Symmetrical Vs Asymmetrical Climbing Shoes

Last updated on April 16th, 2023 at 10:23 am

I wouldn’t be surprised if shoe asymmetry is a new concept to most people, after all, it’s not exactly something you have to think about when buying new sneakers. When we refer to asymmetrical climbing shoes, we are talking about the lack of symmetry in its shape… although I bet you already guessed that part.

Imagine you draw a line from the tip of the shoe to the heel. We classify a shoe as having low asymmetry when the big toe is more in line with the heel, allowing your foot to lay relatively flat within the shoe. Climbing shoes are classed as having high asymmetry when the toe box curls inwards, resulting in a curved profile.

This can best be understood by looking at the bottom of the shoes.

FUN FACT: The Five Ten Moccasym was one of the first climbing to use an asymmetrical last. It was a key element that allowed Five Ten to create a secure fit, without the need for lace or velcro closure.

Symmetrical Vs Asymmetrical Climbing Shoes

Up until the late 80s, climbing shoes were completely symmetrical in shape. This made it possible to wear a shoe on the opposite foot just as comfortably as it would be on the correct foot.

Thankfully today, most climbing shoes have some level of asymmetry.

Why I hear you ask? For starters, our feet aren’t exactly symmetrical. Modern technology has allowed manufacturers to create shoes that are better suited to the shape of our feet. A second reason, as Five Ten found out, is that introducing a little asymmetry into the shoe profile creates tension.  

As your foot pushes against the rand to lie back in a natural position, the elasticated rubber acts as an imposing force, allowing the shoe to stay tightly gripped around your foot.

Varying the levels of asymmetry in a shoe also allows it to perform better for its intended climbing purpose.

Highly asymmetrical shoes go hand-in-hand with aggressive profiles. The asymmetric curve and aggressive downturn work together to put the tip of the toe box directly over the big toe, putting your foot into a powerful ‘hooked’ position.

Having your feet like this is ideal for practicing precise footwork and ‘pulling’ at pockets, making asymmetrical climbing shoes popular for steep terrain, most often found in sport and bouldering disciplines.

They do have their downsides though, they won’t exactly be the most comfortable shoes you will own, and their shape doesn’t make it easy to adopt the foot positions required for smearing or crack climbing.

Less symmetrical climbing shoes tend to be built on neutral and moderate lasts. These shoes allow your foot to lie in a more natural, flatter, position, instead of tightly curled in the toe box.

SIDE NOTE: Even in low asymmetry climbing shoes, you still want a slight bend in your toes. More on how to fit climbing shoes here.

Because your toes aren’t curled into that strong hooked position, these types of shoes often use a stiffer construction (there are exceptions to this) which provides extra support when weighting your toes. These types of climbing shoes are most often used when comfort is a primary consideration for the climber.

Symmetrical climbing shoes are often found on the feet of beginner climbers, or big-wall adventurers, who recognize their benefit as trad climbing shoes. These shoes are good for comfort and standing on small edges, although their stiffer profile usually means that they lack the sensitivity of their asymmetrical counterparts, and will likely struggle on steeper terrain.

Best Symmetrical Climbing Shoes

There’s a wide range of less-symmetrical climbing shoes available. Here are a few of our favorites available now.