Of all the adventure sports out there, climbing is one of the most exhilarating. Whether you’re bouldering in the great outdoors or using an indoor climbing wall, the sport demands endurance. It tests nerves and requires a delicate balance of physical strength and technique.
Vegan climbers have an extra challenge to add to the list; finding well-made and comfortable climbing shoes which aren’t made from suede, leather or other animal derived materials. Fortunately, more options are becoming available each year and many of the best climbing shoe brands are offering vegan-friendly alternatives.
Summary of vegan climbing shoes
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What are vegan climbing shoes?
By vegan-friendly we don’t just mean that the main material is made from a synthetic fabric. Vegan climbing shoes should be manufactured without any animal-derived substances. That includes the glues and chemical treatments.
We’ve researched a bunch of climbing shoe brands who create high quality climbing shoes using only vegan-friendly materials. So, if you want to be sure that your new climbing shoes are 100% vegan take a look at our list of the top vegan climbing shoes in 2019.
For more information about the different types of climbing shoes, their features, and what to looking for when choosing climbing shoes, click on the banner below. Note, that the shoes featured in that article are NOT vegan climbing shoes.
The best vegan climbing shoes in 2019
La Sportiva Oxygym
Best for: Indoor climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Moderate
This is the only vegan climbing shoe in the La Sportiva collection and, as the name suggests, it performs best at indoor climbing gyms although they are also suitable for outdoor climbing. They are constructed with a durable 5mm outer sole and a shock-absorbent EVA heel insert for extra comfort. The grip is not too aggressive and well suited to beginner or intermediate climbing.
The upper fabric is highly breathable and 100% washable. It additionally features an odour-reducing AirTex Silver Liner so you don’t need to worry about smelly shoes after a training session. La Sportiva Oxygym provides a secure fit too. Both the men’s and the women’s version are available in half sizes and come with an adjustable Velcro hook and loop fastening.
The only negative we can find with this set of vegan climbing shoes is that the FriXion rubber sole is less hard wearing than its Vibram competitors, however, the Oxygym climbing shoes can be re-soled.
Pros
- Secure fit and fastenings
- Highly breathable fabric
- Odour-reducing and washable
Cons
- Sole will wear down quickly with outdoors use
- Poor edging performance
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Red Chilli Durango Lace
Best for: All-round climbing
Closure type: Lace-up
Shoe type: Neutral
Red Chilli typically makes their climbing shoes with a leather upper however the Durango Lace is constructed from synthetic fabrics. The result is a super soft shoe which moulds to the foot. The lace up fastening continues almost to the toe providing tons of adjustability. This, coupled with the neutral shape of the shoe, makes it a good fit for most foot shapes and a very comfortable option for entry-level climbers. The shoe is even fitted with a breathable padded tongue which prevents the laces from rubbing but also functions as a sweat absorber.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable and adjustable shoe
- Fitted with a breathable tongue
- Neutral fit
Cons
- Not aggressive enough for advanced climbers
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Red Chilli
So iLL The One
Best for: All climbing levels and all-round climbing
Closure type: Lace-up
Shoe type: Aggressive/moderate
Pros
- Comfortable and adjustable fit
- Suitable for a range of climbers and terrain
- Grippy outer sole
Cons
- Snug fit and sizes run small
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
Other So iLL vegan climbing shoes available
At the moment ‘The One’ is the only clearly listed vegan shoe on So iLL’s website however the company has confirmed that all of their synthetic climbing shoes are vegan-friendly.
The New Zero
Best for: Advanced climbing or bouldering
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: AggressiveRunner LV
Best for: Intermediate and advanced climbing or bouldering
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Moderate
Evolv Oracle
Best for: Advanced climbing
Closure type: Lace-up
Shoe type: Aggressive
Pros
- Suitable for all types of climbing
- Flexible sole
- Comfortable toe box
- Anti-microbial fabric
Cons
- High price tag
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Evolv Defy
Best for: Beginners, all-day climbing, indoor climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Neutral
The split tongue and Velcro fastening allow for maximum support and a flexible fit although you do need to take care when choosing the shoe size. The upper is made from a vegan-friendly Synthratek VX synthetic fabric and an anti-microbial liner which helps prevent bad odours but doesn’t offer too much stretch.
