Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned climber when it comes to rock or wall climbing, you need the appropriate tools to get to the heights you want to reach safely & comfortably.
And, because you rely on your feet to climb to your heart’s desire, one of the most fundamental tools you need to ensure you’ve got in the bag is your climbing shoes.
Now, not all climbing shoes will be right for you, your climbing style, or your feet, which is why you need to get informed on the factors to watch out for when you’re choosing the optimal pair of climbing shoes.
Here are some of the most crucial factors you need to keep in mind on your quest to finding the perfect climbing shoes:
Foot size & morphology
Everyone’s feet are shaped differently, which is why the size & morphology of your feet is the first factor you need to focus on.
Wider feet tend to have a more accentuated arch, a more vertical metatarsal bone, and a shorter big toe, while narrow feet tend to have an arch that is less pronounced, a more horizontal metatarsal bone, and a more elongated big toe.
So, make sure your ideal climbing shoes are tailored to your foot morphology & size to secure that perfect fit & optimal comfort!
Expertise
Not all climbers are equally experienced, and that’s alright! However, if you’re a beginner with ‘novice feet’, you need to choose your climbing shoes very carefully to allow your feet to become accustomed to climbing over time.
Because a beginner’s feet aren’t used to the strain that climbing puts your feet through, a rigid model is a novice’s best bet. Rigidity will help your feet to develop the muscle strength needed to improve your climbing experience & comfort.
If you’re a climbing novice, make sure to go for a climbing shoe that has enough rigidity to allow your feet to become climbing accustomed!
Climbing surface
There are many different categories of climbing out there for you to get excited about trying out. Because of this variety, climbing equipment is engineered to support a particular type of climbing surface.
Therefore, the rigidity and thickness of climbing shoe soles determine the type of climbing performance they are suited for.
Overhanging surfaces will require a climbing shoe with a thinner, softer, and more flexible sole to allow for strong grips. On the other hand, vertical surfaces will call for a climbing shoe with a thicker, more rigid sole that is more comfortable & better supports your weight whilst climbing.
So, whether it’s vertical or overhanging, rock or plastic, your climbing surface is a hugely important factor to consider!
Once you’ve carefully taken your foot morphology & size, level of climbing expertise, and climbing surface into account, you should be well equipped to choose a climbing shoe that gives you the support, grip, and comfort you need to reach new heights!