Close-up of a climber's foot wedged into a rock crevice, showcasing a black and yellow Evolv vegan climbing shoe with distinctive strap closures and the Evolv logo on the heel.

Climbing Consciously: Vegan Climbing Shoes in Australia 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to vegan climbing shoes available in Australia in 2024. As the climbing community becomes increasingly conscious of its environmental and ethical footprint, the shift towards vegan climbing gear is gaining momentum. Choosing vegan climbing shoes is not just about personal preference; it's a stand for animal rights and environmental sustainability.

For more information on the ethical considerations of choosing vegan climbing shoes and the impact of the leather industry, you can explore this resource.

It's important to note that this list is by no means exhaustive. There are plenty of other vegan climbing shoes out there, each offering unique features and benefits. As the demand for ethical and sustainable climbing gear continues to grow, we expect to see even more innovative and high-performing vegan options become available in the market.

Support your local climbing gym and climbing retailer!

Evolv Shaman
Evolv Shaman climbing shoes displayed on a neutral background, highlighting their distinctive design with a bold colour scheme. The shoes feature an aggressive downturn, a triple velcro closure system for secure fitting, and a unique 'Love Bump' midsole for enhanced edging power and comfort. The breathable microfibre tongue and vegan synthetic upper are clearly visible, showcasing the shoe's commitment to both performance and ethical manufacturing practices.

  • Features: The Evolv Shaman climbing shoe, a signature model of Chris Sharma, is acclaimed for its performance on steep and challenging climbs. It features a unique design with a downturned shape and a "love bump" midsole, which together enhance edging capabilities and comfort. The shoe's synthetic construction is vegan-friendly, and its toe box design includes a space for curled toes, aiding in precision and power. While primarily suited for steep sport routes and bouldering, the Shaman offers a balance between aggressive performance and comfort, with improvements like added toe rubber for hooking and an improved heel design. The shoe is ideal for climbers tackling vertical terrains and those who prefer a synthetic, vegan option.

  • Where to Buy: Available at Climbing Anchors and Mont Adventure Equipment in Australia.

    Scarpa Veloce
    Scarpa Veloce climbing shoes on a white background, showcasing their sleek design tailored for beginner to intermediate climbers. The shoes feature a soft and sensitive profile, ideal for smearing on gym volumes, with a distinctive rounded toe box and an elongated velcro strap for a precise fit. Their breathable and lightweight construction is emphasised, along with the vegan-friendly materials, highlighting Scarpa's commitment to combining performance with ethical design choices in climbing footwear.

    • Features: The Scarpa Veloce climbing shoe is designed specifically for gym climbing, offering excellent comfort and sensitivity. Its super-soft construction and slightly downturned shape make it a great choice for climbers of all skill levels. The Veloce's features include amazing sensitivity, incredible comfort, extreme breathability and light weight, and a vegan-friendly design. However, it's not ideal for heel hooking and its rounded-toe box may not be the best for smaller pockets. Additionally, the long velcro strap and rapid rubber wear are noted drawbacks. The Veloce is suitable for smearing on gym volumes and provides a unique approach to beginner shoe design, focusing on softness, flexibility, and sensitivity. For more detailed insights, you can read the full review on Climbing Shoe Review.
    • Where to Buy: For Australian availability, I recommend checking the Scarpa Australia website or local outdoor retailers that stock Scarpa products.

      Scarpa Veloce Lace Women's
      Scarpa Veloce L Women's climbing shoes displayed, showcasing their specialised design for female climbers. The shoes feature a soft, sensitive profile with a predominantly light grey colour and vibrant blue accents, emphasising a sleek and modern look. They are equipped with a rounded-toe box and an extended velcro strap, ensuring a precise and comfortable fit tailored to women's foot shapes. The breathable and lightweight construction enhances comfort during prolonged climbing sessions. The vegan-friendly materials underscore Scarpa's commitment to ethical and sustainable climbing gear. These shoes are ideal for gym climbing and varied indoor terrains, focusing on smearing and adaptability.

      • Features: The Scarpa Veloce Lace Women's climbing shoes are specifically designed for female climbers, offering a blend of sensitivity and comfort. They feature a soft and sensitive construction, making them ideal for smearing on gym volumes and adapting to the varied shapes of gym climbing holds. The shoe's design includes a lower volume fit tailored for women, with a rounded-toe box and an extended velcro strap for a precise and comfortable fit. The use of vegan-friendly materials aligns with ethical and sustainable climbing practices. The Veloce Lace is lightweight and breathable, enhancing the comfort during extended climbing sessions.

