. So, grab a cozy spot and get ready for things to do in brooklyn. S. I prefer top-rope over bouldering and currently am not planning to ever climb outdoors. I'm currently wearing the Muira VS and find them a bit too stiff and aggressive for me - so I might return those. Mar 7, 2024 · As a local New Yorker, one of my favorite things about NYC, is that there is always something to do at any time of the day, regardless of the weather. Because indoor climbing itself doesn't support consistency-- accuracy OR precision-- in grading, which itself is an outdoor climbing characteristic. Mar 25, 2024 · In this blog, you will have a list of the top 25 fun indoor activities that you can enjoy no matter the season. The Veloce isn’t the shoe to send your hardest boulder problems or sport routes, but for beginner climbers to intermediate, it’s a more affordable alternative to elite-level shoes. That said, for indoor, especially bouldering the softer the rubber generally the better, so xsgrip 2 from La Sportiva/scarpa. Nov 16, 2023 · This is the preferred style for indoor shoes because gym climbing is significantly more dynamic and three-dimensional than traditional outdoor rock climbing. I pull these out on specific boulders. Only thing with these is that they feel thinner. We at Peerspace love collecting ideas for NYC birthday parties, bridal showers, and other special events. I'm particularly interested in the Theory shoes, but reviews are scarce. Whether you're seeking creative hobbies, engaging games, or relaxing pastimes, there is a diverse range of options to keep you entertained indoors. If you like full sole shoes and have a relatively wide forefoot and Egyptian shaped feet - they are great bouldering shoes for slab, vert and overhang. Mar 23, 2023 · The best rock climbing shoes for bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, plus everything you need to know before buying a pair Generally your footwork is not good enough to make shoes last within the first year or two (at least, but with exceptions of course) of climbing, and you'll find that any plateaus you reach are not generally going to be improved by a better shoe - a new one maybe if your shoes are really worn, but not necessarily a better one. Any ideas? I was planning to purchase a new pair of shoes for indoor climbing and continue using my decathlon shoes for outdoor excursions. Make sure to clean and lubricate your climbing shoes every time you use them to keep them in good condition. It’s more of an all around decent shoe. I need new climbing shoes. For your reference, this article is referring to top-rope and sports climbing indoor and outdoor and doesn’t include bouldering or crack climbing, etc. My cardio was decent from doing indoor soccer once a week on a team where available substitutes were rare (50 minutes of nothing but wind sprints will get anyone into shape), but my upper body strength was pretty pathetic. Even more, I won't know WHICH V6s you can send outside. Especially since a lot of gyms in the US "tweak" the difficulty to not have beginner stuck on the V0/V1 (which, as you saw, is a quite decent level already outdoor). Jun 1, 2023 · Are indoor and outdoor climbing shoes different? Although shoes designed for indoor use tend to be softer and more sensitive, you can still climb effectively in those shoes outside. Normal climbing shoes without a rubber are not made for toehooking and will be short lived if you do that, depending on your level of experience and style of bouldering. Shop for Climbing Shoes at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. I don't "count" indoor grades. i just got a new pair of LeBron's so I'm using my old curry's that were indoor shoes for outdoor now. How do they compare to the VS and VSR? Both my VS and VSRs are out of order - they have three years on the clock this December and at least a half dozen resoles. The shoes you listed are all really different, some pretty soft and others quite stiff. 9-5. I've been using shoes widely considered a multi-pitch trad shoe for everything for years. I mainly boulder around V3s and rope 5. Both have a great heel. I found that, because my strength was lacking at first, I worked more on technique. I find that the biggest difference between outdoor and indoor climbing is my center of balance. Oct 23, 2024 · The short half sole effectively expands the shoe’s bendability—either upward in the case of the Ondra Comps or downward as Scarpa generally intends—and maximizes the foot’s surface area on sloping volumes, allowing the shoe to assume the shape of the old upward-bending board-lasted trad shoes designed for Yosemite slabs. It's a tough choice but consider going for that $200 upgrade to start with. I would mainly be using them for board climbing and bouldering (both indoor and outdoor). Apr 17, 2020 · Looking for indoor things to do in NYC on a rainy day or cold, blustery day? We’ve got you covered. There are 61 different types of things to do inside in or near Brooklyn, New York. Yes, it’s easy to stay cooped up inside waiting for spring to arrive, but think about the city’s endless things to do. It makes it easy to do precise footwork on smaller holds. 