How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes

This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
With upgraded, all-microsuede uppers this season, the Scarpa Vapor V men's climbing shoes blend comfort and sensitivity for steep climbing performance whether you're jamming cracks or out on the face.
Shop newer versionImported.
View all Scarpa Men's Climbing ShoesBest Use | Rock Climbing |
---|---|
Climbing Shoe Type | Moderate |
Last | Slip-lasted |
Upper | Synthetic microsuede |
Outsole | 3.5 mm Vibram XS Edge rubber |
Footwear Closure | Strap |
Can Be Resoled | Yes |
Gender | Men's |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 0.9 oz. |
6.5 | 7 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 38 EU | 38.5 EU | 39 EU | 39.5 EU | 40 EU | 40.5 EU | 41 EU | 41.5 EU | 42 EU | 42.5 EU | 43 EU | 43.5 EU | 44 EU | 44.5 EU | 45 EU | 45.5 EU | 46 EU | 46.5 EU | 47 EU | 48 EU | 49 EU | 50 EU | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 6.5 | 7 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 5.5+ | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 7.5+ | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 9.5+ | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 11.5+ | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 14.5 | 15 |
UK | 5.5 | 6 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 11 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
EU | 39 | 39.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 46 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Mondo | 24.5 | 25 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 |
Rock Shoes: Scarpa recommends you downsize 1/2 to 2 full sizes from street shoe size, though downsizing depends on shoe model, intended use and personal preference.
Mountaineering: Scarpa recommends you upsize 1/2 size or more depending on desired fit. Scarpa plastic mountaineering boots are based on the UK sizing scale.
Ski Boots: All Scarpa ski bootsare measured in Mondo sizing.Highlighted (or not) sizes share the same shell size; the liners are lasted for each 1/2 size. Some skiers may want to downsize up to 1 full Mondo size, depending upon personal preference.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I'm really disappointed in these shoes. While I thought I was upgrading in performance, I didn't realize I was making a huge downgrade in quality. The rubber on the toecaps is extremely thin and wore through way too quickly. I reached out to Scarpa, who were not helpful, citing that they don't cover products from "normal use". I bought them in-store, but wish I had checked out other reviews online that many others have the exact same issue. They're poorly made with bad customer service.
I had the previous version of the Men's Vapor V for about two years, climbing consistently at the gym 3-5 times a week before they finally wore out. I bought this new version of the Vapor V to replace them, and had a hole in the toe within 2 months. For those two months, I was climbing much less frequently, and much less hard as I was recovering from an injury. Very disappointing aside from the durability issue, the shoe fit me great, and I liked the performance. Spending $175 for a shoe that lasts only two months however, is a little crazy. Will be attempting to return the shoe to REI and hope they stand behind their satisfaction guarantee.
Don't spend nearly $200 for a shoe that'll only last 2 months. Loved these shoes at first, they felt great, had great friction on the wall, made me feel like I was climbing cleaner than ever. But after 2 months the rubber around my big toes started to wear through and shoe the microsuede. Then all of a sudden after a few sessions the microsuede was completely torn through and there was an inch and a half wide hole and my big toe was scraping the wall. Worst part was REI said this was basic wear and wouldn't help with any exchange. This is not the case. This was a bad product. If I knew how quickly these would wear out I wouldn't have made the purchase.
SCARPA has been my go to brand for many years. Whether it’s mountaineering or rock climbing I’ve appreciate the quality and fit of their performance footwear. I’ve been using the Vapor for many years - have several pairs in varying states of wear. The toe control on thin edges is very good but when the rubber wears enough they do loose some of their bight. The heal is very secure and never lifts. I size a half a shoe size down and typically don’t have much discomfort except for long trad days. The uppers are strong and have lasted well beyond expectation
They start to tear really quickly. I’ve only had them for 3 months and climb once a week on very low grades and the rubber on the toe has come off. It’s also lifting on the sides. Would recommend a sturdier brand for sure.
I have narrow feet, and these fit very comfortably. It’s a stiff shoe for great extension, and solid edging on gym walls. Works well for intermediate climbs with small, sharp features. That said, the rubber isn’t nearly on par with other shoes in this price range. The rands and tops are really thin, and the bottom sole doesn’t stick well on smaller smears. It feels like they blew the budget on the platform, and the outer rubber was an afterthought. I don’t expect these to last long. A shame for such a comfortable shoe.
I was initially worried about buying these shoes after seeing a lot of reviews about people getting holes in the toe after little use. I have been using these shoes 3 times a week for over 4 months in the gym with no problems. I can only guess that those people need to improve their footwork. I also downsized them half a shoe size and they felt great after breaking them in about 4 climbing sessions.
I loved these things until my unkempt big toenail wore an unrepairable hole in the rand. Ever scraped your toenail on a climbing gym wall? It's not good. From these I went to the LaSportiva Tarantula Boulders. I like them enough but they don't have the same support/energy when lifting off toe-holds as the Vapor V's. They were also a bit cheaper than these but knowing what I know now I would have bought another pair of Vapors. I think I prefer the more traditional tongue design and padding on these more than the La Sportivas burrito style. Great rubber and edging on both pairs!
I love the fit and function of the shoe. Primarily used for indoor bouldering, but have taken them for outdoor excursions as well. All was good until 2 1/2 months in when a hole started coming in on the right toe. My previous pair (Sportiva) lasted me over a year and were far cheaper. I'm disappointed a more expensive shoe would not offer better durability. Going to try and contact Scarpa warranty
The break in pretty good. You may want to go pretty tight. In about 2 weeks they opened up to a perfect fit.