      • Where to Buy: These climbing shoes are available at Climbing Anchors, a well-known retailer for climbing gear in Australia. You can find more information about the Scarpa Veloce Lace Women's shoes and purchase them directly from their website: Climbing Anchors - Scarpa Veloce Lace Women's. Additionally, it's a good idea to check other local or online retailers that specialise in climbing equipment for availability.
      La Sportiva Skwama Vegan

      La Sportiva Skwama Vegan climbing shoes showcased against a clean backdrop, emphasising their unique green and black colour scheme that signifies their eco-friendly design. These shoes retain the same high-performance features as the original Skwama, including a soft, sensitive, and downturned slipper-style design ideal for various climbing terrains. The shoes boast a SkinLike microfibre material, replacing traditional leather to offer an animal-free alternative. Key features include the Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber for excellent smearing and grip, a supportive S-Heel technology for secure heel hooks, and extra rubber over the toe box for enhanced toe hooks and comfort in cracks. The Skwama Vegan is suitable for delicate slabs, technical faces, and steep overhangs, making them a versatile choice for climbers who prioritise sustainability and performance.

      • Features: The La Sportiva Skwama Vegan climbing shoes retain the outstanding performance of the original Skwama while incorporating eco-friendly features. These shoes are designed with a SkinLike microfibre material that mimics leather's properties but is entirely free of animal-derived materials. The Skwama Vegan maintains the soft, sensitive, and downturned slipper-style of the original, making them versatile for a variety of climbing scenarios, including delicate slabs, technical faces, and steep overhangs. The P3 rand in the shoes locks in the aggressive downturn for the life of the shoe, which is beneficial on steep walls and boulders. The S-Heel technology, a significant feature in the heel cup, prevents the heel from collapsing and slipping off during powerful heel hooks. The extra rubber over the toe box enhances toe hooks and adds comfort in cracks, making these shoes a high-performance workhorse that's adaptable for different climbing environments. The Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber ensures confident smearing on slippery holds. The Skwama Vegan is slightly more uncomfortable during the break-in period due to the synthetic material but doesn't stretch as much as the leather model, retaining its performance for longer. Overall, the Skwama Vegan is ideal for climbers looking for a high-performance shoe that also aligns with sustainable and ethical practices​.
      • Where to Buy: The La Sportiva Skwama Vegan climbing shoes can be purchased from various outdoor and climbing gear retailers, as well as online marketplaces. To find a retailer near you or to shop online, you can visit websites like Oliunid, which offers these shoes: La Sportiva Skwama Vegan at Oliunid. It's always a good idea to check the availability and pricing at different retailers to find the best option for your needs.

      Tenaya Oasi
      Tenaya Oasi climbing shoes showcased on a clean background, emphasizing their aggressive and asymmetrical shape designed for advanced climbers. The shoes are characterized by their sleek design with a bright blue and white color scheme. They feature Vibram XS Grip rubber for exceptional traction, a velcro closure system for a snug fit, and a focus on edging performance. The Oasi is tailored for a narrower fit, highlighting its precision and sensitivity, ideal for challenging climbs requiring meticulous foot placement.
      • Features: The Tenaya Oasi is a high-performance climbing shoe known for its superb edging abilities and comfort. It is constructed with Vibram XS Grip rubber, offering excellent grip and durability. The shoe is aggressive in most performance areas, providing strong support for edging, even on small ledges and steep overhangs. The Oasi's slightly downturned and asymmetric design focuses force towards the big toe, enhancing precision. Its toe box is well-suited for small pockets due to its pointy shape and thinner profile. In terms of crack climbing, the shoe's design balances stiffness and flexibility, offering support for foot jams. Sensitivity is another strength of the Oasi, with its 3.5 mm rubber thickness allowing climbers to feel the rock while maintaining support. The shoe's comfort is enhanced by its roomy toe box and a low-volume heel for a snug fit. Despite its initial tight build, it's known for a comfortable fit right out of the box. The two adjustable Velcro straps provide excellent adjustability and fit. Overall, the Oasi expertly combines performance and comfort, making it a versatile choice for various climbing styles. However, it may not be the best option for climbers with wide feet due to its narrow build, and some climbers have noted that the straps are not as durable.
      • Where to Buy: Tenaya shoes may be available at local climbing shops or outdoor retailers in Australia. You can also visit the Tenaya website for more information.


