Beginner or expert, you want to select the best climbing shoe for your climbing objectives. After all, success in climbing depends, to a large extent, on rock climbing shoes. These rock climbing shoes come in various types, brands, sizes, materials, and other criteria. You might get confused as you start looking for the most appropriate climbing shoes. We have come with effective suggestions to help you select the best climbing shoe for you.
The following factors should be considered when it comes to the selection of the best climbing shoes.
How To Pick Climbing Shoes For Your Foot
Types
There are three types of rock climbing shoes.
Neutral
People pick this type for its all-day comfort specialty. Beginners can certainly choose this as they seek for comfort first but it may not be suitable for overhanging routes.
Moderate
Moderate shoes are appropriate for technical climbing as they have a downturned shape. These are good for slab routes, crack climbs; long multi-pitch climbs and also for overhung routes. But, it may not be so comfortable as the neutral shoe.
Aggressive
Aggressive shoes are often preferred by experts as they challenge overhanging climbs. The downturned toes enable you to hold your feet firmly. It has an asymmetric shape for precise placement of your big toe. The shoe is suitable for single-pitch sports climbs, gym, etc. But, you may face a problem with its uncomfortable fit and thin sole.
Material
Materials are one of the most crucial factors. Rock climbing shoes are made of two essential materials:
Leather
Leather shoes are good for feet that sweat a lot. It has a breathable quality and keeps your feet dry for better performance. These shoes are stretchable so make sure to get it in the most appropriate size. Leather rock climbing shoes can be maintained simply as well.
Synthetic
Synthetic shoes provide you a good fit and do not stretch like leather ones. But, it is not breathable that results in sweaty, hot and stinky feet. It is hard to maintain these shoes also.
Lined
Lined shoes are quite breathable but not like the leather shoes. It will provide you an even fit and do not stretch compared to leather rock climbing shoes.
Fit
Fit shoes contribute to an easy and satisfactory rock climbing. You should select the best climbing shoe considering the fit. Try to shop directly from the stores than online to get the proper fit. Shoes that are extremely tight can cause blisters and calluses, while loose shoe would not give you adequate grip. So, you should choose the shoe that fits well. Make sure that toes are either flat or comfortably curved; toe knuckles are secured, heels have snug fit and shoe bends rightly. Do not hesitate to try a lot of shoes.
Closure type
The closure system of the shoe matters. These shoes have either lace up or Velcro closure type. While the lace ups are most comfortable and provide a good fit, Velcro closures are soft, provides you ease and stretches out quickly. Velcro closures are a slipper-style shoe and not used for aggressive climbing.
As we have mentioned different factors that you can consider to select the best climbing shoe, we hope now you would not have any issue in choosing the right one for you. So, what are you waiting for? Pick the best shoe and enjoy your climbing!
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