As climbers prepare for 2026, new detailed reviews of climbing shoes illuminate the best choices tailored for different climbing styles. The dedicated team behind these assessments, which includes certified rock guides and professional rescuers, meticulously examined over 75 shoes, culminating in their most thorough evaluations to date.
"If I'm headed out for a day of challenging roped climbing in the Estes Valley, and I'm not exactly sure what a route is going to throw at me, the Katana Lace is often the first shoe I throw in my bag," said Dom Rickicki, Review Editor. This review specifically identifies the La Sportiva Katana Lace as a top pick for sport and traditional climbing. Not only does it blend edging power and precision, but it also offers a level of comfort well-suited for extensive climbing sessions.
Designed for versatility, the La Sportiva Katana Lace showcases powerful performance on both vertical faces and hard trad routes, making it a reliable option for climbers seeking a capable workhorse. The shoe's stiff Vibram XS Edge rubber sole enhances its ability to engage with small edges while maintaining comfort during lengthy climbs.
While the Katana Lace is highlighted for its all-around capabilities, the team also recognized the Scarpa Instinct VS as the best fit for those focused on bouldering and modern sport climbing. "The Scarpa Instinct VS is a bit more flexible and sensitive, which helps it thrive on overhung routes," noted the team. This shoe’s design helps climbers navigate challenging bouldering routes with confidence and dexterity.
For those on a budget, the Unparallel UpMocc stands out as an affordable alternative without skimping on performance. This budget-friendly option can be comfortably sized for climbing multi-pitch routes or adjusted for a snug fit that is well-suited for the gym.
The team also introduced new models from various brands in their reviews, including Scarpa, Unparallel, La Sportiva, Tenaya, Ocun, and Mad Rock, showcasing the industry’s latest innovations in climbing footwear. Editor’s Note: The review was refreshed on November 24, 2025, incorporating insights from a recent round of testing to ensure readers receive the most current recommendations.
Quick Overview of Top Picks: - **Best Shoe for Sport and Trad Climbing:** La Sportiva Katana Lace - **Best Shoe for Bouldering and Sport Climbing:** Scarpa Instinct VS - **Best Budget Shoe:** Unparallel UpMocc - **Best Shoe for Steep Climbing:** Scarpa Drago - **Best Shoe for Gym Climbing:** La Sportiva Ondra Comp The La Sportiva Katana Lace earned an impressive overall score of 80, reflecting its balanced performance across several metrics. Climbers praised its effective blend of edging and smearing abilities, while also ensuring a fit that accommodates lower-volume toes, ideal for gripping thin cracks.
However, there's a trade-off; the shoe's stiffness can compromise sensitivity, making it slightly less comfortable during all-day climbs. As one user remarked, "The lace-up design is more comfortable in cracks than Velcro," demonstrating the thoughtful engineering behind the shoe for hands-on climbing experiences.
As climbers gear up for the upcoming year, these insights into climbing shoes offer essential guidance. Diverse options cater to varying preferences, whether it’s for sport, trad, bouldering, or gym climbing. With manufacturers continuing to innovate, climbers can look forward to even more exciting developments in climbing footwear that enhance performance and comfort on the rocks.