1. Shoe Fitness
Be sure that your foot properly fits the climbing shoe. There should be a snug fit with no open space in the shoe where your foot can move around during a climb. Do not assume that each brand of shoe fits the same. Sizing charts vary by company and country of origin. Therefore, try on every shoe before you buy it and, if possible, test it out. Some outdoor shoe stores have climbing walls inside, and they may let you take the shoes out for a spin. Also, try on the shoe when your feet are warm, since feet tend to swell after walking on them for an extended period, which will happen when you are climbing.
2. Type of Climb
Before you purchase a climbing shoe, you need to determine what type of climbing you are going to do. Are you going to be hiking as much as climbing? And what are the likely weather conditions during the climb? For colder climate climbs, the shoe needs to be weather proof and keep out moisture. In warmer climbing conditions, you will want shoes that breathe more and will not overheat your feet.
3. Do Your Homework
Ask the salesperson or do some research to determine which climbing shoes will change their shape or fit after a bit of wear. Unlined leather climbing shoes will often stretch during wear to a half or full size bigger than they were at the time of purchase. Whereas lined leather climbing shoes stretch one quarter to a one third of one shoe size during normal climbing use. This issue can also vary for each manufacturer, so be sure to find out exactly how the climbing shoes will change during the time you use them.
4. Don't Bargain Hunt
Prepare for sticker shock when you go to buy a good pair of climbing shoes. Remember the crucial role they play in proper footing and, by extension, your safety. Climbing shoes are definitely not an item where you want to bargain shop for a cheap alternative. After all, in most every case, you get what you pay for.
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