How to wear climbing shoes. 9 Easy Steps on How to Pick a Climbing Shoe Step 1.

How to wear climbing shoes Aug 6, 2025 · 6. Gradual Wear: The gradual wear method requires you to wear the shoes for short durations during climbing sessions or even while doing everyday activities at home. 9 Easy Steps on How to Pick a Climbing Shoe Step 1. The appropriate Feb 22, 2020 · A complete guide to how to choose climbing shoes, designed to help you understand all of the jargon and find the perfect fit rock climbing shoes. Your shoe size can dramatically affect your climbing performance if they are too big or too small. Include visual indicators pointing out key signs to look for when determining if shoes need resoling. How climbing shoes should fit is very different to normal trainers. Try Hire Shoes Most climbing gyms rent out climbing shoes. [1] Different types of shoes can be better suited for different levels of technique and routes. Your heel should fit May 6, 2023 · Master climbing shoe care! Learn how to clean, prevent odors, dry, store, resole, and know when to replace your climbing shoes for peak performance. Nov 9, 2024 · Choosing your future climbing shoes is sometimes a difficult task. . I recommend buying shoes of the same make as your regular climbing shoes. Many climbers go a half size down for a snug, performance fit. Unlike approach shoes or hiking boots, climbing shoes are designed to be worn only on technical rock (5th class and above). Warm the shoes using heating pads or hot water to soften them. Jun 24, 2022 · Is wearing socks with climbing shoes a good idea? This is an age-old question that climbers still debate today. May 12, 2016 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Jun 8, 2022 · Breaking in your shoes helps mold them to your feet, providing a more comfortable and secure fit. This method maintains clarity and relevance, ensuring usability. Feb 12, 2024 · Here is the ultimate buyer’s guide for climbing shoes, complete with reviews and comparison table of the best climbing shoes available. When putting on your climbing shoes, sit down to avoid straining The home of all climbing tips. Jan 8, 2025 · Climbing shoes are an essential piece for any climber, from mountain to gym. If you are I did wear socks with my rental shoes at the gym, but once I got my first pair of climbing shoes I went barefoot. Can You Climb Barefoot? This is about climbing without shoes. Wear the shoes for short periods while seated, but avoid walking in them. Gradually increase the time you wear them. Wear Them The best way to break Nov 7, 2024 · Our selection of the best climbing shoes for crag days and gym sessions, whether you’re into bouldering, trad or sport climbing Jun 19, 2025 · To find the right climbing shoe size, start by considering your street shoe size. Jan 7, 2025 · When choosing climbing shoes, beginners often overlook how crucial factors like climbing style, shoe shape, fit, and closure systems are for comfort and performance. Feb 16, 2024 · Selecting the right rock climbing shoes involves considering the type of climbing, desired features, and ensuring a proper fit. Services that resole climbing shoes often also offer shoe repairs, which include some rand repairs and even some types of repairs to the uppers including new laces or closures. Different outdoor and indoor rock climbing shoes excel at different things. That said, if you feel your shoes need some extra encouragement to form that fairy-tale fit, here's some of my top tips. Find out how to fit climbing shoes in our step-by-step guide. Oct 12, 2022 · Explore the dos and don't on what to wear for indoor rock climbing and own your unique climbing fashion style! Jan 29, 2024 · How do I break in my new climbing shoes? We offer a range of simple tips, tricks and techniques for softening up your fresh pair of performance climbing shoes. Don’t Now, the problem people seem to have when choosing a climbing shoe is how tight the shoe should be and how it should feel on your foot. Some models can work with a strap on crampon for light-duty snow Nailing the perfect fit for climbing shoes requires some basic knowledge about the four different types of shoes. Climbing gyms typically have rental shoes you can use if you want to hit the wall. This helps the shoe material mold to your feet, improving comfort and performance. Jun 9, 2022 · Looking to buy your first pair of rock shoes or add to the quiver? Start here for buying advice and tips on finding the perfect climbing shoe. The scenario with the plastic and climbing shoes at the gym usually occurs when a climber gets shoes so aggressive and tight that they are almost impossible to just get on; furthermore, the climber uses plastic on the heel to aid in Jun 18, 2025 · This guide covers everything you need to know about climbing shoe stretching methods, including how to break in climbing shoes and expand climbing shoes safely and effectively. Beginners Oct 7, 2025 · We tested 27 of the best climbing shoes on boulder problems, sport climbs, and trad routes—and then narrowed it down to 15 top-rated pairs. This all depends on preference really, but it’s definitely recommended you wear shoes that aren’t painful but are snug enough on your heels and toes to be able to feel toe holds and other foot holds. As the rubber sole begins to thin, it weakens and compromises the shoe’s structural integrity. Jun 19, 2025 · To find your climbing shoe size, start by choosing a size ½ to 1 size smaller than your street shoe size. It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks to break in a new pair of climbing shoes, depending on how much you climb. Tips on stretching, wearing, and fitting included. Shoe Types And Styles Understanding the different Climbing Shoe Types and Styles can help you make an informed choice. Oct 24, 2023 · What’s a Climbing Shoe? A climbing shoe is a close-fitting