Climbing shoes

Climbing Shoes for Every Scenario

Clambering around rocks and exploring the wilderness is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors. Be sure to kit yourself out with the right equipment, in particular footwear, to keep your feet safe and comfortable. Whether you are a total beginner, an experienced rock climber or bouldering enthusiast, there is a pair of climbing shoes to suit you. Features to look out for when shopping for climbing shoes include the curve of the sole, the closure (lace up climbing shoes or velcro climbing shoes) and the outsole design and material - the grippier, the better!

Great Grip for Rocky Terrain

If you are on the lookout for a pair of climbing shoes for either indoor bouldering or outdoor climbing, then you've landed on the right page. Listed above are climbing shoes, rock climbing shoes and approach shoes for men, women, and children. Rock climbing shoes and Velcro climbing shoes are built to provide super grip underfoot and let your toes grip the smallest of indentations. Climbing shoes have a curved sole with a pointed toe. The curve of climbing shoes and velcro climbing shoes may come in the following forms:

• Neutral - has a very slight curve allowing your toes to remain flat - neutral climbing shoes are good for all-day comfort and suitable for beginners.
• Moderate - slightly downturned sole - moderate climbing shoes are designed for more technical climbing including slab routes and crack climbs.
• Aggressive- rock climbing shoes with a strong downturn in the sole and heel with tension - aggressive climbing shoes are ideal for indoor climbs due to their stiff shape.

Beginners should opt for Velcro climbing shoes with a neutral or moderate curve.

The thickness of the soles can also affect the performance of rock climbing shoes. Rock climbing shoes with a thick sole tend of 4 - 5.5 mm in thickness offer good support for movements like edging. Beginners should opt for rock climbing shoes or Velcro climbing shoes with a thick sole. Rock climbing shoes with a thin sole of between 3 - 4 mm offer better sensitivity and let you feel the rock more. Thin-soled rock climbing shoes are ideal for experienced climbers with good technique. Velcro climbing shoes are more popular than lace-up rock climbing shoes, as they are quick to put on. Velcro climbing shoes also have a looser fit than non-velcro climbing shoes.

Approach shoes, unlike rock climbing shoes, have a flat sole and look more like hiking shoes. Approach shoes have a hybrid design, combining hiking boots and rock climbing shoes. Approach shoes are ideal for walking over crags and areas of rocky, uneven, and even slippery terrain. Approach shoes have a sticky rubber sole. While climbing outdoors, approaches involve scaling steep pathways and rocks, often while attached to a line - for such uneven terrain, approach shoes are essential. Approach shoes provide superb grip, so you can take each step along a precarious and uneven rock. Approach shoes are not recommended for general hiking, as they have a tight fitted are especially built for scaling rocky terrain.

Climbing Footwear Brands

Scarpa is the leading brand for rock climbing shoes, Velcro climbing shoes, and approach shoes. This brand is especially popular with those who enjoy indoor bouldering. If you are shopping for a pair of indoor climbing shoes, Velcro climbing shoes, or approach shoes, Scarpa has a great range and is well worth checking out. For approach shoes, have a look at the Scarpa Mojito range while the Scarpa Comfort product range has some excellent Velcro climbing shoes. Mammut and La Sportiva are also top brands in this space and specialise in rock climbing shoes, the latter offering an excellent range of climbing slippers , Velcro climbing shoes and approach shoes. Almost all models from Scarpa are Velcro climbing shoes, and most have either a single or a double Velcro strap. For approach shoes, Adidas have a great selection, while Garmont and La Sportiva are top choices too.

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