Beginners Guide to Bouldering Shoes
Bouldering is a fun and popular hobby, but you need to right shoes. You can go into most outdoor stores, and they will have a wall of climbing shoes for bouldering, and you will not know where to begin. Although there are a variety of shoes online, going in person is the best way to know which shoes work for you without having to return the same pair ten times.
The best place to go is somewhere where the variety of shoes and sizes are out and ready to try on because it can be difficult, and awkward asking for ten different pairs of shoes in three incrementally different sizes all at once. You will be trying on A LOT of shoes, but here’s where to start.
Budget
You don’t have to spend a fortune, but keep in mind that these are meant to last you a couple of years at least. There is a tendency to go for the most expensive shoe and although this might signal a higher quality, it doesn’t mean that it will work for you. Stick in the range of your budget and research brands that are known for their longevity: La Sportiva, Boreal and Five Ten are some of the most popular.
The lower end of the budget will work for you if you’re just starting out. Good shoes are an investment, and rental shoes can get expensive. If you’re not sure if bouldering is for you, there’s nothing wrong with getting a cheaper pair for the…
