Climbing shoes on clearance

Flat, arched or asymmetric: the shape of the climbing shoe

The shape of a climbing shoe determines its preferred terrain. A flat shoe, like the La Sportiva Mythos, the Evolv Defy or the Red Chili Circuit, keeps the foot flat and the toes relaxed: it’s suitable for beginners, long routes and slabs. A shoe with moderate arch, like the Katana or the Miura, focuses pressure on the front of the foot for precision on small edges in vertical routes. Highly arched and asymmetric models like the Solution, the Skwama or the Theory curl the foot like a claw and direct force towards the big toe: they excel on overhangs and in bouldering, at the cost of reduced comfort during long sessions.

Other end-of-line items

The climbing clearance sale also includes:

• Textiles, climbing trousers and t-shirts.

All end-of-line items are gathered on the climbing page.

Laces, Velcro or slipper: the tightening system

Lacing, as seen on the Mythos, the Miura or the TC Pro, adjusts the shoe along the entire length of the foot: it's the most precise tightening, appreciated on long routes and in cracks. The TC Pro, developed with American climber Tommy Caldwell for the big walls of Yosemite, actually goes above the ankle to protect it in cracks. Velcro, found on the Solution, the Skwama or the Ocun Jett QC, closes and opens in a swift motion between boulders, making it the dominant choice in indoor climbing. The slipper, without closures, like the La Sportiva Cobra, stays on the foot thanks to its elastic upper: lightweight and very sensitive, it slips on in an instant for warming up and bouldering.

What shoe size based on your level

A climbing shoe is worn tighter than a regular shoe, but the size depends on the level and material. A beginner chooses a comfortable model in their size or half a size down: the toes touch the end without painfully curling. An experienced climber will go down one to two sizes in an arched shoe for better precision. Unlined leather, like on the Mythos, stretches by half to a full size after a few sessions; synthetic, like that of the Skwama Vegan, hardly changes. Each brand has its own fit, and La Sportiva tends to run narrow: compare models against each other, barefoot, at the end of the day.

Rubber and resoling: making your shoes last

The rubber is the heart of the climbing shoe. The Spanish brand Boreal, founded in 1975 in Villena, created the Firé in 1979, considered the first modern shoe with sticky rubber, which transformed free climbing. Today, La Sportiva and many manufacturers use Vibram rubbers, harder for gripping on edges, softer for adhering on slabs and overhangs. The rubber wears down first at the toe: as soon as it thins out, before reaching the upper, a resole from a specialized craftsman replaces the sole and the toe. The sole is brushed to restore its grip, and climbing shoes should be stored away from heat, which can separate the rubber.

Frequently asked questions

How to stretch climbing shoes that are too tight?

A leather shoe stretches by wearing it around the house for short sessions, or by putting it on with a thin damp sock while it dries on the foot. A synthetic model hardly stretches at all: it's better to change sizes.

How to wash climbing shoes?

They should be cleaned by hand with lukewarm water and mild soap, using a soft brush for the upper and the rubber. No washing machine or hot water, which can weaken the glue: they should be left to air dry, away from sunlight and radiators.

What climbing shoe for a child?

A child climbs with a flat and comfortable shoe, secured with Velcro for them to put on alone. It should be chosen in their size, without tightening like an adult, as a compressed growing foot quickly hurts and discourages climbing.

Do you need a different shoe for indoor and outdoor climbing?

Many regular climbers have two pairs: a Velcro model, soft and arched, for the holds and volumes of the gym, and a stiffer model, often laced, for edges and long routes outdoors.

Vegan or leather shoe: what's the difference?

A vegan shoe, like the Skwama Vegan, replaces leather with a synthetic upper that doesn't stretch much: it's therefore chosen directly in the desired size. Its performance is similar, it dries faster and retains its shape.