We’ve found a great beginner style in the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes.
Climbing shoes are critical pieces of gear. For those of you who are new to the world of rock climbing, you will find support, performance, durability and a great fit with these shoes. Made for both indoor and outdoor climbers, the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes features a flat, flexible, and soft cushioned upper for maximum comfort and breathability. We do not recommend it for steep terrain or crack climbing.
The Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes Features & Benefits
If the shoe fits, wear it. The Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes are a great choice for new climbers who don’t want to break the bank. Featuring a unique pattern on the uppers, these are some of the most breathable shoes we’ve ever encountered. When you’re climbing inside a sweaty, humid gym, you know how easy it is to get cold, sweaty feet and hands. The knit weave in these shoes will make sure that never happens. Pair that with some hand chalk and you’re good to go.
Stiff and Narrow Form for Grip
Since the Black Diamond Momentum is a beginner’s shoe, it’s geared up for comfort and durability. In comparison to more popular entry-level shoes like the Evolv Defy, these shoes are more stiff and narrow. The knit uppers provide minimal stretch. Thanks to the neo-friction rubber, the sticky, thick soles ensure that these shoes will get you through your courses, even with a little bit of sloppy footwork.
Pockets
Do you know what pocket performance is? It relates to the shoe’s edging and the shape of the toes. For example, extremely pointed toe shoes have an aggressive style and are often geared towards more advanced climbers. You could say that those shoes work well in pockets. Taking a look at the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes, the toe box offers a symmetrical, blunt design for comfort.
The Edging
Despite the thick rubber, you can feel the edges through the Black Diamond Momentum shoes. That is how you know you are getting good support from these stiff shoes. While many users are more accustomed to softer, more supportive styles, the edging in these shoes is easy to get used to.
As a new climber, you will want to pay special attention to your footwork, making sure your toes are kept on the edge of the shoes. You don’t want a whole lot of extra room inside them; they are supposed to fit snugly. Those users with wide feet found it difficult to gauge their size for edging.
How to Get the Best Use from the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes
Beginning climbers seeking affordable styles will love the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes. Geared for both indoor and outdoor gyms, they are flexible enough to grip steep surfaces. One of the many reasons why customers love this shoe so much is their durable style and quality performance.
First out of the box, these shoes are pretty stiff. After all, that is how they are designed. While they do need some breaking in, the style is more structured overall than softer, supportive shoes. Climbing shoes are supposed to fit more snugly than your average pair, especially when you first wear them. If you want a product that’s easy to break in and use, you will love these shoes.
When it comes down to durability, the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes typically last for about six months of wear and tear. For a beginning climber wondering how to rock climb, these shoes are great. You will need to get a replacement pair when the rubber starts to lose its quality. For beginning climbers, these shoes work wonders when it comes to improving your climbing performance. Having good chalk for your hands is important too (check out our chalk bag recommendations).
Sensitivity
With a medium stiff insole, the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes allows for some flexion on low angle slab climbs. The thick rubber sole causes these shoes to feel a little chunky and at times, it can be hard to navigate dips and divots on surfaces.
Comfort
If you have a narrow to mid foot width, you will be comfortable in the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes. Thanks to the split tongue, they are easy to get on and off. When you get the right size, you can wear them all day comfortably. Some of the users felt a pressure point on their toes when they faced low angle climbs and flexed.
However, this issue worked out after breaking in the shoes from several pitches. Like most climbing shoes, the chunky sole can sometimes position themselves between your foot and a crack in the rock. This can cause a little bit of discomfort while you are climbing.
Tech Specs:
- Designed for vertical climbing and all day comfort
- Flat last
- Rubber for durability
- checkStiff knit upper
- checkSoft flex midsole
- checkLace up
What Travelers Are Saying About the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes
With a 4.5 of 5-star rating, the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes speaks for themselves. Overall travelers have found them to be a great shoe. The comfortable style is perfect for indoor climbing and bouldering. Given their stiffer form and toe grab, this makes sense. While the shoes do tend to run a little on the narrow side, you still want a snug fit. Many users noted that they went up a half a size when they ordered these shoes. Remember, there should not be any loose air pockets or room for your foot to slide around in them.
Travelers highly recommend wearing them for gym sessions before taking them somewhere more challenging. This will help you to break them in before taking on more challenging routes outside. When we are looking at quality, they are awesome and the shoes grip well. They slide on and off nicely.
While any climber can use these shoes, they are primarily designed for new rock climbers looking at easy to intermediate routes. Thanks to the stiffer body of the shoe and the strong toe grips, you’ll have plenty of help along the way. Make sure to try out the shoes and break them in before tackling more difficult outside routes. We highly recommend the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes.
Alternative Climbing Shoes You May Love
Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Performance
Are you more of an intermediate climber than a beginner? You’ve found everything you need in the Men's La Sportiva TarantuLace Performance style. With a rugged heel rind and rubber sole, these shoes are constructed to handle friction from challenging routes. With low symmetry, great shape, and sensitivity, they truly are a great product. We love that La Sportiva refuses to sacrifice performance for anything else.
