As I rested my pumped forearms at my local climbing gym, my mind started to wander and I began to wonder how much the average climbing shoe weighs.
The average climbing shoe weighs between 14 and 20 ounces (397 and 567 grams). Climbing shoe weight mainly depends on the size and material of the shoe. Typically, as shoe performance increases, the weight of the shoe decreases.
Although climbing shoe weight does not directly determine how well a shoe performs, it is directly correlated with the factors that do. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to: shoe material, shoe size, rubber sole thickness, and the aggressiveness of the shoe.
If you are interested in seeing what the current prices are for the most popular rock climbing shoes, you can find them on Amazon by clicking here. Using the Amazon affiliate link above and/or other links in the article helps support this website.
How Climbing Shoe Weight Varies With Size and Material
It should come as no surprise that a larger shoe will weigh more than a smaller shoe. However, shoe weight also varies with the material of the shoe. To understand the different shoe materials, the shoe must be broken down into its two different parts: the upper shoe and the sole.
Upper: this is the top (upper) part of the shoe. It is typically composed of leather or a synthetic material. Leather uppers are easier to care for than synthetic shoes; however, leather stretches out more than synthetic materials. High performance shoes tend to be made of a synthetic material. Leather uppers typically weigh more than synthetic uppers.
Sole: this is the bottom (lower) portion of the shoe. It is typically composed of firm or soft rubber. A firmer rubber provides a climber with more support and will allow them to edge better than a softer rubber. However; a softer rubber provides a climber with more feel and friction giving them a better grip and allowing them to smear better.
The weight of a climbing shoe is also directly related to the stiffness of the shoe. Stiff climbing shoes have a thicker and firmer rubber sole than soft climbing shoes. Therefore; stiff climbing shoes will be less flexible and weigh more than soft shoes.
How Climbing Shoe Weight Varies With Type
Rock climbing shoes can basically be broken down into three different categories:
- Beginner Shoes
- Intermediate Shoes
- Advanced Shoes
The main difference between the three is the “aggressiveness” of the shoes. As the arch of a shoe becomes more pronounced (aggressive), the shoe is considered more advanced. For example, intermediate shoes have more of a curve to them than beginner shoes and advanced shoes have more of a curve than intermediate shoes.
Beginner Climbing Shoe Weight
Beginner climbing shoes generally have a neutral arch and are the least aggressive shoe type. The most important factors for beginner shoes are the comfort, support, and durability. Due to this, beginner shoes typically will be stiffer and have a thicker rubber sole than intermediate and advanced shoes. Therefore, beginner shoes are typically heavier than intermediate and advanced shoes allowing them to provide greater support and comfort.
Table 1 below compares 5 of the most popular beginner climbing shoes based on weight, amazon review rating, and price.
Table 1 – Popular Beginner Climbing Shoe Weight and Ratings
| Climbing Shoe | Weight (pair) | Amazon Review Rating | Price (USD) |
| Scarpa Helix | 15.2 ounces (431 grams) | 4.8 out of 5 | $110 |
| Black Diamond Momentum | 15.6 ounces (442 grams) | 4.4 out of 5 | $87 |
| Butora Endeavor | 17.6 ounces (499 grams) | 3.9 out of 5 | $100 |
| La Sportiva Tarantulace | 18.3 ounces (519 grams) | 4.6 out of 5 | $85 |
| Evlov Defy | 20 ounces (567 grams) | 4.3 out of 5 | $90 |
As illustrated in Table 1 above, an average pair of beginner climbing shoes weighs between 15.2 and 20 ounces. The weight does not appear to correlate with price or average Amazon review rating. This lack of correlation indicates that climbing shoe weight should not be the deciding factor when choosing the best beginner climbing shoe for you.
Instead, beginners should focus on picking a climbing shoe that is comfortable and durable. It is my strong personal opinion that there is no need for a beginner to spend over $100 on their first pair of climbing shoes. You are able to find great shoes for much cheaper.
Intermediate Climbing Shoe Weight
Intermediate shoes are geared more towards climbers who are beginning to climb harder, more advanced routes. These climbing shoes generally have a moderate arch and are more aggressive than beginner shoes. The more aggressive shoe design puts your foot in a position that allows you to generate more force onto a smaller area. This increases the shoe’s performance at the sacrifice of comfort.
As intermediate shoes focus more on performance and less on durability and comfort, the shoe becomes softer to give the climber a better feel. Therefore, intermediate shoes will typically weigh less than beginner shoes. Table 2 below compares 5 of the most popular intermediate climbing shoes based on weight, amazon review rating, and price.
Table 2 – Popular Intermediate Climbing Shoe Weight and Ratings
| Climbing Shoe | Weight (pair) | Amazon Review Rating | Price (USD) |
| La Sportiva Miura | 16.9 ounces (479 grams) | 4.8 out of 5 | $165 |
| Scarpa Vapor V | 16.9 ounces (479 grams) | 4.7 out of 5 | $180 |
| Five Ten Anasazi Lace | 17.2 ounces (488 grams) | 4.7 out of 5 | $100 |
| La Sportiva TC Pro | 17.4 ounces (493 grams) | 4.6 out of 5 | $190 |
| Butora Arco | 17.6 ounces (499 grams) | 4.4 out of 5 | $160 |
As illustrated in Table 2 above, an average pair of intermediate climbing shoes weighs between 16.9 and 17.6 ounces. The price of the shoes listed in Table 2 above are greater than those in Table 1 on average. This is because intermediate shoes are geared towards more experienced climbers who require a higher shoe performance than beginners.
Advanced Climbing Shoe Weight
Advanced shoes are geared towards very experienced climbers who are climbing the hardest, most technical routes. These climbing shoes generally have an aggressive arch and are even more aggressive than intermediate shoes. The intense downturn of an advanced shoe dramatically increases the shoe’s performance but at the cost of almost all of the comfort beginner and intermediate shoes have.
As advanced shoes focus solely on performance and very little on durability and comfort, these shoes typically become very soft to provide climbers with the most feel and grip. Therefore, advanced shoes will typically weigh less than beginner and intermediate shoes. Table 3 below compares 5 of the most popular advanced climbing shoes based on weight, amazon review rating, and price.
Table 3 – Popular Advanced Climbing Shoe Weight and Ratings
| Climbing Shoe | Weight (pair) | Amazon Review Rating | Price (USD) |
| Scarpa Drago | 14 ounces (397 grams) | 4.2 out of 5 | $190 |
| La Sportiva Skwama | 15 ounces (425 grams) | 4.3 out of 5 | $170 |
| La Sportiva Genius | 15.5 ounces (439 grams) | 4.2 out of 5 | $185 |
| Scarpa Instinct VS | 16.5 ounces (468 grams) | 4.7 out of 5 | $190 |
| Evolv Shaman | 19 ounces (539 grams) | 4.3 out of 5 | $170 |
As illustrated in Table 3 above, an average pair of advanced climbing shoes weighs between 14 and 19 ounces. The price of the shoes listed in Table 3 above are greater than those in Table 1 and Table 2 on average. This is because advanced shoes are geared towards very experienced climbers who require the best shoe performance.
The bottom line? Shoe weight typically decreases as shoe performance increases due to the change in shoe design and material between the beginner and advanced shoes.
