2020 Guide to Vegan Rock Climbing Shoes
*This post contains affiliate links.
Part of being a more sustainable vanlifer and dirtbag means choosing products that are better for the planet. That’s why I’ve been doing a lot of reading on vegan rock climbing shoes and other ethical and eco friendly climbing gear. This is the start of a whole lot more to come!
Whether you’re just a beginner or seasoned in the art of sending the gnar, these ethical climbing companies are working on phasing the traditional microsuede leather out of production. Instead, they’re establishing a new route to both high quality, durable climbing shoes that also don’t come at a cost to any living creature.
Leather is just a bad material on two fronts:
IT’S UNETHICAL: Around 1 billion animals are killed yearly for sole purpose of leather production. Personally I’m trying to make my climbing gear a little more cruelty free! On the human side, tannery workers are constantly exposed to over 200 dangerous chemicals (like arsenic and cyanide) which research has linked to all sorts of serious health conditions.
IT’S UNSUSTAINABLE: Leather is technically a natural fiber, meaning it IS biodegradable…but it takes hundreds of years to do so. Since the tanning process is so chemical laden it still isn’t good for planet when it eventually does (not to mention all the direct chemical runoff from production). Plus, there’s an environmental trade off between leather that’s more ethically sourced (i.e. doesn’t demand the direct killing of an animal but rather uses byproducts if the meat industry). This supports and promotes the livestock industry, which is responsible for a huge percentage of greenhouse gas emissions.
For that reason, non-leather climbing shoes are the better alternative, both ethically and sustainably. Though if you are set on certain brands of climbing shoes that make almost solely leather ones (La Sportiva and Scarpa, namely), see if they have any vegetable chrome-free leather tanned ones. For instance, Scarpa’s Maestro Mid Eco climbing shoes.
Read on for a complete list of all vegan leather rock climbing shoes in current production.
But first, remember to keep currently shoes in circulation as long as possible. If the rubber is worn, but the upper is good, have them resoled. You can even encourage others to resole by getting them a resole gift card, one of our favorite gifts for rock climbers.
Navigation for Vegan Rock Climbing Shoes
Intermediate Vegan Climbing Shoes
VEGAN CLIMBING SHOES FOR BEGINNER CLIMBERS
Image Credit La Sportiva
La Sportiva Oxygym
MSRP: 89.95
Material: WashTex synthetic stretch-knit upper
Rubber: FriXion RS
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Introductory gym climbing
Find them here: La Sportiva / REI / Backcountry / Amazon
Image Credit Black Diamond
Black Diamond Vegan Momentum
MSRP: $94.95
Material: Synthetic Engineered Knit upper & hemp footbeds
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip 2
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Introductory gym climbing
Find them here: Black Diamond / Backcountry / REI / Amazon
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Elektra
MSRP: $79.95
Material: Synthratek VX upper
Rubber: TRAX High Friction
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Beginner to intermediate bouldering and all-around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / EMS / Moosejaw
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Defy
MSRP: $89.95
Material: Synthratek VX and full rubber upper toe casement
Rubber: TRAX High Friction
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Beginner to intermediate all-around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Outland USA / Amazon / EMS / Moosejaw
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv KRONOS
MSRP: $130
Material: Synthratek VX
Rubber: TRAX SAS High Friction
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Beginner to intermediate all-around climbing
Find them here: REI / Amazon / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Image Credit Mad Rock
Mad Rock Remora
MSRP: $94.95
Material: Syn Flex synthetic upper and footbed
Rubber: Science Friction 3.0
Closure: Slip-on
Downturn: Slight
Best for: Beginner to intermediate all around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon
Image Credit Tenaya
Tenaya Inti
