There are many types of gloves and advanced shoes globally, but none can replace Vibram Fivefingers. Rock climbing is an intense sport that requires true dedication to excel at it. Vibram Fivefingers enhances grip, dexterity, and breathability while simultaneously protecting the foot from sharp rocks and pointed edges. Due to their fantastic features, they are perfect for every outdoor activity!
What Is Vibram Shoe?
Vibram shoe is a shoe that is made of rubber with a hole in it. It has been in the market for twenty years now, and most people have embraced it as a lifestyle. Even some famous athletes are fascinated by this great shoe.
Pros of Vibrams For Climbing
No Slips: Vibram barefoot shoes offer the feeling of barefoot without any danger of slipping. With a flat and thin sole with no lugs or any texture, you can make almost any climbing move with the confidence that you won’t slip due to your shoe.
Barefoot Feel: If you are used to rocking climbing in all-day shoes, they often feel bulky and heavy, especially during complex moves like toe hooks. Vibrams offer the exact opposite of this as they feel incredibly lightweight and elegant, allowing you to feel every surface beneath your feet.
Natural Positioning of Toes: Another benefit Vibrams provide is that they allow your toes to be in a natural position. In addition, the lack of a big bulky shoe allows them to naturally bend downwards, making it easier for them to grip overhanging terrain.
What Are the Different Types of Rock Climbing Shoes?
Velcro Shoe:
These are the most common type of rock climbing shoes. They include a soft shoe rubber sole connected to the top of the shoe with a velcro strap. With these shoes, you can quickly put them on and without having to tie them up.
Slingshot Shoe:
These shoes are similar in design to velcro shoes, with a tiny difference. The slingshot shoe has a velcro strap underneath the sole rather than up top like other designs. These allow you to slide your foot into the shoe, but once your feet are inside, there is no way to get them out without tearing them off entirely or sliding your toes through an opening at the bottom of the shoe.
Lace-up Shoes:
These are the traditional type of rock climbing shoes. They are a bit more complex than velcro or slingshot shoes because they require you to tie the laces to keep your feet from slipping out. However, this comfortable shoe also adjusts to your foot’s natural shape while providing a lot of grip for climbing and a snug fit for comfort.
What Are The Different Rock Climbing Activities?
Rock climbers all share a desire to excel in their climbing abilities and hone their technical skills on rock. The sport of rock climbing allows the climber to test his or her skills and push the limits of each skill set.
Top-rope Rock Climbing: Top-rope climbing is a way to climb up a rock face without putting in the entire work. Instead, climbers use rope and carabiners (metal clip-on metal hooks) to reach the top and then can belay (climb up the rope) if they fall while they are climbing.
Bouldering Rock Climbing: Bouldering is a form of indoor climbing that involves climbing on small ledges or holds, usually just one or two hands width across. It is possible to do bouldering indoors even though it is an outdoor activity. However, many people do it outside so that they can enjoy themselves more without damaging their homes.
Bolt-climbing Rock Climbing: There is a bit more difficulty escaping because you have to fall off a cliff. It would be helpful if you had good balance, good ankles, and a good softer shoe to wear. It’s usually done on rock faces that are at least 30 feet tall.
Trad Rock Climbing: It is considered to be the most challenging form of climbing. A traditional backpack is always needed when you’re outdoors. Some climbers go on for days at the end of a journey without any sign of civilization. You can’t just set up anchors every ten feet as you would in top-rope or sport climbing and drag your rope behind you because otherwise, it would be too long and it would get all tangled up.
Use Vibram Climbing Shoes For The Following Activities
- Rock Climbing: Climbing without gear is the only actual test of a pair of shoes. They help you feel more confident and safe on the rock, as you trust your feet’ grip to do the rest.
- Hill Sport: Vibram products are designed to help you get a high level of performance in hill sport. Whether competing for time or speed or working on an individual event, Vibram shoes provide a solid performance platform.
- Rock Hopping: Leap in and out of wet rock terrain with confidence. Lightweight and durable, Vibram shoes offer all the grip and support you need.
- Ledge Climbing: Your Vibram Fivefingers will keep you out of the big stuff with all the support and confidence you need on those steep, overhanging routes.
- Bouldering: These shoes grip vertical rock using a unique combination of shoes that feature a soft sole and five flexible fingers made of two different premium materials. A low-profile, snug fit keeps them from swinging around at impact, while the double-stitched toe plies provide comfort even during long sessions of standing.
