Virtually all rock climbing gear is focused on safety, except for your climbing shoes, which are all about performance. Those snug-fitting, smelly rubber shoes might not look like much at all, but they can be the make-or-break of nailing a tough overhang or enduring a long crack. The best climbing shoes offer you great grip even when you’re edging, good foot sensitivity on the rock and – even though climbing shoes are meant to have a tight fit – sufficient comfort that you can actually climb in them. With so many different types of rock climbing, you’ve probably figured that there are bound to be different types of rock climbing shoes and you'd be right.
That's why we're here to provide the beta on the three main types of rock climbing shoe, the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as other factors to look for when picking out your first – or next – pair.
