Bouldering Gear
Bouldering is a type of rock climbing that is typically done without the use of ropes or harnesses. The main gear you need for bouldering are a good pair of climbing shoes and chalk. In this article, we will discuss the different types of climbing shoes and what to look for when purchasing a pair.
Shoes
There are many different types of shoes on the market, each designed with a specific purpose in mind. When choosing a shoe, it is important to consider the type of climbing you will be doing and the conditions you will be climbing in. Bouldering shoes are designed for comfort and precision, with sticky rubber soles that help you stick to small holds. They are often down turned, which gives you more power when standing on small ledges.
If you plan on doing a lot of bouldering, it is worth investing in a good pair of shoes. They should fit snugly without being too tight, and they should feel comfortable even after hours of climbing.
The Different Types of Bouldering Shoes
When it comes to bouldering, the type of shoes you wear can make a big difference. There are several different types of bouldering shoes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of bouldering shoes and help you choose the best pair for your needs.
Neutral
Neutral shoes have a slight downturn and are relatively flat throughout. They don’t have any major features that would lock your foot into a certain position, making them ideal for climbers who want to be able to feel the footholds and use their feet in a natural way. The La Sportiva Mythos are a good example of a neutral shoe.
Aggressive
The aggressive bouldering shoe is downturned, with a precision fit. This shoe is designed to perform on the most overhanging and difficult boulder problems and routes. The aggressive bouldering shoe has the least amount of stretch of all the types, so be sure to buy them snug. Although they might feel uncomfortable at first, they will loosen up slightly as you break them in.
The aggressive bouldering shoe is not ideal for all-around use because they are so specialized. If you’re primarily a sport climber or a gym climber, you might want to consider another type of shoe.
All-Around
All-around shoes are versatile and good for a variety of boulder problems and styles. Most all-around shoes have a moderately downturned shape, which gives you extra precision on small holds, and moderate aggression for edging. Many all-around shoes have a relatively flat profile, which makes them more comfortable for longer climbs, but some have a slightly higher arch to give you more support on steeper climbs. All-around shoes tend to have a medium-stiffness midsole, which gives you support on edges without sacrificing sensitivity.
If you’re just starting out in bouldering, or if you want a do-it-all shoe that you can use for a variety of problems and climbing styles, an all-around shoe is a good choice.
How to Choose the Right Bouldering Shoe
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right bouldering shoe. The type of shoe you need depends on the types of footholds you will be climbing on, your foot size and shape, and your own personal preferences. In this article, we will help you choose the right bouldering shoe for your next climb.
Consider the Type of Climbing You Do
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a bouldering shoe is the type of climbing you do. If you’re mostly a gym climber, you might want a different shoe than if you’re mostly an outdoor climber. Gym climbing generally involves shorter routes with more manipulation of small holds, while outdoor climbing generally involves longer routes with blemishes and irregularities in the holds.
For gym climbing, you want a shoe that is good at edging and has a tight fit so you can feel confident on small holds. For outdoor climbing, you want a shoe that is comfortable for long days and that can handle crack climbing and irregular foot placements.
Consider Your Footwork
One of the most important things to consider when choosing bouldering shoes is your footwork. Every type of footwork requires a different kind of shoe, so it’s important to choose a shoe that will complement your style.
Here are some things to keep in mind when considering your footwork:
Smearing: Smearing is where you use the friction of your shoe against the rock to keep yourself from falling. This type of footwork requires a shoe with a lot of friction. The best shoes for smearing have sticky rubber soles and are downturned for added precision.
Edging: Edging is where you use the edges of your shoes to keep yourself from falling. This type of footwork requires a shoe with sharp, precise edges. The best shoes for edging have stiff soles and are downturned for added precision.
Crack climbing: Crack climbing is where you climb cracks in the rock using your hands and feet. This type of climbing requires a shoe that fits snugly and has a rubber sole for added protection. The best shoes for crack climbing are comfortable and have a softrubber sole that can conform to the shape of the crack.
Bouldering is a great workout and an excellent way to get outdoors, but it’s important to choose the right gear before you get started. Wearing the wrong type of bouldering shoes can make your experience less enjoyable, so be sure to choose a shoe that will complement your style of climbing.
Consider Your Comfort Level
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a bouldering shoe is your comfort level. If you are new to the sport, you may want to choose a shoe that is less aggressive and has more padding. As you become more experienced, you can choose a shoe that is more precision-oriented.
Your foot size and shape will also play a role in determining which shoe is right for you. If you have a wide foot, you will want to choose a shoe with a wider toe box. If you have a narrow foot, you will want to choose a shoe with a narrower toe box.
Finally, think about the type of climbing you will be doing most often. If you do mostly indoor climbing, you will want a different shoe than if you do mostly outdoor climbing. Outdoor shoes tend to be more durable and have better traction than indoor shoes.
Tips for Breaking in Your Bouldering Shoes
Bouldering shoes are an essential part of any boulderer’s gear, and choosing the right pair of shoes can make a big difference in your climbing. There are a few things to consider when choosing bouldering shoes, such as the fit, the style of shoe, and the brand. In this article, we’ll give you a few tips on how to choose the best bouldering shoes for you.
Wear Them Around the House
Before you take your new bouldering shoes out to the rock, it’s a good idea to break them in a little bit. Wear them around the house for a few hours at a time to get a feel for them and to start molding the shoe to your foot. This will also help you get used to the tightness of the shoe.
Wear Them While Bouldering
One of the best ways to break in your bouldering shoes is to actually wear them while you boulder. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s the best way to break in your shoes.
When you first get your bouldering shoes, they will likely be very stiff and uncomfortable. The more you wear them, the more they will mold to your feet and the more comfortable they will become.
Of course, you don’t want to wear them so much that they start to fall apart. But a few sessions of wearing them while you boulder will help them mold to your feet and become more comfortable.
Don’t Forget to Stretch
One of the most important things to do when breaking in your bouldering shoes is to stretch them. This will help the shoes keep their shape and form, as well as make them more comfortable to wear. You can stretch your shoes by hand or by using a shoe stretcher.
If you choose to stretch your shoes by hand, you’ll need to put on a pair of thick socks and then put on your shoes. Once you have your shoes on, grab the toe of the shoe with one hand and the heel with the other. Gently pull the toe away from the rest of the shoe, being careful not to rip or tear the material. Hold this position for 30 seconds before releasing. Repeat this process 10 times for each foot.
If you’re using a shoe stretcher, you’ll need to insert it into the toe of your shoe and then turn the knob until you feel resistance. Once you’ve reached resistance, twist the knob another half turn and leave it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the shoe stretcher and try on your shoes.