CLIMBING SHOES: FINDING THE PERFECT PAIR FOR YOUR FEET

Aggressive, neutral, or somewhere in between? Here’s how to choose shoes that match your climbing goals.

Climbing shoes come in three main profiles:

Neutral – flat sole, comfy fit (great for beginners)

Moderate – slightly downturned for technical climbing

Aggressive – tight and curved for overhangs and bouldering

Fit is key: they should be snug, but not painful. Consider materials too:

Leather stretches more

Synthetic stays tighter

Try them on after climbing, when your feet are slightly swollen—this gives you a realistic idea of comfort.