What To Look For
Climbing shoes should ideally conform to your feet like a glove, with no air pockets or dead space. Aim to pick appropriate climbing shoes for your climbing ability level and intended usage. Beginners typically need the support and prefer the comfort provided by stiffer shoes. More advanced climbers with stronger feet usually prefer more flexible, performance-oriented shoes.
If you mostly climb multi-pitch traditional climbs, opt for more comfortable and supportive shoes that you can wear all day. For sport climbing, bouldering and indoor climbing, you'll likely want softer, tighter and more precise climbing shoes.
Common Pitfalls
People often buy climbing shoes sized too large. Most climbers size climbing shoes a half-size to a size-and-a-half smaller than their street shoe size. If you can walk around comfortably in your climbing shoes in between climbs, the shoes are too big. Don't buy climbing shoes so small that you can't wear them for a single climb without focusing on the pain, either. Aim for tight, but not painfully tight.
Buying climbing shoes made specifically for women isn't necessary. It's more important that the shoes fit your feet correctly, with no uncomfortable pinching or rubbing.
Where To Buy
Try on and buy climbing shoes from major retailers such as REI and EMS or from a local climbing shop. Look for stores that carry a wide range of brands and styles so that you have the opportunity to try on as many pairs of climbing shoes as possible before making a decision.
Once you know the shoes you want to buy, look for deals on them from Internet retailers such as Amazon.com and Sierra Trading Post.
Cost
Climbing shoes range in regular price from about $70 to more than $170, with prices varying according to manufacturer and shoe performance. You can find deals on brand-new climbing shoes for as little as $20 or less. However, since proper fit and intended usage are so important, you're better off paying the price for the least-expensive pair of climbing shoes that fits your feet correctly and suits your intended usage, rather than just the least-expensive pair available in your size.
Comparison Shopping
Women's-specific climbing shoes tend to offer smaller overall shoe volumes, a lower cut around the ankle and smaller heel cup, higher arches and a more narrow profile when compared to unisex climbing shoes. Not all women will find that women's shoes fit better, so you should try all types of climbing shoes on.
Velcro shoes and slippers offer a different fit than lace-up climbing shoes, as well as being easier to take off between climbs. Expect unlined leather shoes to stretch up to a half-size with use, while lined leather shoes and synthetic climbing shoes won't stretch out.
Insider Tips
Wearing poorly fitting climbing shoes can encourage you to develop poor rock-climbing technique. Learning proper climbing footwork is difficult to do if your climbing shoes don't fit well, especially if they're too big, too stiff or have dead space in a particular area, such as in the heel cup. Take the time to try on lots of different climbing shoes until you find a pair that fits as though they're painted onto your feet, allowing you to use them like quiet cat paws as you move up the rock.
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