The Best Climbing Shoes for Gritstone

Gritstone is a rock that inspires obsession and a bit of fear. It’s grippy, rounded, often bold, and unlike anything else in the UK. If you’ve climbed on grit before, you’ll know the feeling: padding up a blank slab with nothing but friction underfoot, twisting into a jam and hoping your foot holds, or smearing on a slopey arete where everything feels like it’s about to give.

It’s not just about power. Gritstone rewards balance, precision and trust in your feet, which makes your choice of shoe crucial.

Whether you’re heading out to the iconic natural edges of Stanage, Burbage or Froggatt, or exploring quarried venues like Millstone and Wilton, the right shoe can make the difference between sticking the move or sliding off it. We'll break down what to look for when choosing climbing shoes for gritstone.

"For all the boldness and infinite quirks of climbing on grit, what keeps me coming back for more is that unbeatable feeling of climbing on a crisp day and my hands and feet sticking to even the most unlikely holds." - Tom, Email Marketing & CRM Executive

What makes a good climbing shoe for grit?

Should I go aggressive or flat shoes?

Most grit routes don’t require aggressive shoes.

Go flat or slightly downturned: These are better for slabs, smears and rounded edges.
Aggressive shoes: if you’re bouldering on steep terrain or need powerful heels for toe and heel hooks. Otherwise, they’re often too stiff and uncomfortable.
Tip: If you can’t stand in them for more than a minute, they’re probably too aggressive for grit.

Is it worth having a grit-specific shoe?

Does the venue affect the shoe choice?

Yes, natural edges and quarried grit can feel very different.

Natural grit (like Stanage or Froggatt): Think slabs, rounded holds, cracks. Here, softer shoes with neutral shapes work well.
Quarried grit (like Millstone or Wilton): More vertical or steep, with sustained jamming or small edges. Slightly stiffer or more aggressive shoes might help.

Tips on climbing shoe sizing

Match your climbing shoe to your day

Ask yourself:

Doing lots of mileage on classic trad lines? Go for comfort and smearability.
Trying hard boulders with heel hooks and toe drags? Go soft and aggressive.
Spending time on vertical quarried walls with tiny edges? A bit more stiffness and shape will help.

Best climbing shoes for gritstone