Bouldering equipment for beginners: the gear you need to crush it at the climbing wall – and the stuff you don’t

New to bouldering? Here’s what’s actually worth buying, from shoes and finger tape to training aids. From turbo trainers to running buggies: the fitness gear that made you fitter. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.

Bouldering and climbing have become hugely popular. What was once a niche hobby is now an Olympic sport, and with bouldering gyms popping up across the UK, it’s an exciting time to join the climbing community. Various weird and wonderful products that promise to up your climbing game are now available, but which ones do you need? As an avid climber who’s tried countless training tools over the past eight years, I have a good idea of what works and what doesn’t – because I’ve spent a lot of money finding out the hard way.

But first I need to tackle the subject of climbing footwear: if there’s one thing you can’t go bouldering without, it’s a decent pair of climbing shoes. I’ve owned plenty of climbing shoes over the years, but I sought help from an expert here: Imi Bagnall-Smith is a professional route setter and coach at Catalyst Climbing, a London-based team offering coaching for all levels. Climbing shoes can vary widely, and I’ve not tried on nearly as many as Bagnall-Smith. Crucially, through working with her clients, she has been able to see the types of shoes that work best for new climbers.

£54.99 at Decathlon. Climbing shoes aren’t cheap. “Nowadays, very few – if any – of the specialist climbing brands offer shoes for less than £100,” says Bagnall-Smith. “For a low-budget first pair of shoes, I’d look to Decathlon’s Simond.”.

I’ve owned a pair of Simonds for years, so I have to agree. At only £55, the Simond climbing shoe lacks the premium features of pricier options, such as elasticised tension systems or specialised rubber for heel and toe hooking, but it’s still a good starting point. It’s comfortable and easy to adjust, with soles coated in industry-standard XS Grip rubber to keep your feet secure on the wall.

If you’re a beginner, though, renting shoes is a good starting point. “Most people will do this for a month or two,” says Bagnall-Smith. “However, once you start climbing more regularly, it can be nicer to have your own pair of shoes that fit your foot shape well, and have only been worn by your feet.”.

Buying a pair is particularly worth it once you start climbing regularly, because you know you’ll save money in the long run (renting shoes is £4 a go at my gym). Men’s. £99 at La Sportiva. £99 at Go Outdoors. Women’s. £90 at Cotswold Outdoor. “If you can afford it, a beginner model from renowned climbing brands Scarpa or La Sportiva would be a great investment,” says Bagnall-Smith. The La Sportiva Tarantula Boulder, for example, has been designed with beginner boulderers in mind, featuring a neutral shape to fit all foot types.

After something cheaper? Bagnall-Smith recommends the Scarpa Reflex VS (£85): “A flat, beginner-oriented model with two Velcro straps for better fit adjustment. The rubber is sticky but durable, and they will help you transition from rentals to your own shoes.

“I’d recommend trying them on and choosing whichever fits best. While climbing shoes aren’t always comfortable, a better fit makes a huge difference.”. £140 at Go Outdoors. Looking for the ultimate beginner climbing shoe? These are the ones, according to Bagnall-Smith. “Whenever I’m recommending climbing shoes to a newer indoor climber, there’s one pair I pick every time: the Scarpa Veloce,” she says. “At £140, they’re slightly more expensive than other beginner shoes, but the quality is high. They make standing on indoor holds and structures feel more secure.”.

Bagnall-Smith describes them as “almost like a sticky, squishy, rubber sock, with the grippiest rubber of any beginner model I’ve tried.” And because of the soft S72 rubber, they’re more comfortable than other shoes at this price. “They don’t cause the same pressure points or dig in very much, so I find it much easier to wear them for a whole session,” she says. These shoes are also vegan-friendly, ideal for those wanting to avoid animal-based materials and glues.

£8 for 300g at Tiso. Most climbers will “chalk up” before every boulder. The main purpose is to increase the friction between your skin and the climbing holds through sweat absorption, though you could argue the psychological boost is equally important. Before trying a boulder that’s at my physical limit, I want to do everything I can to improve my chances. The careful application of chalk builds my confidence and makes me push that much harder on an attempt. Call it a placebo, but it works for me – and for everyone else I climb with.

Moon Dust is a mid-priced chalk, but it more than holds its own against pricier versions. I’ve tried many chalk brands over the years, and find the grittier texture of Moon Dust helps it to stay on my hands that bit longer. Compared with finer-powder chalks, it’s less prone to exploding all over the gym like a smoke grenade when you accidentally kick over your chalk bag.