Best Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet in 2024 + Buying Guide

Good climbing shoes are hard to come by, and the difficulty level increases when you have wide feet. Trust me; I know you think the shoe manufacturers hate you because I, too, use to feel that way. 

But during my research to find climbing shoes for my wide feet, I came across some real gems that are worth talking about. I made a list of all of the best climbing shoes for wide feet in 2024 that will make rock climbing better for you.

Let’s begin.

Top 8 Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet of 2024

La Sportiva TarantuLace Performance

La Sportiva TarantuLace is one of the best affordable rock climbing shoes for wide feet. Being budget-friendly is not the only aspect that I love about these shoes.

So, what’s in it for you?

To start with, La Sportiva has constructed this shoe especially for beginners and intermediate climbers. It features a rubber heel that is lightweight enough to let you climb freely. But at the same time, the rubber heel is thick and aggressive. Due to the high-quality rubber heel, you can start climbing, hooking, and smearing like a pro climber in no time.

Most of the time, tight climbing shoes and wide feet are a recipe for disaster.

But, I have good news:

TarantuLace climbing shoes are lined with a softer fabric. This soft lining prevents rashes, offers comfort, and hence leads to better performance.

La Sportiva TarantuLace is made of breathable fabric. It keeps your feet dry, prevents smell, and, most importantly, betters the overall airflow.

Lastly, it is one of a few size 13 climbing shoes available on the market.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

Men’s TurantuLace from La Sportiva is an excellent place to start if you are a beginner. However, even though the company is marketing these climbing shoes for indoor and outdoor climbing, it is better for indoor climbing only due to the medium aggressive heel.

Five Ten Anasazi VCS

If you are a beginner looking for a good outdoor climbing shoe, then Five Ten might have the right product for you. The Anasazi VCS wide climbing shoes are one of their versatile most products on the market. So, why do I recommend the Anasazi VCS for beginner rock climbers?

First of all, it offers a dual heel pull.

But what does that mean for you?

Due to this dual heel pull, these shoes offer a better grip and the right amount of aggression that is needed for rock climbing. At the same time, as the heel is thick, they protect your feet from injuries and pain.

Best of all:

Instead of regular lace closure, Anasazi VCS comes with dual strap closure. These straps offer a better and tighter fit, which is needed during rock climbing.

Lastly, the outsole is made of high-quality synthetic material that offers friction and prevents slipping. Hence, best performance every single time.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The overall quality of this shoe is good, but the price is not reasonable. However, if you cannot find another rock climbing shoe due to the dual heel and reliable strap closure, Anasazi can be a good option for outdoor climbers.

Five Ten Anasazi Moccasym

When it comes to casual climbers, all they want is a shoe similar to the one professional climbers wear. Five Ten Men’s Anasazi Moccasym might not be every professional climber’s choice. However, it is still one of the best rock climbing shoes for wide feet.

Here’s why: 

The shoe is made with high-quality breathable material. This material betters the airflow. Hence, your feet will stay dry. In addition to that, the upper part of the Anasazi Moccasym shoe is flexible. This allows people who have wide feet to wear the shoe comfortably. On top of that, the simple pull-on closure is fast and adds adjustability to the design.

One of the things that I personally hate in climbing shoes is when the sole wears out, and you need to buy a new pair altogether.

But today is wide feet climbers’ lucky day.

Why? Because with these shoes, that’s not a problem. Anasazi Moccasym features the resole option.

Simply put, when the old sole has retired, just change it, and your shoe is good to go.

Finally, Anasazi Moccasym is also one of the size 13 climbing shoes.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

Good shoes for casuals at a reasonable price. As the shoes have a flexible upper, it will be a good choice for people with wide feet.

Scarpa Instinct VS

Some people don’t care about their climbing shoes’ price as long as they are getting a good quality product. So, if you are also one of those people, then the Scarpa Men’s instinct VS climbing shoe might suit you well. Yes, these shoes are a bit more expensive than the rest of my recommendations.

However, on the other hand, the shoe quality is premium.

For starters, the higher price will get you a shoe that is constructed well and will last you longer. The high-quality material is a reason for this shoe’s longevity. Secondly, as the toe-heel is thick and aggressive, it betters your performance by offering a better grip. On top of that, the toe-heel also protects your feet from injuries and keeps them intact.

Lastly, this Scarpa climbing shoe features a floating strap design. Due to the flexible shoe material and adjustable straps, the shoes are easy to fit.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

Scarpa Men’s Instinct VS shoes are available at a higher price. But with the higher price comes the high quality and a feature-packed design that is suitable for casual indoor climbers.

