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This climbing shoe FAQ covers everything a climber needs to know, whether you have been climbing for a couple of days and want to buy your first pair, or you are eyeing an upgrade. If you have got a question about climbing shoes, chances are somebody has already asked it, and I have answered it below.
OVERVIEW/OUTLINE:
- COMMON QUESTIONS
- BUYING NEW SHOES VS. REPAIRING THEM QUESTIONS
- SHOE FIT QUESTIONS
- SHOE MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS
- SHOE PARTS QUESTIONS
- CLIMBING SHOE BRAND QUESTIONS
Basic climbing shoe questions every climber needs to know
What Are Climbing Shoes?
Climbing shoes are one of the most important tools you use to get up a route. They are a specially made shoe that fits tight around your toes so you can stand on small footholds and grab the edges of cliffs or walls for toe hooks and heel hooks. On top of that, they are built with a special sticky rubber that grips rock and indoor walls way better than the rubber on a regular shoe.
Can I Climb Without Climbing Shoes
It is not a requirement, but climbing and bouldering are really hard without climbing shoes, so I would recommend them. Without a pair, you will be stuck on intro level climbs because your street shoes are too big to fit on footholds. Most gyms rent shoes for a few bucks if you want to try climbing before you buy your own.
Do You Need To Buy Climbing Shoes Before Going Climbing?
If you enjoy climbing and plan to go a few times a month, buying your own shoes beats renting or borrowing them. You can usually try a pair before you buy to make sure they fit well and do what you need. If you cannot try them first, make sure there is a decent return policy so you can test them and send them back if they do not work out.
If you are climbing for the first time, it is worth renting or borrowing a pair from a friend to see if you even like it. Once you know you want to climb more often, buy your own. Rentals add up fast, and if you keep borrowing a friend’s shoes, you wear them out a little each time, so your friend is paying for every session you use them. Borrowed shoes also never fit as well as your own, because you cannot break them in the way you would break in a pair that is yours.
Can You Climb Barefoot?
This one is about climbing with no shoes at all. If you want to know about wearing socks or going barefoot inside your climbing shoes, jump to the next question.
Most gyms make you wear some kind of shoe while you climb to keep athlete’s foot from spreading. If a climber has athlete’s foot and climbs barefoot, everybody who touches those footholds or handholds afterward is at risk of picking it up, and yes, even getting it on their face.
Some social media videos make barefoot climbing look normal. It is not. Climbing shoes give you real support so you can stand on your toes for long stretches without gassing out, and the rubber grips far better than a sweaty bare foot ever will. Not to mention you are one sharp edge away from slicing your foot open.
Do You Wear Socks With Climbing Shoes?
Most climbers do not wear socks with their climbing shoes. The usual argument is that socks make your foot slip inside the shoe or throw off the fit. That said, it is not a hard rule for everybody. If you are thinking about socks to cut down on shoe funk or something like that, check out this article (Do you wear socks with rock climbing shoes?)
Buying New Climbing Shoes
When To Retire Shoes
Most climbers would rather resole their shoes than retire them completely. But if a resole costs more than half the price of the shoe, it is probably not worth it. You can also only resole a shoe depending on how worn it is. If your shoes have spots that have lost their grip but there are no holes yet, a resole is a good option.
Here are the three main reasons to retire your shoes:
- The sole, heel or toe has tearing or cracking
- There is delamination of the sole (when the glue that holds the sole to the shoe comes loose)
- There is heavy wear or tearing in the uppers
When To Resole Shoes
Depending on what your shoes are worth, resoling can beat buying a whole new pair. Resoling is when you replace the sole after it has lost its grip. Get it done as soon as the rubber wears smooth and before holes show up. Depending on the brand and rubber, you might have a local resoling shop nearby, or you can ship your shoes off. Before you send them anywhere, make sure the shop services your shoe type and rubber.
Keep in mind, a resole will not have the same quality control on the sole that a brand new shoe has.
How Often Can You Resole Your Shoes?
Some climbers resole the same pair several times before buying new ones. That is totally fine as long as your uppers are still in good shape. Most people base how many times they resole on the cost of the shoes versus the cost of the resole.
