The Difference in Indoor Rock Climbing Shoes Vs. Outdoor Rock Climbing Shoes
The type of rock climbing you're doing will dictate what type of climbing shoes you will want to buy. Indoor climbing gym holds are large, so a non-stiff sole is an appropriate choice. When rock climbing outside, a stiff-soled shoe is better for smearing and edging.
Other People Are Reading
-
Indoor Climbing Shoe Fit
-
Indoor climbing shoes fit so the toes lie almost flat in the shoe toe box. A slipper or Velcro-style shoe will stretch after few uses for a comfortable relaxed fit.
Outdoor Climbing Shoe Fit
-
Outdoor climbing shoes fit snugly with the toe slightly curled in the shoe toe box. A lace-up, leather shoe is preferred for custom tightening as the shoe stretches over time.
-
Indoor Climbing Shoe Performance
-
Indoor climbing shoes are a low-performance shoe since the climbing holds in the gym are large. The slipper and Velcro-styles are easy to take on and off in-between pitches or boulder problems.
Outdoor Climbing Shoe Performance
-
Outdoor climbing shoes are high-performance shoes. The snug fit of a lace-up style shoe is preferred for edging and smearing.
Resoling
-
For cost efficiency, both indoor and outdoor climbing shoes should be resoled once or twice. Each resole is one-third the cost of a new pair of climbing shoes.
-