La Sportiva Low Top Climbing Shoes

Finding climbing shoes for wide feet is difficult enough. Now imagine you want a climbing shoe, but you are on a tight budget. Are you one of those people who want to get good rock climbing shoes on a budget?

Here’s good news for you, La Sportiva has the perfect shoes for you. The Low Top shoe model from La Sportiva comes at an extremely affordable price. Almost anyone can afford it. Even at such a low price, you get the quality La Sportiva is known for.

Think about it:

First of all, these shoes are durable. They are made with high-quality material, and the construction quality is premium. This means you can keep using them for longer than other shoes. So, no need to keep replacing climbing shoes after every few months.

Secondly, people often find it challenging to find smaller-sized shoes that also cater to wide feet. But with Low Top, that is not a problem anymore. Why? Because these shoes are available in extra small sizes as well.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

I consider La Sportiva’s Low Top shoe as a good budget-friendly alternative for beginner climbers.

Scarpa Helix Climbing Shoes

One of the features that I personally consider a must-have in climbing shoes is a lightweight body. Yes, the climbing shoe needs to be aggressive and thick enough to protect your feet. But at the same time, they should be light enough so that one can climb freely. And this is what I appreciate about the Helix climbing shoe from Scarpa.

Let me explain why.

These shoes are lightweight and offer better performance. The cushioning insole makes the whole experience comfortable.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Helix is pretty aggressive. The toe-heel offers great edging. Moreover, the outsole is high-quality and offers friction. No wonder you get a great grip while rock climbing.

Lastly, this feature-packed climbing shoe is not as expensive as you might anticipate. In fact, it is one of the most affordable climbing shoe options on the list.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Helix climbing shoe is a good option for casual rock climbers. The construction quality is good, but the outsole is fast wearing. However, as the shoe is available at a low price, replacing them would not put a dent in your budget.

La Sportiva Tarantula

When researching for climbing shoes for wide feet, it was quite tricky to find one that catered toward women. Either the manufacturers think women don’t have wide feet, or those shoes are hidden deep on the web.

Nonetheless, TarantuLace from La Sportiva is a good candidate for women climbers with wide feet.

Here’s why:

First of all, it is lightweight, which means you can wear it for long hours without feeling tired. Secondly, La Sportiva has used breathable material for TarantuLace’s manufacturing. This is why it prevents sweat and keeps your feet dry.

As if that wasn’t enough, the sole and toe heel are also high quality. The toe heel is quite aggressive and offers good grip and edging. The outsole, on the other hand, adds friction into the mix and prevents slipping. Lastly, these feature-packed climbing shoes are quite affordable.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This shoe is not the one that will last you for a year, but it is affordable and overall good for the price.

Scarpa Boostic Climbing Shoes

The last recommendation on my best climbing shoes for wide feet in 2024 list is the Scarpa Boostic climbing shoe.

Here’s a catch.

This shoe is on the expensive side of the climbing shoe list.

However, it caught my eye because it comes with some impressive features. For instance, the shoe is made with flexible material. When it comes to wide feet, stretchy material is your friend. The shoe has a wide toe box, and along with that, the stretchy material makes the shoe comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the reliable floating straps give a tight fit to the user.

In terms of toe heel, Boostic is not behind in the game. It offers an aggressive heel for maximum toe power and edging performance. The outsole is also high-quality and gives unique friction, which helps in hooking. Lastly, Boostic features a floating strap closure for an easy, quick, yet reliable fit.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

Boostic is a unisex climbing shoe that is good for outdoor rock climbing. Due to its aggressive heel and rubber sole, anyone can benefit from it whether you are a beginner or a pro. The price is slightly higher than other options, but the shoe is durable, so you will not need to change them frequently.

Buying Guide: Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet

The market is filled with climbing shoes. However, not all of them are perfect for climbers with wide feet., It is necessary to have enough knowledge about climbing shoes in general to get a pair of climbing shoe that serves you well.

So, whether you are looking for climbing shoes for wide, narrow, or medium feet, we have created a buying guide that will help you. Consider the following features to ensure a better purchase.

Perfect Size

People usually know what their shoe size is by heart. Some expect their “street shoe” size is perfect for their climbing shoes. However, this is not the case.

First of all, when you are buying a rock climbing shoe, it is recommended to go half a size smaller than usual. But if you have wide feet and the toe box is not wide enough, then a size up will be more comfortable for you.

This leads us to the toe box.

What is a toe box, you may ask?

Well, it is the part of the shoe that wraps around the toe. For people with wider feet, a perfect shoe would be one that offers a wider toe box. This will allows the climber to move their toes freely without feeling too restricted.

