Yes, kids can climb, and there are climbing shoes that are made just for them. Climbing shoes for kids are made as small as a toddler size 8 to accommodate even the smallest climbers!
I’ve been climbing for years and am here to share all my favorite climbing shoes for kids.
In this post:
- Climbing Shoes for Little Kids
- Climbing Shoes for Beginner to Intermediate Kids
- Climbing Shoes for Advanced Kids
- How to Fit Rock Climbing Shoes for Kids
- Ways to Manage Smelly Shoes
- FAQs
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Do kids need rock climbing shoes?
Yes, rock climbing shoes are a necessary piece of gear for kids, whether they’re climbing in the gym or outside on real rock.
First, the fit and material of the shoe aid kids in their climbing. Climbing shoes are nice and tight and have a thin sole to allow kids to be specific with their foot placements and stand on small holds by placing their toe right at the front of the shoe.
The thin rubber and small edges allow kids to feel the rock. Climbing shoes are also made with special, extra-grippy rubber.
Next, climbing shoes keep dirty street shoes off the holds. This keeps dirt and grim off the holds and keeps the climbing gym clean. Many rock climbing gyms require all climbers to wear climbing shoes.
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Rock Climbing Shoes for Kids
Here are my top 8 climbing shoes for kids. When selecting a shoe, consider your kids’ abilities, goals, and the climbing they will be doing. This will help you decide what performance features they might need.
Check places like Facebook marketplace for used climbing shoes that are still in good condition. This can be an easy way to save money when kids’ feet are growing fast.
Climbing Shoes for Little Kids
La Sportiva Kids’ Stickit Rock Climbing Shoe
Sizes: kids 8/9, 10/11, 12/13, 1/1.5, 2/3
Material: leather
Sole: 3 mm FriXion RS rubber
Color Options: 2
These highly adjustable climbing shoes are designed for the littlest climbers and start in a very small size. They feature a lacing system that goes around the heel to help tighten the shoe to get the right fit.
As kids’ feet grow, you can easily loosen this lace by changing the placement of the knot by the heel. This makes them a shoe that can be used over time.
The shoes have a strap closure system using laces and velcro. You can adjust the length of the lace by moving the placement of the knot.
The laces are thin and can wear out, though you can replace them. However, this might not be the most convenient option during a climbing session.
While they come in sizes that fit older climbers, the features are best suited to young kids. The shoes are extra soft and flexible, making them comfortable, but this sacrifices some performance.
Mad Rock Mad Monkey 2.0 Climbing Shoe
Sizes: toddler 8-13 and kids 1-5
Material: synthetic (fully vegan)
Sole: 3.8 mm Science Friction 3.0
Color Options: 1
We have used these shoes with many kids over the years and have seen them work well for young kids and beginning climbers.
These shoes feature a large Velcro flap that makes them super easy for kids to get on and off. Two Velcro tabs on the back of the shoe allow for adjustment through the heel, making them an excellent choice for growing feet.
They’re not the most durable shoe and offer little to more advanced climbers. But their low price makes them a good shoe for beginners and casual kid climbers.
Climbing Shoes for Beginner to Intermediate Kids
Evolv Venga Climbing Shoe
Sizes: toddler 11-13 and kid 1-5
Material: synthetic (fully vegan)
Sole: 4.2 mm TRAX® SAS rubber
Color options: 1
These flat – or neutral – shoes feature a hook and strap closure system that uses one piece of velcro.
This makes them simple to put on, and you can adjust the length and width of the shoe by tensioning the heel strap and the front closure simultaneously. This adjustable fit helps the shoe last as kids’ feet grow and gives them a great fit along the way.
The shoes have an asymmetrical toe box to aid foot placement while still being super comfy. The pointy toe of the shoe can stand on small hold and pockets.
They’re made from a mesh that breaths well but isn’t the most durable. A special lining helps to control odors.
We love that these shoes perform well while still being comfortable for young climbers, making them an excellent all-around shoe.
Black Diamond – Kids’ Momentum Climbing Shoes
Sizes: toddler 11-13, kids 1-4
Material: synthetic (fully vegan)
Sole: 4.3 mm NeoFriction rubber
Color Options: 2
These well-rounded climbing shoes provide a nice amount of comfort for kids. The mesh material is breathable, and a single velcro strap makes them easy to put on.
This shoe has a stiff midsole and does well when standing on small edges and holds. This performance feature aids kids in climbing more challenging routes.
They don’t adjust around the heel, making them more of a fixed size. The shoes run small, and it is recommended that you order several sizes up from your kid’s street shoe size.
Butora Youth Brava Climbing Shoe
Sizes: toddler 11-13 and kids 1-5
Material: synthetic (fully vegan)
Sole: Butyl Butora F5 rubber
Color Options: 4
These climbing shoes are a great budget beginner shoe for kids. They have a single large velcro strap, making them simple to put on and offer an excellent tight fit. They also have one velcro strap on the heel, allowing for a bit of adjustability. The shoes have a cushioned midsole to keep feet extra comfy.
Their soft soles and shape don’t offer the most precision and performance as kids advance but are excellent for beginners.
The shoes run small, and it is recommended that you size up 2 to 3 sizes from your kid’s normal shoe size.
Five Ten Kirigami Climbing Shoes Kids
Sizes: toddler sizes 11.5, 12, 13, kid sizes 1, 2, 3, 3.5
Material: synthetic (fully vegan)
Sole: 3 mm Stealth® Phantom rubber
Color Options: 1
These flat climbing shoes offer lots of comfort for small feet. The velcro closure system makes them easy to get on and off. The shoes feature a sock liner, which adds comfort and can be removed as feet grow.
