Need Help Choosing Beginner Climbing Shoes?
Beginner Climbing Shoes Buyers Guide
Are you looking for the best beginner climbing shoes? Climbing can be an enthralling activity, as long as you have the right equipment. Climbing shoes play a vital role in the activity, and you need to get the right pick. If you’re new to the sport, you will find countless climbing shoes, which can get confusing.
Many people will suggest that you should get an ‘aggressive’ build and the softest shoes right off the bat. What does that even mean? There are many unknown terminologies you will come across. That’s not it! You might even be pushed to make a quick decision to buy climbing shoes.
Don’t you worry! This guide aims to bring you complete guidelines on how to choose the best climbing shoes for beginners. More importantly, you will get some valuable information to help you as you gain more experience in the climbing industry.
Factors to consider when buying beginner climbing shoes
These factors aim to inform you as a beginner. Additionally, you will learn about various considerations you can make as you learn more about the shoes. Overall, this will help you become a well-versed professional in the long run. In simple words, you won’t just learn how to choose the right beginner climbing shoes but to choose the right climbing shoes for years to come.
If you don’t want to get into the depth of the information and seek a more straightforward approach, you can skip to the last. In the end, you will find a quick buyer’s guide that will help you make a good choice as a beginner climber. However, it is highly advised for you to read the complete article to prepare you for future selection.
Build of the shoe
The first consideration would understand the build of the shoe. You may also call it the ‘type of shoes.’ If you learn about this, you will learn about choosing most of the shoes according to the activities.
The build of the shoe often takes the ‘downturn’ of the shoe into consideration. It is how much curved or bent the shoe is downwards. The more it is, the more engaged your feet are in it. Similarly, the build of your shoes will determine a lot of aspects. Let’s take a quick look:
Aggressive shoes
As a beginner, you should perhaps ignore this build as it can get highly uncomfortable for you. Aggressive shoes are tightly packed and have a curved (opposite) downturn that would help you pack more tension and power in performance. However, it could be highly exhausting and even unbearable for you.
You might want to get used to these kinds of climbing shoes slowly. For that purpose, it’s better to choose moderate or flat shoes.
Moderate build
If you don’t mind a little discomfort and seek a sense of doing something new, the moderate build could be the key to that. Moderate-build beginner climbing shoes are slightly curved downwards to ensure you don’t get uncomfortable. If you plan on getting into aggressive shoes eventually, this is a good stepping stone.
As you practice more with moderate building, your feet become more inclined to work with aggressive shoes. It is also a versatile shoe that is suitable for a wide range of climbing activities. As a beginner, you’re most likely trying to find which climbing style suits you. Hence, the moderate build can make a cost-effective addition to your collection.
Flat shoes
If you want to play it safe and there’s no need for you to rush into different climbing styles, flat would be a great choice. It is something you should use if you’re still deciding whether climbing is the kind of sport, you’re into. Flat shoes come with a stiffer sole that supports your feet. It is an excellent addition to many climbing activities, especially gym or rock climbing.
Many experienced climbers prefer a flat shoe due to it’s added protection and comfort. As a beginner, you might spend a lot of time practicing climbing. That’s where flat shoes would be better. Once you’re sure you want to do rock climbing, you can move to moderate shoes.
Looking at the sole
The second consideration on the list would be regarding the sole of your shoes. You have to consider the life of your shoes carefully and the performance they grant you. Like any other shoe, the sole plays a vital role in enhancing the performance and comfort of climbing shoes.
The soles are available in rubber, and the stiffness or thickness of that rubber would determine the overall results.
Stiffness
As a beginner, you might not be ready to invest too much in the shoes. You’re not performance-oriented either. Therefore, a stiff sole would be better. The rigidity will provide a proper cushion for your feet. It doesn’t have as firm of a grip as the softer sole, but you don’t need that as you are most likely not going to get into dangerous climbing trails.
A tight sole means it won’t wear out faster. Thus, you won’t have to invest in new shoes or soles consistently. It will save you many bucks, especially since many climbers get discouraged by the expenses buying new soles can bring. A still sole also brings a feeling like you have a platform below your feet as it supports them and helps you in the climbing endeavor.
Thickness
Thinner the sole, the more feedback you can receive from the base. However, it can get equally uncomfortable. If you wear a thin sole, it would be like wearing a show made out of cloth, which brings you better feedback to test the climbing.
This aspect will depend on your preference. If you choose a thicker sole, it will reduce this feedback and last longer than a thinner sole. You will get that support of the platform and, most likely, the ‘cushion,’ which might be required if you fall or jump around. The thickness of the sole is the primary defence for your feet against any obstacle.
In simple words, a thicker sole means it will be bouncier, while a thinner sole would mean you will get better feedback.