10 Asym's. Solution comps are what I use. The VS is a great sport climbing, overhanging route, tool. What is your budget, what are you generally climbing? Is it indoor/outdoor slab/vertical/steep do you find yourself needing toe patch for toe hooks or good tention near heel. Anything related to indoor (and outdoor) goes. The Skwama are a little stiffer and heavier than the theory. 10 so 1) they’re overtuned (like buying a F1 race car for your daily driver) 2) they’re not really soft shoes like you’re looking for and 3) “best” is relative on Sep 11, 2022 · Climbing shoes come in a variety of types and styles to suit different activities. My personal feeling is, if between the two I could only have one and it would be my only climbing shoe, I’d pick the Skwama. My first climbing shoes were the Tarantula in 42, then the old Katana laces (2x) in 41,5. This is just my opinion. Feb 2, 2025 · Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages. Amazingly comfortable, slender and a wicked toe with a slight downturn. They smear very well outdoors - and pretty good for volume smearing indoors. The rand rubber is chipping off, the heals are ungluing, and they are now about half a size large and fail to edge on the small chips and sloppy barely existent I'm US 7 street shoe. I wanted to share my experiences with the new 2022 model of the Katana Laces by LaSpo for future reference if anyone googles these shoes. There is an option in Garmin Connect to record climbing which seems to allow tracking of number of routes and some other stuff. . I want them for indoor training. Do you prefer laces to velcros or you want slip ons? There isnt a single shoe to cover all those aspects you always make sacrifices somewhere for gains elsewhere and vice For me medium stiff shoes (instincts, mastia, phantoms) are amazing bit board climbing and overhangs outside while my softer shoes (iati, instinct vsr, solution comp) are great for smearing. They get this reputation of being the pinnacle of climbing shoe performance but pretty much every gym foothold is more positive than the feet you’ll find on an outdoor 5. Some of the most popular types of these activities include: Movie Theaters, Theaters, Breweries and Sports Bars. I often try both when getting a new shoe. As you delve deeper into the world of climbing, you may find you’ll want specialized shoes for specific types of climbing, based on fit, feel, friction, comfort or durability, and end up with a quiver of shoes. I resole my shoes. A close second is the Genius. I’ve gone through dozens of shoes doing everything The problem is the reliance on climbing grade indoor, they are so different from outdoor that it's very hard to compare. Solution comp is the best all rounded bouldering shoes in my mind, while the theory is excellent for slab smearing. In conclusion, both indoor and outdoor bouldering offer unique advantages and challenges for climbers. I honestly have no idea why people can downsize 2-3 sizes because I tried on the same size as my street shoes and my toes already screamed for help 😂 I prefer the fitting of the Solution Comp. A beginner pair of climbing shoes will run you about $100 and a high quality pair will be around $200. Jan 11, 2022 · Scarpa’s formula for an ideal gym climbing shoe includes a roomier toe box so indoor climbers can leave their shoes on longer without pain. I’m considering the Instinct S slipper. I find that outdoor climbing makes you use your feet a lot better indoors however. That really helps for standing on large volumes. They have broken in now and are pretty comfortable but one thing I would note is that different shoes will feel good for different things. You should always have like 6-7 different pairs of shoes lol, tight soft shoes, tight edging shoes, multipitch medium shoes, end of the weekend upsized soft and edging shoes, the freshie sending pair, and a lucky pair for good measure. Thanks in advance for any recommendations or suggestions! TLDR: I exclusively indoor boulder. 