What are the advantages/ disadvantages of having lined climbing shoes? And also what is webbing used for?

Question

What are the advantages/ disadvantages of having lined climbing shoes? And also what is webbing used for?

Answer 1

This is the difference between the types of shoes:

Lined: these shoes will not stretch as you wear them so they need to fit correctly when you buy them. Since they only mold the shape and won't get bigger, they will keep a truer size and won't get sloppy. They are also easily cleaned inside with a brush and some soapy water.

Unlined: these shoes will stretch and even if too tight when new they may get more comfortable as you wear them. Many have a "slingshot rand" which is stretchy rubber that goes from the toe to the heal which keeps the toes very tight - even when the leather stretches. These form to your feet better and are often more comfortable but don't have as much structure and can get smelly - the leather inside is hard to clean.

I've had both kinds and prefer lined for all day Trad routes and unlined for hard short routes and indoor climbing.

Good Luck