Rock climbing can lead you to shuffling on boulders, scaling steep faces or lunging for cracks -- types of climbing that come complete with their own type of shoe. Rock climbing shoes all share the same components, but they differ when it comes to width, type of fit and thickness to best suit the rocks you intend to conquer.
Components
Each type of rock climbing shoe has several components that help determine your decision. These include the toe box, the midsole, the outsole and the strip of rubber that runs above the sole around the front and sides of the shoe known as the rand. The rand that runs around the heel of the shoe is called the slingshot. Rock climbing shoes come with different types of closures, including lace-up, hook closures and slip-on shoes known as slippers.
General Purpose
If you are just starting out with rock climbing or intend to climb a variety of terrain for a lengthy period, a general or all-day rock climbing shoe is your best bet. General rock climbing shoes have a cushioned heel and roomy heel rand that are easy on your feet for extended wear. The midsole is fairly flexible or only slightly stiff and the outsole is a thick rubber. The front toe area is flat. Lace-up shoes with laces that reach to the toe area are common for all-day climbing shoes.
Bouldering
As the name implies, bouldering shoes are meant for climbing large, smooth boulders. Bouldering shoes have a tighter toe area that can feature an upward curl for ascending smooth surfaces or a downward curl for descending boulders. The outsoles are very thin and the midsoles very soft so you can feel the rock face beneath your feet. Bouldering shoes with hook closures help you get the snug fit you need for that type of climbing.
Cracks
Rock climbing shoes designed for rocks with craggy cracks have a narrow, flat toe area you can easily place in the cracks for stability. They come with an especially durable upper to stand up to constant scraping against the rock face and a stiff midsole to keep your feet flat. Shoes that are too flexible or curled at the toe area can hurt your toes by smashing the knuckles into the narrow crevices.
Steep And Traditional Climbing
Shoes meant for climbing steep rocks come with a tight to medium fit in the toe area and different toe widths, depending on the type of climbing you intend. Toes with a slight upward curl work for very sheer, steep surfaces while those with a narrow, pointed toe area work for steep faces with a lot of cracks and crevices. Steep face shoes have a relaxed heel area and relaxed slingshot. This type of shoe works for traditional rock climbing, also known as trad.
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