4M subscribers in the climbing community. LaSpo miuras for moderate to steep sport, skwamas for bouldering! LaSport is the best IMO, they fit my feet well (they are wide). Indoor climbing shoes are designed for use on smooth surfaces, such as wood or tile floors. Both are great. I also prefer soft shoes to stiff ones, and prefer somewhat downturned shoes. Mar 13, 2025 · Brooklyn is packed with precisely this sort of amenity. With winter's chill here, an indoor play space in NYC may be just the thing to get out some winter wiggles. From cat cafes to subway museums, the indoor activities in Brooklyn, NY, offer endless possibilities. They are not they most dynamic shoes - very much about precision. What indoor climbing shoes do you recommend for a beginner female climber with wide feet? Jul 29, 2025 · We tested 30 top-rated climbing shoes in the gym, crag, and bouldering to find the best rock climbing shoes for beginners and mid-level climbers, with winners from La Sportiva, Five Ten, Black Diamond and Evolv I’ve had them for a year and used them for outdoor and indoor climbing and they’ve held up really well. There’s an endless supply of indoor New York City activities and experiences to enjoy. Seems most people like other shoes for indoor bouldering better. I'm a lighter climber (56kg), so the TN Pro is a perfect outdoor shoe for me since it's moderately stiff. Hello! I've been bouldering on my La Sportiva tarantulas a while now (on and off for 3 years and the past year regularly), and they are starting to wear down (actual holes in the shoes). A subreddit for the indoor bouldering community. I already have the LS skwamas that fit me very well but i dont want to destroy them while practicing. I have both. If you want improved smearing a softer shoe will help with that, something like the scarpa veloce is moderately downturned and very soft. personally, I would wear a good pair only indoors unless you have a newer pair. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Building the first version of this list was simple: we simply asked ourselves which shoes we wanted included, then pulled from the reviews we’ve written over the years. The Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. To that end, we present this list of the 24 best indoor playgrounds in New York City. I track indoor routes using an app my local gyms are registered with and I record outdoor routes in the relevant guidebook. The Flagship heel feels a bit baggier at 6. You actually want to have a different pair for indoor and outdoor climbing. 5 for Flagship. For me, indoor climbing (80% of what I do) is mostly just about training for getting outside. I wear US 6 for the TN Pro and US 6. However, outdoor Solution Comp performs better in sticking to almost anything. With climbing popularity on the rise, so is the list of climbing shoes that feature new technologies, and I am semi-decided on a new pair (s) and am just looking for opinions on this decision. I tell people that indoor climbing and outdoor climbing are two different sports. Keep in mind everyone has different opinion on shoes varied by price, what everyone in their community has, foot shape, climbing style, etc. Nov 17, 2023 · The shoe that's best for you depends on your body type, climbing style, the type of rock you climb on, and how much you want to spend. I have really narrow feet and the laces are nice because they give a perfect fit! Nov 11, 2023 · Ready to leave the beginner shoes behind? A reliable pair of intermediate climbing shoes might be exactly what you need to take your climbing game to the next level. A subreddit dedicated to discussing and reviewing climbing shoes. Moreover, in the past 15 years, indoor bouldering has exploded in popularity. Solution Comp are better for edging and precision, Skwama are softer and better for smearing (mainly in indoor volumes), being for me the best for all-around, it is very rare for me to find and edge indoor I can't stand with me Skwama. Either way, I agree. outdoor climbing to help you get started today! It depends on the shoe man. Instincts are a good allrounder. Here's everything you need to know about outdoor climbing shoes. I tried on a pair of Shamans--half-size down--and they felt pretty good but Mar 23, 2023 · The best rock climbing shoes for bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, plus everything you need to know before buying a pair Apr 16, 2025 · We tested 27 climbing shoes for men from La Sportiva, Scarpa, Black Diamond, evolv, Five Ten, and more to find the best shoes for you, no matter how you Jun 23, 