      Butora Senegi Black
      Butora Senegi Black climbing shoes displayed, featuring a sleek, all-black design with a focus on comfort and versatility. The shoes are designed with a flat profile, suitable for a variety of climbing styles and levels, from beginners to experienced climbers. They include a velcro closure system for easy adjustment and a secure fit. The synthetic upper ensures durability and minimal stretching, while the sole is made of high-friction rubber for a balance of grip and sensitivity, essential for precise foot placements on various terrains. The Senegi Black embodies Butora's commitment to combining functionality and comfort in climbing footwear.

      • Features: The Butora Senegi Black climbing shoes are designed for comfort and versatility, catering to both beginners and experienced climbers. They feature a flat profile for all-day wearability and are suitable for a range of climbing styles, from indoor to outdoor routes. The shoes are constructed with a synthetic upper for durability and minimal stretch, and they include a velcro closure system for a secure and adjustable fit. The sole is made of a high-friction rubber, offering a balance of grip and sensitivity, essential for precise foot placements.

      • Where to Buy: The Butora Senegi Black climbing shoes can be purchased in Australia from Climbing Anchors, a popular retailer for climbing gear. You can find more information and buy the shoes directly from their website: Climbing Anchors - Butora Senegi Black. Additionally, you might want to check with other local climbing gear stores or outdoor retailers for availability.


      The La Sportiva Geckogym Vegan
      Photograph of the La Sportiva Geckogym Vegan climbing shoe in olive and neon colours, displayed on the La Sportiva Australia website. The shoe features a durable, breathable synthetic upper in olive green, accented with neon highlights. It has a Velcro strap closure system for easy adjustment and a comfortable fit. The sole is made from the non-marking FriXion White rubber compound, designed specifically for indoor climbing. The design emphasizes both environmental consciousness and practical functionality for climbers.

      • Features: The La Sportiva Geckogym Vegan is a specialised climbing shoe designed specifically for indoor use. It stands out as a completely "animal-free" option, catering to climbers who prefer products without materials of animal origin. The shoe is crafted with a washable, breathable synthetic upper and features a highly durable, no-marking sole made from the FriXion White rubber compound. This sole design is particularly noteworthy as it leaves no marks on indoor climbing walls while guaranteeing high durability. The Geckogym Vegan's practical and functional strap closure, along with its wide base, makes it ideal for newcomers to climbing, course participants, and those who favor a comfortable fit. The overall design of the shoe is focused on indoor climbing efficiency, blending environmental consciousness with La Sportiva's renowned performance standards.

      • Where to Buy: the La Sportiva Geckogym Vegan climbing shoes are available online through various retailers like Amazon and specialty climbing gear websites. They can also be found in select outdoor and sports equipment stores that carry La Sportiva products.

      Evolv Kronos
      Evolv Kronos climbing shoes displayed, showcasing their balanced design ideal for both beginners and intermediate climbers. The shoes feature a supportive and comfortable structure with a moderate downturn, emphasizing their versatility. The two velcro straps ensure a secure fit, while the 4.2mm TRAX sole provides reliable grip. The overall design prioritizes a blend of performance and comfort, making the Kronos suitable for a variety of climbing styles, from indoor walls to outdoor crags. The vegan-friendly materials highlight Evolv's commitment to ethical climbing gear.
      • Features: The Evolv Kronos is a well-regarded climbing shoe known for its balance between comfort and technical capabilities, suitable for a variety of climbing activities. It features a synthetic upper, slight downturn, and asymmetry, along with Evolv's Trax SAS rubber outsole for good grip. The shoe is praised for its comfort, with a split tongue and double heel loops for easy wear, and a double Velcro strap closure for precise fit adjustments. Although it performs well on intermediate technical routes and is suitable for both sport cragging and bouldering, it may not be the best for very steep overhangs or aggressive heel hooking. The Kronos is known for its snug but comfortable fit, minimal stretch, and is recommended to size up, especially for climbers accustomed to other brands like Five Ten.

      • Where to Buy: Available at Climbing Anchors and other Australian retailers stocking Evolv products.

