Climbing shoes are meant to fit closely, so they feel strange the first time you put them on. A good fit helps you stand on small holds; a pair that hurts makes you want to stop climbing. These points help when you hire or buy your first pair.
What a good fit feels like
- Your toes touch the end of the shoe and are flat or only slightly bent.
- There is no empty space at the heel when you stand on your toes.
- The shoe feels snug but does not hurt after a few minutes of standing.
Hire before you buy
Hiring shoes for your first visits shows you which size and fastening you like. Beginner shoes are flat and comfortable; very curved shoes are made for steep walls and can wait. Try shoes on in the afternoon, when your feet are a little bigger, and walk around in them before you decide.
Ask the staff at the front desk: they fit shoes every day and can tell you whether a pair is too tight or too loose.