Climbing shoes wide toe box narrow heel For the climbing shoe, apparently the La Sportiva Katana is a great fit. I bought insoles with the boots as well. At a glance, the heel looks fairly standard, but there’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye. This is especially advantageous for climbers with wider feet, as it allows for a more comfortable and tailored fit. Scarpa shoes generally have a toe box that fit me but a very baggy heel. The 4 mm thick Vibram XS Edge rubber outsoles provide an ideal balance of friction and stability. I have a similar foot shape but the only difference i would say is that my feet are borderline wide / edge of normal. Comfortable climbing shoe built for all-around performance for || This is the official Site of EVOLV Buy the best Rock Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Free shipping over $49! See full list on thewanderingclimber. Feelgrounds have an awesome toe box but a wider heel /higher volume. 5 - grueling break in, very reluctant with smearing, toe knuckles were messed up The front of the shoe is perfect for me. La Sportiva Otaki ($209) Best uses: Sport, trad Downturn: Moderate Upper: Leather/synthetic What we like: A versatile, comfortable shoe that’s especially great for technical edging. Oct 2, 2020 · THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING CLIMBING SHOES FOR WIDE FEET. In the A/B category, the Hanwag Tingri is extremely comfortable. That's quite important: our feet are a bit wider when firmly planted on the ground. Solution comps have an amazing heel, but my toes are so squished together that it's painful to put them on and I don't think that's going to get wider at the toe box as it breaks in. They work fine for me though if I get lace styles. I have tried on solutions, solution comps which both cut into my Achilles and have too much space around my heel, skwama (the heel was cutting really bad on these), muiras which leave a lot of room on top of my feet, and katanas which feel fine in the toe box but cut Moved Permanently. For starters, the rubber that runs up the back of the heel (dubbed the ‘Dark Spine’) is a brilliant addition that not only helps Feb 11, 2025 · These shoes are nimble climbing machines, and they walk and hike pretty well, too. 5 Million products from 400 globally sourced brands, including sneakers, shoes, apparel, and accessories. The tongue-less design - foot fits through a collar-like opening to slide into the shoe. The gladiator style allows you to adjust the lacing to accommodate narrow heels and a broader forefoot. Mar 8, 2025 · The Mad Rock Drone High Volume Climbing Shoe’s high volume version is one of its notable characteristics, with a wider toe box, larger heel cup, and boxier shape. The narrow version of the Acro makes for an exceptional pocket climbing shoe, as the toe tapers to a small point that can fit in tiny footholds. I had a similar issue with the Tenaya Mundaka having a great toe box but baggy heel. Dec 17, 2024 · Other Rock Climbing Shoes We Love 6. LaSpo Miuras Womens VS. What we don’t: Not ideal for crack climbing; some will find the wide toe box to be too sloppy. 10 hiangle, soft, stretchy and wide toe box. I love the scarpa veloce for example, but the heel is way too wide. I have to go back to my local shop and try some Jul 6, 2022 · But the Dragons—like all the Five Ten shoes I’ve ever owned, which included a hand-me-down pair of V10s and some Jet7s—simply did not fit my heels. Learn to properly heel hook. The fanned toe box is the roomiest I’ve tried and it’s great. Wide foot at the balls/toes, but narrow heel. Yeah - they do. The wide toe box has two chief benefits and one location-specific drawback. The document has moved here. Turns out my feet aren't low volume, but "duck feet"- narrow heels and wide forefeet, and most climbing shoe manufacturers don't make shoes in that shape. Can feel my ankle moving in the shoe during heel hooking (NOT WHAT YOU WANT AT THE CRUX OF YOUR PROJECT). Perhaps research shops in advance of any place you're going to visit for work/climbing/weekend away, and make some time for shoe shopping. Because of my super flat feet, I've also stuck with mostly neutral shoes, moderate at max. I have no issues (from the shoes) in climbing 7b indoors in Katana Velro's and E4 outdoors in Katana Laces. 