Reading time: 14 minutes | Last updated: July 2026
Table of Contents
- Brand Overview
- Full Lineup at a Glance
- PR23 Review — Performance Bouldering
- N23 Review — Crag Climbing
- SWIFT Review — All-Round Lace-Up
- HUG Review — Kids Beginner
- ONE Review — Youth Development
- Little ALIEN Review — Kids Slip-On
- Castiron Grip vs The Competition
- Australia & New Zealand Shipping
- Final Verdict
- FAQ
Brand Overview
Castiron Grip is a specialist climbing footwear brand built by climbers, for climbers. The lineup covers the full spectrum from very young first-time climbers (Little ALIEN, HUG) through youth development (ONE) to adult all-round and performance shoes (SWIFT, N23, PR23). All shoes were formerly available under the Rock Planet brand — same construction, same lasts, same rubber compounds — now under the Castiron Grip name.
The brand ships directly to Australia and New Zealand with free international shipping on orders over AU$150. For Oceania climbers at Climbing Australia-affiliated gyms, Castle Hill bouldering, Arapiles, Grampians, and Blue Mountains outdoor venues, Castiron Grip delivers performance footwear at a price point that undercuts La Sportiva and Scarpa.
Full Lineup at a Glance
| Shoe | AU Price | Closure | Downturn | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR23 | AU$109 | Dual Velcro | Aggressive | Bouldering, overhangs, advanced |
| N23 | AU$99 | Dual Velcro | Moderate–Aggressive | Crag climbing, edging |
| SWIFT | AU$99 | Lace-Up | Flat/Moderate | All-round, beginner–intermediate |
| HUG | AU$89 | Velcro | Flat | Kids first shoe, EU 28–38 |
| ONE | AU$79 | Velcro | Flat | Youth development, EU 30–40 |
| Little ALIEN | AU$69 | Slip-On | Flat | Kids first slip-on, EU 25–35 |
PR23 — Best Bouldering Shoe for Australian & New Zealand Climbers
The PR23 is Castiron Grip's flagship performance shoe — aggressive downturn, dual velcro closure, and a rubber compound built for indoor bouldering and outdoor sandstone, quartzite, and granite. At AU$109, it undercuts La Sportiva and Scarpa performance models. Ideal for Oceania climbers pushing into 7a+ at commercial gyms, Grampians sandstone, Arapiles quartzite, Blue Mountains sandstone, and Castle Hill limestone bouldering in New Zealand.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 — Read full PR23 review →
N23 — Best Crag Climbing Shoe for Australian & New Zealand Climbers
The N23 sits between the SWIFT and PR23 — moderate-to-aggressive downturn, dual velcro, precision edge profile built for crag climbing and technical footwork on Australian and New Zealand rock. At AU$99, it's the ideal step-up shoe for Oceania climbers moving from beginner all-rounders into more technical terrain. Tested on Arapiles quartzite, Grampians sandstone, and indoor lead walls at Climbing Australia-affiliated venues.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 — Read full N23 review →
SWIFT — Best All-Round Climbing Shoe for Australian & New Zealand Climbers
The SWIFT is the all-round workhorse of the Castiron Grip lineup — lace-up closure for a precise, adjustable fit, flat-to-moderate sole profile, and all-round rubber that performs across gym, sport, and outdoor terrain. At AU$99, it's the best value all-round climbing shoe for Oceania climbers at beginner-to-intermediate level. Tested across Australian commercial gyms and outdoor venues including Arapiles and the Blue Mountains.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 — Read full SWIFT review →
HUG — Best Kids Beginner Climbing Shoe for Australian & New Zealand Children
The HUG is the velcro kids beginner shoe — flat sole, comfortable last, velcro closure, EU 28–38 sizing covering ages 3–13. At AU$89, it's the best kids climbing shoe for Australian and New Zealand children taking their first steps on the wall at Climbing Australia-affiliated gyms and Climbing New Zealand taster sessions.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 — Read full HUG review →
ONE — Best Youth Development Climbing Shoe for Australian & New Zealand Climbers
