Tips for Buying Climbing Shoes
Interested in climbing? Want your feet to stick to the rock like racing tires grip the track?
You’ll need climbing shoes (sometimes called climbing boots), and buying your first pair can be tricky.
What size should you choose? Where should you buy them? How can you get the best deal?
Whatever your plan, we recommend not rushing into buying your first pair.
Climbing shoes are a key part of your gear—they genuinely impact your performance and enjoyment. Putting in extra effort to choose the right pair is well worth it.
We hope our top 10 tips will set you on the right path.
1. Try Before You Buy.
This is essential if you’ve never worn or bought climbing shoes before.
You might snag a bargain on eBay, but if the shoes don’t fit, it won’t feel like a bargain!
If you’re new to climbing and unsure if it’s for you, most indoor climbing walls rent shoes. This means minimal upfront investment.
Rental shoes typically have thick rubber and are durable (from heavy use!), but they’re neither precise nor comfortable. Don’t let a painful, smelly rental pair discourage you!
2. Buy from a Knowledgeable Store.
Not only should you try shoes on before buying, but do so at a specialized retailer with a wide selection.
A good climbing shop will measure your feet, recommend suitable models, and help you find the right size.
3. Don‘t Downsize Too Much!
Elite climbers sometimes cram their feet into painfully small shoes to stand on micro-holds. You don’t need shoes so tight you can’t breathe!
For your first pair, prioritize comfort. If you’re uncomfortable, you won’t enjoy climbing. Painful feet also make standing on small holds harder.
Pro Tip: Beware of overzealous shop assistants who push ultra-tight shoes—not everyone needs to be a climbing star. Comfort is key.
4. One Shoe for Everything?
Climbing shoes now come in many designs: comfy, high-performance, stiff, soft, aggressive, etc. For your first pair, choose an all-around shoe—one you can wear for long sessions at the crag or gym. You don’t need a shoe that lets you hang by your toes like Batman!
If you progress to needing specialized shoes for specific routes, you’ll likely have tried enough brands to know what works.
Shoes come with laces, Velcro straps, or as slip-ons. Laces offer the most adjustability; Velcro is quicker to put on/take off. Slip-ons are simplest. But above all, fit matters most. If the shoe fits, the closure system will work.
5. Some Shoes Do Stretch.
Remember: climbing shoes may stretch slightly over time—usually no more than half a size.
Ask the shop how much each model stretches and adjust your choice accordingly.
Lined shoes stretch less than unlined ones.
6. Sizing Can Be Weird.
A size 7 in one brand may not match a size 7 in another.
Sizing varies wildly between brands and models—sometimes by multiple sizes. Always try them on! They often bear no relation to your street shoe size.
Some brands align with standard street sizes; others use a “this is how tight a size 7 should feel” approach.
7. Your Feet Are Unique—Find Shoes That Match.
What fits your best friend might not fit you. Different foot shapes suit different shoes, so shop around.
8. How to Check the Fit?
Aim for a snug, even fit—no loose spots or gaps.
Don’t tighten laces/Velcro to the max initially—leave room for adjustment if the shoe stretches.
If you have narrow feet, try “low-volume” models. Narrow-footed men often fit women’s shoes, which are typically lower-volume.
Check ankle comfort: some shoes cut too high and dig into the ankle bone.
Ensure the heel cup is secure but not crushing your Achilles tendon.
9. Advanced Tips.
For experienced climbers or those seeking specific advice:
Toe Profile:
Many advanced climbers size shoes so toes curl at the joints. This “crimped” position boosts power but takes getting used to.
(Note: Beginners don‘t need this! Many prioritize comfort over performance and prefer a flatter toe.)
Stiff or Soft?
Both have merits.
- Stiff shoes: Supportive on small “edging” holds.
- Soft shoes: Flexible for “smearing” on sloped holds.
Some dislike the lack of sensitivity in stiff shoes; others find soft shoes fatiguing. Most advanced climbers own at least one pair of each.