A good rule of thumb is to keep what you spend on resoling under 50% of the price of the shoes. For example, if your shoes cost $100 and you have resoled them twice at $20 each, you have already put $40 into that pair, and another resole would bring you to $60, which is past the 50% mark. In that case, you are probably better off buying new shoes.
When To Get A Rand Repair
When your shoe gets a hole in the toe, you can get a rand repair instead of buying a new pair. This is worth it if your shoes cost more than half the price of a rand repair or replacement. Sometimes you can get new toe caps too, if the rand is not stable enough to repair. Heads up though, some climbers say new toe caps change how the shoe fits and are not worth the extra cost.
How Often Can You Repair or Replace the Rands On Your Shoes?
Most companies do not have a rule against replacing your rands over and over, so it is up to you how many times you do it. Same rule of thumb as resoling: keep what you spend on rands under 50% of the price of the shoes. For example, if your shoes cost $100 and you have already paid $30 to repair or replace the rands, another $30 job brings you to $60, which is past the 50% mark. Once you cross that line, you are usually better off with new shoes.
When Should You Buy New Shoes With A More Aggressive Downturn
A lot of beginners start in flat soled shoes while more advanced climbers reach for an aggressive, downturned pair. Some climbers feel like they need aggressive shoes before they can push their grades. Here is the thing though, technique does more for your climbing than your shoes ever will. If you want to squeeze more out of your feet, our free newsletter sends you a short climbing drill every week, about 15 minutes, no charge. You can grab it here: Level up your climbing with 15 minutes of training.
Aggressive shoes shine on short problems (bouldering) on steep, overhanging walls. Wearing them on long sport routes can wreck your feet and make it harder to climb for a while. So look at the kind of climbing you do most and decide from there.
If you feel solid with your technique and your beginner shoes are worn out, it might be time to move up to a more aggressive downturn. Just know that the more aggressive the downturn, the harder it is to stand, let alone walk, in them. If you are in a bouldering gym and want to hop from climb to climb without pulling your shoes off every time, look for an aggressive-ish shoe you can still walk in. Check out my article on the best climbing shoes for bouldering for recommendations (Best Climbing Shoes for Bouldering)
Should You Wear Different Shoes Indoor Vs Outdoor Climbing?
Climbing shoes are built for both indoors and outdoors, so you usually do not need a separate pair for each. Plenty of climbers keep an old beat-up pair for gym training and save their nice shoes for outside. The reasoning is that indoor gyms tend to be rougher on shoes. That holds up if you constantly reposition or twist your foot on the holds (think dropping into a drop knee).
But if you practice quiet feet and place your shoe on footholds carefully, your shoes will likely last just as long indoors as they would outside.
Of course, if you have got a spare pair lying around, go ahead and split them up for indoor and outdoor. I would think about which shoes you climb best in and where you want that extra performance. Some climbers would rather perform better outdoors to avoid falls from a slipped foot.
What Kind Of Climbing Shoes Should You Get For Bouldering?
Bouldering shoes are usually more aggressive than sport climbing shoes because you are working shorter, more technical problems, while sport climbing is longer and asks for more endurance. A lot of boulderers go with velcro too, so the shoes are quick to pull on and off between attempts since the climbs are short. For recommendations on the best shoes for bouldering, read this (Best Climbing Shoes for Bouldering) Hint: it is not the La Sportiva Solutions
What Kind Of Climbing Shoes Should You Get For Rock Climbing?
Since rock climbing means wearing your shoes for a long stretch, most climbers go with lace-ups so they do not have to keep readjusting the tightness. They should also be comfortable enough to wear for a while, because routes are longer. That matters even more on big wall climbing.
Should You Purchase Velcro or Shoelaced Closure Climbing Shoes?
The closure you want comes down to the kind of climbing you do. Boulderers usually go velcro because the climbs are short and they need to pull the shoes on and off fast.
Rock climbers usually go lace-up because you can dial in exactly where the shoe is tight and where it is loose to keep it comfortable while you climb. You are also not taking them on and off as often, so tying laces does not eat into your climbing time.
How Much Do Climbing Shoes Cost?
