Spider Monkey's Guide to Beginner Climbing Shoes
Starting out as a climber can be daunting, especially when it comes to navigating all the equipment options. From harnesses, carabiners, chalk bags and steel clips that look like they belong in a dentist office it can be difficult to figure out what you really need to start with. The equipment can sometimes carry a hefty price tag and choosing which gear to grab first requires a little research. I know you would rather be outside than researching the best climbing shoes, so we did some research for you and found the best climbing shoes to use if you are starting out with your rock climbing adventure!
Climbing Shoes are the Most Important Piece of your Climbing Gear
At the get go, all climbers need climbing shoes. As much as you may want to be a free spirited climbing monkey that scales walls barefeet…you need shoes. And no, those tekkies you roam free in are not going to cut it, they do not have the grip or shape needed for climbing and they will not protect your feet from the rock or holds. Climbing shoes are a very particular type of shoe for very specific reasons and they are hands down the most important piece of climbing equipment you need. So, let’s chat about climbing shoes.
BUYING THE WRONG SHOE WHEN STARTING out
If you have ever peeped inside the climbing gym shop, you will see that there are so many different climbing shoes. They come in a large variety of shapes, sizes, colors, straps, matarials and curves. The curve of a shoe is quite important. Generally, beginner shoes have a less aggressive curve compared to intermediate shoes.
Why would the shoe curve, the more advanced you become?
When you first start your journey to becoming the ultimate spider monkey, you are still figuring out how to position your feet. A beginner will usually climb with their whole foot. The more time you spend scaling those walls and tackling more advanced and complicated routes, the more you will learn how to use different parts of your feet for different holds and movements.
Advanced climbers learn how to climb with just their toes. As a beginner, you aren’t used to bending your feet and toes at drastic angles. Beginner shoes are designed to be more comfortable and guide you into climbing with the front of your feet. At a certain point, you will realize that your feet and shoes start working well together, this makes climbing a lot easier and a lot more fun!
How do I know I have the right climbing shoes?
With your first pair of shoes you do not really want any excess space in your shoe, or to try to fit into something that looks like it was designed for your big toe. When you put on your climbing shoes, you are looking for a snug fitting shoe. Your toe’s will be bending a little. Your feet can be uncomfortable at first but the discomfort shouldn’t be unbearable. These shoes are designed to help you scale the heights you’ve been dreaming of, not to go grab a drink with mates. As excited as you are about your new shoes, don’t wear them the whole day – your poor feet will resign from climbing before you even reach the top.
Still unsure? Rent before you buy!
Yes! You can rent climbing shoes to figure out what works before you buy a pair.
How do I know when it is the right time to invest in my first pair of legendary shoes? Rent a pair of shoes first and go climbing a number of times and see if rock climbing is really for you. Lucky most climbing gyms have climbing shoes which they rent out and they generally come with great advice and guidance.
Once you are stuck to the wall and there is no getting you out of the gym, then it is probably a good time to invest in climbing shoes. You can pop into your nearest climbing gym and they normally have a great variety of climbing shoes to choose from.
If you are ready to start shopping and can’t wait for your next gym visit, then use some of these useful links we’ve found for you.
If you have found this helpful and would like to know more about other climbing equipment, take a look at our blogs about chalk and eco-friendly chalk bags! Until next time, hang in there and keep sending us routes.
