Choosing the right size for climbing shoes poses a significant challenge when purchasing new climbing equipment. Unlike slipping into a pair of loose, worn-out sneakers, achieving an ideal fit is crucial for optimal performance in climbing shoes.

It’s highly likely that you’ve come across discussions about wearing excessively small shoes, regardless of your climbing experience. While there is some validity to this notion, unless you are engaged in high-level climbing or competition, it’s unlikely to be applicable to you.

Let me clarify: climbing shoes should be snug, especially if they are made of softer materials. However, if you experience excruciating pain while squeezing your feet into the shoes, it’s a clear indication that you have gone too far with downsizing.

In this article, I will share the techniques I employ to size climbing shoes effectively, increasing your chances of selecting the perfect shoe size every time without resorting to plagiarism.

Climbing Shoe Size Chart

For those who are new to climbing and have limited knowledge about climbing shoe sizes, I recommend beginning by determining the actual size of your foot. While using your regular shoe size as a reference is an option, measuring your foot will provide a more precise size estimation.

Keep in mind that climbing shoes are not designed to fit completely flat, and your toes should always be curled within the shoe. Therefore, the measurement is not an exact calculation but rather a starting point to guide you in finding the appropriate size.

7 Benefits of Climbing Shoes

Whether a rock climber is a novice or an experienced pro, climbing shoes are an essential piece of gear. Designed specifically for the demands of the sport, climbing shoes offer numerous benefits that significantly enhance performance and safety on the wall. We shall examine seven major benefits of wearing climbing shoes in this post, emphasizing their significance for success and enjoyment in the vertical realm.

Enhanced Grip and Traction

One of the primary benefits of climbing shoes is their exceptional grip and traction. The rubber soles of climbing shoes are specifically formulated to provide maximum contact with the rock surface, increasing friction and allowing climbers to make precise foot placements. This improved grip enhances stability, enabling climbers to tackle even the most challenging routes with confidence.

Increased Sensitivity

Climbing shoes are designed to be snug-fitting, which enhances sensitivity and allows climbers to feel the rock better, improving your climbing technique. This heightened sensitivity is crucial for maintaining balance, identifying small holds, and executing delicate footwork. By transmitting feedback from the rock to the climber’s feet, climbing shoes facilitate precise movements and enable climbers to make quick adjustments while climbing.

Optimal Support and Stability

Climbing shoes provide excellent support and stability to the feet, which is essential for tackling difficult climbing maneuvers. The tight fit and specialized construction of climbing shoes prevent the foot from sliding inside the shoe, reducing the risk of injuries and ensuring optimal control. This stability is particularly beneficial during edging, smearing, and heel hooking techniques, where precision and balance are paramount.

Improved Edging and Smearing

Edging refers to standing on the smallest edges of the rock, while smearing involves using friction on flat surfaces. Climbing shoes feature a downturned shape and a stiff sole that enables climbers to transfer more power to the edge of their shoe, allowing them to maintain balance on tiny footholds. Additionally, the sticky rubber soles excel at smearing, providing climbers with reliable friction on slab climbs where edging is not possible.

Precise Toe Hooking and Heel Hooking

Toe hooking and heel hooking techniques are commonly used in climbing to gain additional leverage and overcome challenging sections. Climbing shoes are designed with a rand—a rubberized strip—around the toe and heel areas, providing excellent grip and allowing climbers to hook onto holds securely. This feature enables climbers to utilize their feet as effective handholds and execute complex movements with confidence.

Durability and Longevity

Climbing shoes are subjected to rigorous use and abuse, making durability a crucial factor. Modern climbing shoes are constructed with robust materials that withstand the demands of climbing, including abrasive rock surfaces and repeated use. The combination of durable uppers, high-quality rubber soles, and reinforced stitching ensures that climbing shoes have a longer lifespan, providing climbers with reliable footwear for their adventures.

Customization for Individual Fit

Every climber has a unique foot shape and size. Climbing shoe manufacturers recognize this and offer a variety of models that cater to different foot types. The ability to find a climbing shoe that fits well is essential for comfort, performance, and safety. Climbing shoes often come with features like adjustable straps, lace systems, and various footbed options, allowing climbers to customize the fit according to their specific needs.

Conclusion

Climbing shoes offer a myriad of benefits that greatly enhance a climber’s performance and safety. With their superior grip, increased sensitivity, and stability, climbing shoes enable climbers to tackle challenging routes with confidence. The specialized features such as optimal support, improved edging and smearing capabilities, and the ability to execute precise hooking techniques make climbing shoes an indispensable tool in a climber’s arsenal. Moreover, their durability and customization options ensure that

Selecting The Right Climbing Shoes

Acquiring any item that relies on a personalized fit is a formidable undertaking. Mediocre-fitting jeans may merely tarnish your style, but the consequences of ill-fitting climbing shoes extend beyond mere aesthetics. To perform at your peak, it is imperative to procure footwear that not only conforms snugly to your foot but also aligns with the specific type of climbing you engage in. 

Wearing shoes of the wrong size or style will inevitably result in clumsy footwork and mounting frustration, hindering your performance. Familiar with the advantages of climbing shoes, you likely recognize their unparalleled traction and stability on various surfaces. These specialized shoes empower you to refine your climbing technique, heighten your pleasure, and bolster your confidence on the ascent.

