Guide to Climbing Shoes | Louis Parkinson

Choosing the right pair of climbing shoes can make a huge difference to how we climb, and there's a lot of shoes out there! In this video Louis breaks down the different styles of shoes, their features & what they're good for, to help you figure out which shoes are right for you!

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[richardbradley]

All the climbing shoes I have ever owned have been better at climbing than I am. Sad but true.

[clairebivore]

I would also add - for absolute beginners, it's best to go with a comfortable pair of shoes - most foot holds you'll be using on easy climbs are fairly big anyway! Better to be comfortable at first, then size down as your feet get more used to climbing and wearing climbing shoes.

[nathanhoette]

This is actually a very well done basic guide, covering the most simple things in a very easy to understand and quick way. Not very deep in detail, and mono brand, but I would say the advice is quite sound and on point for people looking to buy their first shoes . Nice job!

[TheBigMew]

Honestly that comment about how comfortable or uncomfortable the right shoe is supposed to be was really helpful. Thank youn!! 😁

[BatLB]

I would have liked a little more info about split to full sole shoes, as I think many people dont realize the huge difference that can make on the wall. You mentioned flexible and stiff, but that mostly comes from the split/full sole and as someone who only had full sole so far and tried split soles once, I can say that especially harder climbs where you have to use your feet as hand replacements (toehooks, heelhooks) the split soles just SHINE.

I think if you are really climbing often and are 1+ years in, get at least 1 split sole and 1 full sole shoe for different climbs.

[ashleyphotog]

I'd like to add, as a shoe/boot/climbing shoe fitter, the materials the shoe is made of make a big difference in the fit, feel, and performace of the shoe too. For example the newer knit style shoes, like the zenit shown, are really nice and breathable, but are incredibly unforgiving in the way they fit as they don't stretch and mold to the foot as easily and can produce more painful pressure points than either a real or synthetic suade.

[BingusFodder]

My first pair of climbing shoes were probably too big. After they broke in there was a gap from the front of the shoe to my toes. But still I managed to get up to a v7 in them. And I felt secure on the wall even doing slabs with small footholds. Comfort is far more important when your new to climbing, than any gains you may get in foot security from tight shoes. Another great thing about comfortable shoes; you can focus more easily on good technique, instead of powering through a painful climb.

That is to say, I agree with this video.

[meinblubber]

Things I also found out to be helpful and rather important to me:
-sturdy velcro straps (some climbing shoes come with laughable flimsy straps, like the orange/white one in the middle here and friends of mine have ripped those)
-sturdy put-on-loop construction (some shoes may actually rip when pulling too hard on their loops/when they get older)
-easy to re-sole construction (well constructed climbing shoes can easily be re-soled 2-3 times to save money and brake in time for new shoes)
-full rubber heel (makes hooking more secure, needs to fit more exact tho)

[benivan]

Love the idea behind these videos, and also love the presentation! There is definitely a need for this in the community.
Thank you!

[RimshotKiller]

I love that you prefaced the video by saying that any climb is possible in any shoe. I've seen beginners ponder and philosophize about *the perfect shoe* to climb, to start with, for style x and whatnot. Seriously, buy a pair that fits you well and feels comfortable and work on your technique and strength, buying 3 different pairs of shoes for your first year of climbing your indoor walls should really not be a priority...

[dirkh]

Thanks for this. Covered the basics. Looking forward to your vid beyond the basics of these shoes. Would be perfect if you could show in the Gym where you would recommend specific shoes and how one may compensate the downsides of certain models with good technique. Possible?

[Mike_Outdoors]

just seen this and it all makes sense... I have been climbing for over 20 years now and only just understanding the benefits of the right shoe for the right climb....

[CityKanin]

For me the lace shoes are the only possible solution! My feet are such a unique shape.

I am also an ex-dancer, so i can wear my aggressive, 2 sizes smaller lace shoes for four hours easily. So no fuss about taking them off and putting them on again :D

[mildmanneredjanitor]

I went to the local shop and they only had one pair of shoes in my size :( I actually really like them, so it worked out okay :)

[Jagknorr]

My first upgrade shoes (from beginners) were so tight i developed some pretty bad foot pain…just all the time. Like not even just in climbing shoes! But my climbing performance totally went up! But then i bought more specific bouldering shoes and went even tighter! Aaand my performance went mostly down…pain unbearable! So i got the same pair of shoes a half size up. Performance increase! But foot pain galore, still. SO, I got some mad rock drones now where my toes only sliiiightly curl aaaand my performance (and trust!!) in the shoes has gone through the roof.

Really wish i would not have gone so aggressive so quickly as i feel it hurt my technique (and feet) for such a long time.

[corvo]

Very solid guide! I went straight into a pair of Solutions as my first ever shoe and although they are not the most comfortable pair you can get, they felt absolutely incredible on my feet and gave me a sense of security that I didn't experience in other more "beginner" friendly pairs. I'd say that, besides comfort, ensuring a snug and even fit is the most important thing. If your wallet allows and the fit feels nice, don't be afraid to go for an advanced pair of shoes right out of the gate!

[paulmcintyre]

You uploaded this like 12 hours after I bought my pair of skwamas, I was dying for a video like this!!

[trnge]

Saying the Skwamas are harder to smear in blew me away.
They're easily one of the softer shoes on the market.

[creylo]

Covers alot of usefull information in a short video! Super well done.

[LittleMur]

This is such a great video. No bias, no fluff, just straight up quality insight. Thanks!