Climbing shoes run from $40 to $250. The price usually comes down to the type of rubber and lining, plus how durable the shoe is and how many sessions you can expect out of it. Pricier shoes are also more likely to be resoleable, so some climbers recommend buying a pair in the resole-worthy range to get the most out of your money. If you are shopping on a budget, here is a roundup worth a look (The Best 11 Climbing Shoes Under $100).
Why Do Some Climbing Shoes Cost More Than Others?
Beyond the brand logo stitched on the side, the biggest price drivers are the rubber in the sole and the material in the uppers. As a rule, if you want higher quality rubber, you are paying north of $100 no matter the brand.
The aggressiveness of the shoe factors in too. Building a shoe with a bigger downward angle is harder to do, so more aggressive shoes cost more.
Should You Buy Climbing Shoes For Growing Kids?
Kids’ feet are always growing, and shoes that are too tight can damage growth plates and cause other harm you want to steer clear of. So parents naturally wonder whether it is worth buying climbing shoes for their kids at all. After all, shoes that fit today are probably too small in a month, and nobody wants to buy new climbing shoes every month. Good news is that manufacturers know this, and they make adjustable shoes that keep fitting your child for a few months before you need the next size, similar to how long an adult pair lasts.
Kids’ climbing shoes also have a stiffer sole throughout, so there is no flex in the arch. That way kids still get the benefits of climbing shoes, like toe support, extra grip, and more sensitivity, no matter what size the shoe is adjusted to. If your kid loves climbing and does it often, you are usually better off buying them shoes than renting from the gym every visit. Plus, having their own pair usually gives them a little confidence boost on the wall.
Should You Buy Beginner Climbing Shoes Before Getting More Aggressive Shoes?
For most people, I would start with beginner shoes and work up to more aggressive ones once you have a good foundation of technique and you know you love climbing.
A lot of seasoned climbers online, especially on YouTube, will tell you to skip beginner shoes and jump straight to aggressive ones. But the more you climb, the more used to your feet being jammed into tiny shoes you get, and the easier that jump becomes. In other words, those seasoned folks may have forgotten what it is like to be a beginner and how much aggressive shoes hurt. Not to mention the pain your feet go through while you train them to angle downward.
As a beginner, the goal is to climb as much as you can so you build strength and technique quickly. If you are in constant pain from aggressive shoes, you will be distracted on the wall and you will not build your skills or your love of the sport.
On top of that, aggressive shoes cost a lot more than beginner shoes, which can be a real barrier when you are just starting out.
Bottom line, you will likely improve faster in comfortable shoes, because climbing is more enjoyable and it is easier to focus on technique, strength, and balance when your feet are not screaming at you.
Should You Buy Used Climbing Shoes?
Any gear that keeps you safe should always be bought new so you know it meets safety standards and will do its job. Climbing shoes are not safety gear though, so buying them used or pre-worn is totally fine.
If you want to buy used shoes, inspect them for these things first:
- The state of the rubber and sole. Make sure there are no cracks, no lifting at the edges, and no heavy wear. This tells you how many sessions you will get before you need a resole or new rands
- The state of the upper. Make sure the seams are tight and there are no tears or holes
Should You Rent Climbing Shoes
If you do not climb very often and you do not want to drop money on a pair, renting works. The cost of renting adds up over time, so buying your own is usually worth it eventually, but in the meantime renting beats climbing in tennis shoes or going barefoot.
What Is The Difference Between Flexible And Stiff Climbing Shoes?
Stiff climbing shoes have extra support built in to help you hold your body weight on your toes without tiring out as fast. Flexible shoes do not support you as well, but they usually make it easier to feel the rock under your feet. That extra sensitivity can help you be more precise with your feet and sharpen your technique.
Shoe Fit
How Much Space Should I Have In My Climbing Shoes?
You should not have any space in your climbing shoes. They are built to fit like a glove, meaning your heel and toes touch the ends of the shoe. Any room to move can hurt your ability to trust small holds and can cause you to slip. For a deeper look, here is more on what affects how climbing shoes fit.
Should Climbing Shoes Be Smaller Than Street Shoes?
Yes. Street shoes are built with wiggle room in the toes and heel for comfort. Climbing shoes should be snug enough that there is no wiggle room for your toes or heel to move. The average climber wears one size smaller in climbing shoes than in street shoes. The range is usually ½ to 2 sizes smaller, and it depends on the brand and how aggressive the shoe is.
