Buying Rock Boots
Bernard 'feeling the pinch' with overtight rock shoes, for the Grit
Pain is Insane! - Do Not Fit your shoes too tight! Some Simple Advice on selecting a well fitting pair of rock climbing shoes....
These extremely wise words are provided by 5.10 – perhaps the best manufacturer of rock boots around, certainly the stickiest rubber:
- Street Shoe Size is only a starting point.
- Rock shoes are unique, no two desgins fit alike. Generally, softer shoes perform best with a snug fit. Stiffer shoes can be worn looser.
- Eliminate dead space but don't fit so tight to create hot spots.
- Climbing shoes should not be uncomfortably tight, otherwise tears might keep you from seeing ( smearing - ed.) micro edges.
- Feet swell during the day, from 1/2 to a full size. Try on shoes in the afternoon if possible.
- Synthetic uppers won't stretch - you will have the same fit in six months.
- You should have no hot spots when you are up on your toes.
- Lined leather shoes stretch up to about 1/3 size after a break-in period of about 10 pitches.
- Unlined leather shoes will stretch up to 1 full size.
