Which climbing shoes are best?

What are the best shoes for outdoor climbing?

• I have the Pontas shoes from Evolv that I use in the indoor climbing gym. Are there any different qualities to look for in outdoor shoes?

• Answer:

  You got one good answer above this one already. I will add (since I used to climb and sold climbing shoes and gear) that there is no "Best" when it comes to climbing shoes, or any outdoor sport gear. There are certain types that are better for different conditions. Flexible shoes that are great for smearing on low angle sandstone or limestone friction slabs will not be very good for vertical granite with a lot of pebble sized footholds and offset jam cracks where you might want a stiffer sole. It depends on what kind of rock, what type of climb, what level, and your own personal style. I have had freinds over the years who were world-class climbers and most of them had a variety of different shoes to choose from depending on the location and type of climbs they planned to do.