How to Buy Rock Climbing Shoes

Determine the type of climbing shoe you need. Traditional shoes are for long climbs, including cracks, face, chimneys, and slabs. They generally have a board last, fit a little more loosely than other climbing shoes, and are comfortable for many hours of climbing. Sport shoes are for mostly face climbing, limited crack climbing, and some climbing gym activity. They are generally slip-lasted and fit more tightly. Performance shoes are generally for overhanging sport routes, bouldering, and competition - not for beginners.

Find a climbing shop with a large selection that's deep in sizes. You're going to need to try rock shoes on in person.

Note that a good shop will have an artificial wall in the shop for trying shoes out. You're not buying the shoes to walk around in.

Give yourself plenty of time. Go shopping by yourself or with a very patient friend.

Try on every shoe in the place. Ruin the salesperson's day. You don't want to rush the purchase and find yourself unlacing the shoes on every pitch because you made a hasty decision.

Check for snugness. A good-fitting climbing shoe is going to be very, very snug, especially if you're buying a sport shoe.

Make sure your toes are cramming into the toe box evenly. If the toe box feels really tight in one spot and not so tight in another, compare the fit with a different manufacturer's shoes.

Lace the shoes tightly. The eyes of the lacing should not touch - if the eyes of the lacing touch when the shoes are new, they'll be floppy when the shoes are broken in.