As a parent of an 8 year old (soon to be 9) who has been climbing for over four years now, I have seen many climbing shoes go by the wayside by being outgrown. These have been the best shoes I have bought for him. From a pure climbing aspect, he has never complained of the fit and they outperform the other brands in the gym and on the crags by far. As far as the price goes, they are a bit steep, and I really look hard to find them on sale at my local gym or other outdoor gear shops. But if your child is really into climbing and will use them on a weekly basis, these are the shoes buy. The other, less expensive kids climbing shoes, did not fit well, nor perform as well as the these. Be ready for red feet, until the dye has been worn off.

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La Sportiva FiveTen

They''re called Ninja Jr. now, and this really isn''t a review since I can''t wear them myself. But my 5yo son loves them. They''re "just like daddy''s shoes"- it''s important for kids to have the right equipment, to feel safe, secure, and confident when learning, and to that end I''m willing to pay. Considering the huge improvement in his climbing, I''m glad I bought the shoes. He can now smear- which is pretty important when you consider that holds are usually spaced for adults and small kids need to smear (alot) between the holds. He can also now do the 40 degree overhang- his stubby, bulky, hard-plasticized sole sneakers had no chance holding anything on that overhang, but now he can jam his toes and stick small crimps. Are they worth $70 though? I bought them, and would buy them again. I really don''t think they should *cost* that much, I mean it''s not that much material going into them- really they shouldn''t *cost* more than $35. If I can find used next time, I''ll do that- otherwise I''ll buy new again.

As anyone with kids knows, they go through shoes awful fast. I bought a pair for my children when they were about 5 and this is what I learned. Unless your kids are climbing outdoors on sharp rock, save the money and have them go barefoot if you can. Next, if they can't go barefoot, buy a cheaper shoe if you can find one. I'm not saying it isn't a good shoe, because it is, but for how long the kids wear it, it probably isn't worth the money unless you're putting huge miles on it. Very durable. Thick sole and very stiff for light weight kids. The tight opening makes them a little difficult to get on but a little powder helps.

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Boreal Ace
5.10 UFO
Saltic Eso