Where should you buy climbing shoes?
As rock climbing gyms become more and more popular all around the world these questions need to be answered! The right climbing shoes can be all the makes the difference during your next gym session. Make sure you buy your climbing shoes from the right place.
Well, you are in luck! Starting out rock climbing can be very difficult, both mentally and physically. The last thing you need to do is keep paying for those smelly, worn out, and altogether terrible rental shoes. We have all been in this position so don’t feel left out!
Here is the short answer for those of you that are in a hurry:
| Rank | Place | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Backcountry | *Wide Section *Great Customer Service | *Prices can be High |
| 2 | Amazon | *It's Amazon... *Best Prices | *Section can Vary |
| 3 | REI | *They Have Brick and Mortar Stores *You Get A Dividend | *Prices are High *Limited Brick and Mortar Stores |
| 4 | Climbing Gym | *Support Local Gym *Try on Shoes Before Purchase | *Prices can Vary *Selection is Spare |
| 5 | Sierra Trading Post | *Deep Discounts *Coupons Readily Available | *Limited Stock |
Rock Climbing Shoes for Beginners
If you are looking for the best places to buy climbing shoes you probably are also looking for your first pair of climbing shoes.
Getting your first pair of rock climbing shoes can be a stressful task. There are so many options with prices ranging from $40 to $200.
The simple thing is that going with a major climbing brand and paying a bit more for your shoes up front will ensure they last you a long time and perform well. It is a bit more complicated than this though.
If you are trying to find the right pair of shoes try checking out Bomber Beta’s Climbing Shoe Reviews
Picking the Best Climbing Store
When purchasing climbing shoes there are 2 main categories of places to go.
- The Internet
- Your Local Gym or Climbing Store
The internet has great selection and prices. Many of the top retailers carry almost all of the climbing shoes being manufactured today. This makes it very easy to see a wide selection of shoes in one place. It is also easy to compare different retailers to find the one that is selling your shoes for the best price. Unfortunately, you have to wait for shipping and cannot try on the shoes beforehand.
Gyms and Stores can be a bit pricier than online and also have a smaller selection of styles and sizes. The plus side is you get to try them on and even test them out before you buy. It is very nice to be able to talk to an experienced climber then pick out your first pair of climbing shoes. Many gyms and store will have expert staff on hand to answer any questions.You will also be supporting your local gym which may be a selling point for you.
Ok, so enough rambling. Let’s find out the best places to shop.
Top 5 – Where to Buy Climbing Shoes
#5 – Sierra Trading Post
This online clearance store is a favorite among climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Sierra Trading Post offers deeply discounted prices on all of their inventory. Along with climbing gear, they also carry outdoor clothing, camping equipment, cycling accessories, and much more. Inventory changes daily since most products are closeouts. You will often find shoes will oddball sizes here for a complete steal so if you have a size 3 or a size 14 foot you will want to start here.
Hint: Be patient on this site. Deals come up often and will sell out fast. Wait for the right one and strike fast!
#4 – Local Gym
Your local gym is a good place to start looking for shoes. Some mega gyms these days may have more shoes in stock than Amazon does, and if this is your case you are in luck. If your local gym is smaller they may only have a few models and sold completely out of all men’s sizes 8 through 10 but you may just get lucky. Most climbing gyms have very knowledgeable staff as well so don’t count them out as an option.
#3 – REI
REI is a great place to purchase your first pair of climbing shoes. Not only do they have stores all over the US, they also have a great online store. If you are on a budget check out their Garage website. REI will have quite a few shoes in stock with plenty of sizes to choose from. Also if you are a member you get a 10% dividend on your purchases so you can start saving for that trad rack you didn’t even know you wanted yet.
#2 – Amazon
You most likely haven’t heard about Amazon.com have you… Joking aside Amazon is a great place you buy rock climbing shoes. Prices are competitive and if you are a Prime remember you will have your kicks in 2 days. Selection can be spotty on certain brands and styles which are why we didn’t rank them higher.
#1 Backcountry
Backcountry is an online mecca of climbing gear. You will be able to find any shoe you could ever desire on this site. Not only do they have competitive prices but they also have fast shipping and great customer service. Don’t be surprised if you get an email from one of their Gear Heads after making a purchase to make sure the shoes (or whatever ended up in shopping cart) are working out for you. Did I mention they send stickers with every purchase?
Owner and Operator of Every Last Rock. He is dedicated to spreading the Stoke about all things climbing. Often found Bouldering around the US and obsessively training.