5/uk 7. Heel. The Gabby from the Rockport CobbHill range includes a leather upper and a rubber sole. IMO it’s not so much that Sportiva’s have a narrow toe box as it is that the apex of the curve at the front of the boot tends to be close to the midline of the sole, leaving less room for the big toe. Jul 19, 2015 · I like the cush and I like the protection from rocks, and I like the Vibrum sole and I like the wide toe box… but the men’s are too wide for me so I order the women’s… to order women’s take men’s size and add 1 1/2… so my 8 in men’s is a good fit at 9 1/2 women’s. Instinct VSR fits well towards the toes, but the heel is too wide on the sides. 5. La Sportivas all seem to have a super deep heel cup. Also the Instinct S - even as a slipper, that heel fits me closer than the Instinct VS/R. If you are set on really small shoes. I heard people recommend Skwama (but downsized a lot so heel fits), Kubo, Instinct VS/VSR (wide toe box). Another choice I really like is 5. Jan 9, 2025 · The shoe has a relatively spacious toe box, which makes it an excellent choice for individuals with wider feet. I felt Jan 8, 2025 · A narrow heel design improves heel hooking precision, while the updated rubber heel enhances grip. I've realized that I'm in this weird no-man's land of climbing shoes, where I need the wide toe box of men's shoes, but the low volume heel of women's shoes, and preferably asymmetric to help take pressure off a baby bunion (how fun). I actually spent like 2 hours in REI yesterday trying on shoes. I can tell just looking at photos of their shoes how much shallower the heel looks compared to other brands. They fit like Merrells, but with a narrower heel. I have a B category Hanwag Tatra with an extra wide toe box, sans Goretex. Despite being a classically built aggressive shoe designed by the famed Heinz Mariacher with performance in mind, the Boostic will be one of the comfiest climbing shoes you’ve worn after it breaks in. Wide Toe Box Climbing Shoes For Wide Feet. I loved the company’s minimalist toe-box; their dedication to thin rubber and aggressive lasts back when most other climbing shoe brands were still rolling out stiff edging shoes; but none We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Aug 19, 2024 · The surprising benefits of a wide toe box. Apr 14, 2021 · The Boostic by Scarpa is a top climbing shoe for people with wide feet. 10 I went up 1. They were all either way too wide in the toe box (loose across the top of of the shoe) or the heel cups were too deep. Ditto. Comfort/Fit. The drone heels are plmuch better, with no space at all, and a better overall fit. Set free your toes as real "barefoot style (a natural stride)" to invoid hurting toes when use. The rule is the softer the shoe the more downsized should be. I have Greek toe, wide toe box, low volume feet, and a low volume heel. These shoes have an asymmetric design with a centralized toe box that directs weight from the midsole directly to your big toes. So far the best soft shoe for me is Drago, and the best stiffer shoe is probably Evolv Phantom. Apr 29, 2025 · The biggest downside to these shoes is their narrow toe box and lack of hiking comfort. Oct 15, 2020 · Wide Toe Box Safety Design - upgrade toe shoes design, without the separate slots for your toes. Especially fitting people who have small heels. There's empty space on either side. (I also buy them a few sizes larger than street size, because I don't believe in crunching my toes and being in pain while climbing just to achieve a few percent in performance gains). This, paired with the aggressive last and the spoon-dipped sole, help make the Acro one of the best pocket climbing shoes I have used. Using the logic I just shared above, I have picked 10 shoes that I think represent the best selection of climbing shoes for narrow feet in 2023. Not 100% sure how to tell you where to go. May 28, 2022 · The 3 best women’s running shoes with wide toe box and narrow heel #1 #2 #3. When it comes to finding the best running shoes with wide toe box and narrow heel, only a few elite brands stand out in the field. Super soft and super stretchy, downsize for 0. I'm still looking for my knight in a shining