Neutral
Great for beginner climbers or for all day comfort.
Climbing gear
How to choose climbing shoes
Shop neutral shoes
Moderate
Versatile, all-purpose shoe for a wide range of climbing styles.
Aggressive
Highly specific performance shoes for advanced climbers on steeper, technical climbs.
Bundle and save
Buy your climbing shoes when you buy a harness (or harness package) and get 15% off both. Plus, get 15% off these other kit pieces when you purchase them at the same time.
How to choose climbing shoes
How to find the right balance of power and comfort with your climbing shoes.
How to choose a belay device
Learn to choose between tubular and assisted-braking belay devices.
Climbing gear at MEC
Different climbing styles call for different climbing gear. Whether you're trad climbing or sport climbing at the crag, bouldering, mountaineering or hitting the climbing gym, you'll need the proper gear to help you get to the top. MEC carries everything you need from climbing harnesses and carabiners to bouldering crash pads and climbing shoes.
Climbing clothing
Sending routes at outdoor crags means you’ll sometimes face shifty weather. Versatile layers made with durable materials and built-in stretch are crucial any time you’re on the rock. Not sure what to bring to the crag? Check out our rock climbing checklist for a comprehensive guide on what to bring the next time you chalk up.
Climbing hardware and safety gear
Staying safe is every climber’s priority. Rock hardware like belay devices, quickdraws and cams are hugely important for everyone’s safety and success. Make sure you don’t just pack your safety and trad climbing gear, but that you’re also trained up on how to use it.
Bouldering gear
Bouldering is a great climbing discipline if you’re looking to get started. Since you stay closer to the ground you don’t need as much safety gear or hardware like you do with trad climbing or on multi-pitches. Chalk, crash pads, climbing shoes and you’re ready to hit the gym or top out boulders.
Climbing shoes
Climbing shoes are one of the most important pieces of gear whether you’re in the gym or climbing outside. But there’s a big difference between beginner climbing shoes, or neutral shoes, and climbing shoes for more seasoned climbers on technical terrain.
Neutral climbing shoes
If you’re a beginner climber starting out on your first climbs or looking for all-day comfort, then a neutral shoe is your best pick. These are a more versatile shoe designed for all-around performance and comfort. The moderate stiffness makes them suitable for longer climbs and multi-pitches, too.
Moderate climbing shoes
This is the most versatile style of climbing shoe. With more stiffness than you’d find in a neutral shoe, this style is well-matched for a wide-range of climbing styles from bouldering to gym sessions to outdoor sport climbing.
Aggressive
This style is recommended for seasoned climbers or climbing technical terrain and steep routes. The downturned shape gives you improved precision on tricky footholds and steep sections. La Sportiva and Scarpa are great brands to check out if you’re looking for an aggressive pair.