Climbing shoes can cause sticker shock when you first buy a pair. Because of this, you want your shoes to last for as many climbs as possible. Rock climbing is generally hard on shoes. While you can get rock climbing shoes resoled as they wear, over time it may be best to purchase a new pair once yours no longer provide the support and safety you need.
Signs of Wear
Your rock climbing shoes are meant to take the abuse of uneven and jagged surfaces. Your shoes should have deep grips on the soles. When those grooves and grips begin to wear away, your shoe no longer provides the traction you need to scale rock surfaces and terrain. Since rock climbing shoes are pricey, you can have them resoled at a rock climbing supply store. If other parts of the shoe are also showing wear, like the sides or toe of the shoe, it's best to simply purchase a new pair, since you can't replace those components.
Climb Type
Depending on the type of climber you are, you may need different climbing shoes for different applications. The type of shoe you wear typically depends on the surface on which you'll be climbing. For instance, steep face climbing shoes should fit snugly, with a flexible heel for the most maneuverability, while boulder and gym climbing shoes have a thinner sole and a slight curl to the toe. If you plan on climbing on a variety of surfaces, you may need to purchase one general pair of rock climbing shoes and then a few pair of specialty shoes for different surfaces.
Features
When you purchase rock climbing shoes, you'll notice immediately that they fit and feel much different than street shoes. Street shoes give you more room around the toe for comfort, while it's imperative that rock climbing shoes fit snugly but not uncomfortably around the toe. This ensures that the shoe moves with your foot for the most flexibility while climbing. The thin nature of the shoe and sole makes it easier to maneuver your entire foot to find footing in crevices as you climb. While hiking shoes are fine for easier terrain, you'll need a pair of rock climbing shoes should you decide to attempt any sort of scaling.
Buying Tips
Purchasing your rock climbing shoes from a reputable climbing or outdoor supply store ensures that you have a chance to try a variety of styles and sizes for the best fit. A retail associate can help you find the right type of shoe for the type of surface you expect to climb. Some rock climbing stores may even have synthetic walls for you to test your shoes on to ensure that you have the most comfort, traction and flexibility. Since climbing shoes can be a pricey investment, it's best to try as many pairs as it takes to get to your ideal fit.
References
- Hudson Trail: Climber's Primer
- REI: How to Choose Rock Climbing Shoes
- "Guide to Climbing"; Tony Lourens; 2005
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