How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes
Scarpa Helix Climbing Shoes - Men's
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For all-day comfort at the local crag, in the mountains or at the gym, the Scarpa Helix are your go-to rocks shoes.
Shop newer versionKey Details
Climbing Shoe Type
Neutral
Last
Slip-lasted
Can Be Resoled
Yes
Upper
Suede leather
- Slip-lasted construction provides good rock sensitivity underfoot
- Suede leather uppers are comfortable next to skin
- Sticky rubber soles provide good grip on rock whether you're edging or smearing
- Lace-up design lets you dial in the fit
- Size the Scarpa Helix rock shoes snug for short stints of hard climbing or size them a bit roomier for all-day comfort
Imported.
View all Scarpa Men's Climbing Shoes| Best Use | Rock Climbing |
|---|---|
| Climbing Shoe Type | Neutral |
| Last | Slip-lasted |
| Upper | Suede leather |
| Lining | No |
| Outsole | TAC 100 rubber |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Can Be Resoled | Yes |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 0.8 oz. grams |
Scarpa Footwear - Men's
| 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 |
Sizing Notes
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.
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
The Perfect Fit
Michael or Mike12 years ago
Not the stickiest shoes I've owned, and definitely not agressive, but I hardly wear anything else now because these are just so comfortable. The material is very soft, and these shoes fit my feet like a glove. I don't have to constantly take my shoes off to give my toes a break. Because of how well they fit, they don't slip around at all when heel hooking.
95% of the time, they don't hold me back, and if I'm working on a hard problem and really feel like my shoes are keeping me from sending, I can go grab my Miuras. That hasn't happened yet.
They also seem very well put together, no rubber peeling or excessive glue showing, stitching looks solid.
Michael or Mike
Seattle, WA
6 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
only a so-so shoe (good for climbing virgins)
Auggie10 years ago
Scarpa Helix-
I purchased these shoes about 6+ months ago after I had decided to pick up climbing again. I will say that right off the bat these are some incredibly comfortable shoes and they stretch very well, almost a bit too well. I would order them a size small. Apart from being comfortable they somehow magically don't get smelly, like ever!
That is pretty much all the good stuff I have to say.
On to the not so good stuff.
These shoes just don't last. I climb pretty regularly and they ended up just falling apart. I honestly didn't even have time to reconsider re-soling them before it way way too late. My toe box ends split on both feet creating a mouth type opening that is irreparable. If these shoes were made with a better rubber (and maybe just a slight bit more aggressively) I would be a fan of them. But I just cant justify telling someone to go buy them. Spend an extra $30 and get something that will last.
Auggie
Fort Collins, Co
3 people found this review helpful
Michael or Mike
Seattle, WA
The Perfect Fit
12 years ago
Not the stickiest shoes I've owned, and definitely not agressive, but I hardly wear anything else now because these are just so comfortable. The material is very soft, and these shoes fit my feet like a glove. I don't have to constantly take my shoes off to give my toes a break. Because of how well they fit, they don't slip around at all when heel hooking. 95% of the time, they don't hold me back, and if I'm working on a hard problem and really feel like my shoes are keeping me from sending, I can go grab my Miuras. That hasn't happened yet. They also seem very well put together, no rubber peeling or excessive glue showing, stitching looks solid.
Yes , I recommend this product
cothebadger
Minneapolis, MN (Bloomington, MN, store)
So far so good!
12 years ago
I made the mistake of getting too aggressive a fit shoe initially (years ago when I started climbing) based on a friend's recommendation. I found myself taking my shoes off between every indoor route and I could hardly walk in them. I'm a casual climber, and this kills me. These shoes are super comfortable and appropriately-sized for me. I haven't used them much indoors, but what I have done has been good. They don't seem to smear as well as my old shoes, and the toe is less agressive, but I'm kind of starting over on climbing, and they match my current skill level. The big con here is laces vs. velcro... I can handle staying in them, though, so it's not a huge deal. I'd say they're a great starter shoe!
Yes , I recommend this product
travdav
Athens, OH
exactly what I was looking for
11 years ago
I climb about once a month; usually a few times a year each of bouldering, sport, and indoor. I max out around a 5.10 route. These are great as a non-aggressive, versatile shoe that can be worn for extended periods "comfortably". The lacing allows for a custom fit, and the sole is good for smearing and does a decent job for edging. My only complaint is that there is a seam on the heal that has been cutting into my foot. It was easy to fix with some tape, so not a deal breaker. I have only had these a few weeks, but the leather feels like it is going to break in really well. If you are a super-technical "pro" climber, these may not be for you, but they are perfect for me.