Should Climbing Shoes Hurt
There is a myth in climbing that if your feet do not hurt, your shoes are not tight enough. It comes from people chasing more sensitivity so they can stand on smaller footholds. But studies suggest shoes that are too small do more harm than they do good for performance. Climbing shoes are not supposed to be cozy, they are supposed to be snug with no wiggle room. A little discomfort is fine, but you do not want them so tight that the pain pulls your focus off the climb.
How Do You Break In Climbing Shoes?
There are ways to speed it up, but the simplest way to break in climbing shoes is to wear them while you climb. Keep them on as long as you can during a session, then take them off when you cannot stand them anymore. A lot of climbers carry a backup pair while they break in new shoes so they can swap when the new ones get to be too much.
Each session you will be able to wear them a little longer, until eventually you can go the whole time.
How Long Does It Take To Break In Climbing Shoes?
Depending on the material, it can take 1 to 7 days to break in a pair if you wear them climbing every day. Some materials break in easy and only need a single day of climbing. Others take more work, like wearing them in the shower and hanging around the house in them for a couple hours a day for a week on top of climbing in them.
How Do You Decrease The Time It Takes To Break In Climbing Shoes?
There are a bunch of ways to cut down break-in time.
One common trick is wearing your climbing shoes in a hot shower. The heat and water make the material pliable, and as they dry, they mold to your feet and fit like a glove.
Some gyms have shoe stretchers that loosen up the stiffness and stretch the shoe so it fits your foot better.
How Tight Should Climbing Shoes Be?
Your climbing shoes need to be tight enough that there is no space for your toes to wiggle or move. There is a myth that says get them as tight as possible, even if the pain is distracting you from climbing. Wearing shoes that are that painful is actually more likely to cause long term foot damage than it is to give you any real performance bump.
Because most people are used to wiggle room, some folks feel uncomfortable in climbing shoes even when the size is right. A good rule of thumb is to get the smallest pair you can fit your feet into without the pain taking over your climbing. For more on this, here is a full breakdown of how tight your climbing shoes should be.
How Should Kids Climbing Shoes Fit?
Since kids’ feet grow fast, it is important their shoes are not so small that they damage growth plates. You want the shoes snug enough that they do not wiggle around, but still comfortable enough for your kid to wear. If your child puts them on and says their feet hurt, loosen the heel strap and size them up.
Most kids’ street shoes have a lot of room in the toe because parents buy them to last a few months. So your kid might feel weird in a snug shoe even though it is not causing pain. If you can, ask whether it hurts or whether they are okay climbing in them. If they say they can climb, let them. If they say it is too small or it hurts, size up.
At the end of the day, it does not matter if their shoes are a touch big if they are uncomfortable and do not want to wear them otherwise. It matters more that they have a good time than that the shoes are perfectly snug. And the more they climb, the better they will learn how tight their shoes should be, so it is worth checking in throughout the session so you can tighten or loosen as needed.
How Should Approach Shoes Fit
Since approach shoes are made for hiking miles at a time, they should be a bit looser than climbing shoes. You want them snug, but loose enough that you can walk normally and spread your toes when you put your weight over the balls of your feet.
Shoe Maintenance
What Shoes Smell The Worst
Most climbing shoes are made with antimicrobial stuff to slow the bacteria growth that makes shoes stink. But every climbing shoe will smell if you do not take care of it. Synthetic shoes tend to stink more than other materials. The Evolv Defy and Elektra, for example, tend to get funkier than other beginner shoes because they have synthetic uppers.
What Makes Climbing Shoes Smell Bad
Because most climbers skip socks, climbing shoes tend to smell more than other shoes. That odor comes from bacteria growing inside the shoe. Bacteria love dead skin and sweat from your feet, plus the dark, closed-up space a climbing shoe gives them. If you want cheap ways to make your shoes smell better, check this out (11 CHEAP Ways To Make Your Shoes Smell Better)
What Keeps Shoes Smelling Fresh
Some climbers’ shoes never seem to smell as bad as everyone else’s. Part of that is what the shoes are made of, and part is that some people just do not sweat much in their feet. But usually it comes down to preventative care. Air your shoes out after every session so they dry quickly. You can also hit them with an antibacterial spray after each climb, and scrub your feet with a pumice stone so you are not leaving dead skin in the shoe. For a full list of ways to keep your shoes fresh, read this article (11 CHEAP Ways To Make Your Shoes Smell Better)
How Long Should Climbing Shoes Last?
