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Step 1
Think of your specific intended purpose first when shopping for rock climbing shoes. Determine what type of climbing you'll be doing, and shop for that purpose.
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Step 2
Review a rock shoe's features. They should match your experience and climbing area. If you're a beginner, you will probably want a versatile shoe that can be used on a wide range of climbs. If you are a more advanced climber, you may want a specialized shoe designed for the routes you most often focus on.
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Step 3
Consider shoe height especially. A higher shoe that covers the ankles provides more support and protection, while a lower-cut shoe gives more range and freedom.
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Step 4
Decide which type of closure you are most comfortable with. Both laced and hook-and-loop shoes are available. Hook-and-loop closures let you put on and take off the shoe quickly. Laced shoes offer a tighter fit.
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Step 5
Look at a shoe's support and stiffness, as both are key factors. The stiffer the shoe, the more protection is available for your foot. However, more flexible shoes allow you to feel the face of the rock and find more footholds.
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Step 1
Try "all-purpose" shoes if you will be using them in a wide variety of climbing situations. They usually are cut high to protect ankles and are popular with many beginning climbers.
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Step 2
Wear "high-performance" shoes for more advanced climbing. These shoes are very tight fitting, with a low cut and minimal protection. They are flexible and lightweight, and are often used by more advanced competitive climbers.
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Step 3
Turn to "slippers" for less intense climbing. Rock slippers are designed less like shoes, and more like skin for your feet. They are very thin and form-fitting, allowing the foot to feel the rock. Rock slippers are often used in climbing gyms and for bouldering.
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Step 1
Fit a rock climbing shoe properly. The fit of rock climbing shoes is the most important thing to consider. Taking the time to find shoes that fit properly will make a big difference in comfort and performance.
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Step 2
Understand that the longer the routes are that you intend to climb, the less tight your shoes should be. Very tight shoes are normally used for shorter and faster climbs, but will become a problem on longer climbs.
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Step 3
Compare differences in shoe tightness to find the proper fit. The ideal fit should be snug, but not painfully tight. Climbing shoes will stretch slightly over time; however, painful pressure points in the heel and toe area usually are permanent. Shop for comfort.
