As an attractive and exciting sport, climbing can be very dangerous and risky. Of course, this sport can be dangerous if we are not equipped or if we are equipped, we do not use quality tools and clothing. In this article of Koohbist, we want to provide you with a complete guide for choosing the best climbing shoes.
we are suggested you What is a climbing gaiter? article.
All kinds of boots, shoes, or hiking boots
If you have the best and most prepared muscles in your legs, you still need the best climbing shoes to maintain balance and climb better. In this part, we will introduce the types of shoes that suits for climbing.
Hiking shoes for hiking
Models with short heels and flexible soles are suitable for everyday walking and they are very practical. Some climbers may also use special hiking shoes for their daily long walks. Just be aware, if your walking shoes or boots do not protect your ankles, they will have problems on rocky paths. Of course, it should be noted that this model cannot be the best climbing shoe available; So stay with Koohbist.
hiking shoes for Mountaineering
This shoes model has medium and high heels, and they are used for one-day hikes or short trips for mountaineering with a light load. They are usually flexible and require a few uses for a bit more comfort. But as strong climbing shoes, they lack support and durability and they cannot be the best climbing shoes.
hiking shoes for Mountaineers
This model, which is also a semi-heavy climbing shoe, is suitable for multi-day, 3-season, and one-day climbs in the winter season. The size of the shoe is 14 to 19 cm and because of the long leg, it protects the ankle well.
Heavy-duty hiking shoes
It can be suitable for professional ice climbing as well as climbing mountains of less than 5000 meters. This model of shoes, i.e. heavy single wear, can be called the best climbing shoes from many points. The bottom layer of this model of shoes is not flexible, but it is capable of carrying crampons.
hiking shoes, heavy dou pou model
One of the strongest and one can say the best climbing shoes that have no flexibility at all. It can carry crampons and looks like two big and small shoes, that’s why it is called a two-piece shoe. The small shoe has no laces and is loosened and fixed with glue, then it is placed inside the bigger shoe. When camping and entering the tent, indoor or smaller shoes are used. It is suitable for climbs with a height of 7000 meters or more in spring and summer and below 7000 meters in other seasons.
Himalayan shoes
It is placed in the category of three-layer shoes, which of course is similar to two-layer models, but the third layer is a long gaiter that completely covers the shoe. It is made for ascents of 8000 meters in the Himalayas, as well as for climbing heights above 7000 meters in the winter season. The bottom layer is non-flexible and very strong, with the ability to install crampons. According to many professionals, this model is considered the best climbing shoe.
Rock climbing model climbing shoes
These shoes, which are also called linen shoes, are also suitable for wall climbing and indoor rock climbing.
Ice climbing shoes
Due to the use of crampons in this model, it is specially designed for ice climbing, otherwise, it is like a climbing shoe. This model definitely cannot be the best climbing shoe available.
Mountaineering model shoes
These shoes are designed when carrying heavy loads on non-day trips such as nature trips. Most of them have a high heel that covers the ankle as a good supporter. High durability and firmer soles than light shoes are suitable for heavy or light hiking.
General characteristics of the best climbing shoes
The best available hiking shoes have appropriate features and facilities. At this moment, we will introduce you to some of these features.
safety
Because climbing is an unpredictable and difficult sport, you should choose the best climbing shoes in terms of safety to help you at high altitudes.
The suitable bottom layer and the top layer
First of all, the resistance of shoes is related to the bottom layer and its top. The bottom layer and the top layer of the worst and the best climbing shoes are different and the best ones always provide the comfort of the climber while being durable. The weight of each shoe should not be more than one kilogram.
Waterproof
Everything in climbing must be waterproof. Usually, the worst or the best climbing shoes benefit from this feature.
breathability
The meaning of breathability is that the right climbing shoes should be designed in such a way that they can direct the air from outside to inside and from inside to outside. The best climbing shoes are those that can work well in air conditioning. So as not to cause sweaty feet and early fatigue for the climber.
Notice the expiration date
Perhaps an interesting point is that even the best hiking shoes have an expiration date.
This expiration date ranges from two until six years, and when the date expires, you should replace your shoes. Usually, this date is stuck on the label under the tongue of the shoe or the sole inside.
Tips about the size of climbing shoes
To know the best hiking shoe, distinguish it from the standard size it has or lacks. Sometimes even the best hiking shoes with a well-known brand may not have a standard size. The fact that you have to wear a shoe for long hours make choosing a suitable hiking shoe very sensitive. Let’s examine some of these points together.
Wideness
One of the most important points is that it should not be too wide because it has been seen that many climbers have skin blisters despite having the best climbing shoes due to the wideness of their shoes. Usually, the special climbing shoes are considerably wide and suitable.
