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Top 10 Kids Climbing Shoes Reviewed & Rated for Quality
And while you may be on the fence about taking your little one with you to the boulders, let us reassure that rock climbing is actually one of the safer sports out there than your kid can get interested in.
That being said, they’ll need some basic gear to ensure that they are safe and successful while climbing and belaying.
So we’ve rounded up the best kids climbing shoes (many of them cheap kids climbing shoes) that will function similarly to your adult climbing shoes, but that have added features that make them ideal for kids and for fun on the rocks.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
When selecting the products that would make this list, we heavily considered how easy each was to use as they are intended for kids.
To help all those parents out, it is important that a kid can put on and secure their own shoes. However, we will say that all parents should double-check their child’s velcro closures to make sure they are nice and secure before sending them up the rocks.
Traction
Of course, traction was a major consideration. We value products that have equally good traction indoors and outdoors so that you don’t need more than one pair of shoes per kid.
Comfort
Comfort was a major consideration as well. We like shoes that are seamless and flexible so that your child doesn’t have to endure pressure points that can cause blisters. We also like shoes that are adjustable for a more secure and personalized fit.
Durability
We valued options that are durable enough for multiple uses and multiple kids to wear. Because these are quite expensive for a pair of shoes and because kids’ feet grow quickly, we like choices that can be handed down and still function super well.
Value
In terms of value, the options we value most are those that are super adjustable and that can be fitted over sizes so that they grow with your child.
10 Best Kids Climbing Shoes
1. La Sportiva Stickit
To kick off our list of the best climbing shoes for kids, we bring you the La Sportiva Stickit. These feature a breathable genuine leather upper and easily adjustable laces that secure the foot snugly but without pesky pressure points. Plus, the rubber grips work equally well on rock and plastic so you can use them indoors and outdoors.
FriXion
The Stickit features a FriXion bottom that is equally as grippy on plastic as it is on actual rock. This is a unique feature that allows this product to be useful both indoors and outdoors so you only need to splurge on one pair of shoes. We award points for traction and ease of use here.
Easily Adjustable
These are easy for kids of all ages to tie and secures around the heel and top of the foot for a secure fit. And because the leather upper is seamless, there are no lines that will dig into the foot and the shoe will remain breathable. We award points for ease of use and comfort here.
Cost and Value
The La Sportiva Stickit rings up towards the top of our price range but we love their value because they are super easy to get on and off and because they hold up incredibly well. Plus, because you can use them indoors and outdoors, they are a great buy.
2. Climb X Kids Icon
Another great option for rock climbing shoes for kids are the Climb X Kids Icons. These are some of the easiest to use for little ones and they are nice, soft, and comfortable. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality or durability. Plus, you’ll enjoy lots of traction that make conquering harder projects easier.
Knit and Neoprene
The Climb X Kids Icon is made with a knit upper that is super soft, flexible, and above all, breathable. For kids who are finicky about what goes on their feet, this is a great option and will move and mold with them. All while being super durable.
And with a neoprene tongue that is seamless and soft against the skin, these are some of the most comfortable on our list. Points for comfort here. Plus, X-Factor rubber for traction will help your kid to master harder climbs sooner.
Velcro Closure
These are one of the easiest for kids to use. Instead of having to deal with ties which can be a challenge to some kiddos, these close with sturdy velcro which makes getting them on and off a breeze. Points for ease of use here.
Cost and Value
The Climb X Kids Icon rings up in the middle of our price range and we love its value because they are super easy for kids to get on and off themselves, and because they are breathable and comfortable enough for kids to wear for extended periods.
3. Mad Rock Kids' Mad Monkey
The Mad Rock Kids' Mad Monkey is a great buy if you’re looking for a versatile product that can perform indoors and outdoors and that can also grow with your child. Because of the highly adjustable straps, your kid will be able to enjoy these for a few years before they outgrow them altogether.
Highly Adjustable
The Mad Rock Kids' Mad Monkey is adjustable in two different areas. This product features velcro closure adjustments around the heel and over the top of the shoe. Because of the flexible nature of the shoe, one simply needs to adjust the velcro closures in order to meet their growing child’s needs.
Many parents report their children being able to wear these shoes for years and even multiple children using these shoes over time. So we award points for ease of use and durability here.
Great for Indoor and Outdoor Use
These are designed to function as well indoors as they do outdoors so you can transition from the gym to the great outdoors without having to trade in or buy a new pair of shoes for your kiddo to get used to. Points for ease of use and traction here.
Cost and Value
The Mad Rock Kids' Mad Monkey rings up towards the top of our price range and we like their value because they grow super well with your kid’s foot and they are nice and durable which means you will have to replace them less frequently.
4. Evolv Venga
The Evolv Venga features a synthetic design that is nice and durable as well as comfortable. With extra traction and padding at the toes, your child will be able to climb in comfort and feel confident in their footholds. Plus, they are super stylish to boot.
Anatomic Design
The Venga is shaped to mimic the anatomy of a child’s foot. With an asymmetrical toebox, as well as more padding at the toe, your child will enjoy a fit and comfort that feels more natural. This helps to improve their overall climbing experience and comfort so points for that and ease of use here.
Wide Foot Opening
This is another one that is super easy for kids to put on themselves. With a wide opening for the foot to enter, as well as adjustable hook and loop velcro closures at the heel and over the top of the foot, your child will be able to get a fit that works well for more than just one year. Points for ease of use and durability here.
