How Long Do Rock Climbing Shoes Last

Rock Climbing Shoes

Rock climbers have a love affair with their shoes. Those colorful, over-the-foot contraptions provide grip and support when the climber is scaling steep mountainsides or traversing dangerous ledges. In addition, some climber flat shoes are made with rubber soles that will last decades. Different brands offer various life spans for their shoes, but generally speaking, you can expect to get about 150 days of rock climbing out of them before they get too worn out or lost some traction.

But climbing shoes, like any other athletic shoe, will only last as long as they provide the comfort and support needed by the climber on her feet. If rock climbing shoes are not properly maintained, even a $100 pairs of shoes can quickly wear out. 

When Should Climbing Shoes Be Replaced

Even the best climbing shoes will wear out after they’ve stood up to hundreds of hours of mountain climbing. Most expensive climbing shoes will start to wear out long before they are worn out. Some climbers replace their shoes once or twice a year, buy high-quality shoes, and resoled them by a shoe repair shop. Re-soling can extend the life of a shoe while maintaining its comfort and support. Rinse your shoes as soon as you can after a climb.

Climbing Shoes Are Expensive Shoes

Climbing shoes made by reputable companies are the most expensive pieces of climbing equipment. High-quality leather uppers climbing shoes can cost up to $200 pair of shoes. That’s a steep price for some, but the quality is often directly related to the price of climbing shoes. You get what you pay for, and high-quality leather shoes should last longer than synthetic shoes.

Rock Climbing Shoes: Should They Be Resoled

Resoled a pair of climbing footwear is an option for several reasons. Climbers who climb in gym sessions may use them for only a few months out of the year, then donate their gym shoes to the local shoe repair shop to be resoled for resale. Many climbers also resole their shoes because they do not want expediency at the expense of comfort and support. Resoling can help extend the life of your rock climbing shoes, but it also can be an expensive exercise in shoe maintenance.

How Long Do Indoor Shoes Last

Indoor climbing beginner shoe lifespan depends on several factors, including the amount of climbing performed each session and how well the shoes fit. Climbers who climb inside all year can start to feel pain, especially in their ankles, after only a few months. 

While the comfortable climbing shoe is designed for outdoor use can last for several years when worn regularly, indoor climbers should consider purchasing ergonomic rock climbing shoes with insoles that offer good support and comfort. Shoe replacement is necessary if they do not provide enough support or comfort.

Difference Between Indoor And Outdoor Climbing Shoes

A Comfortable climbing shoe can be divided into two categories: indoor and outdoor climbing shoes. For indoor climbing, the comfortable shoe must provide a sticky rubber sole to help with grip on the wall. 

The design of the climbing shoes:

a. The indoor softer shoes are much shorter and do not come up to the ankle.

b. Outdoor climbing shoes are generally made of thinner, more flexible soles to better grip and toe protection on the rock.

The type of material in the shoe:

a. Outdoor climbing shoes are generally made of leather or synthetic material like nylon and artificial fibers.

b. Indoors climbing soft shoes are mainly made of synthetic material.

The comfort level is different:

a. The indoor climbing shoes are designed to offer support and versatility and thus are built to last longer.

b. Outdoor climbing shoes are made of thinner soles and more flexible materials, so they tend to wear down quicker as the rubber tends to wear out faster when used outdoors.

The function:

a. Indoor climbing shoes are designed for vertical to downward movements but may also be used on overhanging terrain. 

b. Outdoor climbing shoe has a toe profile that is conducive to walking uphill and use on long routes, but it is not suited for downward movement on overhanging wall or bouldering indoors 

The Price:

a. Indoor Climbing Shoes are usually more expensive than outdoor climbing shoes as all of the outdoor climbing shoes are made to be durable and crafted for years of service.

b. Outdoor Climbing Shoes are much more affordable than indoor climbing shoes since the materials used in hiking and trekking are lighter in weight and much cheaper than other indoor climbing shoes.