piece of footwear designed exclusively for rock climbing. Aug 26, 2021 · Break your tight climbing shoes in the gradual, au natural way to maximize their on-the-rock performance and lifespan. Moderate Aug 24, 2017 · There’s no best climbing shoe or climbing shoe brand. Shirts. So it’ll tell you whether people generally size up or down with a certain shoe. Remember, the right shoes can make a world of difference in your climbing experience. Happy climbing! I wear them while sitting and watching TV/working from home/etc. Socks. Nov 11, 2024 · Unlock the secrets to prolonging the life of your beloved climbing shoes! This comprehensive guide explores the benefits of resoling, from cost savings to improved performance. Indeed, climbing shoes are meant to fit snugly for optimal sensitivity and precision on footholds. You’ll probably notice straight away that the rubber is super sticky. Unfortunately, if a climber has athletes foot and climbs, every person that touches the footholds or handholds Approach/Technical Approach Shoes Application and potential uses: This category of shoe blends approach comfort with technical climbing performance. After all, nobody wants to struggle with discomfort when tackling a new route, feeling secure and confident in one’s footwear can make all the difference. A pair of properly fitting climbing shoes shouldn’t need anything more than just a couple of trips to the gym (or crag) before starting to shape your feet. There are multiple ways to break in a new pair of climbing shoes, but some methods are better than others. After climbing, switch to comfortable shoes to protect your feet. Hats. Performance shoes should fit tightly for sensitivity and precision, while all-day shoes may require a looser fit. Therefore, choose a size that feels snug but not painful. Aug 25, 2023 · There are differing opinions on when to replace climbing shoes, with some climbers keeping their old ones around for months or years as training shoes (Image credit: Jessie Leong) How long do climbing shoes last? “It all depends on how often you climb, the location and how controlled you are with your feet,” explains Graham. Some approaches and technical rock climbs and alpine rock routes can be done in a single pair of sticky rubber approach shoes. Once you have all the necessary gear, you can focus on finding the perfect pair of climbing shoes. Here are the main categories: Neutral Shoes: Best for beginners. Contrary to popular belief, climbing shoes do not need to be torture chambers for Table of Contents What Shoes Should I Wear for Outdoor Rock Climbing? Approach shoes are hybrid hiking and climbing shoes that combine the features of both. When you try on climbing shoes, ensure your toes are slightly curled. This is your chance to get used to the tight fit and the extra performance. They feature minimal (if any) cushion and a sticky, durable rubber sole for grip. Your toes should lie flat or mildly curved to prevent discomfort in the toe knuckles. Bathrooms are nasty places so you don’t want those germs to get all over your climbing shoes which you will use to step on holds (including handholds). But if you start climbing on a regular basis or want to try out some climbing outdoors, you'll need a good pair of climbing shoes that fit your feet well. g. This can result from the type of climbing done or the type of rock the climbing shoes come into contact with. This video walks you through considerations for making sur May 9, 2022 · What do you need to know before you buy your first pair of climbing shoes? This article tell you everything you need to know about the different shapes and functions of climbing shoes, and makes some recommendations for a first-time pair. Something I do and could work for you is wear your beginner shoes to warm up in and then switch over to your moderate or aggressive shoes when you’re climbing at your limit. Climbing Rope (for lead climbing and top roping) A dynamic rope, specifically designed for rock climbing, is necessary for protection in case of falls. Underwear. To break in your shoes, wear them around the house. Here is a complete buying guide to help you choose the right climbing shoes. They’re expensive and a literal pain to break in. Plus, discover essential maintenance tips to keep your shoes in peak condition. That being said, they do wear out faster since the rubber in the sole isn’t Nov 11, 2023 · Wondering what size climbing shoes you should wear? If so, this is the guide for you. This gradual exposure helps the shoes mold to your feet’s unique contours without causing excessive discomfort. you are wearing rentals), you should take them off and wear your street shoes when you go to the bathroom. Discover fit guidelines, lacing techniques, and more. Jun 24, 2025 · To wear climbing shoes, ensure a snug fit without gaps. 7 Ways to Follow on How to Break in Climbing Shoes 1. What should you wear rock climbing? If you’re a new climber, you probably have lots of questions. However, socks When to Resole Your Climbing Shoes Image prompt: "Close-up comparison of climbing shoe soles in various states of wear - showing perfect condition, ideal timing for resole, too worn for standard resole, and damaged beyond repair. I have pulled together the ultimate size guide to help you find the perfect shoe size every time. A secure heel fit is vital for solid performance. Wear them and try to send an artificial route to ensure the design and grip are to your preference. Try on shoes with the same type of socks you plan to wear. Although it may take a little extra time upfront, breaking into your shoes is essential for enjoying a safe and successful climb. Basically everyone reports their foot shape, shoe size, and climbing shoe size on each model they wear and the site compiles that info. With so many options, finding the right one can be overwhelming - let us