The ONE is the youth development shoe — a step up from the HUG with a slightly more performance-oriented fit, velcro closure, and EU 30–40 sizing covering ages 5–15. At AU$79, it's the best youth climbing shoe for Australian and New Zealand junior climbers in Climbing Australia development programmes and Climbing New Zealand youth categories.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7/5 — Read full ONE review →
Little ALIEN — Best Kids Slip-On Climbing Shoe for Australian & New Zealand Children
The Little ALIEN is the slip-on kids beginner shoe — no laces, no velcro, just pull it on and climb. EU 25–35 sizing covers the youngest climbers (ages 2–11). At AU$69, it's the most accessible entry point into climbing footwear for Australian and New Zealand children.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 — Read full Little ALIEN review →
Castiron Grip vs The Competition — Australia & New Zealand 2026
| Brand | AU Price | Performance Model | Kids Range | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castiron Grip PR23 | AU$109 | Aggressive velcro | ✅ Full range | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| La Sportiva Solution | AU$220+ | Aggressive velcro | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scarpa Instinct VS | AU$200+ | Aggressive velcro | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Evolv Shaman | AU$170+ | Moderate velcro | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐ |
🇦🇺🇳🇿 Australia & New Zealand Shipping
Castiron Grip ships directly to Australia and New Zealand. AU$25 standard (5–8 business days), AU$45 expedited (2–4 business days). Free on orders over AU$150 — combine two pairs (e.g. HUG + ONE for siblings) to qualify. See our Shipping Policy for full details.
Final Verdict — Best Castiron Grip Shoes for Australian & New Zealand Climbers 2026
- 🏆 Best bouldering shoe: PR23 — AU$109
- 🔷 Best crag climbing shoe: N23 — AU$99
- 🥅 Best all-round shoe: SWIFT — AU$99
- 👶 Best kids first shoe: HUG — AU$89
- 🌱 Best youth development shoe: ONE — AU$79
- 👽 Best kids slip-on: Little ALIEN — AU$69
🇦🇺🇳🇿 Ships to Australia & New Zealand. Built by climbers, for climbers.
Every shoe engineered for performance — from first wall to competition.
Shop All Castiron Grip Shoes →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Castiron Grip shoe for Australian climbers?
For all-round climbing at beginner-to-intermediate level, the SWIFT (AU$99) is the top pick. For crag climbing on Arapiles quartzite and Grampians sandstone, the N23 (AU$99). For performance bouldering at Castle Hill or indoor gyms, the PR23 (AU$109).
Does Castiron Grip ship to Australia?
Yes — AU$25 standard (5–8 business days), AU$45 expedited (2–4 business days). Free on orders over AU$150.
Does Castiron Grip ship to New Zealand?
Yes — same rates as Australia. AU$25 standard, AU$45 expedited, free over AU$150.
What is the best kids climbing shoe for Australian and New Zealand children?
For very young children (ages 2–11, EU 25–35), the Little ALIEN (AU$69). For children climbing regularly (ages 3–13, EU 28–38), the HUG (AU$89). For youth climbers in Climbing Australia development programmes (ages 5–15, EU 30–40), the ONE (AU$79).
Are Castiron Grip shoes good for Arapiles and Grampians climbing?
Yes — the N23 and PR23 rubber performs well on Arapiles quartzite and Grampians sandstone. The PR23's aggressive downturn is ideal for technical pockets; the SWIFT's flat sole is better for slab and beginner outdoor routes.
How does Castiron Grip compare to La Sportiva for Australian climbers?
The PR23 (AU$109) delivers comparable rubber performance to the La Sportiva Solution (AU$220+) at half the price.
Is Castiron Grip formerly Rock Planet?
Yes — same construction, same lasts, same rubber compounds under the Castiron Grip name.
What is the best Castiron Grip shoe for Castle Hill bouldering in New Zealand?
The PR23 (AU$109) is the top pick for Castle Hill limestone bouldering. For all-round climbing across NZ venues, the SWIFT (AU$99) is the versatile choice.
External Resources
- Climbing Australia — Official Federation
- Climbing New Zealand — Official Federation
- theCrag — Australia & NZ Climbing Guide
- 99Boulders — Best Climbing Shoes Guide
- Climbing Magazine — Best Climbing Shoes Guide
📚 More from the Castiron Grip Climbing Reviews Hub:
Castiron Grip Climbing Shoe Reviews Hub →
Written by T-K