Introduction
If rock climbing is your hobby or you are just curious to experience it once and you have already planned a rock climbing trip, then there are various things that you need to stuff your bag pack with. Apart from the pre trip health tests, you need to get rock climbing shoes. Regular shoes are not durable and dependable enough for rock climbing. It is vital climbing equipment that you need to buy very carefully. Without good climbing shoes it is not at all safe to perform rock climbing as regular shoes are not strong enough to keep your feet comfortable. Proper climbing shoes are capable of protecting your feet from getting hurt. Following are the general tips that you should keep in mind while buying a pair of rock climbing shoes:
Step 1
Tip 1:
First of all get your shoes from a reputed store that sells specialized equipments and clothing and accessories for rock climbing. Consult some of the experienced rock climbers or a sales person in the store to help you find the best pair of rock climbing shoes for you. Make sure that the shoe has a thick sole with leather covering. Get the shoes that protect your ankles as well. Do not choose a tight fitting shoe as it may cause pain during the climbing sessions and long walks.
Step 2
Tip 2:
Tight shoes may cramp your feet making it uncomfortable. So choose the material of your shoes properly. If the climbing shoes are capable of stretching side ways then they are the right ones for you. If by any chance you get a pair shoes that do not fit you properly, then it will trouble your feet for sure. Too tight or an extremely big shoes will not help you in rock climbing, rather it will cause discomfort to you. So concentrate on the fitting and comfort more than the appearance of the shoes.
Step 3
Tip 3:
Instead of going to the shoe stores directly you can check out the collection of different shoe brand that sell rock climbing shoes in the internet itself. If you are positive about your feet length and width then buy it online. Online shopping not only saves time but also saves money at times. The online stores have greater stocks and offer great discounts and offers usually. If the shoes you have bought do not fit you properly, then you can ask for an exchange and get the correct sized pair of climbing shoes.
Tips
Tip 4:
There are various stores that sell used goods. Check out such stores to get a used pair of rock climbing shoes. Usually used shoes are more comfortable as the leather has been softened. Moreover it saves money as you can buy the second hand pair at half the price of a new one. You can also check out the gyms or rock climbing schools to get an old pair of rock climbing or trekking shoes.
Tip 5:
You should not opt for the fashionable shoes; go for the simpler ones that can withstand wear and tear. You can check out the clearance discounts in various shoe stores where you can buy out of fashion shoes at lower process. Before your hiking trip try wearing the shoes and get used to them.
Sources and Citations
climbing.about.com
