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Jovan
Mar 20, 2009, 2:17 PM
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I just started with Rock Climbing and I would like to buy climbing shoes! I am wearing football shoes number 42 and it has been told to me that I need number 40 for climbing shoes!!
Is it correct????
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!
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Bats
Mar 20, 2009, 2:22 PM
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Go for comfort...I wear every size, but my street shoes size. Just remember leather stretches.
(This post was edited by Bats on Mar 20, 2009, 5:40 PM)
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andrewG
Mar 20, 2009, 3:25 PM
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That may be correct, but really depends on the shoe. Don't buy your shoes online, go somewhere with knowledgeable sales reps and try on a few different pairs in different sizes and go with what fits best. For a first pair I'd say all around snug but not so tight as to be painful. Some discomfort is ideal for leather, shoot for an almost perfect fit if it's synthetic.
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Quasi
Mar 21, 2009, 3:22 AM
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This isn't my own advice, as I am fairly new to this sport, but have talked to many people about the equipment. The main bits that seem to be common knowledge are:
-rock climbing shoe size does not always equal regular shoe sizes
-the smaller the better, beginners should get something fairly comfortable, but tighter shoes are better for overhangs and more complicated maneuver
-leather shoes stretch, synthetic not so much
-your first pair of shoes wear out quickly due to being a noob, I.E. feeling around for the rock, so many people suggest getting a thicker tread on the shoe, it will also give more support to your entire foot.
If anything above is wrong I would like to know, but as far as I know everyone I have talked to had a competent background in rock climbing.
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pfwein
Mar 21, 2009, 4:37 AM
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Quasi wrote: This isn't my own advice, as I am fairly new to this sport, but have talked to many people about the equipment. The main bits that seem to be common knowledge are: -rock climbing shoe size does not always equal regular shoe sizes -the smaller the better, beginners should get something fairly comfortable, but tighter shoes are better for overhangs and more complicated maneuver -leather shoes stretch, synthetic not so much -your first pair of shoes wear out quickly due to being a noob, I.E. feeling around for the rock, so many people suggest getting a thicker tread on the shoe, it will also give more support to your entire foot. If anything above is wrong I would like to know, but as far as I know everyone I have talked to had a competent background in rock climbing.
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Neel
Mar 21, 2009, 5:12 AM
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Quasi wrote: -rock climbing shoe size does not always equal regular shoe sizes
not only that, but wearing a size 10 in one manufacturer doesn't necessarily equal a size 10 in another manufacturer. and even different lasts from the same manufacturer might have different sizings. i wouldn't buy a shoe online unless i have some good way of knowing if it was the right size (i.e. tried it on before, already own a pair, etc).
If you're just starting out, comfort is key. you're not going to have any fun if your feet are in pain - i'd just buy a cheap pair that fits well.
(This post was edited by Neel on Mar 21, 2009, 5:14 AM)
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Bats
Mar 21, 2009, 3:25 PM
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Agreed... Madrocks Phoenix are cheap at $50. But honestly go for comfort. My Madrocks were 1/2 size from street shoes size, but they were not uncomfortable. One of my climbing friends, who has been climbing since the 70s, said she wears very close to her street size. I know what pairs I have are various sizes. If you do order on-line, see what is the policy on returning. Most on-line dealer will take them back, if you didn't climb in them. REI has the hiking rock display, where you can see the stickyness of the rubber, and the comfort level in the store, and some REI even have a climbing wall in the stores. I am thinking Whole Earth Provisions also has a hiking rock.
Go for comfort.
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Fa310tx
Apr 24, 2009, 2:12 AM
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If you are beginning, I would definitely get a symmetrical or lightly asymmetrical shoe.
I wear a 10.5 street shoe.
My first rock shoe experience was an evolv docon in an 11 and it was great (tight but not painful).
My second experience was a 5.10 coyote vcs in a 10 and it was too wide and short (my understanding is that 5.10 is better for wider feet).
My third was a mad rock shark in a 10.5 and it was still too short.
My fourth was a mammut something or other (normal leather lace-up) in a 9.5 and it was too short.
My current shoe is an evolv quest in an 11 and it's pretty good. I still think the docon was the best feeling shoe (it's symmetrical whereas all others are asymmetrical).
I'm just not in a place where I'm willing to put up with the pain of a bouldering shoe.
JJ
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Terry2124
Apr 24, 2009, 2:17 AM
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Jovan wrote: I just started with Rock Climbing and I would like to buy climbing shoes! I am wearing football shoes number 42 and it has been told to me that I need number 40 for climbing shoes!! Is it correct???? THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!
Find a local store and try some on, they should feel snug. Remember their made for climbing and not walking around in. They might hurt walking but climbing they should feel good.
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ClimbingArtist
Apr 24, 2009, 5:06 PM
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climbing shoes will be uncomfortable because you want a fit that doesnt allow the show to move on your foot. If the shoe slips while on your foot you could slip off a hold. I just started climbing and bought a pair of Evolv's with the velcro straps. They offer more comfort than a lace up (based on the shoes I tried on) They are a great shoe, awesome grip (toe, inside, outside, heel holds) and a decent price...REI $75 in store not online.
As far as size goes, I wear a 13 street shoe and my climbing shoes are actually 13.5 Make sure you try them on without socks and see if the store has a small climbing block to try them out on(REI does)
good luck with the shoe hunt!
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DanielandSally
Apr 24, 2009, 9:53 PM
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thank you for posting this because I am also looking for new shoes for me and my wife.
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