How to Choose the Best Mountain Climbing Shoes
February 8, 2021The one thing that all mountain climbers would agree on is that shoes are the most important mountain climbing gear. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming and difficult to select the right one for you, especially if you are a beginner.
In this article, we have provided a guide that will help you choose the best mountain climbing shoes:
1. Type of Climbing
The first step is to determine what type of climbing you like the most. Do you prefer trad, bouldering, alpine climbing, or sport climbing? For each of these, there are different sets of equipment used. You will also need different properties in your shoes for these. For example, boulderers and sport climbers wear tighter shows that can be pulled off quickly between climbs. Alpine and Trad climbers, on the other hand, need shoes that can be worn all day. If you are going climbing for the first time, it is best to get an all-around shoe that is comfortable and snug.
2. Morphology of Your Feet
Knowing about your foot’s morphology will ensure that your climbing shoe fits you perfectly. There are two categories of feet:
- Narrow – These are tapered feet with a less pronounced plantar arch and a fairly horizontal metatarsal bone. Your feet will have a pointed shape with a toe dropping from the big toe.
- Wide – Such feet have a fairly vertical metatarsal bone with accentuated plantar arch and short and square
To ensure optimised performance and stronger grip, it is recommended that you buy climbing shoes that are two sizes smaller than what you normally wear. You also have to consider that the size choice will depend on how rigid the sole is and what type of climbing you are going for. So, if you are choosing a not too small fit, you need shoes that have a rigid sole that can guarantee optimal support. If you are going for a snug and smaller fitting size, you need to select shoes that have a softer sole so that you have adequate foot stiffness.
You have to combine these variables to find the perfect compromise between comfort and sensitivity. It is important to remember that the right shoe will wrap the foot completely without leaving the toes extended or having any empty spaces. Buying the shoes is the first and the most important part of planning to reach the summit. At MyClimbingGear, we have tons of options that will ensure that you have a comfortable and efficient climbing experience.
