Your outdoor or rock-climbing experience is largely determined by two factors: your climbing ability and your choice of indoor & outdoor climbing shoes.
At Mont Adventure Equipment, we understand that the best outdoor climbing shoes are not just about the brand or the price but about finding a perfect match for your feet and climbing style.
This article will break down the key factors to consider when investing in a pair of outdoor or rock-climbing shoes.
One of the most important considerations when choosing outdoor climbing shoes is the fit. A common question we get asked is how tight should rock climbing shoes be, and the answer is pretty unique to this activity.
Climbing shoes should fit like a second skin however, they shouldn't be too tight. They need to be tight enough to provide support and precision but comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. On the contrary, if your shoes are too loose then they may slip off during toe or heel hooks.
A trick to finding the right fit, is to try on the shoes at the end of the day when your feet are slightly swollen, to mimic climbing conditions. Your toes should be slightly curled but not crunched. For beginners, a more relaxed fit is preferable, whilst a tighter fit is better for experienced climbers embarking on more advanced climbs.
Climbing shoes come in various designs for different climbing styles:
Understanding how climbing shoes are sized is essential to choosing the right fit. Climbing shoes run smaller than normal shoes and different brands can vary in their sizing.
For example, for La Sportiva climbing shoes most people tend to size down from their normal shoes. Start by trying on a few pairs in different sizes and test them by standing on your toes and checking for any pressure points or discomfort.
Another important point to note, is that climbing shoes will typically stretch over time. If you are unsure, it is better to go slightly tighter as they will often stretch with some use.
The challenge with all new sports shoes is avoiding blisters and discomfort during the wearing in process. Learning how to break in your climbing shoes is important for safety and comfort.
New outdoor climbing shoes can be particularly stiff and uncomfortable at first. To break them in, wear them around the house for short periods, gradually increasing the duration.
The soak and wear method is a break-in trick climbers sometimes use to mould leather climbing shoes more comfortably to their feet. It involves soaking the shoes in lukewarm water, putting them on while wet, and wearing them as they dry to help stretch and shape them. This method works best on unlined leather shoes (not synthetics), and while it can ease tight spots, it’s permanent meaning that you can't change once stretched.
Wearing them during easier climbs before putting them to the test on more advanced climbs is also helpful. This will help the shoes mould to the shape of your feet for a custom fit.
There are various outdoor climbing shoe styles based on how you tie up or tighten the shoes. This choice is based on preference:
• Lace-up: Offers the most customisable fit and is ideal for a variety of foot shapes.
• Velcro: Provides convenient and quick putting on and taking off.
• Slip-on: Offers a secure fit and is often preferred for crack climbing due to their low profile.
Knowing how to clean climbing shoes is very important to make sure they last for many climbs to come. After each climb, wiping the shoes with a damp cloth to remove dirt and chalk is essential. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the materials, the use of a gentle shoe clean product is ideal.
Allow your shoes to air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent the rubber from deteriorating. To keep the shoes odour-free, use anti-bacterial sprays or sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes. You can also use Boot Banana shoe deodoriser to help absorb moisture and neutralise odours. Regularly cleaning climbing shoes not only keeps your shoes in good condition but also improves their overall performance.
Choosing the right outdoor climbing shoes involves considering several factors, including fit, type, and material. At Mont Adventure Equipment, we offer a wide range of men's climbing shoes, women's climbing shoes and kid's climbing shoes, to cater to all levels of climbers. Unsure on what fit is right for you? Come down and visit our Fyshwick store. We can help match you with your perfect pair. By finding the climbing shoes for you, you can enjoy a more successful outdoor climbing experience.
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I had brought my Mont Helium 680 with me. A luxurious bag rated to -12°C for warm sleepers, it is perfectly suited to Tasmania’s cooler months. Ice crusted the ground and tent the next morning and checking my temperature sensor I was surprised to see that the temperature had dropped to -7.7°C overnight. That is remarkably cool for late October in Tassie!
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