5 Best Black Diamond Climbing Shoes in 2023
Whether you're planning to climb the local park boulder or up a mountain with climbing buddies, these Black Diamond shoes are comfy, precise, and tough enough to scurry to the summit. The BD brand has gained the trust of climbers and adventure seekers around the world.
For a novice climber who looks for a reliable pair that’s easy to use, the Black Diamond Momentum or Momentum Lace can do a pretty good job. These kicks are designed for beginners. For seasoned climbers, the BD Aspect and toeing-brilliant Shadow would be great choice.
From aggressively downturned shoes to vegan-friendly variants, we’ve reviewed and listed the best of Black Diamond climbing shoes out there in the market. Head on to see our top recommendations in various categories.
Table of contents How we test climbing shoesBest overallBest intermediateBest beginnerBest sportBest advancedComparison
Overview
How we test climbing shoes
RunRepeat provides climbers of all levels with a comprehensive repertoire of athletic footwear for their specific needs. We’ve tested all types of shoes each year to get you updated of the latest releases and highly rated models currently available. Here’s how we approach it:
- We procure all the pairs of climbing kicks from the Black Diamond brand. We spend the money from our own pocket to ensure that all our reviews are 100% honest and objective.
- We wear the BD shoes to assess their real-life performance in actual trad climbing or bouldering. We write about our personal experiences and insights about the shoes. We do a battery of tests to evaluate the model’s strengths (and weaknesses).
- We put in hours of climbing outdoors or in the gym to determine the footwear’s out-of-box fit, break-in period, stickiness, climbing and edging precision, versatility, durability, and more.
- We get more insights from testimonials given by pro climbers, other independent testers, and climbing enthusiasts.
Finally, all the Black Diamond climbing shoes are rated based on our gathered data. Check the CoreScore highlighted here for quicker reference.
Best Black Diamond climbing shoes overall
Black Diamond Aspect
Outland USA
Free shipping
$98
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$150
REI
Free shipping
$160
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$160
CoreScore
- Top 7% in neutral climbing shoes
- Top 17% in Black Diamond climbing shoes
Pros
- Comfortable climbing shoe
- Excellent performance on cracks
- Laser precision
- Excellent edging performance
- Effective slab performance
Cons
- Lack of stickiness
- Questionable durability
Verdict
The Black Diamond Aspect a slab- and edge-master in this crack-efficient piece. Despite its excellence, its lackluster surface traction sticks out like a sore thumb. In conclusion, this climbing shoe shines in the areas advertised by BD.
Best Black Diamond intermediate climbing shoes
Black Diamond Momentum
Outland USA
Free shipping
$62
REI
Free shipping
$70
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$95
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$100
CoreScore
- Top 28% in climbing shoes for beginners
- Top 11% most popular climbing shoes
Pros
- Comfortable confines
- Exceptional breathability
- Phenomenal durability
- Top-notch traction
- Great beginner shoe
- Reassuringly stiff
- Grippy
Cons
- Too narrow
- Cramped feeling
- Deforms quickly
Verdict
Wearing the Black Diamond Momentum unravels the path toward ascents where comfort and breathability come in spades. Sporting this durable climbing shoe also unlocks the gateway to a superbly grippy ascent to the top. But this shoe is hardly a perfect knockout as its restrictive width puts a dent in its rather stellar resume. Yet the Momentum is still an impressive BD piece, with its excellent set of climb-focused qualities.
Best Black Diamond beginner climbing shoes
Black Diamond Momentum Lace
Outland USA
Free shipping
$59
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$85
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$100
Eastern Mountain Sports
$100
CoreScore
Pros
- Off the chart comfort
- Remarkable breathability
- Affordable price tag
- Excellent edging performance
- Highly recommended for beginners
- Super lightweight
- Excellent adhesive prowess
Cons
- Too narrow
- The knit material stretches slightly over time
Verdict
A rock-climbing shoe that is both astonishingly comfortable and breathable points heavily to the Black Diamond Momentum Lace. It is also an amazingly budget-friendly climbing gear that grabs on the edges relentlessly. What it is not, unfortunately, is a shoe with a one-to-one fit.
Best Black Diamond sport climbing shoes
Black Diamond Shadow
Outland USA
Free shipping
$124
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$175
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$190
Zappos
CoreScore
Pros
- Excellent grip on both plastic and rock
- Comfortable to wear
- Uber-sticky
- Incredible sensitivity
- Versatile rock shoe
- Offers precise feel
- Spacious toe room
- Snug fit
Cons
- Hard to put on
- The heel tears easily
- Non-durable forefoot
Verdict
Individuals looking for a rock climbing shoe that offers optimal stickiness, comfort, and versatility might find one in the Black Diamond Shadow. The shoe in question is also an achievement in terms of precision, toe room, and sensitivity.
Best Black Diamond advanced climbing shoes
Black Diamond Zone
Outland USA
Free shipping
$91
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$98
Zappos
Running Warehouse
CoreScore
Pros
- Excellent performance on overhangs
- Breathable
- Amazing performance for indoor bouldering
- Edges sharply
- Easy to wear
- Uber-sticky sole
- Stylish design
Cons
- Lots of dead space in the toe area
- Difficult to break-in
- Outsole wears thin too soon
Verdict
The Black Diamond Zone's breathable construction allows climbers to reach the top without suffocating their feet. Not to mention, its stylish design and edging ability all add up to its prowess. Nevertheless, despite this superb skill set, issues regarding its break-in period may affect one’s buying decision.