Climbing shoes usually last between 3 and 14 months. How long yours last depends on how often you climb, what kind of rock you are on, how precise your footwork is, and how you care for them when you are not climbing. So there is no set number you can count on. Some climbers replace their shoes every three months, while others go over a year before they need a new pair.
When Should You Wear Approach Shoes
A lot of outdoor routes make you hike a few miles hauling heavy rope and gear. Approach shoes give you support like a hiking boot without the extra weight. They also have a sticky rubber sole, so they grip rock better than most outdoor footwear.
When Should You Wear Climbing Shoes
Only wear climbing shoes while you are actually climbing. Take them off to belay, hike, or walk around. Besides wearing them out faster, walking around in them gets the toes dirty. Dirt on your shoes makes it harder to smear and grip small footholds.
How Do You Improve Shoe Grip Without Resoling Them?
First thing to try is hand cleaning the bottoms with a little water and hand soap. Dirt and chalk make them slick, so cleaning them should help.
If that does not do it, some climbers say this works if you still have plenty of rubber left: wash the soles with warm water, then scrub them hard with a wire brush.
Where Should You Store Your Climbing Shoes?
Store your climbing shoes at room temperature somewhere they can dry out easily. Keep them out of damp spots and out of your backpack, where the sweat cannot dry.
Can You Store Climbing Shoes In Your Car?
Generally, no, do not store climbing shoes in your car. If you live somewhere mild and your car stays around room temperature with low humidity, you are probably fine. But intense heat can melt the glue that holds the rubber on, and intense cold can make the rubber brittle so it cracks or breaks.
Is Storing Climbing Shoes In The Cold Bad For Them?
Yes, storing your shoes in the cold can make the rubber crack or break more easily. So keep them out of the cold.
Is Storing Climbing Shoes In A Hot Car Bad For Them?
Yes, if your shoes get too hot in the car, the glue can melt and the rubber can pull away from the uppers. To get more life out of them, store them somewhere dry and room temperature.
What Makes Up A Climbing Shoe
What Are The Main Materials Used In Climbing Shoes?
Climbing shoes all use different rubbers, but when people talk about the material, they usually mean the upper part of the shoe. The three most common are:
- Unlined Leather
- Lined Leather
- Synthetic
What Is The Difference Between Unlined Leather and Lined Leather?
The biggest difference between unlined and lined leather is how much they stretch.
Unlined leather can stretch a full size
Lined leather can stretch half a size
On top of that, unlined leather is usually more breathable, while lined leather is more comfortable next to your skin.
What Is The Difference Between Leather and Synthetic Climbing Shoes?
Besides leather generally smelling better than synthetic, the biggest difference is how much they stretch. Synthetic shoes barely stretch and hold their shape and size the best. Leather, on the other hand, can stretch a full size.
What Material Is The Best?
Since every material feels different on your foot, most climbers try each one and pick what is most comfortable. There are a few personal things to weigh too:
- Do your feet sweat a lot? Unlined leather is the most breathable
- Do you have sensitive skin? Lined leather is generally the softest on your skin
- Do you have concerns about wearing leather or animal hide? Synthetic shoes are animal-friendly
What Are The Different Parts Of The Climbing Shoe?
Climbing shoes are all built from the same basic parts:
- Sole
- Midsole
- Footbed
- Rand
- Heel/heel cup
- Toe box/Toe Rubber
- Upper
- Closure
- Pull tabs
- Last
What Is The Sole (Outsole) In A Climbing Shoe
The sole is the rubber part that touches the rock. Depending on the rubber, it grips differently. This is also the part most climbers are paying extra for.
What Is The Midsole In A Climbing Shoe
The midsole is the layer between the sole and the footbed. It sets how stiff the shoe is. Midsoles come thin, partial, or split. In kids’ shoes, for example, the midsole is usually full length so the whole shoe is stiff.
