Why You Should Stretch Your Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes are an important tool for any climber, and it is important to make sure they fit properly. That said, sometimes you buy a pair of shoes that are just a little too tight. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can stretch your shoes to make them more comfortable.
One way to stretch your shoes is to wear them while climbing. This may seem counter-intuitive, but the act of climbing will actually help to stretch out your shoes. Another way to stretch your shoes is to use a shoe stretcher. You can find these online or at most sporting goods stores. Finally, you can also try using some stretching spray or another type of shoe stretching product.
Of course, you don’t want to overdo it when stretching your shoes. Be sure to stop if you start to feel any pain or discomfort. And, as always, consult a professional if you have any questions or concerns about stretching your climbing shoes.
How to Stretch Your Climbing Shoes
If you have ever gone climbing, you know that one of the most important pieces of gear are your shoes. They need to fit snugly, but not too tight. And, they need to be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The problem is, sometimes it can be difficult to find shoes that fit just right. If you have found a pair of shoes that you love, but they’re just a little bit too tight, don’t worry. There are a few ways that you can stretch them out so that they’re more comfortable to wear.
The Wet Method
- Wet your shoes with warm water. You can use a spray bottle, or just dunk them in a bowl.
- Put your shoes on and wear them around the house for 20-30 minutes while they’re still wet.
- Take your shoes off and let them air dry overnight.
- Repeat this process once or twice a week until your shoes are broken in and comfortable.
The Dry Method
One popular way to stretch your shoes at home is the dry method, which involves putting your shoes on and wearing them around the house until they’re dry. This can take a few hours, or even overnight. Once they’re dry, take them off and let them rest for a day before wearing them again.
To help the process along, you can put on a thick pair of socks before putting your shoes on. As your shoes dry, the leather will conform to the shape of your feet and the socks will help to stretch them out. You can also try using a shoe horn or insert to help loosen up the toe box.
The Freezer Method
One way to stretch your shoes is to put them in the freezer. This method works best for shoes that are too tight in the toe area. Put your shoes in a plastic bag and then place them in the freezer overnight. The next day, take them out of the freezer and put them on. The cold will cause the leather to contract, and as it warms up, it will expand and stretch out your shoes.
When to Stretch Your Climbing Shoes
Trying to decide when to stretch your shoes? It can be tough to know when the best time is to break in your shoes and when to leave them be. In general, you should only stretch your shoes if they’re too tight and causing discomfort or if you can’t seem to get them to fit no matter what you do.
Before You Wear Them
One of the best times to start stretching your shoes is before you even wear them. When you first get them, put them on and leave them on for about an hour. Just kick back and relax—don’t actually try to climb in them. This will help the shoes to take the shape of your foot, making the actual breaking-in process a bit easier.
After You Wear Them
It’s generally best to stretch your climbing shoes after you’ve worn them, since they’ll be more pliable and easier to work with. You can use a shoe stretcher or simply stuff them with socks and wear them around the house for an hour or two. You can also Wet your shoes lightly and then put them on, since water will help them to expand.
How Often to Stretch Your Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes should bestretched when they feel too tight, which is usually every four to six weeks. Stretching your shoes lengthens the uppers and makes them more comfortable. It also changes the shape of the shoe slightly, making it fit better to your foot. You can stretch shoes with or without heel cups.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that you need to be careful when stretching your shoes. Don’t overdo it, or you could end up damaging your shoes. If you’re not sure how to stretch them properly, it’s best to take them to a professional.