2024 · Indoor climbing provides a convenient and accessible way to practice and improve your skills, while outdoor climbing allows you to challenge yourself in diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Depends on the gym, and how comfortable you are outside. With a good, specific resole, they'll last me an entire outdoor season or an indoor winter. Nowadays, gym culture has taken over and some people seem to have narrowed it down to different types of gym climbing, or indoor/outdoor sport climbing and bouldering. Most people prefer soft downturned toes on shoes for indoor overhangs. History: I climb and boulder indoor/outdoor for nearly 10 years now. In general I find outdoor grades to be more consistent within an area and then within a region than gym grades (even on problems within the same gym. The website shows that the boulder ones have a rubber on the top of the toebox, which makes the shoe more resistant to toehooks. I'm also aware that the La Sportiva Kubos and Solutions are highly recommended. Check out this guide for more information. Outdoor climbing shoes are better suited for rougher surfaces, like rocks or brick walls. ) On the other hand, if you are very comfortable outside you might find indoor climbing much harder (due to lack of friction for shoe scumming, for example) But at the end of the day I would Jun 12, 2025 · We put 23 pairs of climbing shoes to the test on boulder problems, sport climbs, and traditional routes. Even though they originated as indoor shoes, they're tested for outdoor use. For SPYGAMES, you work as a team to complete various challenges, most are physically demanding. Hello, I am looking for climbing shoes with similar fit as Scarpa Veloce but generally stiffer. And yes we are scared of falling. Oct 20, 2021 · A buying guide to indoor climbing shoes - we walk you through the differences between outdoor and indoor shoes, why you would want a pair of indoor shoes and which indoor shoes would be most suitable for your level of climbing. It makes a huge difference how a shoe feels on vs off the wall. Your reddit source for New Balance new releases, news and discussion. I've tried on everything at REI and found that my heels were getting rubbed raw from standing on my toes to test flexibility. As skiiers like to say, run what you brung. Have been climbing for They are good shoes but you might as well be barefoot if you don’t have technique to use them, and different shoes are better for different styles of climbing: slab, overhang, indoor, outdoor, etc Jun 23, 2024 · Additionally, outdoor bouldering can be more physically demanding and risky compared to indoor bouldering, as climbers may encounter uneven terrain, loose rocks, or other natural obstacles that can increase the likelihood of injury. Just wondering what the best shoes to get are. You've been climbing for a few months, don't concern yourself with the model of shoe. The Flagship is a good all-rounder, which I use exclusively for indoor climbing - not too stiff and not too soft either. Themes and layouts may vary, but there are a few commonalities. I used to buy them a half size down, but recently, I've been using my street shoe sized pair. 5 but at 6 it was far too narrow for me. Softer shoes will conform to those big plastic holds and smear on the sandpaper-textured wall with ease. The past 6 pairs of climbing shoes I've purchased has been the Instinct V or VSs. The home of Climbing on reddit. What do you mean by all rounders? It seems that the definition is changing. In my area there are not many options to try shoes. Below, we’ve rounded up the best indoor playgrounds in the borough, highlighting the ages they cater to and the offerings at each location. Yeah my Finales will probably live on as my outdoor shoes if I do the jump to a high end indoor climbing shoe. They feel really well balanced between soft and stiff. Climbing shoes are designed for indoor use only and should not be used outdoors. Unpopular opinion, if you are still learning techniques and climbing lower grades, get a cheaper pair (La sportiva Finale, or something) to climb on V2s and practice V5s and wear your solution comp when Does anyone have strong opinions about Evolv Shamans vs Evolv Phantoms? I've been using Butora Acro (wides) for the last 3-4 years and I'm looking for something with a little more sensitivity with the same level of edging power. So we hope you find something interesting to do the next time it rains in Brooklyn! 