MSRP: $149.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede and cotton lining
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Slight
Best for: Beginner to intermediate all-around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit Tenaya
Tenaya Tanta
MSRP: $98.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede and cotton lining
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Slight
Best for: Beginner to intermediate all-around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit So iLL
So iLL MOMOA PRO /PRO LV
MSRP: $139.95
Material: Padded synthetic upper
Rubber: Dark Matter
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Beginner to intermediate all around climbing and those who like sick kicks in bold colors
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon
Image Credit Amazon
ClimbX Gear Icon
MSRP: $49.95
Material: Synthetic stretch knit upper and neoprene tongue
Rubber: XX Factor
Closure: Velcro
Best for: Beginner climbers on a budget
Find them here: Amazon
VEGAN CLIMBING SHOES FOR INTERMEDIATE CLIMBERS
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Kira
MSRP: #129.95
Material: Synthratek VX upper
Rubber: TRAX High Friction
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate
Best for: Intermediate bouldering and roped climbing
Find them here: REI / Amazon / EMS / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Shakra
MSRP: $159.95
Material: Synthratek VX
Rubber: TRAX SAS
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Intermediate to advanced all-around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Supra
MSRP: $130
Material: Synthratek VX
Rubber: TRAX SAS High Friction
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate
Best for: Intermediate to advanced all-around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Outland USA / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit Adidas Five Ten
Five Ten Quantum VCS
MSRP: $169.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede
Rubber: Stealth C4
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate
Best for: Intermediate all-around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit Mad Rock
Mad Rock Weaver
MSRP: $99.95
Material: FloKnit synthetic upper
Rubber: Science Friction 3.0
Closure: Velco
Downturn: Moderate
Best for: Intermediate all around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon
Image Credit Mad Rock
Mad Rock Lyra
MSRP: $104.95
Material: Tek Flex synthetic upper
Rubber: Science Friction 3.0
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Slight
Best for: Intermediate all-around climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon
Image Credit Mad Rock
Mad Rock Lotus
MSRP: $118.95
Material: Syn Flex synthetic upper and footbed
Rubber: Science Friction 3.0
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate/aggressive
Best for: Intermediate bouldering
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon
Image Credit Mad Rock
Mad Rock Haywire
MSRP: $124.95
Material: FloKnit synthetic upper
Rubber: Science Friction 3.0
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Intermediate to advanced gym climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon
Image Credit Tenaya
Tenaya Masai
MSRP: $149.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede and cotton lining
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip
Closure: Lace
Downturn: Moderate
Best for: Intermediate to advanced sport climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit Tenaya
Tenaya Ra
MSRP: $149.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede and cotton lining
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Intermediate all-around climbing
Find the men’s version them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit So iLL Holds
So iLL Street / Street LV
MSRP: $149.95
Material: Synthetic upper
Rubber: Dark Matter
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate/ aggressive
Best for: Intermediate to aggressive bouldering and steep sport climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Outland USA
Image Credit So iLL Holds
So iLL MAIN Street LV x Toms Shoes
This collaboration brought new designs to each company, drawing on the style and aesthetic of the other. A portion of all proceeds are donated to Kevin Jorgeson's non-profit (1Climb) to provide underprivileged children with the opportunity to get into climbing.