Due to their rounded toe box and flexible sole, these shoes are not as precise as others when climbing on smaller holds. They tend to run a size or two large, which should be considered when purchasing.
Climbing Shoes for Advanced Kids
La Sportiva MAVERINK Climbing Shoe
Sizes: kids 1-7
Material: leather
Sole: 3 mm Vibram® XS Grip2™ rubber
Color Options: 1
This is a downturned slipper-style shoe that is reasonably comfortable for kids.
It is a no-edge shoe meaning that the rubber wraps up and around the top of the toe. The lack of an edge allows the toe to conform to the rock bringing more of the shoe into contact with the hold. This offers excellent precision and sensitivity on smaller holds.
What we love about this shoe is that it has considered growing feet. It has toned down some of the features found in adult shoes of this style to keep the feet in a healthier position.
The shoes come in half sizes to further aid in getting a good fit.
Two markers are included with the shoe for adding decorations. The shoes are expensive, but that is to be expected with all of the well-thought-out design features.
Evolv Ashima Climbing Shoe
Sizes: kids 3-7
Material: leather
Sole: 4.2 mm TRAX® High Friction Rubber
Color options: 1
This downturned aggressive shoe is made for precision. It’s excellent for advanced kids looking for a performance shoe. The shoes come in half sizes to help get an even better fit and have a nonstretch lining to keep the shoe from stretching out too much over time.
The shoes have a more symmetrical design (instead of asymmetrical) than many aggressive shoes. This keeps growing feet in a healthier foot position.
It has a lace closure system that helps get the fit just right but requires more time to get the shoe on and off.
These shoes are more expensive than others on this list but are well worth it if your kids are looking for a high-performance shoe for some steep climbing.
The aggressive design of the shoes makes them somewhat uncomfortable, but this can be managed by taking them off between climbs.
How to Fit Rock Climbing Shoes for Kids
Kids’ feet are growing, and you want to prevent them from hurting themselves by using climbing shoes that are too small. You also want kids to be comfy and to enjoy climbing.
When fitting a neutral climbing shoe (one that is flat and doesn’t have a downturned toe), you want your kid’s toes touching the end but not curled up. This will give them an excellent secure fit. Flat shoes are not designed to have the toes curled up, and doing so won’t aid in performance.
The fit of a more aggressive shoe with a downturned toe is much tighter. Ensure that all parts of the shoe are tight, including the heel and the arch. Comfort is sacrificed for performance. But avoid a shoe that is so tight that it feels painful. Again, you do not want to damage kids’ feet.
Kids’ feet are growing fast, and it can be hard to get a perfect fit. Many of the shoes on this list have adjustment straps on the heel to help with getting an excellent fit as feet grow.
You can also buy shoes a bit bigger and have kids climb in socks until they fully grow into them. This will help to extend the time that they can wear a single pair of shoes. Remember to check the fit of shoes often and make sure that kids are not climbing in shoes that they have outgrown.
Climbing shoe sizes don’t always match those of street shoes. It can be helpful to head to the gear store and try shoes on before you make a purchase. Some climbing gyms also sell gear and might have some kids climbing shoes for sale.
Ways to Manage Smelly Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes can get smelly. Very smelly. You can manage this in several ways.
- Allow shoes to fully dry out after each climbing session. Avoid placing shoes in the bottom of a gear bag after climbing. We love to place our climbing shoes on a boot dryer as soon as we get home. Ours is one that simply blows cold air.
- Climb with socks. This can help to absorb some sweat and keep shoes drier.
- Make some DIY moisture-absorbing inserts. Fill socks with crystal or silica cat litter and place them inside climbing shoes. This will help keep shoes dry and minimize bacteria growth.
- Wash climbing shoes. If shoes are particularly smelly, they can be hand washed in warm water with a mild soap. Air-dry the shoes and wait to climb until they’re fully dry.
FAQs
Why do kids need special rock climbing shoes?
Rock climbing shoes for kids are designed to provide a better grip on the climbing surface, enhance foot sensitivity, and support the foot in a way that regular shoes cannot. They are crucial for safety and performance in climbing.
At what age can kids start wearing rock climbing shoes?
Kids can start wearing climbing shoes as soon as they begin climbing. Even toddlers can have climbing shoes if they are engaging in climbing activities, as these shoes help in developing proper technique and footwork from an early age.
How should rock climbing shoes fit on a child?
Climbing shoes should fit snugly, with little to no dead space at the toe or heel. Unlike regular shoes, they should fit close to the foot to enhance sensitivity and control on the rock.
However, they should not be so tight that they cause pain or discomfort, especially for growing feet.
What are the differences between kid and adult climbing shoes?
Kids’ climbing shoes often have more adjustable and durable designs to accommodate rapid growth and rough use. They might also have softer soles to provide comfort for less-developed foot muscles and bones.
Can kids wear second-hand climbing shoes?
Yes, kids can wear second-hand climbing shoes, provided they are in good condition and fit well. It’s important to check for any significant wear, especially in the sole and toe areas, which can affect performance and safety.
What features should I look for in a good pair of climbing shoes for kids?
Look for shoes that balance comfort and performance well. Key features to consider are durable soles, adjustable straps for a secure fit, and a shape that supports the natural curve of the foot.
It can also be a good idea to look for shoes with an adjustable heel to accommodate kid’s feet as they grow.
Now that you have shoes all picked out, check out Rock Climbing for Kids: the Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Climbing Gym to learn all you need to know to get your kids climbing!
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