white armor perfect climbing shoe. Wide forefoot, narrow heel, hard rubber and pretty aggressive. I’m currently wearing the scarpa drago LV, but the gomis probably fit my narrow heel better than any other shoe I’ve worn. Dec 7, 2022 · Too often I hear from would-be shoe buyers: This shoe has everything I want—if only it fit my heel/forefoot/toe box better. I found it's just extremely hard to find both of these characteristics and a wide toe box in a climbing shoe. One of the most important design considerations for climbers with wide feet is the toe box. What’s more, it’s also incredibly comfortable by climbing shoes standards. The arch of the foot has something of an impact on this, and a flat foot can appear wider than it actually is. Tenayas (also Vapor Vs) have a "centre" shaped toe box - they fit your toes perfect it seems! The Shamans have a "classic" shaped toe box more suited for people with Egyptian toes. This might be fine for some, but our lead tester has wider feet, which were a much better fit for the Scarpa Mescalito Planet. These slippers have a tight fit, an aggressive downturn, and an extension in their rubber toe that make them a steep climbing machine. Gomi; again toe box is too pointy. It's important to point out that this shoe is narrow, and wide-footed users report discomfort in the toe box. If you have wide or higher-volume feet, check out the Scarpa Mescalito Planet, a well Toe Box. AI+expert legit check, 24/7 support. Still, their climbing Aug 20, 2021 · 2. I love the toe box. 5/eu 41. Five Ten: Hiangle; too narrow (also the heel suctioned so well I got stuck in the shoe at the store and someone had to help rescue me) Tulson Tolf: Grade; toe box is too pointy. Solution heel is notably higher volume in comparison. Scarpa is so narrow in the toe box evolvs much too wide midfoot and heel, sportiva wide in midfoot but can sometimes work if it's a lace up and can get them tight enough. 5 too) and I have egyptian feet. That being said, they are too "wide" for my heel. They both have wide toe boxes and narrow heels. This will put a lot less strain on your big toe. I certainly thought the same when I got to testing the Indalo. Edging shoe, only used sparingly. Mar 28, 2024 · Above: Scarpa Instinct VS Steep Climbing. Front AND heel fits perfect. 42. May 13, 2023 · Wear climbing socks when trying on shoes to simulate the fit when climbing. I never thought of my heels as small until I tried on climbing shoes and was like, “wtf is all that space back there. Look for sold shoes. My bf on the other hand finds all of these shoes too wide, so these definitely aren’t examples of shoes for narrow feet. Shoes with a wide toe box can accommodate a wider forefoot and provide better comfort and performance. Mar 13, 2023 · Butora: Acro; toe box is not square enough. my street is 9 (although I can run 9. Butora stands unique in rock shoes, offering wide and narrow versions of most shoes, including the Narsha. POIZON: Discover, cop, and share authenticated premium goods including sneakers, clothing, accessories & more. Scarpa’s lasts tend to move the apex of the curve toward the inside of the boot, giving substantially more space for the big toe. Some brands, such as Butora, offer both a wide and narrow version of their shoes, which helps you identify which models are most likely to fit. Offering over 1. 1mm midsole and 4mm XS Edge outsole provide all the support your toes need to stay comfortable through even the longest of climbing sessions. Nov 11, 2023 · The almost completely symmetrical profile gives the shoes a central point to the toe box, providing plenty of room for the second toe, while the 1. Mar 5, 2021 · Its not the shoe that makes the climber, but the footwork, which needs a boot that does not hurt when you are using it. Can't remember what else I've tried. Like a few others said, Butori Gomi for sure! I wore the pink ones. Tenaya are similar to Unparallel, although the Mastia and indalo do fit nice on the toe but the heel is too baggy. I wear scarpa vs womens/ low volume and still have dead space in my heels with the rest of the foot crunched. . com I just re-read your post and you are focusing on a shoe for outdoors so you probably want a stiffer shoe. Another factor I can think of - I don’t downsize my shoes. Often, shoes best suited for both Steep Climbing and Bouldering (depending on the boulder problem) are interchangeable. Drago is a bit narrow in the toebox (smth like Skwama fits my feet better there), and a bit wide in the heel. Climbers can use these shoes for everything from slabs and cracks to steep sport routes. Steep pocket climbing is the Acro's place to shine. So far the best of the best is scarpa veloce. I’ve had the most success with Evolv’s Phantom and Shaman Pro shoes. A friend of mine had the same issue and his dojo recommended them. I do have very wide toes but a narrow heel, so I am having a hard time finding fitting shoes. The toe box is fairly wide, so if you have a fairly narrow foot, this might not be the shoe for you. These shoes are also great for my roman-shaped homies out there. Cobb Hill Gabby. Its excellent sensitivity and adaptability to multiple terrains make it a top choice for climbers with wide feet. They have a wider more foot shaped toe box, but a narrow and shallow heel. I'm mainly looking for something relatively comfortable that I can use for a full session, but not opposed to something slightly aggressive. If your climbing hard then the Velcro is not an outdoor shoe, its not stiff enough to edge successfully on tiny holds. The upper is also made of unlined leather, which will stretch out and mold to your wide feet once broken in. Nov 9, 2024 · The La Sportiva Skwama is a versatile climbing shoe known for its wide toe box and soft, sensitive design, making it suitable for a variety of climbing styles, from slabs to overhangs. Backed by AI technology and human experts, our industry-leading "Authentication Before Shipping" service has authenticated Nov 15, 2023 · In terms of fit, as with many Tenaya climbing shoes, I find this to be a fairly narrow shoe with a low-volume toe box and an average-width heel. 10s too big in midfoot. 5-1 and let it slowly stretch into my shape, best fit I’ve ever had. The Skwama has XS Grip, which is much stickier and softer. I then found the LaSportiva Testarossa. Nov 2, 2023 · A narrow toe box that comes to a pointed tip is going to force your big toe inwards, causing greater pressure on the joint of the first metatarsal. Mar 23, 2025 · Unparallel shoes generally have a heel that fit me but the toe box is consistently too narrow. 5 or even 2 sizes. Nov 6, 2023 · The wide toe box, combined with the elasticated tongue and soft construction of the Skwama should make this shoe a top pick for wide-footed climbers. The only pair that fits perfectly, and has no air pockets even when I aggressively heel hook is the FiveTen Hiangle Pro. The fit of these shoes tends to be quite downturned (often referred to as aggressive) and will be tightly tensioned between both the toe box and heel for toeing in on small edges and aggressive heel or toe hooking. I have small heels and the Instinct, Drago and Chimera work best for me. I have your typical female foot, wide-ish front of foot and very narrow heel. It’s always important for your climbing shoe to fit well, but when you have wide feet, it’s even harder to make sure that happens. ” Love my Scarpa Instinct Laces - the heel fits like a glove, and the laces let you get the perfect fit along the whole foot. Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Hoka, Topo Athletic, and Altra are renowned for their dedication to crafting footwear that provides ample room for toe splay while ensuring a secure hold at the heel. Street shoe = climbing shoe and then fit designed by the company works like a charm. The heel is smaller. For this reason, I think your best bet is shoes with a wide, square-shaped, toe box. For 5. The narrow toe box combined with a super-stiff midsole makes the TX Guide a bit less comfortable to hike in. Typically climbing around V4-V6. billy Jun 21, 2020 · My husband and I both have worn Altra’s for years (as well as wide toe-box shoes for casual everyday use as well), and went through the same issue when looking for mountaineering boots in 2018. Jan 20, 2023 · Now that I have learned about the importance of the size of toe box in my shoes, I only buy shoes that have a wide toe box whether I’m buying hiking boots with a wide toe box, a wide toe box