Lastly, the one main thing that can save an even ill-fitted shoe is a good closure system. Climbing shoes usually come with two types of adjustable closure, lace, and strap. However, an excellent adjustable closure can salvage only loose shoes.

Flexible Material

If you have wide feet, then flexible shoe material is going to be your best friend. Finding perfect shoes online can be tricky, especially if it is your first time buying climbing shoes. Most of the time, your feet feel squished. But a flexible climbing shoe can better your experience and offer more comfortable wear.

Durable Outer Sole

Rock climbing shoes are not over the top expensive. But buying multiple pairs in few months can surely destroy your budget. This is why you should buy a shoe with a durable outer sole.

Good quality rubber or synthetic sole shoes can withstand the rocky terrain and last you longer. In addition to that, a thick sole protects your feet against the rocks and prevents injuries and pain.

Breathability

Rock climbing with smelly feet is another level of evil. No one likes it.

Not only do sweaty feet feel uncomfortable and destroy your whole climbing experience, but they also make your shoe and feet sound awful.

Simply buying a breathable shoe can solve the stinky feet problem before it even begins. A shoe made with lightweight, breathable mesh material keeps feet dry and improves airflow.

Cushioning

Unlike running shoes or casual walking shoes, climbing shoes do not require double cushioning. But with that said, a climbing shoe with light cushioning and a comfortable heel cup offers support and prevents straining. Hence, it improves your overall performance and pushes you towards your goal to become a better climber.

Warranty

Last but not least on our list is the guarantee and warranty. Who would have thought?

No matter what product you are buying, it is always advised to check the warranty and guarantee. Usually, Amazon and other online stores offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, in case you get a defective piece, you can always return it. However, a limited manufacture warranty is always a bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What climbing shoes do the professional wear?

Beginners, intermediate, and even semi-pro rock climbers are always interested in what shoes professional climbers wear. Alex Hannold is a massive fan of La Sportiva TC pros and La Sportiva Solutions. When it comes to Tommy Caldwell, he too likes to wear La Sportiva TC pros, and the same goes for Adam Ondra. Hachioji Toulouse, on the other hand, prefers La Sportiva Solutions. Finally, Tomoa Narasaki’s climbing shoes were Unparallel Regulus.

Are climbing and bouldering shoes the same?

No, climbing and bouldering shoes are not the same. The main difference between them is that for climbing, one needs comfortable and more flexible shoes. On the other hand, bouldering requires you to wear more aggressive shoes.

What size climbing shoe should I buy?

For rock climbing, professionals suggest the beginners wear half or a full size smaller than their street shoe. The snug and comfortable tight fit offer better performance during the sport.

Do you wear socks with climbing shoes?

It is not a necessity to wear socks with your climbing shoes. Although, some people, out of habit, wear socks with their climbing shoes. With that said, if your climbing shoes fit you perfectly, then there is no need to make it uncomfortable by adding socks into the equation.

Do you need to break in climbing shoes for wide feet?

When you buy a shoe that is your right size, there is no need to break-in. But accidents do occur. In a situation where your new climbing shoes are too tight, breaking in can loosen up the shoe. You can do this by:

• Soaking the shoes in hot water while you are wearing them
• Walking around in your new shoe
• Stuffing newspaper inside them

All of the three methods help the climbing shoe expand and hence fit better on wide feet.

How do I maintain my climbing shoes?

To increase the lifespan of your climbing shoe, you should take good care of them. This means cleaning dirty soles, letting them dry in the shade, and washing them every once in a while. In case your shoe has a foul smell, you can use deodorizing powder.

Are climbing shoes supposed to hurt?

No. Climbing shoes should not hurt, and if yours are hurting, it means you are wearing the wrong size. With that said, climbing shoes do not feel like wearing regular street shoes. They are supposed to give a snug fit.  Professionals recommend getting half a size small climbing shoe.

How long do climbing shoes last?

Usually, climbing shoes last for 3 to 6 months. However, resoling can make your climbing shoe last up to a year.

When should I buy new climbing shoes?

There are a few signs that you might need a new pair of climbing shoes. The first one is thinning out of the outsole. But if the closure or toe heel has broken, then that’s also a good sign of changing your climbing shoes.

Conclusion

These were our recommendations for the best climbing shoes for wide feet of 2024. I hope you find the best product. Climbing shoes can make or break your climbing game. So, choose wisely. Don’t go for a pair that looks aesthetically pleasing. Instead, buy the product that fits your need, skill level, and (obviously) your feet well.