Looking to buy a pair of rock climbing shoes. Anyone know of where I can find good bargains for climbing shoes? Female shoes size 6.5.
Not sure what type or brand of shoes is good for beginners, any recommendations appreciated.
Rock Climbing Shoes
Comments
gumtree or ebay
/end thread
Climbing shoes are pretty specific bits of kit, if you don't already know what you want (down to a specific model or models), then you really want to try some in person. They're an extension of your body, if they're uncomfortable (moreso than climbing shoes should be anyway), or just the wrong shape so they don't fit snugly everywhere, they're essentially useless.
Thanks for giving some constructive feedback. I'm pretty new to climbing and only been using the rent ones at bouldering places so not really sure what is a good pair of shoes to start with. Maybe I should change the thread to recommending budget climbing shoes for beginners.
Get yourself to the nearest Outdoors Shop shopping strip (they tend to clump together) and try on some pairs.
They'll usually have a climbing "expert" who can provide some advice.Even cheap shoes are pretty pricey and if you're committed enough to be considering shoes, you want to make sure you get the right ones.
You know that you're supposed to buy a size smaller than you'd typically wear?
I swear taking off climbing shoes at the end of a session is the biggest climax ever, a mixture of adrenalin, excitement, relief and pleasure! :DHaha, i guess I'm not hiring the right size shoes then because I have no problem putting them on and taking them off ><.
Are you buying these because you were inspired by the rock climbers on Ninja Warrior?
Haha, no, I started before ninja warriors aired. I was surprised by how popular it has become. I'm more into bouldering that rock climbing. Can't be bothered with the harness.
I would suggest that you go to the climbing stores to try them in person because there are so many types of shoes and not every shoe fits the shape of your feet. You can try shops like Mountain Equipment on Kent St (there's other outdoor shops on the same street).
As you're new to climbing, I would recommend a shoe that's not too aggressive like the La Sportiva Mythos - it's really comfortable shoe for all day climbing!
https://mountainequipment.com/product_detail.asp?id=744&cat=…
Make sure you get something that fits snug and tight because they will stretch 1/2 size, so try a size 6.
Thanks! I'll try it on at the stores first. Should really mention that I'm from Melbourne
Don't buy climbing shoes online without trying on a similar model and having an idea of what you are getting.
What type of climbing you want to do? Just at the gym or outdoor?
When you hire shoes they tend to give you a very big size, in reality, if you want them to work, they have to be very small and painful to the point that you have to take them off at the end of every climbing session.
The more proficient you get, the more you use your legs over your arm to save energy.Just looking at climbing at gym for now. May transition to outdoor if I ever feel brave enough.
I wouldn't get anything too expensive and extreme for beginner gym climbing. As they suggested above go to a mountain equipment store and try a few of them.
If you're in Sydney, you should try alpsports in West Ryde. They'll occasionally have sales and coupons(if you're on the mailing list).
unfortunately, I'm in Melbourne!
I bought my Scarpa Force shoes from Jackson-Sports.com
Not the frugal option, but good quality shoes.Most climbing gyms will have sales on floor stock every 3-4 months and have a range of budget/middle/high end for you to try on. Each brand's sizing will differ slightly but the gyms will hopefully have a better range of sizes compared to the rental shoes.
They shouldnt have any problem with you wearing the shoes for 5-10mins while you try them on a wall. Make sure you test a few different foot positions on the holds (eg side on/just toes etc) so you can feel any tight spots. As mentioned by a few people above, your shoes should be a tight fit as they will stretch slightly once worn in.
Personally I started with Evolv Blue Royals for ~$100 but after 12 months have moved to a slightly more aggressive shoe.
I'm a 6 women's and saw a few online on Gumtree. Got a brand new one in box for $80 including shipping from qld to Vic (rrp $280+). It was up for a while, most women's climbing shoes are on gumtree for a while. I'd also go a size smaller, I bought a size 5 women's and stretched it in the shower, provides great grip.
Why are climbing shoes on Gumtree?
Either because people bought them online and they're the wrong size/fit/style or…. there isn't another reason! People don't get climbing shoes as random gifts, or for fashion (wear once then on-sell).
If you strike it lucky and get a random pair that suits you for "cheap", then great, otherwise you're going to have to re-sell them (and as you state, it takes a long time to move them!)
For $80, you're close/into the budget range in price at a retailers anyway, at least you know what you're getting and if you're a novice climber, its unlikely that the higher end models are going to be suitable!Hi,
just recently got myself a pair. Because I heard they were spose to be tight I bought a tight fit one but its soooo painful! what is this technique u are talking about to stretch in the shower? I think I want to just wear the material out more than stretch it out. Do i have no choice but to suffer the pain for a couple of sessions? ><
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