I found a great resource on youtube! He explains all the different types of climbing shoes really well and he also gives you some suggestions as to what sort of shoes you can get at whatever level it is that you are.
This is a summary essentially:
Beginner shoes: Flat, sturdy, low asymmetry
Intermediate shoes: Increased asymmetry, slight arch
Expert shoes: High asymmetry, pronounced arch and downturn
This is a summary essentially:
Beginner shoes: Flat, sturdy, low asymmetry
Intermediate shoes: Increased asymmetry, slight arch
Expert shoes: High asymmetry, pronounced arch and downturn
What is asymmetry?
In more aggressive shoes, the degree of asymmetry is higher, basically it's the shape of the shoe and the way it slants towards your big toe. It helps to direct all the power to the big toe so that you hit the feet with more precision and power!
High asymmetry is uncomfortable and you probably don't want to start yourself off that right off from the bat!
High asymmetry is uncomfortable and you probably don't want to start yourself off that right off from the bat!
What is the deal with lined and unlined shoes?
Lined shoes don't stretch as much as unlined shoes! So if it's unlined, it'll really stretch out after a long period of wearing them and climbing. Lined shoes will not stretch as much and will essentially keep the same size after long periods of wearing. They'll be more comfortable after you break them in of course and they'll stretch a little but not as much.
Special note: Leather shoes tend to stretch more! You'll also want to pay attention to the tech specs of the shoes you're buying. La sportiva has a material sewn into their higher end shoes known as Lorica that basically prevents stretching. Other things like P3 helps to maintain the shape of the downturn over long periods of time. This is important for an aggressive shoe.
Special note: Leather shoes tend to stretch more! You'll also want to pay attention to the tech specs of the shoes you're buying. La sportiva has a material sewn into their higher end shoes known as Lorica that basically prevents stretching. Other things like P3 helps to maintain the shape of the downturn over long periods of time. This is important for an aggressive shoe.
Velcro, Lace, Moccasins?
They are basically different ways for you to tighten your shoe. Lace shoes offer greater versatility in controlling how tight or how loose you want your shoe to be. Velcro is easy for on and off wearing. Moccasins are softer, more bendable and they need to be sized really tight because they stretch after a while. They also lack the function of letting you tighten it or loosen it because there is no lace or velcro on it.
Who has the best rubber?
After reading extensively on forums and reviews it seems that the majority of the climbing community is a huge fan of stealth rubber from 5.10 and the vibram rubber from La sportiva. They are known to be extra hardy, durable, sticky and conforms to whatever tiny foot chip you are aiming for feet at!
Stinky shoes? The solution!
We all know how our shoes start to smell after a while... and we always wonder about how we could possibly get rid of that smell. Well... at least I do.
Found a great resource on youtube and he shows you how he washes his shoes in the washer!
Important note: Do not place your shoes in the dryer! Also, do not wash leather shoes! They will dry up and crack. It reduces the lifespan of your shoe. Also, if you wear them when they are wet, they'll expand and get bigger. So that's another way of stretching out your shoes if you want them to be stretch. But if you don't, keep those leather shoes dry.
Found a great resource on youtube and he shows you how he washes his shoes in the washer!
Important note: Do not place your shoes in the dryer! Also, do not wash leather shoes! They will dry up and crack. It reduces the lifespan of your shoe. Also, if you wear them when they are wet, they'll expand and get bigger. So that's another way of stretching out your shoes if you want them to be stretch. But if you don't, keep those leather shoes dry.