Best beginner climbing shoes?

Question

i've been climbing for a couple months now using rental equipment at my local indoor climbing place. because i'm still inexperienced to some extent i don't want to blow a lot of money on shoes that i will wear out because of common beginner mistakes.

what shoes would you recommend for a male? i have kinda wide feet and normally fit into rental climbing shoes size 11 even though i could fit into 10.5 if i squeezed my toes in there. my shoe size is 11.5

if you could tell me name/brand and or where i can buy them that'd be awesome

even discount shoes are good

i just want to know they'll fit....

Answer 1

I would recommend an "all around" shoe for a beginner - not sized too tight that you can't stand in it for at least an hour. Shoes like the 5.10 Spire or the La Sportiva Cliff - they run about $100.

The only way to KNOW that a shoe will fit correctly is to go to a climbing shop and try them on - every shoe fits differently. I like La Sportiva shoes because they are a little wider and they just fit me correctly. Others like different brands.

If you do try to find a discount internet deal, make sure it is somewhere that takes returns. I have even purchaced 3 sizes knowing I am only going to keep one of them. I recommend:

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/produc...

Good Luck

Answer 2

I'm going to also agree with the other two above me; because they're right.  Cliffs are hands down probably your best bet in all aspects of a shoe. Affordability and durability.

Answer 3

I agree with Tahoe - he knows what he's talking about.

My very first pair of climbing shoes were La Sportiva Cliff's, they're basic shoes, they're about $90, lace-up's, I never actually wore the toe out. Personally, I don't like the La Sportiva rubber, and I am definitely more of a velcro kind of person. I probably wear my shoes too tight, so I like to be able to slip them off.

If you're not a fan of lace-ups, I'd go with a simple Madrock Mugen (my 2nd pair of shoes that I ended up keeping with for many years). The new mugens are a helluva lot more durable than the old, they're velcro and will form to your feet rather nicely and they're much cheaper!

They have recently thickened the toe, so when you drag your toes up (which you will do) you won't wear them out as quickly. These run at about $80. If you want even cheaper and even more basic, there's the Madrock Flash, they run at $70. Those are probably going to be the cheapest shoes you're going to find (new).

I don't suggest ordering shoes online, you'll want to run to your nearest REI or your climbing gym, and TRY THEM ON! I wear my shoes with my toes curled under, but go for what's best for you.

The REI here has a climbing wall, I usually hop on and boulder a bit when buying a new brand of shoe. Make sure the shoe is tight enough to be able to grip smaller holds. They will probably be uncomfortable until you break them in, don't try to do an all day climb on new shoes.. I learned that the hard way - want to see the scars?

Also, ask around at your gym - people are always selling their used shoes. See if you find something that works for you.

Good luck and welcome to the climbing community!