Last Updated on May 28, 2024 by grubdunkman

Climbing shoes are specialized footwear designed for climbing using modern technologies and materials. Current climbing shoe manufacturing technologies take into account all possible aspects of climbing. As a result, there is a wide variety of models. In this article we will cover the basics from our own experience, as well as using the knowledge of experienced climbing athletes. Climbing shoes, how to choose them and things to pay attention to? Read on to find out.

Generally, almost all climbing shoes are characterized by tightness for maximum fixation and the use of special rubber, which, combined with tightness, allows you to hold your weight on the smallest holds on routes.

This is very tight footwear. Really, really tight. Especially if we are talking about performance shoes. Even beginner-level climbing shoes can cause discomfort and pain for unprepared athletes or climbers with specific foot structures. Therefore, the topic of climbing shoes is very important in the context of climbing.

Well-fitted shoes can significantly improve performance, while uncomfortable or improperly fitted shoes can turn climbing into an unpleasant experience and even discourage you from continuing with the sport. Very tight climbing shoes can make the route painful, while loosely fitting shoes can lead to slips and will not fulfill the intended function.

Thus, choosing climbing shoes, especially the first pair, is very important. A well-chosen pair will allow you to realize your potential on the route and enjoy this sport, providing motivation to continue. Here are some tips for choosing your first pair of climbing shoes.

Know Your Size Of Climbing Shoes

First and foremost, you need to know your shoe size. The exact size. It’s best to know all the measurements: length, width, and girth. Most manufacturers’ websites have information on size charts and fitting recommendations. However, keep in mind that some manufacturers use different size charts. Various services help with selecting the appropriate size.

Know Your Foot Type

In general, there are five types of foot structures depending on the shape, position, length of the toes, and their anatomical features. These are Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Germanic, and Celtic. You can find information and recommendations for selection based on foot type. Pay attention to this.

Choosing Climbing Shoes: Watch and Read

In recent years, a lot of material on this topic has appeared on the internet, and the more information you gather, the better. All advice is valuable. Manufacturers are directly interested in climbers getting quality gear, including climbing shoes. This industry is developing very rapidly, as the sport itself is gaining more popularity. Therefore, there is also a lot of useful information available.

Understand Your Pain Threshold

The tighter the climbing shoe, the better. This is almost always true, but how tight should it be? Among climbers, there are those who easily use shoes several (or even more) sizes smaller than their everyday footwear and do not feel significant discomfort. So this is subjective. Of course, over time, you get used to this and start to see only the positive aspects of tightness, and this discomfort is justified by the results. Therefore, you need to understand where your personal threshold is. But it’s better to choose your first climbing shoes primarily for comfort. Tight, but comfortable.

The Best Climbing Shoes Are Often Broken-In Climbing Shoes

You should also understand that climbing shoes tend to stretch and soften. The best pair of climbing shoes is the one that has partially adapted to the shape of your foot. However, don’t expect very significant changes in the feeling; extremely tight and uncomfortable shoes will not become pleasant. But over time, the changes will be noticeable.

Base Future Choices on the Selected Model

Let’s imagine you have purchased your first pair of comfortable climbing shoes. Training goes great, you even have decent overall results, and the time comes to choose the next pair. More sporty, more aggressive. There are resources that help you with this. If you already had one pair that satisfied you, you can enter the model, its size, and choose the desired model, and the resource will help you navigate the size chart. 

Climbing Shoes: Socks or No Socks?

Climbers are conditionally divided into those who wear climbing shoes barefoot and those who wear socks. This is a subjective matter and has been a topic of much debate, but you need to understand what suits you personally. If you decide to go with socks, don’t forget to pay attention to tis aspect when choosing the size of your climbing shoes.

Climbing Shoes, How To Choose? Summary

When choosing climbing shoes, it’s important to understand that this is not everyday footwear but specialized sports gear that serves its function. Climbing shoes should fit tightly, without causing excessive discomfort, and allow confident movement. There are many types of climbing shoes, differing in both structure and materials.

The more you climb, the more you will understand that the question of climbing shoes is not about a single pair but about a whole specialized collection tailored specifically to you.

Different routes often require different climbing shoes. Therefore, choosing the first pair is crucial because it partly determines whether your experience will be pleasant or if pain and discomfort will prevent you from focusing on the climbing itself.