      Mad Rock Drone 2.0 HV
      Mad Rock Drone 2.0 HV climbing shoes displayed, highlighting their aggressive downturn and asymmetrical design tailored for advanced climbers. The shoes feature a distinctive combination of black and bright orange colours, emphasising their dynamic appearance. They are equipped with Mad Rock's Science Friction 3.0 rubber sole for superior grip and a 3D moulded heel designed for precise heel hooks. The synthetic leather upper provides a snug fit with minimal stretch, suitable for both sport climbing and bouldering on steep and technical routes. The shoes' design underscores a balance of performance, precision, and comfort, catering to climbers seeking a high-volume fit.
      • Features: The Mad Rock Drone 2.0 HV is designed with an aggressive downturn and asymmetry, making it suitable for precision on small holds and overhanging routes. It includes a 3D moulded heel for precise heel hooks, and the rubber used is Mad Rock's Science Friction 3.0 for excellent grip. The stiffness of the shoe allows for powerful moves, and it's particularly effective for roofs, caves, and steep walls. The synthetic leather upper ensures minimal stretch, offering a consistent fit over time.

      • Where to Buy: Availability in Australia might vary, so it's recommended to check with local outdoor retailers or specialised climbing gear stores. You can also visit the Mad Rock website for more information on their products and potential stockists.

      So iLL Street RV Climbing Shoe
      So iLL Street RV climbing shoes displayed, featuring a distinctive design with a combination of dark and vibrant colours. The shoes are designed with a medium stiffness sole, providing a balance of support and flexibility suitable for various climbing styles. Notable is the large area of rubber over the toe for enhanced toe hooking. A single velcro strap across the top ensures a snug and adjustable fit. The shoes are made with So iLL's Dark Matter rubber outsole, known for its excellent grip and precision on climbing surfaces. The Street RV combines a unique aesthetic with functionality, catering to climbers who value both performance and style in their gear.

      • Features: The So iLL Street RV climbing shoes are designed for climbers seeking a combination of style and performance. These shoes feature a medium stiffness sole that offers a good balance between support and flexibility, making them suitable for a variety of climbing styles. The shoes are equipped with a large rubber patch over the toe area, enhancing toe hooking capabilities. The unique color scheme and modern design of the Street RV make them stand out aesthetically. Additionally, they include a velcro closure system for a secure fit and easy adjustment. The Dark Matter rubber outsole is noted for its excellent grip and precision, making the shoes ideal for challenging climbs.

      • Where to Buy: The So iLL Street RV climbing shoes are available for purchase in Australia through Climbing Anchors. They offer a range of climbing gear and equipment, and the Street RV can be found on their website. You can view the product and purchase it directly from Climbing Anchors - So iLL Street RV. It's also advisable to check with other specialised climbing gear shops or outdoor retailers for additional availability options.
      Evolv Supra
      Evolv Supra climbing shoes displayed, showcasing their sleek and performance-oriented design. The shoes feature a unique colour combination, primarily black with green, blue and white accents, creating a striking visual appeal. They are designed with a moderate downturn and a slightly asymmetric shape, suitable for technical climbs. The Supra's construction includes a velcro closure system for easy adjustment and a secure fit. The durable rubber outsole and midsole are visible, indicating the shoe's focus on providing support and sensitivity for precise footwork. Ideal for steep sport climbs, the Evolv Supra combines comfort with the functionality required for challenging routes, embodying Evolv's commitment to innovative and ethical climbing gear.
      • Features: The Evolv Supra climbing shoe is a well-regarded option for intermediate to advanced climbers, featuring a slightly cambered asymmetrical profile and a 4.2 mm TRAX XE High Friction rubber sole. It's known for its comfort, even straight out of the box, with a snug fit that doesn't compromise on performance. The shoe's design, including a more tapered toe box and a slimmer heel cup compared to its predecessor, the Luchador, allows for precise footwork on edges and pockets, making it suitable for sport climbing and gym sessions. While it's not specifically designed for extreme overhangs or crack climbing, its versatility and balance between comfort and technical performance make it a popular choice.

      • Where to Buy: Available at Climbing Anchors and other retailers in Australia that stock Evolv products.

