Rock Climbing Shoes Are So Important For Rock Climbers

Rock climbing is so popular all over the world among the adults and young people, so rock climbing shoes will serve as the barrier between the cliff face and the climber; because of this, selecting an incorrect style or fit will hold them back. Whilst the majority of outdoor climbers will own several pairs of shoes, the climbing 'staple' that every climber should have is a pair of all-day shoes. As your climbing style and goals develop, you can add shoes that are designed to address the demands of the sport.

Consider what your climbing agenda is and this will help you to determine what outdoor equipment you will need; perhaps it is off-widths, cracks, bouldering or gym climbing. For bouldering, for instance, very lightweight climbing shoes for general climbing, as well as a pair of lace-up, downturned shoes for steep sections of the rock may be required. Having different shoes for various overhangs and routes will make the experience not only safer, but more enjoyable too.

All day comfort climbing shoes are ideal for those who take part in different types of climbing on a regular basis, as these work well for both outdoor and indoor climbing, from beginner up to intermediate skill levels. It should have the fit of a running shoe, with the tip of the longest toe only just coming into contact with the end of the shoe. If you decide to buy more than one pair of shoes, it's a good idea to rotate the use of them. This will encourage you to develop your footwork, as each style of rock climbing shoe enables a different type of climb. This approach also helps to prevent any sections of the shoe becoming worn out from being used too often.

The shoe that you choose should be slip-lasted; a 'last', in this case, is the foot-shaped, solid model around which the manufacturer builds the shoe. It is the last that provides the shoe with their anatomical shape; heel and toe widths and dimensions, instep volume and height. Whilst hiking and mountaineering boots are usually board-lasted, rock climbing shoes need to be slip-lasted. This 'sock' is then removed from over the shoe's last and the midsole is then stuck on with glue. This provides the correct amount of tension required for rock climbing footwork.

In a running or a tennis shoe, it is the last that gives the shoe its entire shape; however, with rock climbing shoes, there is tensioned sections of rubber along the sides, meaning that the last's shape only provides some of the final fit. Look out for rock climbing shoes that have semi-flexed lasts, sometimes referred to as traditional lasts. These tend to be the most comfortable to wear for longer climbers. The toe should turn up very slightly, as this allows the foot to roll. Whilst these details may seem too technical to the novice climbing, it's important to remember that a good pair of rock climbing shoes will keep your safe whilst you're hanging from a cliff and consequently, are a crucial piece of your outdoor equipment for climbing.