Using a shoe specifically designed for rock climbing can greatly enhance your performance on the rock wall or the cliff face. Rock climbing shoes are specially designed with sticky rubber soles and special features to provide more traction on small holds. Before buying rock climbing shoes, take some time to try out different styles and brands. Each one will fit differently and provide different benefits.
Step 1
Try on rock climbing shoes before buying. Rock climbing shoes are designed to fit your foot tightly, so the shape of your foot will affect the fit and comfort. Do not buy shoes just because another climber likes them; they may not be a good fit for you. The same size from different brands will also fit differently. Shoes should be tight but not painful. Your toes should turn down slightly in the toe box. Start with shoes that are at least a half-size smaller than your regular shoe size. Shoes made out of leather may expand after use, so buy them tight.
Step 2
Consider the style. Choosing between lace-up, Velcro or slip-on shoes is largely a matter of personal preference. Lace-up shoes will provide a more precise fit, but Velcro and slip-on shoes are easier to remove in between ascents.
Step 3
Try them out. Outdoor gear stores often have a small rock wall that you can use to test the feel of the shoes.
Step 4
Consider the type of climbing you are doing. If you're a beginner or casual climber, choose an all-purpose climbing shoe that is not too tight or uncomfortable. If you're more experienced, you may want a more technical shoe. You may even want to invest in more than one pair of climbing shoes: one for difficult projects and one for general climbing and training.
Step 5
Consider the additional features. If you do climbing that involves a lot of heel hooking, look for a shoe with a full rubber heel. Slingshot models, which have less rubber around the heel, may fit better and place more power in your toes. Shoes with a downturned toe and a sharply defined toe box can increase your ability to stand on small holds but are not good for smearing.
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