The 9 best climbing shoes brands

Climbing Shoes Buying Guide

Introduction

Climbing shoes are an essential piece of equipment for any climber, whether they are just starting out or are experienced. They allow climbers to get the grip and support they need to climb safely, whether they are bouldering, sport or traditional climbing. To help you choose the right climbing shoes, we have put together this buying guide.

Types of Climbing Shoes

There are three main types of climbing shoes - neutral, moderate, and aggressive. Neutral shoes are the most comfortable and are best for beginners or climbers who are looking for an all-around shoe that they can wear all day. Moderate shoes offer a balance between comfort and performance and are best for intermediate climbers who want to improve their technique. Aggressive shoes are designed for advanced climbers who need maximum performance, grip and sensitivity on steep and overhanging terrain.

Fit

Getting the right fit for your climbing shoes is crucial for comfort and performance. A good fit means that the shoe is snug but not too tight. You should be able to curl your toes inside the shoe and the heel should fit snugly against your foot. If the shoe feels too tight or uncomfortable, it can affect your climbing performance and cause pain and blisters. It is also important to consider the shape of your foot when choosing climbing shoes. Some shoes are designed for narrow feet while others are better suited for wider feet.

Materiales

The material of a climbing shoe is also an important factor to consider when making your purchase. Leather is the most common material used for climbing shoes, as it is durable and conforms to the shape of the foot. Synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon are also used, as they are lightweight and breathable. Some advanced climbing shoes use a combination of leather and synthetic materials to offer the best of both worlds.

Sole

The sole of a climbing shoe plays a big role in determining its performance on different terrain. Soft soles are ideal for steep and overhanging routes as they offer more sensitivity and grip. Stiffer soles are better suited for vertical climbs where edging is a priority. Rubber is the most common material used for climbing shoe soles, and different types of rubber offer different levels of performance and durability.

Closures

Climbing shoes come with different types of closures, and the one you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of climbing you will be doing. Lace-up shoes offer the most adjustability, allowing for a snug fit across the entire foot. Velcro closures are quicker and easier to use, making them a popular choice for bouldering or sport climbing. Slip-on shoes are the easiest and quickest to put on, but offer the least adjustability.

Price

Climbing shoes come in a range of prices, and the cost will depend on the type of shoe and the level of performance it offers. Beginners and those just starting out may want to opt for a more affordable option, while advanced climbers may want to invest more in a high-performance shoe. It is important to consider the value for money offered by each shoe and to choose the option that best fits your budget and experience level.

Conclusion

Climbing shoes are a crucial piece of equipment for any climber, and choosing the right pair can make a big difference in terms of comfort and performance. Consider the type, fit, materials, sole, closures and price when making your decision, and choose the option that best fits your needs and experience level. With the right pair of climbing shoes, you can climb with confidence and reach new heights!

Types of Climbing Shoes

There are different types of climbing shoes, including:

• Neutral - These shoes are designed for all-around climbing, and they are perfect for beginners. They come with a flat profile and thick sole that offers comfort and support for long climbing sessions.
• Moderate - Moderate shoes are suitable for climbers who are improving their footwork, and they come with a slight curve and a thinner sole that provides a better feel for the rock. They are also more versatile and can be used on different terrains.
• Aggressive - These shoes are the most specialized and are designed for advanced climbers. They come with an aggressive downturn and a thin sole that offers exceptional performance and precision. They are ideal for steep, overhanging routes, and boulder problems.

Fit

When buying climbing shoes, it is important to ensure that you get the right fit. A poorly fitting shoe can hamper your performance, cause discomfort, and lead to blisters. Here are some tips to help you find the right fit:

• Size - Climbing shoes generally run smaller than street shoes, so you may want to go up a half or full size when buying them. However, you want to make sure that the shoe snugly hugs your foot without any movement inside of it.
• Toe box - Make sure the toe box is snug and not too tight. You should also be able to curl your toes inside the shoe.
• Heel - The heel of the shoe should fit snugly against your foot, with no extra space. This will prevent your foot from sliding around inside the shoe, which can cause blisters and lead to poor performance.
• Width - Climbing shoe manufacturers use different lasts or shapes to design their shoes. Some are designed for narrow feet, while others are designed for wider feet. Determine the shape of your foot and choose the right last that best fits your foot.

Materials

The material of a climbing shoe can affect its feel, durability, and performance. The most common materials include:

• Leather - Leather climbing shoes are more durable and conform to the shape of the foot over time. They are usually more expensive, but they offer better performance on routes that require precision and edging.
• Synthetic - Climbing shoes made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are usually lighter and less expensive than leather shoes. They are also more breathable and dry faster.
• Combination - Some top-of-the-range shoes combine leather and synthetic materials to offer the best of both worlds. This results in shoes that are durable, lightweight, and breathable with excellent performance.

Sole

The sole of a climbing shoe can affect its ability to edge, smear, and grip. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Stiffness - Stiffer soles are better for climbing on small holds and edges where precision is important. They are also better for long climbs or multi-pitch routes that may require edging.
• Softness - Softer soles are better for more technical, overhanging routes or boulder problems. They offer better sensitivity and grip, making them ideal for climbers who want more precision and feel.
• Rubber - Most climbing shoe soles are made from rubber, and different types of rubber offer different levels of grip, durability, and performance. Vibram and Stealth C4 are two of the most commonly used rubber materials used in climbing shoe soles.

Closures

There are different types of closures available for climbing shoes, and each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some common types of closures:

• Laces - Lace-up shoes offer more adjustability and customization, allowing for a snugger fit across the entire foot. They are also more versatile, and you can adjust the tightness to fit different terrains and situations.
• Velcro - Velcro closures are fast and easy to use, making them a popular choice for sport climbing and bouldering. They are quick to put on and take off, and they offer a snug fit.
• Slip-On - Slip-on shoes are easy to put on and take off, but they offer the least adjustability. They are ideal for gym climbing, where you need a shoe that is easy to wear for long periods.

Price

The cost of a climbing shoe can vary depending on the type, material, and performance it offers. Beginner climbing shoes are usually less expensive, while high-performance shoes can be quite expensive. It's important to consider the value for money offered by each shoe and choose the option that best fits your budget and experience level. Keep in mind that the more you spend, the better the performance and durability you're likely to get.

Conclusion

Choosing the right climbing shoe can have a significant impact on your climbing experience. Consider the type, fit, materials, sole, closures, and price when making your decision. By doing so, you can choose the option that best fits your needs, experience level, and budget. With the right pair of climbing shoes, you can climb with confidence and reach new heights!