Helmets & Footwear

What are the best shoes for climbing?

Climbing footwear is purpose-made to make scaling a rock wall easier. Accordingly, the best climbing shoes should have the following features:

Compact Fit - Your climbing footwear should fit very firmly. While you don't want them to be uncomfortable from being too tight, you need a compact fit so that your foot doesn't slide around inside the shoe. This ensures you apply maximum force with every foot press. Most climbing shoes have a Velcro strap that allows you to adjust the firmness quickly and easily. This also means you don't have to worry about tying up a loose shoelace halfway up a rock wall.

Lightweight - As with all outdoor gear, minimising your load enhances performance. Think about it, the less weight you have to carry, the easier it is to work against gravity as you scale the rock wall. But while you want the lightest climbing footwear possible, you don't want to compromise on support and grip, so choose the lightest climbing shoe you can find that still offers you these qualities.

Traction - Quality rock climbing shoes will have a hard, moulded rubber outsole that is durable and provides exceptional grip on rock surfaces that may be rough or smooth. The toe rand or cap should be robust for protection and to support toeholds, and the edges of the sole may be squared-off to assist with edge grip.

What are the benefits of using a climbing helmet?

Outdoor rock climbing is a very physical sport - depending on where you're headed, it will often involve heights and hard, rugged rock surfaces. So the obvious benefit to wearing a climbing helmet is safety. It will protect you against rocks falling from above, or the impact if you bump your head against the rock wall or the ground. Another benefit of a climbing helmet is the added confidence it will bring you. With a lightweight, yet heavy duty climbing helmet - as well as other purpose-made rock climbing clothing and equipment - you will feel safe, confident and ready to take up the challenge.

Do you need to wear specialised footwear and helmets when climbing?

Like most outdoor adventures and recreational pursuits, having purpose-made clothing and apparel for rock climbing is essential as it will give you greater comfort, protection and performance. Your rock climbing shoes should have a compact fit (almost tight) to minimise slippage inside the shoe - this will maximise the force you can impart with each foot press. They should also be lightweight, have excellent grip on the outsole, and squared off sole edges for traction and foothold. When it comes to head protection, you should never substitute in a bike helmet or other headgear for a specialised climbing helmet. A climbing helmet is specifically-designed to take greater impacts from above, such as falling rocks. It should also be lightweight, breathable and padded, to keep you comfortable during long stints on the rock wall.

How can you pick the best climbing shoe for you?

Choosing the right climbing footwear comes down to your experience and ability levels, and how simple or advanced the climb you are doing is. For experts or steep, aggressive climbs (for example, hard bouldering or sport routes with overhangs), you will want a climbing shoe that has a more prominent, downturned last/arch. This improves toe dexterity and allows you to toe-hook and pull hard. For beginners or more simple approaches, a flatter-style climbing shoe will work well.

Do you need to wear socks with climbing shoes?

Wearing socks with rock climbing shoes is a personal preference. If you want to reduce the chances of slippage inside the shoe, it is best not to wear them. Ultimately maximising connectedness with the wall will make the climb easier, so reducing slip spots is essential. If you want to maintain hygiene and absorb foot perspiration, wearing socks may be preferred.

How should a climbing helmet fit?

A climbing helmet should fit firmly, to ensure it stays in position as you twist and turn during your ascent. Most designs have a quick-release fit strap that allows you to adjust the fit to get the right feel.