- Ice Climbing: Passes like this can be hard enough on traditional climbing shoes, so it’s always nice to have extra security. Vibram’s Fivefingers excel at gripping icy rock and pulling you up and out at the same time.
- Top-Roping: When you need to pull the rope quickly off an object, you need all the grip you can get. Vibram Fivefingers makes it a snap to grab the rope at the end of your swing and keep it from falling.
- Via Ferrata: You’ll have better traction and protection than standard climbing shoes. The Vibram Fivefingers double-stitched toe plies add additional protection for your feet as well, all while increasing the amount of freedom in your footwork.
- Crack Climbing: You may be getting into small spaces, but these shoes will provide all the grip and protection you need. Fivefingers’ flexibility and secure fit will keep you comfortable as you work your way up a crack as you conquer a new tight squeeze.
The Climbing Shoe List
- The Vibram XS Edge: This model is designed for trail running.
- The Vibram FiveFingers KSO: This model is designed for the casual athlete (recreational runner, cyclist, martial artist) who needs an added level of security and protection.
- The Vibram FiveFingers Classic: This model was first made by Vibram and was released in February 2006. It has a flat sole with individual toe pockets for each toe.
- Vibram XS Grip 2: This model is designed for all-around trail running and climbing.
- The Vibram FiveFingers Trek: This model was released in 2010. There are more aggressive tread patterns on this tire than on the KSO.
- Scarpa Vapor V: This model is designed for trail running.
- Scarpa Instinct VS: This model is designed for all-around trail running and climbing.
- Scarpa Helix VS: This model is designed for alpine running and climbing.
- Scarpa Instinct EVO: This model is designed for all-around trail running and climbing. It has beveled edges in the toe pocket to allow for better contact with the rock.
- Scarpa Veloce: This model is designed for all-around trail running and climbing.
- Scarpa Force V: This model is designed for bouldering and sport climbing.
- Scrapa Boostic: This model is designed for alpine rock climbing.
- Scarpa Instinct VS: This model is designed for alpine rock climbing.*Scarpa Instinct EVO: This model is designed for all-around trail running and climbing. It has beveled edges in the toe pocket to allow for better contact with the rock.
- Scarpa Reflex V: This model is designed for bouldering and sport climbing.
- Butora Endeavor: This model is designed for bouldering and sport climbing.
- Black Diamonds: This black diamond model is designed for all-around trail running and climbing.
- 5.10 Approach: This model is designed for bouldering and sport climbing.
- Evolv Rave: This model is designed for all-around trail running and climbing.
- La Sportiva Skwama: This model is designed for bouldering and sport climbing.
- La Sportiva Genius: This model is designed for bouldering and sport climbing.
Other Types Of Shoes
- Hiking Boots
- Mountaineering Boots
- Leather Shoes
- Stiffer Shoes
- Steep Bouldering Shoe
- Climbing Shoes
- Bell Climbing Shoes
- Cross Training Shoes
- Running Shoes
- Hiking Shoes
- Rock Climbing Shoes
- Gym Climbing Shoes
Do Vibram Climbing Shoes Fit Different Skill Level Climbers
Beginner Climbers: A beginner who is starting to climb will be more comfortable in a flat shoe because it doesn’t have many technical challenges. However, Vibram beginner shoes might not be the best option as they tend to fit tighter than other brands and give less flexibility in the toes. Vans are an effective tool with the correct gear for rock climbing.
Intermediate Climbers: For intermediate climbers, all of their feet are probably fully developed at this point. They have enough mechanics to support their weight comfortably but might not have the strength to climb outside. Converse are ideal for intermediate climbers.
Advanced Climbers: Advanced climbers need shoes to rely on their muscles more than their feet. Of course, they can use their feet, but they will also need lightweight shoes and offer more grip than a flat shoe. In addition, they will want a climbing shoe brand that supports their glutes (butt) and ankles as well.
Summary
Vibrams are suitable for climbing but like with any shoe, and it is up to your preference whether or not you like them. If money isn’t an issue for you, they may be worth trying out because they provide unique benefits that no other climbing shoe can give. But if cost is an issue or you have problems with your toes getting stepped on, other shoes might suit your needs better. Some believe that Chacos are perfect for rock climbing because they provide excellent traction on all kinds of trails.