Closure type
The closure of your shoes might seem like a minor consideration, but it can make a lot of impact on your comfort and overall application of the shoes. Here’s a quick overview to help you determine how it matters:
Laces
A lace-type closure is better overall as it will wrap around your foot and provide a snug fit. Due to its adjustments, you get an excellent fitting option for your climbing shoes. More importantly, you can adjust it according to the type of climbing or your comfort level. You can loosen it up a bit or bring yourself a tightly packed shoe that won’t flinch.
The drawback of laces for beginners is that it will take you some time to find the proper fitting. More importantly, you might face some problems if the laces come undone while climbing. That would lead you to have problems mid-climb as you might not know how to redo them quickly to continue on the path.
Straps
Straps are perhaps the most comfortable for beginners. These come with Velcro, and all you need to do is pull them to tighten them and begin climbing. However, you compromise the ‘fitting’ aspect as it comes down to how tight the shoe will be. Due to the Velcro’s rigidity, the more you have, the less flexible the shoe and foot movement will be.
It is better for the gym and another type of climbing as it requires a straightforward approach. Alternatively, if you’re unsure about laces, this could be a good choice. But you can’t expect it to last in a natural climbing trail because that would be full of obstacles. If your Velcro gets stuck in any edge or the rock, and if it gets undone, it will most likely come off.
Slip-Ons
These are the most convenient options for you to put on quickly. You can use them in the climbing trails that are available in the gyms and other similar areas. Slip-on offers a specific fit and are generally available in synthetic material shoes. A slip-on shoe can bring you a snug fit, but many people find them uncomfortable with the lack of straps or laces to close them. If you have no problem with that, these can be the right choice.
Overall, it is a better idea to go with laces, whether you want beginner climbing shoes or intermediate level.
Material consideration
The above-given aspects will help you get a shoe according to your preference, performance, comfort, and style. However, the material remains a compelling consideration if you want something that can last longer and bring you a high value for money. There are two types of material and their blend available in the market for climbing shoes. Here’s a quick overview to help you:
Leather
The leather climbing shoes bring you the utmost comfort and breathability. They offer great fitting and even have heavy-duty performance. If you choose them, you don’t have to worry about damaging them too much, as it’s like wearing soft armor for your feet.
However, the primary drawback of leather is its stretchability. It can grow loose and even tear out over time. Leather shoes are most prone to losing their ideal shape and require diligent care. Similarly, you would have to polish them, condition them, even wax them from time to time for long-lasting performance.
Some vegan-friendly users don’t admire leather, either. They shift towards synthetic options. Another drawback is that you have to ensure that you won’t end up with a bigger size when buying leather climbing shoes. A general rule of thumb is to buy a size smaller than your feet as the leather will stretch.
Therefore, a couple of days at the start will be highly uncomfortable for your feet as the leather will stretch and snug to fit your feet.
Synthetic
Synthetic shoes are long-lasting and don’t require extensive care. You can wash them quickly, and the fitting you choose will strictly remain as it is. In other words, you don’t have to choose a smaller or bigger size. However, the quality of synthetic material may vary, and you might even find some low-grade or uncomfortable option, so you have to be careful when finding your synthetic beginner climbing shoes.
The worst adversity for synthetic shoes is generally UV-rays and the damage from the rocks. Any edgy rock or obstacle can damage the synthetic shoes easily. If you want more substantial variations, they will compromise the breathability.
Many vegan-friendly users prefer synthetic, while eco-friendly individuals might have a clash to choose from. It will come down to your preference, in the end, and the ethics you conform with.
Blends
To bring you the strength and resilience of leather and size retention with the longevity of synthetic, many manufacturers blend the two materials. You will receive the best of both worlds without drawbacks of either. But of course, it comes with a little disadvantage. Blends often cost way more than synthetic or leather shoes.
As a beginner, you might not want to buy them unless you’re very sure that you want to indulge in climbing for a long time.
Other factors to consider
Here are some points you might want to consider as something additional while choosing beginner climbing shoes.
Broad-lasted vs. stiff-lasted
The ‘last’ of the climbing shoes have a lot to do with the insoles and comfort. Board-lasted climbing shoes are more comfortable as they have an insole to ensure better fitting and cushioning. If you choose a stiff-lasted sole, you will get a shoe that relies on midsole for comfort. As a result, you get better feedback and performance-oriented shoe.
However, as a beginner, you might want to stick to broad-lasted. Getting too many uncomfortable additions might cause too much problem and build stress in your feet, for starters. Once you get used to other extreme factors, you can choose a different last build.
Asymmetry of the shoe
Like the downwards curve of the shoes, there’s also a horizontal curve. In this aspect, your toes, especially the balls and heels, become more engaged with the shoe to help you climb better. It already sounds uncomfortable to have too ‘aggressive’ of asymmetry. Hence, as a beginner, you should get soft asymmetry or not consider it at all.