Cost and Value
The Evolv Venga rings up towards the top of our price range and we like its value because they are durably made and adjustable so that kids can enjoy them for longer than one year’s time without them needing to be replaced.
5. Boreal Ninja Jr.
The Boreal Ninja Jr. is one of the most premium products on our list. It is made from 100% split leather and is nice and durable while also remaining comfortable. With a little more structure than other synthetic products, this design gives a secure fit though not as much flexibility.
Pull Loop
The Ninja Jr. is a great option for kids because it is nice and easy to put on. With a large opening for the foot, as well as a large pull loop at the heel, kids will be able to put these on themselves. We also like the ease of the hook and loop closure and award points for ease of use because of this.
All Leather Durability
It is made of 100% split leather which means a lot in the way of durability. Plus, with FS-Quattro rubber and half-stiff midsole, your child will get support and comfort that has a bit more structure than other more flexible synthetic shoes. So points for durability and traction here.
Cost and Value
The Boreal Ninja Jr. rings up at the very top of our price range but we love its value because it is highly adjustable and more durable than most others on the list.
6. SCARPA Piki Junior
The SCARPA Piki Junior is another excellent premium option. Though it isn’t made of leather, the components are super comfortable and durable. Plus, they are also highly adjustable which means that you won’t have to replace these every year as they will grow with your child.
Flexibly Supportive
The Piki Junior is made of synthetic materials that are designed with flexibility and comfort in mind. The upper is made of microfiber which is soft and breathable and the shoe features lycra which is soft against the skin. Points for comfort and durability here.
Sticky and Durable Outsole
They feature an outsole that is super sticky and super durable at the same time. Plus, you’ll enjoy the EVA cushioning in the sole which makes for comfort and cushioning for all-day wears. Points for traction and durability here.
Cost and Value
The SCARPA Piki Junior rings up at the very top of our price range but we love its value because it has an adjustable heel strap that allows the shoe to grow with your child and because the design is super durable so can even be passed down to younger siblings.
7. Climb X Kinder
The Climb X Kinder Kids is an incredible budget option that works well for the super young kids and that will grow with them. This product is made of leather and has a heel cup that is removable which allows the shoe to expand a half a size. Plus, the velcro is more adjustable so you can get a just right fit.
Removable Heel Cup
The Climb X Kinder features a heel cup that is removable. This serves to make the shoe grow up to one size larger for your child to be able to get more use out of. We give points for comfort and ease of use here.
We also like that there are 4 different velcro closures as this allows you to get a more custom and secure fit, so more points for ease of use here.
X-Factor Rubber Rand
These feature an X-Factor rubber rand that works to deliver nice traction. And with a leather upper, you’ll enjoy nice durability as well.
Cost and Value
The Climb X Kinder rings up at the very bottom of our price range and we love its value because it is a great budget option that is still super adjustable and that can grow with your child.
8. Butora Brava
The Butora Brava is a durable and breathable shoe that provides a lot of support. The flat profile and EVA cushioning help to keep your child’s foot comfortable and in the right position while they are out on the rocks.
Flat Profile
The Butora Brava delivers a flat profile and synthetic upper that works to deliver a nice balance of structure and flexibility to keep your child comfortable and supported. Points for ease of use and comfort here.
EVA Support
They feature EVA padding in the sole which provides impact support and which helps to make these more comfortable for longer wears. Plus, we like the hook and loop closure as this makes these easy to get on and off.
Cost and Value
The Butora Brava rings up towards the top of our price range and we like its value because they provide nice structure and support for longer wears.
9. Climb X Kinder
The Climb X Kinder is another nice budget-friendly option. Though it does not have a heel adjustment strap, it does come with a heel cup that you can remove for greater size variations. And we like that the velcro is easy to get on and off.
Adjustable Sizing
The Climb X Kinder is another that comes with a heel cup that you can remove in order to grow the shoe so that your child can enjoy the same shoe for longer without needing a replacement. We award points for ease of use and comfort here.
Single Closure
These are very simple to get on and off. With a large loop at the back and only one velcro closure, pretty much any kid can handle this themselves. Points for ease of use here.
Cost and Value
The Climb X Kinder rings up towards the bottom of our price range and we like its value because it can grow with your child and is reasonably durable for continued use.
10. Black Diamond Momentum
The Black Diamond Momentum is great for even the smallest of kids. With a simple closure and good friction traction, your child will feel confident in their footholds. Plus the big pull loops make the shoe easier to put on as well.
Nice Friction Traction
The Black Diamond Momentum features NeoFriction traction that makes footholds nice and secure and that won’t slip even if rocks are a bit wet. We award points for traction here.
Super Easy On
The Momentum is another option that is quite easy for kids to get on themselves. With only one velcro closure and big pull tabs, your kids and get themselves geared up. However, this means less adjustable fits because there isn’t a velcro tab around the heel.
Cost and Value
The Black Diamond Momentum rings up at the very top of our price range and we like their value because they offer up great traction and easy use.
Sources
- , 9 TIPS FOR ROCK CLIMBING WITH KIDS, Article
- , ROCK CLIMBING FOR KIDS – THE BENEFITS, Article
- , What Age Should Kids Start Climbing?, Article