Pros
- Very comfortable fit
- Anti-microbial lining
- Reasonable price
Cons
- The fabric doesn’t stretch with your foot
- Wear out quickly when used outdoors
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
Evolv Elektra Women fit
Best for: All-round climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Neutral
Pros
- Performs well indoors and outdoors
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable price
Cons
- Upper fabric has limited stretch
- Low profile provides less heel support
Find the latest price on:
Amazon
Other Evolv vegan climbing shoes
Although the company is not 100% vegan, Evolv offers a wide range of vegan-friendly synthetic shoes, from flip-flops to parkour and climbing shoes. Their vegan climbing shoe range includes neutral, moderate, and aggressive profiles. They even have a model for child climbers.
Eco-conscious: When purchasing from Evolv website the company give you the option to ‘Save a Tree’ and ship the shoes without a box.
Evolve Kira
Best for: All-round climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: ModerateEvolve Agro
Best for: Bouldering
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: AggressiveEvolve Venga Kid’s
Best for: All-round climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Neutral
Mad Rock Remora
Best for: All-round climbing, beginners, all-day climbing
Closure type: Slip-on
Shoe type: Moderate
Pros
- Comfortable fit
- Suitable for wide feet
- Grippy rubber soles
- Affordable price
Cons
- May struggle to grip onto very small holds
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
Other Mad Rock vegan climbing shoes
Mad Rock has been producing award-winning climbing shoes since 2002. They now offer a diverse range of vegan climbing shoes for men and women with Syn Flex Synthetic Uppers.
Mad Rock Redline
Best for: Technical climbing, edging and overhanging
Closure type: Lace up
Shoe type: AggressiveMad Rock Shark 2.0
Best for: Steep terrain and climbing competitions
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: AggressiveMad Rock Lyra (Women’s)
Best for: All-round climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Moderate
Ocun Pearl LU
Best for: Intermediate-advanced sport climbing
Closure type: Lace-up
Shoe type: Aggressive
Worn by two times climbing World Champion, Tomas Mrazek, the Pearl LU from Ocun is a high-performance climbing shoe which provides a balance of sensitivity and firmness. For added comfort, this model has an adjustable lace-up fixture and padded tongue. Its slightly asymmetrical shape, with a raised heel and radical arch, makes it ideal for powerful sport climbs and indoor climbing sessions. The Ocun Pearl LU also features a CAT rubber sole which provides excellent grip on slabs, edges, and pockets.
Pros
- Grippy outer sole
- Adjustable fit
- Supportive heel
Cons
- Shoe size runs small
Find the latest price at:
Ocun | Amazon
Ocun Strike QC
Best for: All-round climbing, and long days on the rock
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Neutral
The Strike QC is another superb vegan climbing shoe from Ocun. However, it is a very different shoe to the aforementioned Pearl LU and is much more suited to all-day climbing missions, beginner climbers and those spending lots of hours in the gym. This is a highly comfortable shoe that owes its cosiness to a nicely padded tongue, a neutral shape, and super soft microfiber uppers. On the performance front the Strike QC’s also step up to the mark, boasting the same mega sticky CAT Rubber soles as the Pearl LU’s that have plenty of sensitivity for pushing off tiny edges but with more flexibility through the shoe for smearing on slabs.
For more information read our full review of the Ocun Strike QC climbing shoes.
Pros
- Grippy outer sole
- All-day comfort
- Easy-on Velro closure
- Versatile
Cons
- Not suited to those with narrow feet
Find the latest price at:
Ocun | Amazon
Other Ocun vegan climbing shoes
Ocun climbing shoes are typically made with a leather insole. However, the company do offer a handful of ‘whole-vegan models’ which are constructed with micro-fibre instead of leather. Most of their vegan models are aimed at beginner climbers and soft movers.
