It can be very painful to climb in tight shoes. And it’s perhaps the most challenging part of climbing- how to break new climbing shoes. New shoes are always welcome, as everyone loves new shoes. It is important to get them used to before you climb. You might be tempted not to break them in, but you will need to do so every once in a while.
One reason why your climbing shoes are too tight is that you bought a pair that’s just too tight that it almost feels like a second skin. It’s an old adage that you have to buy really tight shoes because they will become loose eventually. For climbing shoes, this might not always be true.
You must break in your new climbing shoes. Learn how in our article.
Table of Contents
Hacks to Improve Your Climbing Shoes – 5 Ways
It’s your turn to take it to the shower
Although it may sound odd, we all take our shoes off after we shower. This is a simple trick to loosen tight climbing shoes.
Use an icebag
If you don’t like getting your shoes all drenched in the shower, this could be a more viable option for you. This is a great way to stretch your feet a little.
Use your trusty blower
This is the best choice for you if you find the above-mentioned techniques too overwhelming. We will need your trusted hairbrush and some socks.
Wrap your feet with Saran
New shoes can be painful. Wrap your feet in a plastic liner, or saran wrap to prevent blisters. Slide them into the shoe. You’d feel how easy it is to wear with plastic wrap.
These shoes can be worn for several minutes. This will help stretch out the upper part.
This method works only if the upper part of your shoe has to be started just a little.
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Pair your climbing shoes with socks
The thicker socks are better. The upper of climbing shoes will be stretched if the shocks are thicker. The shoes will be a little looser.
How tight should climbing shoes be?
To prevent the need to break in new climbing shoes, here are some tips on how you would be able to tell that it’s the right fit for you.
What happens if your climbing shoes are too tight?
To discourage you from wearing climbing shoes that are too tight fitting, here are some things that can happen to your feet.
And there’s almost no evidence to prove that very tight fitting shoes can enhance your performance.
FAQ’s
Can women wear men’s climbing shoes?
In terms of design, climbing shoes are almost always gender-neutral. But due to the sizing difference, most men’s climbing shoes may not be suitable for women.
How tight should climbing shoes be?
It should be slightly tighter than performance footwear. For beginners, it is best to choose a shoe that is comfortable, but not too tight. You can climb higher boulders as you gain experience. You might find that a tighter fit is more beneficial. It should not be so tight that your toes are bent.
Which climbing shoes are more difficult to break in?
Leather climbing shoes are more flexible than synthetic ones. They can be stretched further than synthetic climbing shoes.
Final Say
Your climbing shoes should fit like a glove. But it doesn’t have to be too tight that it hurts your toes. Poorly fitting climbing shoes won’t allow you to climb higher boulders.
You need to know how to put on new climbing shoes. Although they may seem insane, these hacks actually work!
