Climbing Shoes

Types

• Neutral: Comfort for long routes and days; great for beginners
• Moderate: Balances comfort and performance; ideal for gym climbing, sport routes and all-around versatility
• Aggressive: Sharply downturned toes for power and precision. Best for overhung routes, bouldering, single-pitch sport climbs.

Key features

• Shoe closure: Choose laces, straps or slip-ons
• Uppers: Synthetic (minimal stretch, consistent fit); lined leather (can stretch up to 1/2 size but keeps its shape); unlined leather (can stretch up to a full size for a custom fit)
• Last: The foot-shaped model around which a shoe is built. Most climbing shoes are slip-lasted (more sensitive); board-lasted are stiffer

Fit tips

• Shop later in the day—feet may swell
• Ensure toes lie flat or curve gently; avoid painful bunching
• Try on in person for best fit