# Best Kids Climbing Shoes Source: https://climbingnest.com/best/best-kids-climbing-shoes Updated: 2026-10-22 Publisher: Climbing Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://climbingnest.com/how-we-research#our-score 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. ## Picks ### 1. La Sportiva Kid's Tarantula Jr Rock Climbing Shoe, Yellow/Black, 9 Boys/Girls Our score: 7.9/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) La Sportiva Tarantula Jr kids' climbing shoe with FriXion rubber, an unlined leather upper and an easy closure, built for young beginners who climb mostly indoors. Pros: - FriXion black rubber is described as very sticky, which suits kids climbing on indoor gym holds. - Minimal asymmetry is described as helping beginners progress, a sensible shape for a first performance shoe. - Quick closure system lets kids put the shoes on and take them off by themselves between climbs. Cons: - Priced near 89 dollars, which is a lot for a pair a growing child may outgrow within a season or two. - The listing is a single size and color, so check the sizing chart against your child's foot before ordering. Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B09NMRP69M ### 2. La Sportiva Kids Stickit Rock Climbing Shoe, Chili/Poppy, 13-13.5 Little Kid Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) La Sportiva Stickit is a kids' climbing shoe with a soft leather upper, flat low-profile styling, hook-and-loop fast lacing and 3mm FriXion rubber for gym and rock. Pros: - Soft leather upper with flat, low-bulk styling is described as a comfortable fit for small feet - Fast Lacing System with hook-and-loop fastening makes adjusting the fit simple - Padded midsole and a higher heel tab are listed for comfort and easy on and off Cons: - Flexible no-edge toe favors comfort and learning over edging on small holds - Listing shows one size per ASIN, so check the size carefully as kids' feet grow Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B07V24Z7YM ### 3. SCARPA Kids' Drago Rock Climbing Shoes for Gym Climbing and Bouldering Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) SCARPA's Kids' Drago is a soft, sensitive shoe for young climbers doing gym climbing and bouldering. Pros: - Soft construction lets light kids feel holds without heavy pressure - Scaled from SCARPA's performance line for keen young boulderers - Great for youth teams and kids who climb several times a week Cons: - Soft, sensitive shoe is overkill for kids climbing only occasionally - Premium kids' price for shoes they will outgrow Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B09R43S9G2 ### 4. EVOLV Venga Kids' Rock Climbing Shoes - Blue/Neon Lime - 3 Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) EVOLV Venga is a kids' rock shoe for growing feet, adjustable by up to two full sizes and rated PSR 3 for sensitive smearing, suited to gym and boulder sessions. Pros: - Adjustable by up to two full sizes, so it can stay in use as a child grows - PSR 3 rating in the listing points to a sensitive shoe that smears well on volumes - Established climbing brand with a clear fit system explained in the listing Cons: - The listing shows a single size per ASIN, so sizing needs care and a size chart check - Low PSR rating means less edging power on small holds than a stiffer shoe Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B07JQ5273Y ### 5. Mad Rock Mad Monkey 3 Kids Climbing Shoe Blue - Size Toddler 9 Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Mad Rock Mad Monkey 3 is a kids' climbing shoe with Science Friction 3.0 rubber, a toe patch for learning toe hooks and a neutral profile, aimed at young beginners. Pros: - Science Friction 3.0 rubber is listed for grip and durability - Xtreme Friction toe patch gives young climbers a place to learn toe hooks - Neutral profile is described as natural and comfortable for long wear Cons: - Synthetic upper stretches about a half size, which matters when picking a size - Listing shows a toddler size for this ASIN, so check which sizes are offered Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B0D3MCC6Z5 ### 6. Black Diamond Kids’ Momentum Rock Climbing Shoes | Engineered Knit Upper | Durable 4.3mm Rubber Sole | for Gym & Outdoor Use | Envy Green | Size 11 Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Black Diamond Kids' Momentum is a flat-lasted kids' climbing shoe with an engineered knit upper, 4.3mm rubber sole and two hook-and-loop straps for gym and outdoor use. Pros: - Neutral, flat last is described as comfortable for vertical climbing and all-day wear - Engineered knit upper is listed for breathability and comfort - Two hook-and-loop straps make adjusting the fit quick for younger climbers Cons: - Neutral flat last gives less aggressive performance on steep terrain - Listing shows a single size per ASIN, so check the size against the child's foot Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B08R5GWPQ7 ### 7. La Sportiva Kids Gripit Kids Rock Climbing Shoes, Chalk, 8+ Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10) La Sportiva Gripit is an Italian-made leather kids' climbing shoe for ages 2 to 10 with stretch heel and tongue and a no-edge sole. It costs more than most kids' picks here. Pros: - Four-way stretch elastic heel and tongue are listed to accommodate growing feet - 2mm FriXion sticky rubber and a no-edge sole are described for sensitivity and even wear - Hook-and-loop fast lacing and two heel tabs, one usable for a carabiner, ease on and off Cons: - Priced above most other kids' shoes in this guide, which matters for fast-growing feet - Listing covers ages 2 to 10 only, so older kids may need a different shoe Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B0GGCLHQP9 ### 8. Butora Boy's Modern Climbing Shoe Our score: 6.5/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) Butora's Boy's Modern climbing shoe is a simple kids' shoe for boys starting out at the climbing gym. Pros: - Straightforward design keeps the focus on comfort for new young climbers - Butora makes dedicated climbing shoes, not generic sneakers - Suitable for gym classes, birthday climbs and after-school programs Cons: - Boy's sizing label may limit choices for shoppers using unisex charts - Check the closure style and material before comparing with rivals Details: https://climbingnest.com/product/B0C39WJG2V As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.