Choose the right shoes for your climbing level

There is absolutely no point in buying very aggressive, super downturned technical shoes if you’ve just started climbing. You’ll likely wear them out in less than two months, it’s a waste of money and you’ll be back at the store far sooner than you’d like. Beginner shoes are made with much harder rubber that lasts longer the aggressive shoes and are generally stiffer to give your feet the support and comfort that they need before you get into more aggressive models.

Choose the right shoes for the right purpose

Do you boulder or sport-climb? Do you prefer long techy routes or are you a comp-style climber? Choosing the right shoes for the type of climbing and rock type can help your performance and make your shoes last longer. Choose wisely and do some research.

Have multiple pairs of climbing shoes

This might sound contradictory, but having more than one pair has several advantages:

• You can give one pair the time to dry properly after sweaty sessions and you can keep climbing while another pair is being resoled.

• You’ll be able to climb more often without wearing a single pair out too quickly.

• Different shoes suit different styles (indoor, outdoor, long routes, or overhanging boulders).

• Different shoes offer different strengths (edging, smearing, stiffer or super-soft).

• Having multiple pairs is a good plan, especially if you climb four times a week.

Take good care of your shoes

This is another no-brainer: leaving wet shoes in your bag for a week is a bad idea. Not only is it unpleasant, it also speeds up shoe deterioration and bacteria growth.

Don’t leave your shoes in a hot car at the crag, heat damages the components that hold your shoes together.

Don’t wear your shoes if you are not climbing. If you are warming up in the training area or just doing some stretching or exercises, is really not neccesary for you to keep your climbing shoes on.

Don’t walk around the gym with the heels folded under your feet. You ll destroy the tension of your shoes and risk to damage

Wash your shoes

Yes — you can wash your shoes. There are several options, but my personal recommendation is:

• Bucket of water (room temperature — not hot).

• Mild soap and let your shoes sit in the water for a bit.

• Use a brush and scrub the inside as thoroughly as possible, especially at the toe and heel areas.

• Rinse out and repeat a few times.

• Change the water until it comes out completely clean.

• Let your shoes dry away from any heat source — no heaters, no direct sunlight, no hairdryers. Place some old newspaper inside your shoes to help absorb moisture and change the paper every now and then until fully dry.

Don’t climb in your shoes if they are still wet.

Know when to get a resole

Timing your resoling can make your shoes last significantly longer.

Know when to say goodbye

All good things end — even your beloved pair of climbing shoes.

After a life of climbing adventures, helping you send projects, and maybe receiving one too many resoles even your shoes need to rest in peace.