Choosing the Right Climbing Shoes

You cannot climb in walking shoes or Nike trainers. Special shoes are required if you are to get the best out of your climbing and protect the rock you are working on for other enthusiasts. Climbing shoe technology has allowed the development of snug fitting and incredibly sticky shoes which allow you to put your feet into tiny cracks and crevices for great grip.When looking for a climbing shoe assess the following

Fit.

They should be tight! Try a size or two below your normal walking shoe size. It will feel uncomfortable, even painful at first and totally unnatural. The shoes will give, in time though.

The sole.

The bottom of the shoe is necessarily tough and somewhat hard. This is to provide enough support to your feet whilst being able to jam them into to tiny human defying holes and cracks that only elves should be able to reach. If the sole is soft and floppy it won’t do you any good to start with although as you become more experienced you might opt for a softer shoe.

Edging.

As with the sole, the edge of the shoe should be encased with a strip of hard wearing rubber. Again protection for you and you’re tootsies as you learn to find the sensitivity needed for greater precision in foot placement. Until then your feet will take a battering.

It may take a couple of pairs before you find the right design or brand for you. As a beginner you will wear out shoes quickly too. At climbing walls they will rent you shoes as you use their facilities. This is one way to discover which type suits you.

Thomas Mann is climber and equipment junkie. Check out his latest websites on hand held radios and the motion sensor camera.

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