It should not be too tight
As you know, at the unpredictable heights of climbing, you face various incidents and blows. If your shoes are too tight and cappy, you will have problems with your toes and nails.
Not under pressure on the ankle
Naturally, the shoe should protect the ankle to protect it from shocks, but it is not right for you to damage it by tightening the adhesive around your ankle too much. This is one of those things that has nothing to do with having or not having the best hiking shoes.
Sizing in a word
Usually, professional climbers, even if they have the best climbing shoes, still pay attention to a series of points like the ones above. In addition to these cases, choosing shoes of a larger size and wearing thick socks to improve blood flow while climbing are other common tips that professional climbers follow.
Maintenance of hiking shoes
It is very necessary and important to have proper shoes in mountaineering, But there is one important point that you should pay attention to; That point is how to maintain shoes. Even if you have the best climbing shoes, but you don’t take care of them after every climb, those shoes will expire sooner.
What should be done?
It doesn’t matter what the brand of your hiking shoes is, the important thing is to clean your shoes with a toothbrush or brush after each ride, use a suitable bag to carry and store your shoes, and last but not least, wear your hiking shoes correctly at high altitudes. take a step
The advantages of the best climbing shoes
Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you have winter or autumn hiking shoes, or what brand your shoes are. This is one of the most important points of efficient shoes.
Be able to install crampons
Most crampon models should be installed on the best climbing shoes. Most semi-hard and hard shoes can install crampons on them.
Short or long leg
If you want a pair of sneakers or hiking shoes for light climbing or trekking, it is better to use short-leg models or half boots. But on the other hand, if you want to go on a difficult climb and want to wear heavy climbing shoes, use the long-legged model or the Himalayan model, which are the best climbing shoes in this field.
The price is right
Reasonable price is one of those reasons that may lead climbers to buy the worst or the best climbing shoes. Reliable quality, durability and even having a reliable brand and finally having a series of efficient features can help you choose the best climbing shoes at the right price.
Must be insulated
For a glorious hike, we need the best-insulated hiking boots. When we go to natural glaciers full of snow and cold greenhouses, we should use insulated model climbing shoes.
The best brand of climbing shoes
As mentioned, the brand of your climbing shoes can have a direct impact on your decision-making or even on your shoe bag. It is not possible to determine the best brand of climbing shoes because there is a lot of variety in this case and everything depends on your opinion, taste, and parameters.
Quartal shoe brand
This Iranian brand, located in Tabriz, has been producing the best climbing shoes for the past years until now. Quartal shoes are produced and supplied in three models: Sahand, Savalan, and Kimchi.
Quartal climbing shoes Savalan cactus model
This model of men’s or women’s climbing shoes is available in two colors and is also waterproof and made of cow leather. Quartal hiking shoes are very strong and help you in high altitudes.
Scarpa shoe brand
This Italian brand takes the lead in innovation and quality. Here we would like to introduce a model of Scarpa climbing shoes for women or men.
Scarpa REBEL LITE GTX women’s mountain shoes
This Scarpa brand model, which is suitable for normal walking and even heavy climbing, is waterproof and has Goretex lining. This model, which is more of a women’s hiking boot, covers the ankle well; If you add a gaiter to this model of women’s climbing shoes, it will be great.
Hampton shoe brand
An American brand whose products are manufactured in China. The great variety in the products of this brand has made countless climbers around the world use this model.
Hampton climbing shoes model 290027
This model, which is mostly a light climbing shoe, is suitable for nature tourism, hill climbing, and similar activities. The design of this model is completely specific to women and it is almost considered women’s trekking shoes. The strength and waterproof ability of this shoe are another reason for its popularity. Hampton hiking shoes model 290027 can be the best hiking shoes for women because it is available in two beautiful colors.
Other brands
Other brands produce the best women’s or men’s climbing shoes; Brands such as Koohsar shoes with popular Alvand and Damavand models, Mendel brand hiking shoes, or Oushba brand, all of which are engaged in producing the best hiking shoes for mountaineers.
The reason for the special importance of hiking shoes
Choosing a shoe for everyday running is very different from hiking shoes. You know that you should be fully equipped for climbing. The direct connection of climbing equipment, especially the shoes of this sport, with safety and health in remote and dangerous places, makes us raise our level of sensitivity in this matter to the highest possible level.
questions about climbing shoes
Which model is the best women’s climbing shoes?
It is not possible to give a clear answer to this question. You should choose a suitable shoe according to your needs and budget, the use you intend to make of the shoes, and your innate taste and personality.
Do hiking shoes have to be waterproof?
This is not mandatory, especially for those who are usually engaged in nature tourism or light mountain climbing. on the other hand, if you are going to do heavy, multi-day, and snow-filled climbing, be sure to use the best waterproof hiking shoes.