Climbing Shoes - How to choose the right pair

How to choose the right pair of climbing shoes - The correct pair of shoes can bring about a lot of difference in your performance if you are venturing to climb hard routes. While selecting shoes for mountain climbing, keep in mind a few points that will make climbing a pleasant experience for you.

The regular climbing shoes or sport climbing shoes are good enough for traditional climbing. They should have a close fit, a little bit of padding, a rough rubber coating to protect your toes and a sticky and smooth rubber sole along with an extended rubber rand.

For 'bouldering', make use of flexible and down-turned shoes because this sort of climbing is associated with overhanging angles, which requires you to wear shoes that provide friction, and can survive smearing. Shoes with a pointed toe, a curved profile and a clasping heel work like magic to create a strong grip on the rock.

An important feature to look for while buying climbing shoes is the ‘last’, which is the foot-shaped plastic or wooden platform forming the base of the shoe. 'Slip-lasted' shoes are better suited for technical and difficult climbing than 'board-lasted' shoes as they provide greater sensitivity and flexibility. Board-lasted shoes are meant for easier climbing and hard edging as they deliver all-day long support and comfort.

It is preferable to have handmade rock shoes, so that they are as smooth and seamless as possible. Shoes manufactured from heat-molded rubber mold to your foot perfectly like second skin.

Your shoes should neither be very tight nor very loose. They should be extremely comfortable and well-ventilated. It is wise to try out different pairs, without wearing socks, before buying them.