How Do You Choose Rock Climbing Shoes For Women?
Rock climbing shoes are like beefed up ballet slippers, equipped with sticky rubber, either laces or Velcro closures, the “last,” the rand and the midsole. When purchasing a rock climbing shoe, people should keep in mind that women are not men with smaller feet. Women typically have higher arches, narrower heels, lower ankle bones (an average of 1/4 inch closer to the ground), thinner big toes, and thicker ankles and calves. Companies typically take one of more of those things into consideration when designing their shoes for women. When buying a shoe you should first decide what sort of climbing you will predominantly be doing. People who will likely spend all day in their shoes, while in a climbing class and/or while climbing longer routes, should consider purchasing a shoe with a stiffer midsole that has a more natural shape that conforms to the normal shape of a foot. Climbers focused on the more difficult gymnastic routes should choose flexible midsoles that are softer (i.e. more