What Is The Footbed (Insole) In A Climbing Shoe
The footbed, also called the insole, is what the bottom of your foot rests on inside the shoe. This is also the part that is commonly made with antimicrobial material to help prevent the climbing shoes from stinking.
What Is The Rand In A Climbing Shoe
The rand is the band of rubber that wraps the shoe between the outsole and the upper and goes over your toe. It is also where the outsole is glued and connected to the upper.
What Is The Heel/Heel Cup In A Climbing Shoe
The heel cup is the part that shapes to your heel and keeps the back of your foot from moving around in the shoe. Men’s climbing shoe heel cups are typically bigger than women’s. It is also the part you load up for heel hooks.
What Is The Toe Box/Toe Rubber In A Climbing Shoe
The toe box is the section that lets you put your weight on your toes without wearing out fast.
What Is The Upper In A Climbing Shoe
The upper is the material above the rubber that wraps around the top of your foot. It is usually leather or synthetic.
What Is The Closure In A Climbing Shoe
The closure is how you tighten your shoe so it does not fall off while you climb. There are three main closure systems:
- Laced
- Velcro
- Slipper
What Is The Pull Tabs In A Climbing Shoe
Since climbing shoes are so tight, they have pull tabs you can yank on to cram your feet in. Pull tabs also make a handy loop to clip a carabiner through when you are hauling your shoes around, so you do not have to stuff them in your bag while they are sweaty.
What Is The Last In A Climbing Shoe
The last is the foot shape the shoe was molded around. It determines how wide or narrow the shoe is.
What Is The Asymmetric Shape In A Climbing Shoe
The asymmetric shape in the toe (where the longest point of the shoe sits over your big toe) helps you by putting power on the inside edge so you can stand on small footholds. It is also one of the biggest things that sets climbing shoes apart from other sports shoes.
Is There A Difference Between Men’s And Women’s Shoes?
Besides color, sizing is usually the only difference between men’s and women’s climbing shoes. Men’s shoes tend to be wider and women’s more narrow. Of course, women can fit better in men’s shoes and the other way around, so do not treat the gender label as the deciding factor. The difference shows up most in the heel cup, so try the shoes on before you buy. Even if you plan to order online, hit your local climbing shop for sizing first.
Climbing Shoe Brands
What Brands In Climbing Shoes Are There?
Depending on where you live, you might not have access to every brand at your local shop. I checked three different climbing and outdoor shops before I ordered my Mad Rock Drone shoes online. (Check out why I bought these Mad Rock Drone (check current price) after wearing La Sportiva Solutions) (check current price)
- Boreal
- Butora — check current price
- Climb X
- Evolv — check current price
- Five Ten/Addidas — check current price
- La Sportiva — check current price
- Mad Rock — check current price
- Red Chili — check current price
- Scarpa — check current price
- Tenaya — check current price
Did I Miss Anything?
I put this article together to answer every question you might have about climbing shoes. Still, there is a chance you have got a question I could not think of or dig up in my hours of research. If you have got another question or need something cleared up, drop a comment below so we can get you an answer, along with any other climber wondering the same thing.
Frequently asked questions
How much do climbing shoes cost?
Climbing shoes run from about $40 to $250. The price mostly comes down to the type of rubber, the lining, and how durable the shoe is. Pricier pairs are also more likely to be resoleable, so buying in that range can get you more life per dollar.
How much smaller than my street shoes should climbing shoes be?
The average climber wears one size smaller in climbing shoes than in street shoes, and the range is usually ½ to 2 sizes smaller. It depends on the brand and how aggressive the shoe is. You want them snug with no wiggle room, but not so tight that pain pulls your focus off the climb.
Should climbing shoes hurt?
No. It is a myth that if your feet do not hurt, your shoes are not tight enough. Shoes that are too small do more harm than good, and studies back that up. A little discomfort is normal, but real pain that distracts you from climbing means they are too tight.
How long do climbing shoes last?
Climbing shoes usually last between 3 and 14 months. It depends on how often you climb, the rock you are on, how precise your footwork is, and how you store them. When the rubber wears smooth, you can resole them instead of buying a new pair, as long as there are no holes.