      So iLL The Street Climbing Shoe
      So iLL The Street climbing shoes displayed, highlighting their unique and modern design. The shoes feature a bold black colour with white accents, creating a striking and stylish appearance. They are built with a medium stiffness sole for a balance of support and flexibility, suitable for a variety of climbing styles. The shoe's design includes a large rubber patch covering the toe area for effective toe hooking, and a single velcro strap ensures a snug and adjustable fit. The seamless synthetic upper provides comfort and durability, while the dark matter rubber outsole offers excellent grip and precision on rock holds. So iLL The Street climbing shoes are designed for climbers seeking a blend of performance, style, and comfort in their climbing gear.
      • Features: The So iLL Street Climbing Shoe is designed with a blend of fashion and functionality, making it an appealing choice for climbers. It features a six-piece, unlined, vegan microsuede upper and a performance dual-strap closure with d-ring integration for a precise fit. The shoe is built on a hand-shaped, downturned last and includes a split outsole fitted with high-performance Vibram XS Grip 1 rubber (3mm) for edging and durability. Its semi-soft rigidity and medium asymmetry make it suitable for small edges, overhangs, and climbs requiring meticulous footwork. Moreover, the Street Climbing Shoe is extremely lightweight and aggressive, with an ultra-thin midsole for a softer, more sensitive fit. It also has a large buckle closure system and a padded tongue, enhancing comfort and functionality. This shoe is ideal for intermediate and advanced climbers engaging in activities like bouldering, sport climbing, smearing, and climbing steep terrain.

      • Where to Buy: So iLL products can be found at specialty climbing shops or outdoor retailers in Australia. Visit the So iLL website for more details.

      Key Components of Vegan Climbing Shoes
      When discussing the components of climbing shoes that might be derived from animal products, it's essential to consider several key elements:

       

      Upper Material and Alternatives
      Many climbing shoes are traditionally made using leather or leather derivatives such as suede or split-grain leather. However, an increasing number of shoes now feature synthetic uppers. Manufacturers usually detail the materials used for the upper on their websites.

      Lining Considerations in Vegan Shoes
      Leather lining is another component found in some climbing shoes. Like the upper material, this information is typically listed on the manufacturers’ websites. In vegan climbing shoes, you’ll often find either an unlined interior or a lining made from synthetic materials.

      Adhesives and Dyes: The Hidden Animal Products
      Occasionally, adhesives or dyes used in climbing shoes might contain animal-based ingredients. Unfortunately, this information is less often disclosed by manufacturers on their websites. Determining whether these components are vegan can be more challenging. It may require direct communication with the manufacturers to confirm that their shoes are free from animal-based adhesives and dyes.

      Choosing the Right Vegan Climbing Shoes
      When purchasing climbing shoes, it's advisable to try them on beforehand to ensure a proper fit, as each pair can vary greatly in both feel and performance. These models are available at various online retailers and local shops, offering the opportunity to compare prices and check availability. Personal preference significantly influences the choice of the right climbing shoes, so take the time to find the pair that suits you best. For comprehensive reviews of the vegan climbing shoes mentioned, as well as additional models, consider visiting Climbing Review and Climbing Anchor for more detailed insights. 


      Environmental Impact of Shoe Materials
      Bar graph showing the environmental impact index per kilogram of various materials, with cow leather having the highest impact across multiple categories like global warming, water scarcity, and resource depletion. The graph compares natural materials like silk, cotton, and wool with synthetic alternatives, highlighting the significant environmental advantages of choosing materials with lower impacts.

      The Environmental Case for Vegan Climbing Shoes
      The graph presented illustrates the cradle-to-gate environmental impact index per kilogram of various materials, offering insight into the sustainability of different textiles used in manufacturing. It highlights the extensive environmental impact of cow leather, which is shown to have a high index in categories such as global warming potential, water scarcity, eutrophication, chemistry, and abiotic resource depletion. This stark contrast with synthetic alternatives underscores the importance of choosing vegan materials for climbing shoes.

      Ethical Consumerism in Climbing Gear
      For the climbing community, this data suggests a significant environmental advantage in selecting vegan climbing shoes. By opting for shoes made with synthetic or plant-based materials, climbers can reduce their environmental footprint, contributing less to global warming emissions, chemical use, water scarcity, and the depletion of natural resources. The shift to vegan climbing shoes, therefore, is not only an ethical stance for animal rights but also a crucial choice for environmental sustainability. Climbers who are environmentally conscious can now make informed decisions based on this data, reinforcing the climbing community's commitment to preserving the natural environments they cherish and rely upon for their sport.

      It's important to conduct thorough research or reach out directly to manufacturers if you're committed to ensuring that every aspect of your climbing shoes aligns with vegan standards. This level of diligence helps maintain a high standard of ethical consumerism in the climbing community.

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