Mechanics
In rock climbing, the hands and feet are the contact points and the main "tools" that keep the climber on the rock surface. Muscles, bones and joints are like powered levers, hooks and suction cups to keep the rock in a vice-like grip. Different types of shoes are used for different purposes, and a pliable rubber sole makes all the difference in maneuvering your body mass in position for the next advance. The edging of climbing shoes with a stiff, protruding welt around the shoe works well for approach inclines and even climbing cracks. Extreme vertical surfaces require the ability to get a sticky toe-hold or foot wrapped around a protruding rock. Climbing shoes provide this ability.
Design
Climbing shoes must be designed so that surfaces not ordinarily used in walking and running are contact points. Upper toes and sides need soft rubber gripping capability when, in face climbing, a rock climber will pull downward with her hands while gripping upwards with her feet. Likewise in "stemming" up a chimney or fissure, outward force on the rock climbing shoes through the climbers' feet and friction against the rock wall allows the climber to release a hand to grab for the next handhold, keeping the climber moving.
Types
Rock climbing shoes range in design from general, all-purpose "approach" shoes to extreme "second skin" shoes that can seem to help a climber overcome gravity. The aim of shoes coupled with hand gripping, a safety harness, ropes and other equipment is to allow a climber to go up a vertical surface safely. From lace-up, beginner shoes with stiff board lasts that form the inner core molding to pliable, velcro-strapped or tight, form-fitting slippers for advanced overhang climbing, the object is to be a fly on the wall without slipping.
Fit
Since rock climbing shoes come in all sorts of designs, the right shoe for you depends on where you climb, the types of climbs you prefer and the manufacturer. Most important is fit; the shoe should fit like a glove. The shoe basically gives all the pliability, grip and adhesion of a sticky, bare foot while still protecting the skin. Think of your hands and feet working like your fingers and thumb in unscrewing the top of a sealed jar. The grip of your hands and feet with rock climbing shoes must have that sure a grip on the rock surface.
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