How to Stretch Climbing Shoes

Rock climbing is a challenging and rewarding sport, whether enjoyed indoors or out. However, breaking in and stretching climbing shoes can be a painful process, as the footwear is designed to be much tighter than typical footwear. By following the steps below, you can gradually break in your shoes and grow accustomed to them.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Climbing shoes

1. When purchasing shoes, be sure they are snug but not painfully tight. Mild discomfort is key, but hot spots of pain on the toes or heel are to be avoided.

2. Start by wearing your new shoes for short climbs and removing them in between climbs. This is more easily accomplished indoors.

3. Wear thin socks or lightly tape your big toes if you feel discomfort from friction inside the shoe.

4. Climb with the shoes repeatedly, it will take several climbing sessions for them to truly begin to break in and stretch. Be mindful that this stretch is far more likely to occur width-wise then length-wise

Tips & Warnings

• Buy shoes that fit, especially in the toes.
• Allow your shoes to dry in open air (as opposed to in a bag or backpack) after each use.

Resources

• REI's guide on choosing climbing shoes