Climbing shoes are specialized shoes that grip the rocks and flex with the climber's foot. Climbing shoes have a close fit and very little padding, and they have smooth rubber soles that stick and grip. There are several styles of climbing shoes. Kris Versteegen, a spokesman for La Sportiva climbing gear, writes on Boyslife.com that "a shoe with to-the-toe lacing can help customize the fit and feel of the shoe, while a slipper or Velcro shoe is much easier to get on and off."
Montrail Grommet
The Montrail Grommet is a highly rated kids climbing shoe that retails for $39.99. The shoe is a super-sticky kids' rock shoe that is easy to put on and adjust. It has a single Velcro closure.
Mad Rock Mad Monkey
Mad Rock Mad Monkey climbing shoes have leather uppers and a directional pull tab. There is a single hook-and-loop closure to adjust the fit. REI, in a review published on trailspace.com, found that the "Dual-density 3-D Mad Rubber outsoles feature strong rims for edging and soft, thin centers for smearing." The Mad Monkey retails for $39.95.
La Sportiva Shark
La Sportiva Shark retails for $49.90. The Shark has a single Velco fastener for easy on and off. The soles are FriXion RS rubber and are very durable. The uppers are unlined and they stretch to allow for growth, so that these shoes can be worn for several years.
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