Full specification
8 rowsThe Black Diamond Method S is a solid all-around climbing shoe that balances comfort and performance, making it a great choice for climbers tackling vertical to slightly overhung routes, from gym sessions to moderate outdoor sport climbing. While it lacks the aggressive shape needed for steep bouldering, its sensitivity, breathability, and ease of use make it a dependable option for climbers who prioritize all-day wearability alongside solid technical performance.
Black Diamond Method S Climbing Shoes on the rock
The Black Diamond Method S climbing shoe is built for climbers who demand precision on technical vertical terrain, from steep sport routes to bouldering problems that require exacting footwork. Its asymmetric, downturned last channels power directly to the big toe, allowing climbers to hook, toe-hook, and stand on the smallest edges with confidence. The shoe's split-sole construction pairs a sticky rubber outsole with a more flexible midsole zone near the arch, letting the shoe conform to irregular holds while still delivering the rigidity needed for edging on face climbs and pockets.
Underfoot, Black Diamond uses their proprietary rubber compound, offering a balance of durability and tackiness that grips well on both indoor plastic and outdoor rock, whether limestone, granite, or sandstone. The shoe's low-volume, snug fit is achieved through a single Velcro strap system that allows for quick on-and-off between attempts, ideal for climbers who are project-hunting or working through a session with multiple pairs. The unlined leather and synthetic upper molds to the foot over time, reducing hot spots and pressure points during long sessions, while still maintaining the structure needed for technical toe and heel work.
Designed with the aggressive climber in mind, the Method S excels on overhanging terrain where heel hooking and toe hooking become essential techniques. The rand wraps generously around the toe box and heel, reinforcing durability in high-wear zones and enabling precise heel engagement on volumes and slopers. This shoe suits climbers progressing from moderate to advanced grades who want a single pair capable of handling steep bouldering, technical face climbs, and everything in between, making it a versatile addition to a rock climber's quiver without sacrificing the performance edge needed for pushing into harder grades.
Where it sits in the Footwear field
Against the other 14 footwear pieces on the bench, this one lands at #100 overall with a bench score of 76. Its strongest axis is on-rock performance; its weakest is comfort, which is where the closest alternatives listed alongside make up ground.
Strengths, trade-offs and features
6 strengths against 5 trade-offs recorded during testing, plus the 6 features that define this piece.
What works
What to weigh up
Key features
Four more from Footwear
Closest scoring alternatives we have run through the same five axes.
