Climbing Shoes

Just like there are different pairs of shoes you wear from day to day, there are different types of climbing shoes worn depending on what type of climbing is to be done. Even the size of shoe you buy changes when it comes to climbing shoes. Typically, you will be wearing a size smaller than what you bought your tennis shoes in. A climbing shoe will be tight enough that your foot has no room to move around. More extreme climbers say your shoe should fit uncomfortably tight. So tight, that walking around in them is not suggested. The reason they claim this, is so that you can actually feel the hold on your foot and when you do strategic moves such as heel hooking, your shoe does not slip.

A tip when you go to purchase your first pair of shoes; try on everything. It is hard to tell what kind of shoe will work best for you at your skill level. It's best just to try on everything and see what feels the best and what shoe you can grow in experience in.

There are 4 types of climbing shoes that are the most popular: All-Around, Bouldering, Gym, and Trad shoes.

All-Around climbing shoes are examples of a classic climbing shoe. These type of shoes would be best for a new climber. Not only are they less aggressive and will not hurt the foot, but it also offers a stiffer sole. By having a stiffer sole the shoe will help the climber when it comes to holding on to small holds while the climber's muscles develop. The sole also prevents the foot from being pinched in cracks or awkward holds. Again, this is a good place to start for a beginning climber.




Bouldering climbing shoes are the high end climbing shoes. These are the ones you see in climbing magazines. The design is fairly simple. The toe is asymmetrical or down-turned which lets the big toe have more power. The sole of the shoe is also thinner. Extreme climbers prefer to be able to feel the holds beneath their feet and the thinner sole allows this. It takes a lot of practice and hard work to get to the level where a shoe like this is necessary.



Gym climbing shoes are fairly to the point. Most of the all-around shoes would work. However, when climbing indoors it is important to remember to take off the shoes after climbing. By doing this, you prolong the life of the shoe by preventing unneeded wear on it.



Trad climbing shoes are the most stiff shoes of the bunch but are intended to be worn all day. These shoes are built for mutli-pitch climbing so they are assumed they will be put through a lot of wear. Some even offer a padded heel in case hiking will be done.