Climbing shoes for beginners: 5 tips

Have you just discovered your passion for climbing or bouldering and don't fancy the sweaty rental shoes at the climbing gym anymore? Then it's time to get your first pair of climbing or bouldering shoes!

But that's easier said than done! Countless different shoe models await you in the jungle of brands. Brightly colored, with laces or velcro, downturn, asymmetry, rubber compound, pretension... Your head will quickly spin with so much choice and technical terms!

But that doesn't have to be the case! With our 5 tips, you're sure to find the right climbing shoes for beginners. Perfectly tailored to your needs, you're sure to enjoy your new favorite sport even more often from now on.

1. Climbing shoes for beginners should be comfortable

The old myth that a climbing shoe has to hurt to wear persists. It may be that very experienced climbers wear such aggressive shoes, which give them certain advantages on tricky boulder problems or challenging climbing routes. For beginners, however, we recommend a climbing shoe that fits well and is characterized by low asymmetry. Choose the right size and a shoe that supports your natural foot shape. For Red Chili climbing shoes, we recommend the same shoe size that you wear in your street shoes.

You shouldn't feel any pressure points or air holes in the shoe when wearing it. A flexible upper material and a soft heel construction can further increase comfort when climbing and bouldering.

2. Feet are individual

Just because your friend has recommended a particular shoe model that they are happy with doesn't mean that the shoes will fit you perfectly. Every foot is different. It depends on the shape and length of your toes, among other things. The three shapes that are most common in Europe are called the Egyptian, Greek and Roman foot.

Egyptian foot

The big toe is the longest, the other toes become evenly shorter and shorter up to the little toe.
Greek foot

With this foot shape, the second toe sticks out above all the others.
Roman foot

The first three toes are about the same length, while the other two are shorter.

3. Take your time

Finding climbing shoes for beginners also means having a little patience and trying out a few models. The shoe plays a central role in climbing and bouldering. That's why it should fit your foot particularly well so that you can enjoy the experience.

So take your time to find the perfect shoes. And say goodbye to brand fetishism! Sure, everyone has one or more favorite brands. But when it comes to your climbing shoes, you should listen to your feet. If the shoes from your favorite manufacturer don't fit well, try something new!

4. Footwork is key!

Especially at the beginning, you are tempted to work a lot with your arms when climbing and bouldering. However, correct footwork in particular literally plays a key role. Learn the correct foot techniques step by step: this includes placing your feet on the footholds as well as strengthening your foot muscles so that you can distribute more weight on your toes.

As a beginner in particular, it can be helpful to choose a climbing shoe with a harder sole. This provides your feet with the support they need while they are not yet so experienced.

5. Socks? No thanks!

Even if this is common practice with rental shoes for hygiene reasons, it is better to wear your own bouldering or climbing shoes barefoot. This gives you better sensitivity and greater friction in the shoe - for better performance on the wall!