Unlined leather uppers and the breathable tongue are comfortable and soft to the touch. Whether you decide to hit up your local gym or climb an expert pitch, these are some of the best climbing shoes for men.
Tech Specs:
- Leather
- Quick-lacing system
- All-around performance
- checkRubber heel rand
- checkRubber soles
- checkClassic unlined leather upper
- checkMoisture control
- checkGreat breathability
- checkDurable
- checkFlexes at midsole
- checkTight fit
Men's SCARPA Instinct VS Climbing Shoe
This multi-generational business has its headquarters in northern Italy and was founded in 1938. Their company is built on performance footwear for all sorts of outdoor activities. Whether you’re going climbing, skiing, hiking, mountaineering, trail running, and more. For those seeking aggressive, powerful climbing shoes, these are your best bet. So what do we love so much about the SCARPA Instinct VS Climbing Shoes?
The Men’s Instinct VS Climbing shoe is softer than its predecessor. The design has also been altered, featuring a single ankle strap and Vibram rubber edge. You can use it from anything from boulder problems to overhanging gym routes. It offers sensitivity yet just enough power you need. These are some of the best climbing shoes on the market.
Tech Specs:
- Textile
- Synthetic soles
- Vibram edge in forefoot
- checkMid length sole construction
- checkFloating power strap enhances fit and provides power
Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoes
These are some of the best all around climbing shoes. We love the Climb X Rave Strap Climbing Shoes The construction is double stitched, there are a padded collar and heel, a durable polypropylene midsole and one-piece binding. The sizing you should get depends on whether you are looking for comfort or a more aggressive type of performance. Just make sure you keep in mind that the best climbing shoes are supposed to be tight and your toes need to touch the end of the shoe. It’s also important to note that these shoes already come downsized.
Tech Specs:
- Double stitch construction
- Padded collar and heel
- Polypropylene midsole
- checkOne-piece binding
- checkAntimicrobial footbed
Evolv Spark Climbing Shoe
Lightweight and well-constructed, they provide a great introductory style. These shoes are all about comfort, grip, and mobility. With a secure lacing system, climbers can enjoy a snugger fit. Lined with 3D air mesh in both the heel and the tongue, the Evolv Spark Climbing Shoe offers a supportive and comfortable fit.
If you’re a beginner, we highly recommend taking your shoes to the indoor climbing gym to practice before outside. Either way though, they will get the job done and do it well. So what makes these shoes so durable? Well, for starters, the synthetic leather is well made. Second, the nylon footbed is composed of strong fabric fibers. This construction is made to withstand the wear and tear of trying out new grips and holds as a climber. These soles are made for traversing various types of surfaces.
The rubber soles offer a great cushion for your feet. Even after you’ve been climbing for hours, your feet will still feel comfortable and supported. But since climbing shoes are meant to feel snug, your toes will be curled while you’re on the routes. All in all though, they are pretty easy to break in and we love these shoes.
The comfortable style is perfect for difficult surfaces and bouldering. Given their stiffer form and toe grab, this makes sense. While the shoes do tend to run a little shorter, you still want a snug fit. Many users noted that they went up a half a size when they ordered these shoes. Remember, there should not be any loose air pockets or room for your foot to slide around in them.
Travelers highly recommend wearing them for gym sessions before taking them somewhere more challenging. This will help you to break them in before taking on more challenging routes outside. When we are looking at quality, they are awesome and the shoes grip well. They slide on and off nicely.
Tech Specs:
- Leather
- Semi-asymmetrical profile
- 4.2mm sole
- checkHigh friction rubber
- checkVTR rand
- checkUnlined leather forefoot
- checkNylon footbed
- check3D mesh (partially lined)
Invest in the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes for Your Next Adventure
We hope you enjoyed reading our product review on the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes. As you can see, the type of climbing shoes you choose is so important. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there are styles out there that will work for you. Just make sure the style of shoe you are getting is in line with your level of expertise. We appreciate the level of quality, design, and durability the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes offer.
When you’re ready to start your adventures in different types of climbing, finding the right shoes to wear can be challenging. Different level climbers will have different needs. Consider whether you would like to move lightly or in comfort. These rock climbing and bouldering shoes will allow you to explore even the most difficult terrain without resistance beginner climbing routes with both comfort and a great grip. All in all, we love the Black Diamond Momentum Climbing Shoes.
Furthermore, the type of climbing shoes you get should also line up with what type of climbing you want to do. Remember, there is the gym, bouldering, steep face, and uneven surface climbing. Our alternate picks offer good climbing shoes for intermediate and advanced rock climbing routes. Check out these top climbing spots in the U.S. Do you have a favorite pair from our list of the best hiking shoes for men? Let us know in the comment section below.
Related Article: 6 Best Climbing Shoes For Men And Women