1. The only reason where I ever actually felt a difference was leading 11d+ after a really good sweat. Mar 3, 2025 · To help inspire you (and ourselves) to get out, here’s a comprehensive list of fun things to do indoors on a cold or rainy day in NYC. It's great to hear that you are happy with your Theories, I'm kind of leaning towards the solution comps rn because I want to start sport climbing too , but I'll have to try them out in RL I guess. I would say the lace-ups are great edging/all around shoe that give a good fit with the lace up. Indoor climbers usually suffer outdoors due to technique and stylistic differences and outdoor climbers usually don't have the raw power and gymnastic strength of indoor climbers. I'm sure having more shoes can be nice, but definitely not required. Solve an escape room puzzle. I would only recommend you buy shoes that you can try on, ideally from a climbing gym that will let you try on a pair and then go step on a hold. Flying Apple is the best birthday party spot and indoor playground in Brooklyn New York! Come play, slide, climb, and more! Outdoor climbing is a different beast where for each type of climb you may have a different shoe, but what about for those long days in the gym? What shoe do you use/recommend that manages to perform on boulder problems and walls alike yet doesn't get uncomfortable for those longer days of nonstop climbing? This is because im softer shoes the structure and the sustain of the shoe is given for the majority by the feet constricted in it, while on stiffer models the sustain is given by the feet but also by the shoe rigidity. Edit: Talked to a dude at the gym, tried on several different pairs of shoes before finally getting a pair of 5. In comparison to the first shoes I ever bought (some sort of Evo brand shoe), these newer shoes helped my climbing because they fit my feet really well. Compare indoor vs. From advice on which gym to visit to videos of world cup IFSC climbers, you can find it all here. It used to mean multi-pitch, single-pitch, trad, sport, bouldering, gym, etc. Both are comfortable for being a aggressive shoe which is due to good Outdoor climbing shoes? Hello girls! I've been trying to find an all around shoe for outdoor use. For modern indoor I find the rubber lets these shoes down, there are stickier compounds for indoor climbing like stealth rubber and unparallel supreme rubber. Even if it is raining, unbearably hot, or freezing cold. I am also thinking of getting a second pair for bouldering (indoor and outdoor or for specific projects with toe hooks or on steeper stuff). It’s also easier for me to smear and do moves like heel and toe hooks. May 1, 2025 · Whether you’re shopping for a sport climbing harness or a something to keep you going on big walls, we’ve got what you’re looking for. They tend to get holes A subreddit for the indoor bouldering community. OP, if the shoes fit they should be fine for all your current climbing pursuits. Both are great performance shoes, at the cost of some level of durability. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. , UK, and Europe. Ultimately, the choice between indoor and outdoor climbing comes down to personal preference and the type of adventure you are seeking. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee I've been climbing for 4 weeks and am climbing 5. Feb 18, 2025 · The best indoor bouldering shoes on the outdoor market in 2025 From the 2020s until the present, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the indoor climbing gym industry saw substantial growth in the U. That usually means I get 2-3 years use on the rope outdoor then another 2 years or so on it indoor before it gets retired. Top contenders right now from looking around the web seem to be Dragos, Instinct VS, Solution Comps, Otakis, and Hiangle Pros, but I'm open to being sold on something else. The great downturn and aggressive shape make for a great technical shoe that is easy on and off in between climbs. Unlike the standardized routes of indoor gyms, outdoor climbs present a vast array of natural features, including cracks, edges, and overhangs, each demanding unique problem-solving skills and adaptability. I’m going to say the issue is that you only started 2 weeks ago and jumped straight into buying some shoes, should have stuck with rentals for a bit longer to get through the fundamentals and let your feet become accustomed to wearing climbing shoes. The reason is that gym holds are way more abrasive than rock, and they'll usually polish your shoes' rubber to an almost mirror finish. But that also makes them a bit of versatile for indoor and outdoor climbing compared to the Theory. Make sure to clean and lubricate your climbing shoe every time you use it to prevent friction and wear from occurring over time It's a different bottom, but you can wear them outside without worrying. Climbing gyms often have slightly better selection than generic outdoor stores, and often will let you try the shoe out in the gym before committing to purchase, but your mileage will vary. These were our favorites. 