When you go climbing, it is essential that you choose the correct equipment. Climbing can be dangerous, and so you need to make sure you have equipment that is going to keep you safe at all time. As well as choosing the right ropes, slings and other climbing equipment, you also need to ensure you have appropriate climbing shoes.
The reason you need specialist climbing shoes is because they have more friction than regular trainers, as the soles are made from vulcanised rubber, so when you are clinging to small holds on a cliff face there is less chance of your feet from slipping.
It is important that climbing shoes have a reasonably tight fit, although you don’t want them to be so tight it hurts to walk and you dread putting them on. Some shoes will bunch your toes up at the ends. This is to increase the strength of your toes when under pressure and a feature of shoes that are asymmetrical. They are usually used by more advanced climbers for more technical climbing, so beginners may want a symmetrical shoe instead.
Sole flexibility is also an issue that needs consideration. Climbing shoes can be ‘board-lasted’, in which the ‘last’ (which determines the fit) is put on top of a stiff insole and the rest of the boot is built around it. This results in a much stiffer sole, which may be preferable for novice climbers. The alternative is a ‘slip-lasted’ shoe where the upper is built separately and slipped over the last. This results in a more flexible sole, which is better for more technical climbing.
There are other considerations that need to be taken into account, such as whether to go for laces or Velcro, and the choice of climbing shoes can be overwhelming. However, once choice that you may not have thought about is Vibram Five Fingers. Vibram toe shoes are usually associated with running but can also be used for climbing. Whilst they may not be a good choice for the more technical climbers, they do offer a suitable alternative as an all-round shoe should the wear also want to partake in other activities such as walking or kayaking.
