Climbing Footwear

Lookin4lunkers · May 11, 2010

What is the footwear of choice for rope climbing? I hope to learn footlock in the future. Seems a lot of hiking type boots would be hard on ropes? Are steel toes necasary? Are their boots/shoes made for climbing? Is ankle support a good thing or a hinderance while trying to position yourself?

Lookin4lunkers · May 12, 2010

Nobody got nothing to say about what they wear on their feet?

Damon · May 12, 2010

when i dont have my spurs on i wear 5.10 Guide Tennies they have about the stickiest rubber i have seen and provide awesome stability when your running limbs or even just hanging out after work, they are great when you have to climb up a loose scramble just to get to a tree. In the summer i where salomon techamphibians which are awesome because they allow your feet to breath i often go barefoot in them however if you do this you need to be able to identify poison ivy

while they are not nearly as grippy as the guide tennies they do offer a similar grip even when the tree is wet

For spur climbing i have owned Redwings chippewas and wescos i think The chippewas fit me the best but the Wescos were the most comfortable to climb in. as far as boots go it is really more important to find a pair of highcuff boots that fit you well and are comfortable all day then it is to look at name brands they all have there idiosyncrasy's and at first it will hurt to have hooks on for long periods of time, you will probabley have bruises but eventually you will toughen up and youll hardly know their there

Tom

fishercat · May 12, 2010

I spike EVERYTHING!

so i always wear my Hoffman's.

Lookin4lunkers · May 13, 2010

Perfect so I just have to buy one pair of boots and use spikes for everything. That should make everything much easier.

fishercat · May 14, 2010

works for me.

Lookin4lunkers said:
Perfect so I just have to buy one pair of boots and use spikes for everything. That should make everything much easier.

actually,when i do any spikelss climbing,i usually just wear my New Balance running shoes.I thought of getting some La Sportiva rock climbing shoes but i didn't really like them when i used to rock climb and i don't trim much.