How Are Rock Climbing Shoes Made?

Sport Description

Rock climbing is a specialized category within mountaineering in which people climb the rock face of a mountain. Climbs are rated from those that are nearly sheer but with numerous hand- and foot-holds to those that are absolutely sheer (even overhanging rocks) with minimal holds. Rock-climb difficulty is rated on a scale of 5.1 to 5.15, according to the website Rockclimbing. Shoe construction considers the extreme demands of this activity.

Rock climbing shoes are made of lightweight materials. Because of the strenuous demands of rock climbing, the weight of a typical hiking boot would not be suitable for this activity.

The uppers (the portion to which the sole is attached) of rock-climbing shoes generally rise only as high as needed to cover and support the ankles. Some only rise as high as low-top tennis shoes. The liner and outer surface of the upper is usually made of a synthetic, breathable material. Sometimes leather is used. Numerous eyelets are provided for the strings to keep the shoe snugly fitted to the foot.

Some rock climbers employ the friction style of climbing. This style involves either wedging the shoe into a crack or applying pressure with the bottom or edge of the sole to a open portion of the rock face. The climber pushes off the grip or friction of the sole. Therefore, sole material is a rubber compound with little or no tread that is welded (not stitched) to the upper. The edge of the sole is rounded to increase the shoe's friction or sticking capability. Often, friction-type shoes resemble a tight-fitting slipper.

Edging requires a harder compound of rubber sole because this technique demands that the climber cling to and move up the rock face by bracing the edge of the boot against a ledge. These ledges or holds can be minute. Therefore, the rubber compound must be quite durable to hold up under severe downforce. Usually, the tread of the sole is about the depth and design of those on regular hiking boots. The sole is usually stitched to the upper.