Yes , I recommend this product
Auggie
Fort Collins, Co
only a so-so shoe (good for climbing virgins)
10 years ago
Scarpa Helix- I purchased these shoes about 6+ months ago after I had decided to pick up climbing again. I will say that right off the bat these are some incredibly comfortable shoes and they stretch very well, almost a bit too well. I would order them a size small. Apart from being comfortable they somehow magically don't get smelly, like ever! That is pretty much all the good stuff I have to say. On to the not so good stuff. These shoes just don't last. I climb pretty regularly and they ended up just falling apart. I honestly didn't even have time to reconsider re-soling them before it way way too late. My toe box ends split on both feet creating a mouth type opening that is irreparable. If these shoes were made with a better rubber (and maybe just a slight bit more aggressively) I would be a fan of them. But I just cant justify telling someone to go buy them. Spend an extra $30 and get something that will last.
No, I do not recommend this product
Zipprich
Salt Lake City, UT
Good shoe for slab climbing
13 years ago
I bought these shoes to only use for slab climbing in Little Cottonwood Canyon. They are awesome shoes because I can feel the rock with my feet. I would not use these shoes for sport, crack, bouldering or gym climbing. I have other shoes for that. They are such a soft, comfy shoe but give you almost no support. For me they are for slab only.
Yes , I recommend this product
JPJR
Seattle, WA, United States
Great, comfortable shoe that does it all well
10 years ago
This is my second pair so I've already put my first pair through the ringer. They are so comfortable and have been used for outside bouldering, outside sport climbing and gym climbing. I climb V5/6 and 5.11's so these shoes are not just for beginners. If you want a shoe that can do it all well (not excellent), and wont have to be taken off every 5 minutes then look no further. If you practice good foot work these shoes are great!
Yes , I recommend this product
imaclima
Tacoma, WA, United States
actually comfortable!
10 years ago
I've had these for about a month and am a fairly beginner climber. I got them small, as suggested, but ended up returning them after a week of getting bad toe blisters. (Thank goodness REI has a fantastic return policy!) I got a half size up and they fit perfectly now, no blisters even though they are snug around my feet. They are a huge step up from normal climbing gym rentals. With sizing, I definitely suggest trying them on. Every climbing shoe fits differently, and some are better for people's feet than others.
Yes , I recommend this product
Someflyfisherguy
Orange County, CA, United States
Slick on plastic
10 years ago
I bought these a week ago and failed to read reviews before. I figured they had to be better than the blown out gym rentals. To my surprise going from the gym rentals to these, I actually felt quite a lot more comfortable with the gym shoes. I used these for the first time at the gym last night, unfortunately I will be returning them for a different shoe as they seemed slick and sketchy on everything indoors. They are very comfortable, look good and maybe they perform better on actual rock. But for now my climbing will be spent indoors.
No, I do not recommend this product
Cruxenstein
redwood city, ca
so so
11 years ago
I bought theze shoes about 6 months ago to do a lot of gym work and found that they stretch a lot! I got them 1 US size smaller than my normal shoe size and they seem to have stretched alot and are now loose. The quality of the shoe is good. However the sole wears very fast. 2 months and the edges are done an the soles are worn right down. Too be honest, the rubber on these is pretty naff. They just blow off edges for no reason (apart from the rubber being too soft) and are not confidence inspiring. Maybe if you get them resoled with Vibram or 5.10 rubber they might work. That's what I'll probably do. Upshot is that I wouldn't buy them again. I have wide, flat feet 11.5 US Mens size. I got these in US 10.5's. I climb 5.10b/c+ at the gym and need agressive edging for flakes and small holds. I'm 230lbs. These don't cut it. Soles are too flexible and wear too quickly.
No, I do not recommend this product
thelettere
Orange, CA
Quality Shoes
13 years ago
These are my first pair of climbing shoes and I've been wearing them for about 3 months now and absolutely love them. I mainly boulder indoors, but have used them quite a bit for top roping and on indoor slab problems. These are very durable shoes with great grip. I once set them atop my car and drove off from the gym, then got home and realized they fell off my car. I later found them 5 miles away from the gym in the middle of the road. 1 of them had gotten run over by a car(I could tell from tread marks on it) and it was still in perfect condition. They occasionally slip on small chips, but I don't have much experience with other shoes to compare against. I can still smear, toe and heel hook effectively with these shoes. They have also gotten wet and will dry out well, or you can throw them in the dryer no problem (haven't tried the washing machine yet).
Yes , I recommend this product
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