frGuide: How to Choose the Right Climbing Shoes
Our climbing experts created this guide to help you choose the perfect pair of climbing shoes.
Whether you climb indoors, boulder, or tackle multi-pitch routes, here are the key features to consider.
Key Factors to Choosing the Right Climbing Shoes
Every foot is unique, and knowing your foot shape is the first crucial step in choosing the right climbing shoes. Whether you have a Greek, Egyptian, flat, high-arched, wide, or narrow foot, there are shoes designed for every morphology. We’ll help you find a pair that balances comfort and performance to support your climbing journey effectively.
Climbing shoes are made with specific elements that directly influence their technical performance. You can easily assess their performance level by focusing on several key features: the sole, the downturn, the asymmetry, the tension band, the heel, the toe box, and the closure system.
1. Know Your Foot Shape
Each foot is unique—Greek, Egyptian, flat, wide, or narrow. Choosing shoes that match your morphology is key to comfort and performance.
2. Sole Flexibility
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Soft soles = sensitivity & comfort (great for beginners)
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Rigid soles = better support & precision
3. Shoe Camber
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Neutral = flat & comfortable
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Moderate = all-around use
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Aggressive = performance, steep terrain
4. Asymmetry
The more asymmetric the shoe, the more precise—but less comfortable. Beginners should go for less asymmetry.
5. Tension & Heel Fit
Strong tension enhances toe power. A snug heel improves stability.
6. Toe Box
Ensure toes aren't overly cramped, but still snug for precision.
7. Closure System
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Laces = precise fit
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Velcro = quick on/off
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Slippers = fast, great for indoor or kids
For Men (intermediate) :
For Women (intermediate) :
For AdvancedL'asymétrie va être plus prononcée pour vous amener plus de précisions et de puissance sur le gros orteil. Le cambre va s'accentuer pour venir crocheter les petites prises dans du vertical ou du dévers. Et selon votre terrain de jeu (voie ou bloc) la rigidité de la semelle et de l'intercalaire sera un choix primordial.- La Sportiva - Kataki
- Five Ten - Hiangle
- La Sportiva - Kataki
14 %
36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5
39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5
42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5
45
15 %
37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5
40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43
43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 45.5
11 %
37 | 37.5 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41
41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44
44.5 | 45 | 45.5 | 46
5 %
38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41
41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44
44.5 | 45 | 46 | 48
11 %
36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5
39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5
42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5
45
12 %
35.5 | 36 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38
38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41
41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44
44.5 | 45
16 %
39 | 39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5
42 | 42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5
45 | 46 | 47
11 %
37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 39.5 | 40
40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 42.5 | 43
43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45
4 %
36 | 36.5 | 37 | 38 | 38.5 | 39
39.5 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 41.5 | 42
42.5 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45
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