As the old Michael Jordan Nike ad used to say: “It’s the shoes, man, it’s the shoes!” Well, that’s not completely wrong when it comes to climbing and rock shoes. A good pair of rock shoes, heck any pair of rock shoes, will make you a better climber.
A lot of folks start out climbing in a pair of sneakers, which can work fine on juggy routes but put a beginner in tennies on a sandstone slab and he will flounder like a fish out of water. His feet will slip and slide. His ankles will bend over. His shoes won’t stick to the rock. He won’t be a happy climber. Instead he’ll wonder if there’s something wrong with him.
Rent a Pair to Start
But put him in a pair of basic entry-level rock shoes like we do with all our clients at Front Range Climbing Company and he’ll be dancing up the rock like a ballerina. Well, maybe not quite that gracefully, but climbing will be a heck of a lot easier and he’ll have a lot more fun.If you’re just starting out climbing, check with your local climbing shop, gym, or guide service to see if they offer rock shoes for rent. It’s worth the few bucks to rent because a pair of rock shoes will always give you a better first-time experience—and your feet will thank you.