running shoe, or a new pair of sandals for the beach (like my absolute FAVORITE NEW ROSE SANDAL BY KEEN), I always look for shoes with a wide toe box. La sportiva have been my best fit so far, particularly the I have wide top half of the foot and very narrow heel. Sizing. To all my wide-feet friends, you’ll be disappointed to hear that the narrow and low-volume toebox make this model naturally better suited to narrower feet (the Mastia is much better for feet that sit on the wider side of the spectrum). You also have to take in consideration that your foot will expand when you step the same as when you make a fist in a crack. Apr 16, 2025 · The Comp has a larger toe-scumming patch and a narrower, more traditional heel—updates that pair perfectly with the OG shoe’s tried-and-true features, including the pointy, precise toe box, the downturned P3 platform for mega “bite” on steeps and micros, and the Fast Lacing System. my first pair of climbing shoes were the Instinct VSR at us 8. In the Shaman, while soft in the mid-sole, has thick on the forefoot. The Phantoms have a stiff, powerful heel that feels a tad shallower than most shoes that I’ve worn (though it stays on me without issues). May 11, 2018 · The limiter was the Velcro closure tab and strap; if the depth of use didn’t interfere with these closures, the Narsha had good crack climbing ability for a shoe designed for sport routes and boulders. In general, I have better luck with men’s shoes (because of the wide toe box), so when searching for a pair, try both men’s and women’s. I have their Feelground Original Luxe size 39, but their newer lace-up models will fit similarly. The Katana Lace comes in two updated models: yellow (stiff Vibram XS Edge rubber) and white (softer XS Grip 2 rubber). So I’m looking for some recommendations on what shoes to look into. Apr 2, 2025 · The La Sportiva Ondra Comp has a wider toe box and narrower heel than other shoes from the brand; (photo/Seiji Ishii) First off, the heel is visibly narrower than any other La Sportiva sport Jul 26, 2023 · The smaller the shoes the more likely your heel will pop out of the shoes. I love a good sensitive shoe. Aug 13, 2012 · Though my 'wide' might be narrow for you, so unfortunately trying on a lot of shoes seems to be the best way. The Mantra, has the softness and thin sole I like but the toe box is just too narrow for even the mildest toe width. The thing I was most impressed by about the Veloce’s shape is what Scarpa calls its Relaxed Performance Fit (RPF): essentially, RPF shoes have a wider-than-typical toe box, which allows more room for the fourth and fifth toes. We both ended up with the Salewa Rapace, which works well with hybrid crampons. After that nightmare, I tried on close to 30 pairs of shoes and couldn't find anything even close. 5 was the largest size the store had, and they were sooooo close to fitting. ASICS Women's Gel-Excite 4 Running Shoe, Shark/Flash Coral/Parachute Purple, 6 M US. Nov 6, 2023 · By reducing the instep volume, shoe width, heel size, and arch curve, low-volume shoes will cater better to narrow feet. Dec 28, 2018 · Really narrow heels; Normal width toe box; Morton's toe; Size UK 10 street shoes; The majority of my climbing is indoor bouldering (although occasionally venture outdoors). There is a pretty big gap in the heel,maybe a finger width gap, which makes it’s very difficult to heel hook because I can feel my foot moving in the shoe. And that’s why Tenaya has uniquely positioned itself with the Indalo and Mastia, two near-identical shoes whose greatest differences are related to fit Try checking out shoes with XS Edge rubber. If the Instinct VS or VSR heel is still too wide, try the Women’s Instinct. Mar 30, 2024 · A shallower heel cup, with the rand sitting lower on the Achilles. I have a wide forefoot and a narrow heel. So what is left? Honestly I am not really sure anymore. Keep in mind that climbing shoes are meant to be loaded through the toes and heels, not as much walking, so this is taken into account in the design. I have an average-to-wide foot, but the 9-eyelet lace closure allows for plenty of adjustment, so I had no issues with the fit of the shoe. blwhmdpvczltosjctjueoqiposnbobzyttyxydftlebupdedcpeilluuxzmbxkllhjfgfdhfultbsqf