HOW TIGHT SHOULD ROCK SHOES BE?
How tight you wear your rock climbing shoes is a personal choice. Some climbers will say a rock shoe can never been too tight; others say to wear something which is comfortable. Photo courtesy of ArcTeryx 2007 Whatever you select, remember to take the following facts into consideration when you purchase rock shoes: • Most rock shoes are made with either leather or synthetic uppers which will stretch over time (it will be a stretch in the width, NOT in the length). • The tighter the shoe, the more stretch you will get over time (BUT THE LENGTH WILL NOT STRETCH!) • The tighter the shoe, the more you will be able to FEEL the rock • The looser the fit, the more comfortable you will feel (particularly if you are new to rock climbing) • An initially looser, more comfortable shoe can feel more sloppy over time because it stretches (with use) • The tighter the shoes, the more you want to tear them off as soon as you are finished with your pitch! The bottom line: Rock shoes are not meant to fee
