rock climbing shoes?

See if the gym will sell you some of their rentals.

I went climbing for the first time a week ago today and i haven't missed a day since it's without a doubt something i'm going to do forever, well anyway i got a good harness from a friend and since we'll be in the gym all winter all i need to find is a good pair of shoes, i'm 17 so my foot is still growing a bit and i really don't want to shell out my savings for shoes but i also want something that's going to last if anyone has any suggestions let me know, thanks in advance and take care T.J.

whatever fits best. if them feets is still a growin', go cheap. Climbing shoes don't last very long (the rubber, that is) if you're in 'em alot.

Maybe get some used or 'second hand' shoes.

Before you buy.

Get something that fits...unfortunately shoes are something that you will be constantly changing anyway, that is if you plan on really excelling at as many facets of the climbing world as possible. You'll end up with several different types and brands of shoes. But, if you plan on being just an old fart weekend warrior type (like me) that is a jack of all types master of none, then the ole Kaukulators will do as good as any shoe to get you into trouble...

Again, get a shoe that fits, something that is 'not' toooo tight. This will give you something to grow into and when you reach that Sharma level then you'll know what you need and exactly how to size it...good luck.

The Rockrat...

you saw their ad in climbing magazine because their website lists these same models on sale for $79). This is a board lasted shoe so it should give you plenty of wear. It's a discontinued model but a good all around shoe and at a fair price. When they were first introduced a couple of years ago, they retailed for around $150.

Regards, Bob Austin

Depends on the kind of rock you climb. My Mythoi have survived half a year of gym and different rock types without noticeable impact. One week of 'vacation' in Southern France (Orpierre), with some of the sharpest-featured rocks I have yet encountered (particularly the Belleric crag), and both shoes are pretty much junked. About 10 days after return my entire finger tips peeled off, too, but at least they had the decency not to desert me while it counted.

Unfortunately, pretty much all of the shoes mentioned to you so far have been discontinued (Mythos and Kaukulators are definitely both gone). This is why (as I explain in my FAQ) it is so hard to answer this question. Shoe manufacturers seem to change models more frequently than car manufacturers.

Get something that fits your foot. If you get an expensive shoe you can get it resoled. If you get a cheap shoe, you can either resole it or throw it out. Anyone who climbs regularly ends up owning several pairs of shoes. Nothing you buy will be wasted.
www.climbingshoes.com has some pretty cheap shoes (although they used to be cheaper). I have the Kermits and like them just fine but I'm not a shoe bigot.

BTW, having growing feet might be a great solution to the problem of shoe stretch. If you can just grow your feet at the same rate your shoes stretch, you'll always have a perfect fit.

Mythos are still around, I think they were discontinued for a while - but they are back for sure - http://www.lasportiva.com/Inglese/Catalogo/Climbing/ HomeClimbing.htm

I love them, I have narrow feet, so they make me happy.

Jason

Before you buy.

Newbie here too, at least to the formalized side of the sport. If I understand right, shoes, rope, and to a lesser degree, slings and some chocks are essentially 'consumables'; periodic replacement is part of the price of climbing.

While I'm here, I have a q too. Since rock climbing is more a means to a mountaineering end than my primary interest, what are some of the pros and cons of various mountain/alpine boots when applied to rock climbing?

Jeff 'or should I change into my slippers in the snow?' ers_mz

Before you buy.

I would also recommend trying to find used shoes, but if you want new, try buying ones which are 'unlined' so they will stretch some. You can probably get a pair of Saltic Spirits from Climb High at around $80.00 new, there are also similar shoes from EB and some other off name brands and you can get similar entry level shoes from 5.10 for around $99.00. Also try shopping around for closeouts, one in particular to try is 'Sierra Trading Post'.

Jim Cormier Cormier Mountaineering
www.cormiermtn.com

Before you buy.

Wow, three months. You're right, it's all strength, not technique.

-steven-