What make of climbing shoes are best?

Question

I'm looking into taking up rock climbing, well bouldering to start with, and was wondering what make of shoes i should be looking to buy?

Answer 1

I am primarily a boulderer and pretty much have always been.

My very first pair of climbing shoes were La Sportiva Cliffs. They are cheap and durable. However, they don't provide that great of a fit and I find that the rubber is slippier than other brands. These shoes run at about $90.

My next pair of shoes were the Madrock Mugens. They run at about $80. This is my favorite style of shoe, velcro slip-ons. I basically despise lace-ups, but that's because I probably wear my shoes too tight. In my personal experience, most boulderers wear velcro.

If you want an even cheaper (but still durable) and basic shoe, there's always the Madrock Flash that goes for $70 which is going to be the cheapest shoes you'll be able to find. (that are new) These provide a comfortable fit for just about everyone, the new design has a thicker toe which is good because as a beginner climber you'll wear through the toes in your shoes quickly.

Currently I'm wearing Evolve Defys, I love these shoes. They fit my feet really well (keep in mind I'm a woman, but these are technically men's shoes) and the heels actually fit so I can hook a heel and not pull my shoe off.

I got these babies for $80, they're definitely basic as far as shoes go, which I like.

Be sure to actually try your shoes on before buying them, you'll want them snug. I wear mine with my toes curled under, but I wouldn't put yourself through that just yet  ;]

Good luck and welcome to the climbing community!

Answer 2

"they" typically say a slipper/velcro is suggested for bouldering. That way you can get them the size you need to, and as soon as you are off the rock you can easily pop them off to provide your feet some relief. Also, a shoe with the rand that comes up further on the top of the foot to allow for toe hooks.

As for brand and model and all that... I like the 5.10 Moccasym. However, it is more up to the individual and the specifics of their feet. Not all shoes are equal when it comes due to variations of foot shape. Some are better than others for wide or narrow feet. Head to the local gear shop to help you out. The smaller speciallized stores usually hire employees that are experienced in the different sports/activities they are selling. So I would call ahead and find out if they have a climber that works for them and find out when he/she works.

Answer 3

heya,

i rock climb and when i started they tried to fit me with shoes that were way to small.Obviously you have to wear shoe that are smaller than your usual size but don't let them sell you anything that is too small and feels uncomfortable.

my first shoes were red chili and they are great shoes for out door and indoor climbing.Mine also have an overhang grip on the top which helps.

get laces not velcro ..that way you can tighten them n=much more and you will want them very tight.

=D hope i helped xx caitlin xx

Answer 4

As others have mentioned, the number one thing when choosing a climbing shoe is the fit. It doesn't matter how cool it looks or what the manufacturer says it's good for. If you aren't comfortable in your shoes, you wont be able to stand on your feet, and you aren't going to have nearly as much fun.

Check out as many reviews as you can to get a feel for how different shoes fit, like the ones here http://www.allclimbing.com/archive/2008/... or here http://www.climbing.com/print/equipment/... Typically for bouldering you'll want a slipper, as you don't need to keep your shoes on for longer periods of time. Also, some people tell folks who are just starting to get a cheaper shoe, but I don't agree. Go with the best shoe you can buy, if you stick with it, you'll have a great shoe, and if you don't, you'll be able to sell it much easier than if you are trying to get rid of a crappy shoe.

Hope that helps.

BJ Sbarra / SplitterChoss.com

http://www.splitterchoss.com/blog

Answer 5

The one that fits YOUR foot the best - my favorite brands are:

La Sportiva, 5.10, Red Chili, Boreal

Most brands will make a more agressive shoe for bouldering, usually with an arched sole and very tight toe box for maximum performance and maximum uncomfort - they usually have velcro straps for quick removal.

Good Luck