Crest LU
Best for: Beginners
Closure type: Lace up
Shoe type: NeutralStrike LU
Best for: Long climbing routes
Closure type: Lace up
Shoe type: Neutral
Five Ten Anasazi
Best for: All-round climbing, edging and crack climbing
Closure type: Lace-up
Shoe type: Moderate
The Five Ten Anasazi is a popular choice for beginner to intermediate climbers. The asymmetrical toe box and stiff midsoles mean that you can take on the toughest smallest edges with confidence. Meanwhile, the high-tension heel provides the support you need for longer climbs. The adjustable lace-up fixture makes this a versatile shoe too. The polyester upper doesn’t stretch much but you can tighten for an extra secure fit whilst hooking or loosen the shoe for a more comfortable fit.
Pros
- Good foot support
- Secure fit
- Versatile usage
Cons
- Doesn’t perform well on overhangs
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | REI | Backcountry
Other Five Ten vegan climbing shoes
Founded in 1985 in California, Five Ten is a top-quality athletic shoe provider. They specialise in climbing, approach, and mountain biking shoes. Approximately half of their climbing shoe collection is constructed with fully synthetic uppers and most models are available in men’s, women’s, or child sizes.
Five Ten Team VXI
Best for: Overhang climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: ModerateFive Ten Team 5.10
Best for: Indoor climbing and competitions
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: ModerateFive Ten Quantum VCS
Best for: All-round climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Moderate
Tenaya Tarifa
Best for: Technical climbing, vertical climbing
Closure type: Lace-up
Shoe type: Moderate
For climbers who like to take on a range of terrains, the Tenaya Tarifa is the versatile climbing shoe for you. The sole is slightly thinner than other models, allowing for greater flexibility and sensitivity on the wall. It is, however, still stiff enough to handle challenging edges and vertical climbs. The Tenaya Tarifa also has a more aggressively curved toe than most beginners climbing shoes enabling better precision on overhangs. The upper is made from highly breathable microfiber and the Tarifa’s slim-line profile, internal liner, and speed-lace closure provide a secure glove-like fit.
Pros
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Versatile usage
- Super grippy Vibram rubber sole
Cons
- Not a good fit for wide feet
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
Other Tenaya vegan climbing shoes
Tenaya offers a wide range of high-performance climbing and outdoors shoes, almost all of which are vegan-friendly. The company have stated that:
“All of our models are made with chemical products and synthetic fabrics. The Lati is the only model that combines leather and synthetics.”
Tenaya Inti
Best for: Bouldering, vertical, slight overhanging
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: ModerateTenaya RA
Best for: Bouldering, vertical, slight overhanging
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: ModerateTenaya Oasi
Best for: Bouldering, vertical, overhanging
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Aggressive
Vegan climbing shoes for kids
Mad Rock Mad Monkey 2.0
Best for: All-round beginner climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Moderate
The Mad Monkey 2.0 from Mad Rock is an entry level vegan climbing shoe made to fit little monkey feet! It’s not the highest performing shoe on this list, however, these shoes do provide a sufficient balance of stiffness and comfort.
The shoe is easy to put on thanks to the large Velcro top closure. It also features two Velcro tabs on the heel which allow you to adjust the length of the shoe. We like that the Mad Monkey is highly adjustable and stretchy thereby extending the life of the shoe.
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Comfortable stretch fabric
- Versatile usage
- Affordable
Cons
- Size runs large
- Not a high-performance climbing shoe
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry
Butora Brava
Best For: All-round beginner climbing, crag climbing
Closure type: Velcro
Shoe type: Neutral
The Butora Brava climbing shoes offer excellent value for money and are particularly well suited to kids who are new to climbing. This low-profile children’s climbing shoe is constructed with an EVA cushioned midsole and a sock-like microfiber upper which makes them comfortable to wear for a full day climbing. Like the Mad Monkey 2.0, the Butora Brava comes with an adjustable heel tab and Velcro top closure allowing for maximum comfort and a glove-like fit as your child grows.
Pros
- Cushioned heel
- Soft upper
- Adjustable fit
- Available in three colours!
- Affordable
Cons
- Sizes run small
- Not a high-performance climbing shoe
Find the latest price on:
Amazon | Backcountry