| The choice of footwear depends entirely on your | | | | shoe that is comfortable in the shop does not mean |
| sphere of activity. If you choose to climb only on | | | | that it will be comfortable out on the crag. Climbing in |
| indoor walls and to boulder, a light and snug-fitting | | | | hot conditions for hours at a time encourages feet |
| pair of slipper-style rock shoes is adequate. This type | | | | to swell, and though shoes will stretch a little with |
| gives a high degree of sensitivity in feeling the holds | | | | use, they might become uncomfortably tight. Very |
| on which you place your feet. This is advantageous | | | | painful feet are not usually conductive to pleasurable |
| to an experienced climber but the benefits may not | | | | climbing experiences. |
| be appreciated fully at beginner level. Slipper style | | | | Rock climbing shoes will last longer if you look after |
| shoes do not offer much in the way of support and | | | | them. Keep the soles clean by wiping them after use. |
| protection for the feet, so if you intend to climb on | | | | This is especially important after using them |
| more adventurous rock you will need to consider this | | | | outdoors, where grit, mud and sand can all stick to |
| factor and choose something more robust. | | | | the rubber soles, detracting from their amazing |
| The sturdier and more supportive the shoe, the less | | | | friction properties. Always be sure to wipe them |
| sensitive it will be to standing on tiny edges or | | | | before setting off on a climb. |
| smearing holds. Fortunately, the greatest diversity of | | | | Rock shoes can be repaired by specialist companies |
| shoe design is found in the range of shoes intended | | | | once they start to wear out. This is done by |
| for the widest application. | | | | replacing worn-out rands and toe caps, and also the |
| As with clothing, not all styles or models will fit all | | | | actual sole if necessary so they can in theory last |
| shapes and sizes of feet. It is important to try on as | | | | you a very very long time. |
| many different shoes as you can. Even so, finding a | | | | |