Other Ways To Make Your Climbing Shoes Last Longer

  1. Take care of your Climbing Shoes
  2. Buy quality
  3. Try different models and brands
  4. Regularly rotate your shoes
  5. Keep in mind that all rock climbing shoes are not created equal!
  6. Try not to wear them excessively
  7. Examine the soles of your shoes
  8. Do a brake job on your shoes to make them last longer
  9. Use a good wax and protect your soles
  10. Avoid wearing climbing shoes in cold weather – they will deteriorate faster than warm-weather shoe variants

When Should You Replace Your Climbing Shoes

Quality aggressive shoes should last you for years if you take excellent care of them and buy quality climbing shoes. Check for noticeable wear and tear, as well as deterioration in the fit of the shoe. The shoe should fit comfortably and securely when tightened down without any feeling of slipping or movement when you put pressure on your feet. 

Type Of Climbing Rock Climbing Shoe

Scarpa Drago: The Scarpa Drago is a high-performance shoe that combines sensitive edging and great sensitivity. This shoe is made for hard sport climbing and bouldering. It has a low profile with a slipper-like fit and a Velcro closure, making it easy to put on and take off.

La Sportiva Solution: The La Sportiva Solution is excellent for beginner climbers and experienced climbers. It is comfortable, versatile, and durable enough to use on just about any rock you encounter.

Scarpa Boostic: This is a high-performance shoe designed for edging, smearing, and crack climbing. This shoe can be re-lasted and resoled in the field.

La Sportiva Miura: The La Sportiva Miura is a high-performance shoe that provides sensitivity and power thanks to the Vibram XS Grip 2 rubber. This rubber grips the rock, allowing you to stick to overhangs or slabs easily.

Micro Edges: This shoe is designed to be used in cracks and face climbing. The shoe also comes with a thin rubber sole that provides you with the sensitivity needed for crack climbing.

Elastomers: An elastomer is a synthetic material that is used to make climbing shoes. These elastomers are known to be flexible, comfortable, and durable. They also allow the shoe’s midsole to rebound like a spring. Elastic properties are one of the significant attributes that make climbing shoes so great.

XS Edge: This shoe comes with XS Edge rubber, which is primarily used in crack climbing. The XS Edge rubber provides you with great precision and power when you need to stick into a crack.

Vibram XS Grip 2: This is an excellent rubber that is used in high-performance shoes. It provides maximum friction and traction for crack climbing, bouldering, smearing, and edging.

Different Types Of Rock Climbing

There are different types of climbing. Each takes different techniques, and each can be dangerous.

Regular Climbing: This is climbing that takes place on top ropes, lead rope, and bouldering.

Top-Roping: Top-roping is when you tie a rope around the top of a rock wall or boulder and climb using the rope to support you. The wall or boulder is usually roped off for your safety. It helps you to learn how to climb while keeping yourself safe as possible!

Solo Climbing: Solo climbing is where you climb without any ropes or harnesses.

Rock Climbing: This is climbing that doesn’t necessarily take place on top ropes, lead rope, or bouldering.

Lead Climbing: You are above the ground supported by a rope, and then you climb upwards.

Bouldering: Bouldering is climbing at low heights, usually below four meters off the ground. This style of climbing does not require any harnesses or ropes. Instead, it uses pads that are placed on the floor to protect from falls and injuries.

Crack Climbing: Crack climbing is a type of climbing where you climb cracks in rock or ice. It usually takes place on the top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering. The easiest way to learn this style is to try it out at one of the climbing gyms around you!

Indoor Wall Climbing: Indoor wall climbing is like climbing a rock without the dangers, but better! As a climber, you would be able to do so at your own pace.

Benefits of Climbing

  • Improves physical strength and endurance
  • Exercise for lungs, heart, and muscles in the arms, back legs, and abdomen.
  • Climbing hills or mountains can help you improve your stamina and body strength.
  • Help reduce high blood pressure.
  • Climbing uses almost all your muscle groups.
  • Climbing improves blood circulation, heart rate, and overall fitness.
  • Climbing daily works out your neck and lower back muscles.
  • Even if you are not a natural rock climber in real life, climbing on a virtual rock climbing simulator is still fun.

Conclusion

Your conclusion on how long rock climbing shoes last is that they are a personal thing. Fixing holes in climbing shoes is simple. The comfort level you get is dependent on human foot shape, and it’s essential to find the right shoe for you!

According to the experts, rock climbing shoes should last up to six months. However, other sources seem to vary on the number of months. Some people say that they can last up to one year and others say that you should replace them every month regardless of how much you climb. Because of this, you should understand how long your shoes will last you!