Epinions.com 
Join Epinions | Help | Sign In   

HomeSports & OutdoorsClimbingHow to Buy Climbing Shoes

Read Advice   Write an essay on this topic. 

Try out a few pair

Mar 20 '00



I work as a Rock Climbing Instructor at GRAB (Guilderland Rock Adventrue Barn) in Guilderland Ny.
I have been climbing for about 5 years, and have had my share of shoes.
When climbing it is very important that you have the right equipment, both for your saftey and for the best experiance.
Though its not always possible to go out and purchase $40 - $100 rock climbing shoes, i suggest that you should at least rent a pair from the gym your climbing at or borrow someones if you are climbing outdoor.
A cross trainer or sneaker (although better then sandles or bare feet) are not really great for climbing.
A true rock climbing shoe will help even the beginers in learning how to climb. You can't really learn how to climb correctly untill you get yourself a pair of climbing shoes. Such manuvers as smudging or smearing simply can't be done with sneakers.
HOW TO FIT THEM!
You want the shoe to fit tightly but not so tight that you can't feel your toes. If you plan on purchasing them for yourself and yourself only, you might want to think about sizing them without socks on. I personaly dont use socks, or use a real thin pair when climbing.
HOW TO PICK THE BEST PAIR FOR YOU
When all else fails, the more you pay the better the shoe is going to be.
However not everyone can afford the best equipment and im certainly one of those people (ie thats why im doing this).
But try out a few rentail pairs at your local gyms.
Usualy the place where you are trying them on will either have a small wall, or some kind of incline .. . walk up and down this or try climbing. It wont hurt if you try them out, it might hurt if you buy the wrong pair!
Also ask around, sometimes you can get a good deal from a Climbing gym thats getting rid of some older pairs of shoes! This can be great for those who are just starting out.
REMEBER!
using the right equipment is the only way you will truley get a taste for real climbing!


Write the first comment on this review!
Epinions.com ID:
E_H_Swan
Member: Erik Swanson
Location: Guilderland, NY
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 9 members


Help | Member Center | Message Boards | Site Rules | User Agreement | Privacy Policy | Site Index | Topic Index  
About Epinions | Careers | Contact Epinions | Advertising  

Epinions | Shopping.com | Rent.com | Free Classifieds

Shopping.com Network © 1999-2008 Shopping.com, Inc. Trademark Notice

Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources,
so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.