Have you got a burning question on climbing shoes?
At events and online we get asked loads of questions on our climbing shoes and climbing shoes in general - so we put together this handy guide with answers to our most frequently asked questions.
Should you clean your climbing shoes?
Yes - to help keep your shoes at their best and for the sake of everyone around you, it is best to clean your climbing shoes.
There are loads of benefits to keeping your shoes clean, including increasing the longevity of your shoes, keeping them performing at their best and to keep them smelling fresh(er)!
How do you clean climbing shoes?
Now your have decided to clean your shoes - the how is quite simple - we've put together a step by step guide on how to clean your climbing shoes.
How tight should climbing shoes be? / Should my climbing shoes hurt?
This is one of the most common queries people have about climbing shoes - especially when they are new to climbing.
Climbing shoes by design are quite tight - fitting closely to your feet to allow your foot and shoe to work as one. So you do want your shoes to be quite tight and avoid having any baggy areas.
However a painful shoe will probably cause you to have to take them off more and will want to wear them less. So finding a good balance between a tight fitting shoe and one you can wear comfortably is best.
For beginners comfort should be the priority - so you can climb for longer and get used to climbing shoes.
Do you wear socks with climbing shoes?
Whilst some may put this down to personal preference and there are arguments for wearing socks with climbing shoes - we don't recommend wearing socks whilst climbing.
Climbing shoes are designed to be worn close to your feet to provide sensitivity - so you can feel what you are standing on - this becomes for important as you move up the grades.
Socks can also cause your feet to slip more inside your climbing shoes - especially if you are heel hooking.
Why should you resole climbing shoes?
There are loads of reasons you should resole your climbing shoes rather than sending them to landfill and buying a brand new pair.
Environment
The environmental impact of buying a new pair of shoes and throwing away your old ones adds up. Even with our environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing process you will be creating more emissions and using more materials.
With a resole you avoid your old pair being thrown out and just replace the rubber! Meaning you have happy feet and have a lesser effect on the environment.
Performance
You know the feeling when you have got your shoes fitting just right, they are nicely warn in, comfortable and perform really well.
Now add some fresh rubber to the mix and you have a almost perfect shoe – moulded to your foot, but with the grip of a brand new shoe!
Cost
Resoling is cheaper than buying a new pair of boots or shoes!
You can extend the life of your favourite pair without the cost of buying a brand new pair, all while safe in the knowledge that your new soles will perform as well as a brand new pair!
Where to buy climbing shoes?
If buying a new pair of climbing shoes for the first time - it is best to go to somewhere where you can try on the shoes and get fitted properly.
Most climbing walls and specialist shops will be able to help and give advice on which shoes to buy - you can check out all of our stockists here: Store Finder.
One of the best ways to find a new pair of climbing shoes is to attend a demo night.
We host demo nights at climbing walls around the country where you can try our range before you buy. You can take multiple models and sizes for a spin on the wall and really put them through their paces - this is a great way to find the right shoe (and size) for you!
Which climbing shoes are best for beginners?
As we mentioned before - comfort is key for beginners picking a pair of climbing shoes, so if you are picking your first pair look for a shoe which you can wear for a long time - in comfort.
Our comfort line of climbing shoes was developed to provide the perfect climbing shoes for beginners, indoor training and multi-pitch climbing. Combining comfort and technology, these pairs are either flat or slightly angled in shape for an easy fit and maximum convenience, even after multiple uses.
What are the differences between men’s and women’s climbing shoes?
Volume! Men's shoes typically have more volume then women's - so if you have a larger or wider foot - the men's option is probably best for you.
Conversely if you have a smaller or narrower foot - you should choose the women's or Low Volume version - regardless of your gender.
Hopefully this blog has answered some of your climbing shoe questions - if you have any more, get in touch with us on social media!
