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Guide
Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes transfer foot pressure onto holds and friction surfaces. Choose last shape and sole stiffness for your climbing style rather than automatically sizing down.
Key points
- DAV recommends a straight sole and comfortable fit for starting out.
- Balance soft rubber for smearing against support on small edges.
- Match heel and toe volume to your foot shape.
- Children need comfortable shoes without painful tightness.
Which option suits your use?
| Use | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor beginnings | ChooseLow tension | WhyDAV says a straight-soled hook-and-loop shoe with a reasonably comfortable fit is enough to start. |
| Small edges | ChooseSupportive sole | WhyCompare sole support and toe shape. The shoe should guide the toes rather than simply squeeze them. |
| Bouldering | ChooseWell-fitting heel and toe patch | WhyFor hooks, heel and upper should fit without large empty spaces. |
| Children | ChooseComfortable and adjustable | WhyDAV warns that overly tight children’s shoes can harm developing foot bones. |
Types compared
Beginner shoe
A relatively straight last keeps the toes less curled. It suits beginners and longer sessions of moderate difficulty.
- Advantage: Less strain from sharply raised toe positions
- Drawback: Less aggressive pulling on steep overhangs
Edge-focused shoe
A supportive sole construction stabilises the forefoot. It suits climbers who often stand on small edges.
- Advantage: Forefoot support reduces effort on edges
- Drawback: Less flexibility on broad friction surfaces
Soft bouldering shoe
A pliable sole and rubber around the toes allow flexible foot positions. It suits boulderers using friction and hooks.
- Advantage: More feedback when loading footholds
- Drawback: Tiny edges demand more of your own foot strength
What to look for when buying
| Question | In brief | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Which foot shape? | In briefCompare last and volume | WhyA smaller size cannot replace a better-fitting heel or toe box. |
| How long on the foot? | In briefComfort for long routes | WhyOn multi-pitch routes pressure and pain are especially distracting; DAV stresses comfort here. |
| Which fastening? | In briefConsider how often you change | WhyHook-and-loop opens quickly; laces allow finer adjustment along the instep. |
| Which rubber? | In briefFriction and support | WhySoft constructions conform to surfaces; firmer soles can provide more support on small edges. |
Frequently asked questions
How do I check the fit?
Try both shoes and carefully load your toes on an edge. The heel should not lift. Sizing down from street shoes is not a reliable general rule; lasts and volume differ.
How thick is climbing-shoe rubber?
La Sportiva lists a 4 mm FriXion Black sole for the Tarantula Woman. Sole thickness alone tells you nothing about fit.
Can I rely on my usual size?
Use the chart for the exact model. Size labels can differ between brands and lasts. Compare both feet and check the product’s width and fit notes before ordering.
How do I care for it?
Take them out of the bag after climbing and let them dry. Keep rubber clean and follow the care instructions. DAV advises against machine washing and direct heat from radiators.
Last updated: October 2026
What for?
Indoor beginnings
For beginners, the foot should work without a painful toe position.
- Low tension
- Compare last and volume
- Consider how often you change
Small edges
On small edges, assess sole support together with the position of the big toe.
- Supportive sole
- Compare last and volume
- Consider how often you change
Bouldering
When bouldering, the shoe should stay on the foot under sideways heel or toe loading.
- Well-fitting heel and toe patch
- Compare last and volume
- Consider how often you change
Children
Children’s shoes need movement room and must not force growing toes into an unnatural position.
- Comfortable and adjustable
- Compare last and volume
- Consider how often you change
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