MSRP: $149.95
Material: Synthetic upper
Rubber: Dark Matter
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate/ aggressive
Best for: Intermediate to aggressive bouldering and steep sport climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Outland USA
Image Credit So iLL Holds
So iLL Runner / Runner LV
MSRP: $129.95
Material: Padded synthetic upper
Rubber: Dark Matter
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate
Best for: Intermediate all around climbing and those who like sick kicks in bold colors
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Outland USA
Image Credit Scarpa
Scarpa Veloce
MSRP: $139.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede upper
Rubber: S-72
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate
Best for: Indoor bouldering and technical slab climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Outland USA / Moosejaw
VEGAN CLIMBING SHOES FOR ADVANCED CLIMBERS
Image Credit Scarpa
Scarpa Furia Air
MSRP: $199.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede upper
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip 2
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Steep bouldering and competitive gym climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Outland USA
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Agro
MSRP: $164.95
Material: Synthratek VX and full rubber upper toe casement
Rubber: TRAX SAS
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Advanced bouldering with extra toe hooking friction
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Shaman
MSRP: $159.95
Material: Synthratek VX
Rubber: TRAX High Friction
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Intermediate to advanced bouldering
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / EMS / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Oracle
MSRP: $174.95
Material: Synthratek VX
Rubber: TRAX SAS
Closure: Lace
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Advanced roped climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Image Credit Five Ten
Five Ten Quantum
MSRP: $185
Material: Synthetic Clarino
Rubber: 4mm Stealth C4 rubber
Closure: Lace-up
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: High level sport climbing and bouldering
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon
Image Credit Adidas Five Ten
Five Ten Team
MSRP: $144.95
Material: Microfiber Polyester
Rubber: Stealth HS
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Steep bouldering and competitive gym climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit Mad Rock
Mad Rock Shark
MSRP: $119.95
Material: Syn Flex synthetic and rubber upper
Rubber: Science Friction 3.0
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Advanced bouldering on a budget
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon
Image Credit Tenaya
Tenaya Mastia
MSRP: $189.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Advanced bouldering and sport climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit Tenaya
Tenaya Oasi/ Oasi LV
MSRP: $179.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede and cotton lining
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Moderate/aggressive
Best for: Advanced climbing for those with petite feet
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit Tenaya
Image Credit Tenaya
Tenaya Tarifa
MSRP: $179.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede and cotton lining
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip
Closure: Lace
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Intermediate to advanced sport climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit So iLL Holds
So iLL The New Zero / New Zero Pro
The New Zero is named after Jason Kehl’s V13 of the same name, which at the time ushered in a new era of bouldering. This shoe is designed to do the same.
MSRP: $159.95
Material: Ultra soft synthetic upper
Rubber: Dark Matter
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Smearing on slab and ultra technical advanced climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Outland USA / Amazon
Image Credit So iLL Holds
So iLL Free Range / Free Range LV / Free Range Pro
MSRP: $149.95
Material: Synthetic upper
Rubber: Dark Matter
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Aggressive
Best for: Steep technical climbing and advanced bouldering
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Outland USA
VEGAN CLIMBING SHOES FOR ALL DAY WEAR
Image Credit Adidas Five Ten
Image Credit Adidas Five Ten
Five Ten Anasazi Lace
MSRP: $149.95
Material: Synthetic Microsuede
Rubber: Stealth C4
Closure: Lace
Downturn: Slight
Best for: Trad/multi-pitch climbing and all day wear
Find them here: Backcountry / REI / Amazon / Moosejaw
Image Credit So iLL Holds
So iLL The One
MSRP: $129.95
Material: Synthetic upper
Rubber: Dark Matter
Closure: Lace
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Long ARC training at the gym and all day multi pitch climbing
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Outland USA
VEGAN CLIMBING SHOES FOR KIDS
Image Credit Black Diamond
Black Diamond Kids’ Momentum
MSRP: $59.95
Material: Synthetic Engineered Knit upper & hemp footbeds
Rubber: Vibram XS Grip 2
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Introductory gym climbing
Find them here: Black Diamond / Backcountry / REI / Amazon / EMS / Outland USA / Moosejaw
Image Credit Mad Rock
Mad Rock Mad Monkey
MSRP: $44.95
Material: Syn Flex synthetic upper
Rubber: Science Friction 3.0
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Kids learning to climb
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon
Image Credit Amazon
ClimbX Kids Icon
MSRP: $29.95
Material: Synthetic stretch knit upper and neoprene tongue
Rubber: X-Factor
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Introducing kids to climbing on a budget
Find them here: Amazon
Image Credit Butora Climbing
Butora Brava
MSRP: $49.95
Material: Synthetic microsuede
Rubber: Butyl 5F
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Introducing kids to climbing and lots of color choices!
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Outland USA
Image Credit Evolv Climbing
Evolv Venga
MSRP: $48.95
Material: Polyester mesh upper
Rubber: TRAX SAS
Closure: Velcro
Downturn: Neutral
Best for: Introducing kids to climbing and all-day comfort
Find them here: Backcountry / Amazon / Outland USA
**This post contains affiliate links to support the continued creation of these van life guides. This just means that if you purchase something from one of the links above, I get a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Read more here or reach out with more questions.