Vapor V

Climbing shoes should fit tighter than your normal street shoes. This is intentional. A snug fit helps minimize movement inside the shoe, providing better precision and confidence on small footholds. Many climbers choose to downsize from their standard street-shoe size to achieve a tighter fit, reducing internal movement and helping activate the performance features built into the shoe. Climbing shoes are also typically designed to be worn without socks, allowing for a closer, more direct fit around the foot. 

Climbing shoes will also break in over time. Depending on the materials and construction, many models will stretch and conform to the shape of your foot with use. When selecting a size, consider both how the shoe feels out of the box and how it may adapt through regular use. 

SCARPA climbing shoes use European sizing, which provides smaller size increments than standard US sizing. We recommend using our size chart, Fit Tool, or Fit Calculator as a starting point for finding your ideal size. 

The SCARPA Performance climbing shoes should fit snugly and securely throughout the foot with minimal empty space, and a slight curl in the toes is normal. Their moderately downturned, asymmetric shape balances precision and comfort while feeling less aggressive than SCARPA’s Specialized Performance models. This fit provides the support and sensitivity needed for advanced climbing while remaining comfortable enough for longer sessions.

Performance shoe shape = Moderately downturned and asymmetric

The Vapor V is built on the same last as the Vapor but is often described as feeling more secure or a closer fit out of the box. Its moderately downturned, moderately asymmetric shape should fit snugly throughout the foot, while the dual-strap closure helps create a locked-in fit for technical footwork and precision edging.

Many climbers, especially those newer to performance-oriented climbing shoes, choose to size the Vapor V similarly to their everyday footwear. As performance becomes a greater priority, some climbers may choose to size down approximately ½ -1 EU size from their street shoe for a closer, more precise fit. That said, individual sizing preferences will vary depending on comfort and performance goals.