How to Calculate Climbing Shoe Size
If this is your first pair of climbing shoes, you might find that your recommended size is around two European sizes (or one US size) smaller than your regular street shoes or rental climbing shoes. This is completely normal, as climbing shoes are designed to be worn without socks and to fit snugly.
Importance of a Snug Fit
Any extra space in your climbing shoes can reduce your grip and sensitivity, making it harder to feel the footholds. This can increase your chances of slipping off unexpectedly and also cause your shoes to wear out faster. Therefore, find a fit that's snug but not painfully tight.
Boulderers: typically wear the tightest shoes for maximum precision.
Alpine Climbers: prefer slightly roomier shoes for comfort over long periods.
Sport Climbers: fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
These differences become more noticeable at advanced climbing levels.
Sizing Tips by Experience Level
Beginners: generally, beginners should choose shoes that are half to one full size smaller than their street shoe size, regardless of their climbing discipline.
Advanced Climbers: experienced climbers often opt for shoes that are about two sizes smaller than their street shoe size.
Boulderers vs. Alpine Climbers: for added precision, boulderers might select shoes half a size smaller than those preferred by Alpine climbers.
Stretching and Material
Synthetic Shoes: typically expand by up to ½ a size over time. They offer minimal stretch but maintain their shape better.
Leather Uppers: can stretch 1 to 2 sizes and usually break in faster, conforming to the shape of your foot.
More Tips for Choosing Climbing Shoes
Try Them On: always try on climbing shoes later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen, similar to how they'll be after climbing.
Toe Fit: your toes should be slightly curled but not painfully crunched. Ensure there are no dead spaces.
Heel Fit: the heel should fit snugly without causing discomfort or slipping out.
Test Them: walk around and try to stand on small edges in the store to ensure they offer the required support and sensitivity.
Follow these guidelines, you'll be better equipped to find the perfect climbing shoe size that suits your climbing style.
Remember, climbing shoe fit is highly personal and may require some trial and error. Don't rush the process, as the right fit can significantly enhance your climbing performance and comfort.
When choosing the right size, think about both how you'll be using the shoes, and how strong a climber you are.
Deviation from street shoe size depending on climbing level and discipline
BEGINNERS (< 7) | ADVANCED (7 - 9) | PROS (> 9) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Bouldering | -0.6 | -1.2 | -1.8 |
Sport climbing | -0.5 | -1.0 | -1.7 |
Alpine climbing | -0.6 | -0.9 | -1.3 |
CLIMBING SHOE SIZE CONVERSION CHART
Based on European half sizes, which are smaller increments than US half sizes.
MENS | EUROPEAN | WOMENS |
|---|---|---|
33 | 2.5 | |
33.5 | 3 | |
2.5 | 34 | 3.5 |
3 | 34.5 | 4 |
3.5 | 35 | 4.5 |
4 | 35.5 | 5 |
4.5 | 36 | 5.5 |
4.5+ | 36.5 | 5.5+ |
5 | 37 | 6 |
5.5 | 37.5 | 6.5 |
6 | 38 | 7 |
6.5 | 38.5 | 7.5 |
6.5+ | 39 | 7.5+ |
7 | 39.5 | 8 |
7.5 | 40 | 8.5 |
8 | 40.5 | 9 |
8.5 | 41 | 9.5 |
8.5+ | 41.5 | 9.5+ |
9 | 42 | 10 |
9.5 | 42.5 | 10.5 |
10 | 43 | 11 |
10.5 | 43.5 | 11.5 |
10.5+ | 44 | 11.5+ |
11 | 44.5 | 12 |
11.5 | 45 | 12.5 |
12 | 45.5 | 13 |
12.5 | 46 | 13.5 |
12.5+ | 46.5 | 13.5+ |
13 | 47 | 14 |
13.5 | 47.5 | |
14 | 48 | |
14.5 | 48.5 | |
15 | 49 | |
15.5 | 49.5 | |
16 | 50 | |
