Types Of Rock Climbing Shoes

With almost any sport, there's a certain amount of equipment you'll need to have in your possession to fully appreciate the given athletic activity. Rock climbing is no different. And if you're unfamiliar with the actual sport, you may be surprised how important the shoe you wear is not only to your enjoyment, but performance.

Function

The main reason or function for different types of rock climbing shoes is that there are different types of rock climbing. Generally, a climbing shoe will fall into one of four categories--all-around, sport/bouldering, trad and gym. The type of rock shoes you choose to wear will be dictated by the type of rock climbing you plan to embark on. Though a crucial piece of equipment for the sport, both in performance and comfort, it can be as simple as that.

Types

The all-around shoe is essentially your standard rock climbing shoe, if there is such a thing. It is fabricated in such a way to accommodate most types of climbing, and can work quite well as a novice climber's first shoe. The sport or bouldering shoe is in essence one of the best shoes in that it really allows for a climber to read the surface by allowing for greater foot sensitivity and a toe box to give additional power to this area of the foot, maximizing the edging of fairly thin holds. The trad shoe is rather closely related to the all-around shoe in that it is fashioned to be sort of multi-purpose. It's shaped in such a way for climbing variable pitches in routes as well as a stationary stance used in belaying. And gym shoes are pretty much that, built to be worn in the gym, not that you have to wear this type of shoe for an indoor climb, but if this is the only type of climbing you plan on doing, this is probably the shoe for you.

Benefits

Each of the shoes has their benefits, and they namely revolve around the type of climbing you're involved in. If you were to look at a bouldering shoe, you'll most likely note the down-turned toe. This is used to isolate the power to this big toe of each foot which is needed for this type of climbing. Usually, your professional climbers will employ this type of shoes for climbing. The all-purpose shoe has the inherent benefit of adaptability, so to speak, and is a great shoe for someone looking to learn the sport of climbing. The trad shoes are equipped for those climbers who are involved with rappelling more than bouldering. They make available the benefit of holding to your more narrow ledges and crevices.

Size

No matter what type of rock shoe you buy, the size is a fairly important factor in the fit of the shoe. Typically, you shouldn't be married to the size of shoe you wear to work or out on a run. Yes, this can be a good starting point, but not the basis for the shoe you'll end up buying. You see, the fit should be fairly snug (not tight) so you are able to feel--feel being the operative word--the terrain below your feet. So, when you decide to get a pair of rock climbing shoes, you really need to try a few on at a reputable dealer to find the right shoe for you.

Considerations

As you wear your new rock climbing shoes, you'll really begin to get a feel for how they work. That is why it is usually recommended that you rent a pair of shoes when your first start out in the sport. Not only are you saving yourself some money, especially if you find that you don't like the sport you'll also realize the kind of climbing you'd like to do, which will inevitably dictate the type of shoe you'll need.

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