Rock climbing shoes! Choosing the perfect pair of climbing shoes isn't easy. There are so many types of rock shoes to choose from – neutral to aggressive, Velcro vs. lace-ups. What's more, rock climbing shoes come soled in different types of rubber – stiff, for edging on creditcard holds; soft, perfect for smearing...
How to choose a climbing shoe ↓As with most outdoor equipment, finding a climbing shoe for yourself is about compromise. And, above all, fit.
That's why at Bogong Equipment we stock such a huge range of rock climbing shoes. We understand that all of you have different foot shapes – narrow, or low-volume; wide; knobbly... we've tried to cater for every type of foot. And, in our experience, we've been able to find an exact fit for most of our customers.
So: Where should you begin?
1. What type of climbing are you going to use this shoe for?
First, work out what type of climbing you're going to be using the shoe for. Is this your comfy trad pair, that you'll be happy to wear for 10 pitches without taking them off? Or, is this your 'send' pair: your super-aggressive, stand-on-tiny-nubbins-like-they're-ladder-rungs pair? (Filter our range using the 'Best Use' attribute on the left of this page – or if you're on a mobile phone, at the bottom of this page.)
2. Decide on features you want.
Then, determine your preferences: Do you want Velcro (easy in, easy off) or laces (fine-tune fit)? Do you want leather (moulds to your foot) or synthetic (durable) materials? (You can also filter these options).
3. Find the perfect fit.
Finally, work out which one fits your foot shape best. If you have a narrow, flat foot, it's best to try the "women's" models first. These are designed for low-volume feet. Apart from that, you'll have to work out which models suit your foot shape better. For example, the La Sportiva Miura and La Sportiva Katana perform very similiarly – but, they're designed to fit totally differently shaped feet.
If you'd like to do more research, have a look at the following articles we've written to help you choose:
Remember, if you have more questions about rock climbing shoes, at Bogong Equipment in Melbourne we're always here to help: in-store, on the phone (03 9600 0599) or via email.
Looking to buy rock climbing boots or other rock climbing gear? Bogong Equipment is Melbourne's best climbing gear store. Visit our Melbourne store or shop our extensive online selection. We employ active climbers in our store so that you can get expert fitting advice on buying rock climbing shoes.