Climbing Shoes: How Many Pairs Do You Actually Need?

Climbing Shoes: How Many Pairs Do You Actually Need?

When it comes to climbing gear, few items are as personal or essential as climbing shoes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, the question often arises: how many pairs of climbing shoes do you really need? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your climbing style, experience level, and personal preferences. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors to help you decide how many pairs might be right for you.

The Case for One Pair: Simplicity and Versatility

If you’re new to climbing or prefer to keep things simple, one pair of climbing shoes is often enough. Look for an all-around shoe that balances comfort and performance. These versatile shoes can handle both indoor and outdoor climbing, making them ideal for beginners and casual climbers. Key features to look for include:

• Durability: Shoes that can withstand regular use.
• Comfort: Essential for longer climbing sessions.
• Moderate design: Neither too aggressive nor too flat, suitable for a range of climbing styles.

Brands often label these as beginner or intermediate models, so ask for recommendations when visiting a showroom like Boulder Planet.

The Tenaya Oasi is extremely versatile. Its design and system of construction lets the heel sit lower while climbing and is superbly responsive to every situation.

Two Pairs: Specialization and Performance

As you progress in your climbing journey, having a second pair of shoes becomes advantageous. Here’s why two pairs might be better than one:

• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Use a softer, stickier pair for indoor climbing and a stiffer pair for outdoor routes.
• Backup Pair: Rotating between two pairs extends their lifespan and ensures you always have a usable pair if one needs resoling.

For climbers tackling different terrains, owning two pairs lets you optimize performance without compromising comfort.

Downturned and featuring Vibram XS GRIP rubber, the aggressive So iLL Torque is ideal for outdoor/indoor bouldering needs - specifically large volume climbing as well as sport climbing and steeper terrain.

Three or More: For the Dedicated Climber

If climbing is more than just a hobby, you’ll benefit from a collection of specialized shoes. Advanced climbers often own three or more pairs tailored to specific needs:

• Aggressive Shoes: For bouldering or overhanging sport climbs where precision matters.
• Edging Shoes: Ideal for technical sport climbing requiring solid support on small footholds.
• Crack Climbing Shoes: Designed for trad climbers, offering a snug fit for jamming into cracks.
• Competition Shoes: High-performance options for competitions or challenging climbs.

Having multiple pairs ensures you’re always equipped for any climbing scenario, whether indoors, outdoors, or on unique terrain.

Say goodbye to painful downsizing to optimize performance with the Evolv Shaman Pro. Evolv’s new Wrap technology holds the foot securely around the instep, eliminating the need to painfully pressure your toes into the front of the shoe.

Factors to Consider When Expanding Your Collection

Deciding how many pairs of climbing shoes to own depends on several factors:

1. Frequency of Climbing: Regular climbers wear out shoes faster and benefit from having backups.
2. Climbing Goals: Specializing in a particular discipline, such as bouldering or trad, may require specific shoes.
3. Budget: While it’s tempting to own multiple pairs, prioritize quality over quantity. Boulder Planet offers a range of climbing shoes to suit every budget.

Caring for Your Climbing Shoes

Owning multiple pairs? Keep them in great condition with these care tips:

• Clean Regularly: Wipe off dirt and chalk after each session.
• Proper Storage: Avoid extreme temperatures and store in a cool, dry place.
• Rotate Usage: Alternate between pairs to reduce wear and tear on any single pair.

Conclusion

The number of climbing shoes you need depends on your climbing habits, goals, and budget. Beginners can often stick to one versatile pair, while more advanced climbers benefit from multiple pairs tailored to specific needs. Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between performance, comfort, and practicality.

Curious about the perfect climbing shoes for your next adventure? Visit the Boulder Planet showroom to explore our curated selection and get expert advice from our team. Whether you’re looking for your first pair or adding to your collection, we’ve got you covered!