Best Kids Climbing Shoes

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Kids need climbing shoes that make climbing fun, not shoes that hurt. Growing feet should never be crammed into aggressive, downturned models; a flat, comfortable shoe with a secure closure teaches good footwork just as well and keeps children excited to come back. Kids shoes vary in adjustability, stretch, durability, and how much growth the closure system can absorb, which matters when feet can jump a size in months and shoes take a beating from dragging toes. We weighed comfort, adjustability across growth spurts, durability, easy on-and-off for younger children, and price, since these shoes get replaced often. Velcro models with generous adjustment suit most kids and gym programs; lace-ups suit older kids climbing more seriously who want a more dialed fit. Fit them snug but fully flat, with toes touching the end without curling, and check the fit every couple of months rather than sizing up with painful room to grow.