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cellfish
Aug 23, 2002, 7:39 PM
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When I went to purchase my first pair of shoes I figured that maybe I should invest in a pair with soft soles. This is because I'd be smearing my way up the slab climbs 'round here most of the time. They were the cheapest as well. However now that I've climbed on more diverse terrain I find that I yearn for stiffness often. Should I stick with these for awhile and build up my toe strength? Or do I invest in some more agressive and stiff soled shoes so early in the game?
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jammer
Aug 23, 2002, 7:49 PM
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Too bad you didn't ask this first. Beginners need a stiff sole so they can become aware of the rock and the footholds they provide. These usually go for about $99.
Rock On!
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bsperes
Aug 23, 2002, 8:27 PM
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"Beginners need a stiff sole so they can become aware of the rock and the footholds they provide."
How are they supposed to feel the holds through the stiff as plywood shoes on their feet? And how are stiff shoes more aggressive? WTF
Get softer shoes, learn what the rock feels like, how to place your foot on the holds, be able to feel the diffenence shifting your weight on a hold makes, gain foot strength, be able to grab holds with you feet. Get stiff shoes for crack climbing.
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ryanxsevn
Aug 23, 2002, 8:27 PM
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Registered: Apr 6, 2002
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When i first started climbing i had a pare of soft soled 5.10's. Eventuly my buddy turned me onto a pair of la sportiva enduros and i made huge improvements. I suggest that if you can afford a second pair of shoes that you should go for it
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dustinap
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Aug 23, 2002, 8:29 PM
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A soft sole will help you trust your feet, helping you to develop better foot work, and use your feet better.
Alot of people will recommend newbies to use harder shoes because they are more comfortable, and last longer. A softer shoe requires more foot strength.
I've climbed with a guy once, and he was working on redpointing a 5.12C in board lasted shoes, so I guess harder shoes cans till preform.
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bsperes
Aug 23, 2002, 8:52 PM
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Harder shoes are not necessarily more comfortable, that is subjective.
Did not say stiff shoes could not perform, just objecting to some of the characterizations(sp?) of both stiff and soft shoes.
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gjdesormeauxii
Aug 24, 2002, 9:29 AM
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Registered: Mar 25, 2002
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Get what fits your style of climbing. Big wall where your in the shoe of hours and standing on foot holds the whole time really deserve stiff soles. Bouldering where every jib matters needs soft soles so you can feel the rock. My first shoes and the ones I wear today are a pair of 5-10 lace ups which are a middle range and are decent on all types of climbs.
In the end it's a matter of taste and style. Try other pairs out and see what you think. As far as the slab work your doing, 'I think' the soft sole shoe is a good call.
James
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