help. Impact with sharp rock quickly wears away at the rubber sole, which is the part that experiences the most overall wear and tear. Oct 16, 2021 · Buying climbing shoes for deep water soloing is relatively straightforward: find out the synthetic uppers that suit your style. Whether tackling tough boulders or climbing steep cliffs, the right pair of climbing shoes can make all the difference in your send. If the shoe is so painful that you can't fully weight footholds, or wear them for at least an hour or so of climbing, the tightness of the shoes won't be very beneficial. Whether buying your first pair of climbing shoes and buying your tenth pair of climbing shoes, when buying a climbing shoe there are a number of key factors to look out for. Overall, most climbers don’t wear sock with climbing shoes. Jun 17, 2025 · Learn how to choose and wear climbing shoes for optimal performance. Most climbers, elite included, choose to be barefoot, while others regularly wear socks with climbing shoes. The shoes should balance comfort with effective foothold engagement for optimal climbing. These are the shoes I typically wear at a gym session, since they give me a little more freedom to feel the rock. Keep in mind that climbing shoes may stretch over time. Also there is a whole subreddit devoted to climbing shoeswhich one you ask? Why, its r/climbingshoes, if you can believe it. A subreddit dedicated to discussing and reviewing climbing shoes. Mar 7, 2025 · First, wear your climbing shoes at your desk in 10-minute intervals so they can form to your foot. Next, walk around the house in your shoes, allowing your body weight to further break in the rubber. Aug 16, 2024 · Moderate Moderate climbing shoes have a bit more bend in the sole than neutral climbing shoes. Apr 9, 2024 · Climbing shoes are essential for optimal performance and comfort on the wall, so knowing how to break in climbing shoes properly is crucial. " Dec 26, 2024 · Rock climbing shoes should fit snugly, with no dead space around your toes. After wearing them for 2-5 warm up sessions (maybe say 20 laps) I find they're broken in to my liking. Jun 9, 2022 · Climbing shoes wear down for numerous reasons. Determine Your Climbing Style: To begin selecting the right climbing shoe, it’s crucial Dec 4, 2019 · Climbing shoes are precious to each and every climber. Can you wear jeans rock climbing? Are short sleeves better than long sleeves? Climbing shoes can be resoled if the wear and tear and damage is limited to the sole, and not the rand or upper section of the shoe. Learn how to identify when it's time to resole, understand the detailed process, and choose between DIY or professional services. Consider the shoe’s intended use. If you want to know about wearing socks or barefoot with your climbing shoes, review the next question. [2] Mar 10, 2025 · The best climbing shoes just keep getting better. They are made to work seamlessly on both the forest floors and the rock-climbing areas. In addition, it helps to soften the leather and improve the shoe’s overall grip. Typical climbing shoes have a tight fit, an asymmetrical downturn, and a sticky rubber sole with an extended rubber rand to the heel and the toe. for a few hours, and then take them to the climbing gym to wear them during my auto belay warm up laps. We cover 4 methods to make sure you're ready to send. Read on for our 2025 picks from La Sportiva, Scarpa, and more! Mar 17, 2023 · Even if you walk in your climbing shoes (e. Apr 1, 2024 · Here are a few tips to help you break into climbing shoes. Aug 8, 2021 · Want to know how to break in new climbing shoes for maximum foot comfort? Crazy-simple hacks for stretching out your shoes! A climbing shoe is a specialized type of footwear designed for rock climbing. Most climbing gyms require you to wear shoes of some sort while climbing to protect from spreading athletes’ foot. So how do we prolong the life of our greatest performance enhancing tool? May 19, 2020 · Most climbing shoes have your toes pointed down in front. Did you know that r/climbing also has a wiki on climbing shoes? Check it out here. Learn how to choose and fit rock climbing shoes, including information on types of rock climbing shoes, features and fit tips. Provide all-day comfort. Jul 15, 2023 · We all know climbers wear harnesses and helmets and climbing shoes, but what about everything else? Pants. By following these tips and listening to your feet, you'll soon have a pair of climbing shoes that fit like a glove and perform at their best. Because they are more pliant, you’ll have an easier time smearing and performing more technical movements. Jan 7, 2023 · Learn how to break in your climbing shoes for maximum comfort and performance with our comprehensive guide. Nov 10, 2023 · Breaking in climbing shoes isn’t exactly rocket science. Jul 18, 2024 · Breaking in your new climbing shoes is a process that requires patience and consistency. Nov 3, 2022 · Climbing shoes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it's important to find the right pair for your feet. Mar 7, 2025 · To take your climbing to the next level, master proper climbing shoes technique, refine your footwork, and ensure you have the perfect fit. A comfortable fit should feel snug without any gaps. You could do the same with easy pitches outside, but even for shoes I only intend to wear outside I prefer to break them in Hi there LanfearSelene. Check in over Dec 3, 2021 · Learn how to break in climbing shoes for a tight but comfortable fit. It looks like you are interested in climbing shoesplease check out this extremely thorough post about purchasing climbing shoes by u/jzunn here. The right shoes can make a significant difference in your climbing experience, providing the grip, comfort, and confidence needed to excel on the rock. Leather shoes will stretch more than synthetic ones. Gloves.