Your Foot Shape & Size

When choosing climbing shoes, the fit is crucial. The shoes should fit properly, like a second skin, without any dead space or painful areas. Consider the width, instep volume, and toe box shape when evaluating the shoe’s shape. Proper fit enhances performance by allowing the active rands to create tension throughout the shoe, improving traction and generating uplift. 

Sensitivity, lift, and precision are directly influenced by a well-fitting shoe. It ensures accurate foot placement, power for edging, and comfort while smearing or hooking pockets. Avoid shoes that are too big or too small, as they hinder performance and sensitivity.

The climbing terrain

Even with a well-fitting shoe, it’s important to consider if it offers the features and functions suitable for your preferred climbing style and terrain. Manufacturers design shoes with specific types of climbing and terrain in mind. 

For example, the La Sportiva Miura VS and Futura may have similar fits but are designed for different types of footholds. Altering characteristics like the midsole or downturned camber can make a shoe more suitable for various terrains and rock types. Stiff shoes provide support on small footholds and are popular for longer climbs and beginners. 

Soft shoes adapt to different angles and hold, ideal for indoor climbing and friction-dependent terrain. The shoe’s chamber and asymmetry profile also affect performance on specific terrains. Consider factors such as indoor or outdoor climbing, length of climb, and type of rock when selecting the right shoe.

Your climbing style

While not the most crucial factor, the suitability of a climbing shoe should not be overlooked. Consider the fit, terrain compatibility, and your personal climbing style, as it will greatly impact the shoe’s performance.

Each climber possesses a unique style, even when attempting the same route. Some climbers opt for a meticulous and deliberate approach, relying on precise footwork and agility. For them, a stiffer shoe is ideal. Others rely on speed, power, and fluidity to navigate climbs, favoring a softer shoe that complements their dynamic movements.

Ideally, choose a climbing shoe that aligns with your natural style. Nonetheless, having a range of both soft and stiff shoes will make you a versatile climber equipped to tackle any challenge. Remember, you can never have too many pairs of climbing shoes.

Read more: KEEN Shoe Size Chart in this post

Expert Tips for Selecting Climbing Shoes

Unlocking the secrets to choosing the perfect pair of climbing shoes:

Mastering the Art of Proper Shoe Placement

Selecting the ideal climbing shoe involves more finesse than simply sliding your feet into every day sneakers. To ensure a flawless fit, take a moment to learn the intricacies of wearing climbing shoes by watching a brief, instructive video that demonstrates the correct technique.

Embrace the Power of Variety

If you’re new to the world of climbing, seize the opportunity to try on an array of different climbing shoes. Experimenting with various brands, shoe shapes, and sizes will provide invaluable insights into the specific preferences and requirements of your feet. Even if you have already decided on a particular shoe and plan to purchase it online, I strongly advise obtaining multiple pairs in different sizes. This will grant you a valuable basis for comparison and guide you toward finding the ultimate shoe that fits like a glove.

Timing Matters

Allow your feet the luxury of a late-day tryout. Throughout the day, our feet experience some swelling, sometimes resulting in an increase in full shoe size. By buying shoes in the evening, you ensure optimal accuracy in determining the perfect fit that will accompany you on your climbing adventures.

The Quest for Climbing Perfection

While many climbing shoes excel in versatility, it is essential to recognize that no single shoe can flawlessly conquer every climbing style. Despite the enticing promises of manufacturers, it is simply impractical for a shoe to possess the stiffness required for precise edging while also offering the softness necessary for seamless smearing on steep surfaces. Before making your selection, contemplate the specific types of climbing you anticipate engaging in and focus on finding a shoe meticulously tailored to excel in those specific terrains.

Find more: Vibram Shoe Size Chart in this article

FAQs

How should climbing shoes fit?

Shoes for climbing should be snug but not uncomfortably so. There shouldn’t be much room between your foot and the shoe; they should fit like a second skin.

Should I buy climbing shoes in my regular shoe size?

Climbing shoes often have a different sizing system than regular shoes. It’s recommended to refer to the specific brand’s sizing chart and try them on before purchasing.

Are climbing shoes supposed to hurt?

Climbing shoes may feel slightly uncomfortable, especially at first, but they should not cause intense pain. Painful pressure points or pinching indicate an ill-fitting shoe.

Can climbing shoes stretch over time?

Yes, climbing shoes made from leather or synthetic materials can stretch over time, usually by half a size or less. It’s important to consider this while choosing the initial size.

Should I size down for a performance fit?

Sizing down for a performance fit is common in climbing shoes. It can provide better precision and sensitivity but may sacrifice some comfort. It depends on personal preference and climbing style.

Are climbing shoe sizes the same across different brands?

No, climbing shoe sizes can vary between brands and even within different models of the same brand. Always refer to the specific brand’s sizing chart for accurate measurements.

Can I wear socks with climbing shoes?

Most climbers prefer to climb without socks as it provides a better feel and control of the rock. However, some climbers may wear thin socks for added comfort, especially in colder conditions.

How tight should my toes be in climbing shoes?

Your toes should be snugly curled inside the shoe without excessive pain or discomfort. They should not be painfully bent or painfully crammed into the front of the shoe.

Can I trust online sizing recommendations for climbing shoes?

Online sizing recommendations can be helpful, but it’s always best to try on climbing shoes in person before purchasing. Everyone’s feet are unique, and personal comfort should be prioritized.

How can I tell whether my climbing shoes are the right size?

Properly fitting climbing shoes should have minimal dead space, no excessive pain or discomfort, and allow for precise foot placements. They should provide a good balance of comfort and performance.