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Looking for climbing shoes

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Inbred_Redneck
Posts: 2776 - Karma: 28
I'm starting to get more serious into bouldering and climbing, and would like to get a pair of cheap beginner shoes. I know there are some climbers on here, and im a total newb when it comes to climbing shoes, so can you guys tell me what to look for?

Keep in mind, I'm looking at under $100, and i use climbing as more of a workout than anything else.
Mar 22 2011 11:45AM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,123
http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302887130&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673421187
Mar 22 2011 11:52AM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,123
Just go and try some on though. They should fit snug, but nothing like how tight a ski boot fits.
Mar 22 2011 11:56AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
I just got some basic 5.10 climbing shoes from a hiking store, you should be able to find em under a hundred.

Maybe rent some at a gym to see if you like laces or velcro. I like laces.
Mar 22 2011 12:25PM
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iFlip
Posts: 4543 - Karma: 19,132

This is not a question we can answer for you. Climbing shoes are like ski boots - one brand will fit perfectly, while another will not fit at all. Personally, I have found that 5.10 fit my feet, whereas La Sportivas do not at all. For a beginner shoe, look for an all-around shoe, not a super aggressive sport shoe. Size them just a bit below comfort level, maybe half a size if synthetic. If you buy leather shoes, plan on them stretching quite a lot, while synthetics stretch very little.

Go to a local climbing shop, preferably a dedicated climbing shop and not REI. They will be able to fit you with something that will work well for you for quite a while.

Mar 22 2011 1:33PM
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fragglemuffin
Posts: 3312 - Karma: 444
Check out Evolv Pontas...they are great for bouldering and gym climbing. I wouldn't get anything that has laces (get a shoe with velcro) because it's kind of annoying to try to unlace your shoes after some serious climbing. Whatever you get though, TRY DIFFERENT SIZES ON FIRST! The fit of shoes varies by company, and the size shoe you are wearing definitely affects your climbing.
Mar 22 2011 2:14PM
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BootySpunk.
Posts: 8148 - Karma: 84
Check out La Sportiva Nago. They are some awesome beginner shoes and pretty cheap too.
Mar 22 2011 2:17PM
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I_Am_Mod
Posts: 13214 - Karma: 3,753
go and try some on !

my foot wont fit any 5.10 shoe, but almost every lasportiva fits me godly !

i love my testarossas (out of your price league)

if they fit you, the miura is an excellent allround shoe !
Mar 22 2011 2:19PM
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BootySpunk.
Posts: 8148 - Karma: 84
Probably the best advice that can be given.
Mar 22 2011 2:21PM
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Flying~Squirrel
Posts: 6494 - Karma: 192
climbing shoes are really hard to recomend to someone, and everybody likes different things. fore example, i climb with the mad rock mugen tech lace, which is a pretty inexpensice shoe, and most people who ive talked to say that it is a peice of crap and i should go buy some scarpas. however, i love them to death and cant climb with anything else.

but keep in mind that IN GENERAL these companies support these kids of climbing:
scarpa - technical, edging on dimes, steep walls.

mad rock - funky, awkward climbing; overhangs and hooking and jamming

5.10 - long trad climbs, big outdoor sends, endurance climbing

evolv - chill, comfy, indoor shinaniganns

so try some at a gym, or demo some from EMS or REI or something, and figure out what works best. and remember, just because something is more expensive doesnt mean its better.
Mar 22 2011 2:27PM
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molsongolden
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 162
I've been contemplating trying these but I've never tried on any of their shoes so I'm not sure how they fit. I've read every review I could find though and supposedly they stretch a ton and are pretty comfortable. and 40% off.

http://www.campsaver.com/project-climbing-shoe-men-s

Mar 22 2011 2:41PM
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RoofDaRoofieDogg
Posts: 3090 - Karma: 1,989
im post whoring
Mar 22 2011 3:02PM
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newschooler7
Posts: 2253 - Karma: 21
Check out departmentofgoods.com. owned by backcountry, and super cool people who will help you out so much if you call them. I just got a pair of evolvs from them and I love them. The'll send you 2 pairs  ( ex. size 10 and 10.5) and pay for you to ship one back. really do recommend it
Mar 22 2011 3:13PM
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iFlip
Posts: 4543 - Karma: 19,132

Those are very aggressive shoes, as their name implies. To "project" a climb means to work or attempt a route, over and over and over again, wiring every move, until you can eventually "send" it. This is usually done sport climbing much more than trad climbing, and usually difficult climbs. If you are a beginner, which your posting makes me believe, this is the wrong shoe for you. I am guessing you and the people you are going to be climbing with are not psyched on spending all day making your way 15 feet up a 5.12 sport route.

I climb 100+ days a year between rock and ice, and travel rather extensively doing so. A good 5.10 shoe I would recommend is the Moccasym - http://www.campsaver.com/anasazi-moccasym-climbing-shoe This shoe is comfortable, and suitable for a wide variety of uses. It will not hold your climbing back, and it also will not limit you to a single type of route like the Project would.

Mar 22 2011 7:59PM
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Inbred_Redneck
Posts: 2776 - Karma: 28
I'm going in friday to try some on. I know seperate companies cater to different kinds of feet, so what would you guys reccamend for a kid with semi-wide, flat feet?
Mar 23 2011 7:25PM
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skier_boy26
Posts: 11295 - Karma: 502
Just try various ones on. Brand should not matter.

Just see what fits best for your budget. You don't need some fancy ass, expensive shoe to climb well.

But you want those toes curled a bit, so don't go too big... or too small... go for just right.
Mar 23 2011 7:29PM
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molsongolden
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 162
i send it so hard i'm using a forearm grip strengthening ball with my toes right now
Mar 23 2011 7:43PM
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