The information is provided to ensure that while you choose a rock-climbing shoe, you don’t mess up with a different type of asymmetry and find it uncomfortable.
Stiffness of the shoes
While considering the material and build, don’t forget the stiffness of the shoes. Climbing shoes, in general, should be soft. Softer they are, the more comfortable it will be. Rigid shoes are better for the gym and other intense sports.
You might not want to rely on feedback in the beginning, but still, you’d have to learn it eventually. Getting a soft shoe would enable you to know that without compromising anything else. Like the sole of the shoe, if you choose a stiff shoe, it will break or tear faster by not sustaining the bends and breaks or abrupt movements.
Quick buyers guide
If you don’t want to acquire all of the information given above, you might want to consider this quick buyer’s guide. It also works as a summary of everything you’ve learned in the guide.
The downturn
As a beginner, you’re looking for a moderate to a flat downturn for added comfort and convenience. Once you start getting a hold of climbing, you can start getting more intense or aggressive downturns that will make you get more ‘performance’ benefits.
Prioritize sole
The stiffness of the sole will determine its grip on the trail. Softer soles generally have a better grip, while stiff soles would provide more protection and cushion for the feet. The thickness of the sole also determines the feedback and flexibility you will get. Thick soles would dampen feedback but increase the ‘bounce’ while thinner soles are better for feedback and a flexible shoe to fit anywhere.
It’s better to get a stiffer sole with a little thickness, but not too much as a beginner.
Fitting of the shoe
You need a perfect fit that would snug around your feet but shouldn’t choke or restrain your vessels. It should be tight with no internal space for movement. Fitting your shoe is paramount to ensure lasting performance. The material would depend on your preference.
Synthetic could be better.
As a beginner, you might want to stick to synthetic as these shoes can be cheaper, more comfortable to maintain, and long-lasting. Over time, if you find leather more comfortable and appealing, you can buy it. Overall, synthetic is better as you can get the exact shape and size without any possibility of ruining the form.
Laces are the best
For closure, you can never go wrong with laces. It is a versatile choice for every kind of climbing shoe, not just beginner climbing shoes. Therefore, laces should always be your priority.
Consider the purpose
Don’t forget to consider the type of climbing you’re going to do. If you’re doing gym climbing, you might want shoes that are easy to change and slip into. For trad climbing, you need more grip and flexibility. Rock climbing would require you to have an aggressive downturn with a flexible build and so on.
If you want a versatile choice, a moderate shoe with better flexibility is always a worthy addition to the collection.
FAQs: Best Beginner Climbing Shoes
Q: How to pick the right size?
A: For rock climbing, you need a snug and tight-fitting without any space. The shoes should feel like they are an additional layer of skin and a part of your body. To choose the right size, noon is the best time as your feet are the biggest during noon. If you are choosing leather shoes, always choose one size smaller because the leather will strengthen. For synthetic, you can get an exact fit.
Q: Is there any way to save money on the soles?
A: Resoling is an option available for many climbers across the world. However, it’s still quick, uncommon and not easy to find. Resoling allows a professional to provide you with new and better soles. It enables you to save a lot of money as you don’t have to buy new shoes.
All the consideration you would have to make would base around the sole. As a result, you can ‘customize’ your shoes for better performance and ‘personalization.’ But that will come with the experience.
Q: Can you use rock climbing shoes for other activities?
A: No. When choosing beginner climbing shoes, you have to forget about using them for any other activity. Climbing shoes should be for a singular purpose, exclusively. It’s not wise to go with a mindset of getting climbing shoes to work for other sports or activities. You need to consider the type of climbing and its requirements when picking rock climbing shoes.
Q: How to clean the rock climbing shoes?
A: It would depend on the material as synthetic allows you to even machine wash them. Meanwhile, leather shoes might require polishing and such. You might have to use a shoe sanitizer or some similar solution to get rid of the stink.
Q: Is feedback essential for rock climbing?
A: Feedback allows you to touch and feel the terrain by using your feet and hands. It is an integral part of rock climbing as it ensures that you’re indeed going on a stable platform. For the trails that are hard for you to ‘watch’ it becomes a vital skill. However, as a beginner, you can neglect it because you won’t get to these problematic trails much.
Conclusion
There you have it! Everything you need to know before buying beginner climbing shoes! Remember to consider your purpose of style. It’s better to go with a versatile choice if you’re still exploring. Getting a cost-effective option under your budget should be a primary objective as you wouldn’t want to invest too much.
As long as you keep these tips in mind and the information, you can make the best choices, not just as a beginner but also as a veteran climber. With that, have a safe climbing adventure wherever you go!