1. Apr 16, 2025 · So we thought we’d compile a list of our favorite sport climbing shoes—the shoes that our editors and testers choose to climb in when we’re not testing new shoes. Miura VS - steep outdoor shoe Miura XX - project sending shoe, generally steep (sized down) Katana Velcro - multis (quick on/off) and easy climbing (they’re sized up compared to my miuras) TC Pro - cracks / trad shoe Recently got my first climbing shoes and went for LS Zenits. I keep a 70m and an 80m out door rope and when one has been washed a few times it starts getting a bit too fuzzy, I move to my indoor rope. Like, millimeters below the Muira. 10 outdoors. I've been drawn to La Sportiva shoes due to their high reputation. Good all around indoor bouldering/sport shoe for an intermediate? Looking for a shoe I can purchase online from REI, just because of their fantastic return policy. Don’t let a little rain ruin your day or time in the city. Here's what you need to know. Pretty much the only shoe that fit semi-comfortably, due to my wide, flat Hobbit-esque feet. One for the gym and two outdoor ropes. Nov 11, 2023 · Nothing beats climbing on real rock, but if you want to perform at your best, you're going to need the right kit for the job. The UP moccs I'm wearing are a godsend which I use for indoors if that helps. There are some obvious differences such as being indoors vs being outdoors but there are a lot more differences such as different gear, different environment, routes, safety and difficulty. Need shoes, been doing a good amount of bouldering and indoor climbing. Skwamas are also versatile shoes that I like a lot for bouldering. They are meant for indoor but perform very well on steep outdoor for me the tension in the theory gives them the edge as they edge better and have a more powerful toe if they fit well. Outdoor climbing ventures into the realm of nature, where climbers face raw and unpredictable elements such as weather, terrain, and wildlife. Something to keep in mind, especially if you’re climbing 4x a week (awesome!!!) is that both the solutions and theory’s will wear 2-3x faster than your katakis! Keep your current shoes (or get something super cheap) to wear as a warm-up/cool down shoe to extend their lifespan! When I started climbing, I was 6'2, 240#. Indoor climbing more often forces my feet and legs out to the sides, putting more weight onto my upper body because of the limited footholds and whims of the route setter. 8s. I am hoping to buy a pair of women's Miura VS for sport climbing which could also serve as my all around shoe. Since you plan to climb only indoor you could even consider trying something softer (especially if you are a lighter climber). My street shoe size is 42,5. You must carry your phone with you. Its honestly preference based. I'm wondering if the scarpa Drago would be a good first soft shoe, or if it would be too demanding on my toes and overall foot strength? 691 votes, 162 comments. There are things you do outdoors that you rarely do indoors: smearing, stemming, crack technique, tiny edging. I have only climbing in relatively hard shoes (Scarpa Vapor), but am looking to move into some softer shoes, to improve technique and foot strength. I use them bouldering, top-roping, sport lead, trad, indoor, outdoor, every kind of rock, every temperature. Recently i've been starting to look for new shoes and my climbing gym sells the Solution. Muira - Standard outdoor shoe, slabs and face climbing but does everything. Find one that fits you the best, pretty much anything is an improvement over the very entry level. I have narrow heels and have always had issues with my shoes chafing my heels. Jul 8, 2024 · Indoor rock climbing features a more controlled environment than outdoor climbing. My girlfriend got Scarpa Veloces and they are insanely sticky and excellent at pretty much any terrain (compared to rentals). I keep 3 active ropes. There are free lockers for your belongings. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! The shop staff promoted them so much, but the back of the shoes was super high and stiff, and it kept rubbing on my achilles heels. eof kfuz zlfm iaehwed yihrck ane anjt rasyt cfxny ogkdr