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How to Choose Climbing Shoes
Fit, comfort, downturn, closures and materials: what to look for when you buy your first climbing shoes, or your next ones.
Whether you are just starting or have been climbing for years, finding the right climbing shoes can be tricky. This is what to look for.
You do not need your own to start. At Boulder Shack climbing shoes are included with an induction, and after that they are £3.50 to hire, or free with any membership.
Fit
Everybody's feet are different, so the shoe has to match the shape of yours. Your toes should be right at the end of the shoe and the heel should fit snugly.
If you will wear your own shoes without socks, as many climbers do, take your socks off when you try them on. Try them in the afternoon, or after a walk: feet swell through the day, and that is the size they will be when you climb.
Comfort
Climbing shoes do not feel like trainers, and they take some getting used to. A tighter shoe helps performance, but it should not hurt. If it does, try another style or a slightly larger size.
Downturn
There are three main shapes.
- Neutral shoes are flatter, stiffer and very supportive.
- Aggressive shoes are banana shaped, softer and more flexible. They hold your toes in a gripping position, so you can feel small holds and push hard through your toes.
- Moderate shoes sit between the two.
We recommend a neutral shoe for beginners, moving towards a more downturned one as your climbing develops.
Closures
- Laces let you adjust the fit precisely, and suit longer sessions.
- Velcro is quick to get on and off between climbs.
- Slippers are very soft and usually aggressive, for hard climbing.
Material
- Leather stretches, breathes and lasts. Buy it fitting tightly, to allow for the stretch.
- Synthetic is light and stretches very little, so it should feel right when you try it on.
- Leather with a synthetic lining gives a close fit that changes less over time.
Durability
Extra rubber over the toe and a good heel cup help when you hook with your feet, and reduce wear.
Try several
Sizes differ between brands, and some shapes will suit your feet better than others. Try half sizes too: a couple of millimetres can make all the difference. If you are not sure what you need, ask our team at the desk next time you are in.
