The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Shoe Sizing: Why Size Matters More Than You Think
Whether you're a beginner looking to buy climbing shoes for the first time or an experienced climber questioning your sizing choices, understanding when to size down versus staying true to size can make or break your climbing experience. Let's dive into the technical aspects while keeping things practical and actionable. Understanding Shoe Construction Before we dive into sizing specifics, let's break down how climbing shoes are built. The construction method directly influences how much a shoe will stretch and how it should be sized. Construction Type Expected Stretch Initial Fit Recommendation Unlined Leather 0.5-1 full size Size down 1-1.5 sizes Lined Leather 0.25-0.5 size Size down 0.5-1 size Synthetic Minimal Size down 0.25-0.5 size Hybrid Materials 0.25-0.75 size Varies by manufacturer Material Impact on Sizing The materials used in your climbing shoes play a crucial role in determining the right size: Leather Upper: Most stretch potential Molds to your foot shape ...