Rock Climbing

Buying Rock Climbing Shoes


Buying rock climbing shoes is an essential part of rock climbing.  If you do not have the right shoe or any shoes at all, you will not have a good time.  It can be a real hassle trying to figure out exactly what you want, but don't worry I can help you with that.  Before I continue, I just need to say that you NEED to go to the pro-shop and try shoes on to see what size you are.  They should be tight and without pain.  Also, remember
that leather stretches, rubber does not.  ALSO, if you look at the shoe and it has an extreme curvature, that
is a more extreme shoe for aggressive climbs which equals pain.  Just so you know.

Anyways...

Here are the three types of shoes that are offered for climbers, what they are best used for, and the suggested skills level that a climber should have.

1. Lace-Ups
Pros:
  • Great support
  • Most comfortable of the three
  • Can tighten or loosen perfectly to your foot
Cons:
  • Takes time to tie, can get annoying if you are constantly switching between these and your approach shoes
2. Velcro
Pros:
  • Quick to put on/off
  • Generally a better shoe for gym climbing
Cons:
  • Least supportive of the 3
  • Not as adjustable - Velcro is hard to make shoe as tight as possible
3. Slipper
Pros:
  • Fastest to put on/off
  • Used for most aggressive climbs
Cons:
  • Least comfortable
  • Not adjustable
  • Hard to size up


In my opinion if you are a beginner climber, I would get lace-ups.  I consider myself a veteran climber and I love lace-ups.  Yeah, they get a little annoying tying untying all the time, but I climb better in lace-ups.  I like velcro if I am doing gym climbs though mainly just because of the convenience.

Generally, shoes cost about $50 - 130.  So, they are not too bad in price, but I will say that if you get a better shoe your skills will increase dramatically.

So there yeah go.  Go get some shoes and climb!

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Meet the Author:
Steve W Weiss: Snowboarder, Climber, Beer drinker...oh and Blogger.  Cleveland-native who moved West to Utah to fulfill a life of mountain fun.  Keep up with me on my Twitter or Facebook!
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Weiss

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