Indoor climbing trends for 2026: innovation, Sustainability and new experiences

Bouldering remains the flagship indoor climbing discipline

Bouldering has firmly established itself as the go-to indoor climbing format. Accessible, playful and rope-free, it allows climbers to link together short but intense problems. Gym networks like Arkose or Bloc Session have built their success around this discipline, which strongly encourages social interaction and a sense of community.

In 2026, gyms will continue to invest in larger bouldering areas, with more diverse routes and frequent resets. Bouldering stands out for being fun, social and time-efficient — a perfect match for active urban lifestyles.

Climbing holds made from recycled materials and PE: sustainability at the heart of climbing

The manufacturing of climbing holds is evolving, with a growing focus on environmental responsibility among manufacturers — including Volx Holds. We place strong emphasis on eco-design in our new ranges, such as VolXume.

• PE (polyethylene), with its longer lifespan and a carbon footprint four times lower than PU, now represents 80% of Volx sales and is expected to keep growing in the coming years.
  Discover our PE hold range.
• The use of recycled polyester further reduces the carbon footprint of production. At Volx, all our PE holds contain more than 20% recycled material. This makes it possible to save 25% of fossil energy and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, all at the same price as standard PE holds.
• Even retexturing practices, such as Eco Climb’In, are starting to emerge. Still relatively niche today, they are expected to grow over time, as they significantly extend the lifespan of high-value holds.
  Learn more about Eco Climb’In.

In 2026, these eco-responsible holds are set to gain even more traction, meeting the growing demand from gyms and climbers who care about environmental impact.

Indoor climbing blends with other activities

Climbing gyms are no longer just sports facilities — they are becoming true lifestyle spaces. The current trend is all about integrating climbing with other activities and services:

• Yoga and fitness to work on mobility and strength, such as at Climb Up Lyon Gerland,

• Wellness areas (meditation, recovery zones, saunas), like Vitam UCPA in Haute-Savoie,

• Bars and restaurants that create a fully social experience, as seen at Block’Out.

Gyms like Climb Up and Arkose are already leading the way. In 2026, hybrid climbing gyms will become the norm, offering an experience that is sport-focused, social, and lifestyle-driven.

Bolder designs for climbing holds and walls

Innovation is also reshaping aesthetics and creativity. Climbing holds and volumes are taking on increasingly bold and original shapes. Organic curves, new textures and oversized features are turning walls into truly spectacular playgrounds.

Brands like Volx are already driving this trend with collections such as Durandal and Bumblebee. For route setters, these bold designs open the door to dynamic movement, sometimes inspired by dance or parkour.
Explore the full VolXume range.

The comeback of the spray wall: a classic reinvented

In 2026, the spray wall is making a strong comeback. Packed with dense hold coverage and often set on a steep overhang, it offers endless possibilities for problem creation. Popularized by top athletes like Adam Ondra and Janja Garnbret, it has become a tool for both training and pure enjoyment.

This indoor climbing format helps climbers expand their movement vocabulary while stimulating creativity. It’s all about playing, experimenting and progressing with a level of freedom of execution that more and more climbers are embracing.

With interactive technologies like the Kilter Board or MoonBoard, the spray wall takes on a whole new dimension. Climbers can download problems via an app and follow LED-lit holds, allowing them to train on the same problems anywhere in the world.

Climbing in unconventional spaces: factories, brownfields and shopping centres

The diversity of venues is also driving the appeal of indoor climbing. In 2026, climbing gyms are moving into unconventional spaces:

• Renovated former factories, such as Arkose Bordeaux,

• Industrial brownfields transformed into climbing walls,

• Repurposed shopping centres or train stations.

These unique environments give gyms a strong identity and attract a curious, experience-driven audience. They also fit into a sustainable approach, prioritising reuse and renovation over new construction.

Indoor climbing is becoming more than just a sport: it’s a holistic experience — ecological, social and urban. An evolution set to attract an ever-growing community, from first-time climbers to seasoned athletes.