How Long Do Climbing Shoes Last?
Climbing shoes are an essential piece of gear for any rock climber. They provide the necessary support and grip for scaling steep cliffs and walls and are a crucial piece of equipment for safety and performance.
However, like any other piece of gear, climbing shoes have a lifespan. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect the durability of climbing shoes, the average lifespan of climbing shoes, and how to prolong the life of your climbing shoes.
Factors that Affect the Durability of Climbing Shoes
There are several factors that contribute to the lifespan of climbing shoes. The most important factor is the frequency of use. The more often you climb, the more quickly your shoes will wear out.
The type of climbing is another important factor to consider. Shoes used for sport climbing or indoor climbing will last longer than those used for trad climbing or bouldering, as these types of climbing put more wear and tear on the shoes.
The quality of the shoe is also a factor to consider, as higher-quality shoes are made from more durable materials and are built to last longer. Finally, proper care and maintenance of the shoes are crucial for prolonging their lifespan.
Average Lifespan of Climbing Shoes
The average lifespan of climbing shoes can vary depending on the factors mentioned above. If you’re a frequent climber who primarily engages in a sport or indoor climbing and uses high-quality shoes, you can expect your shoes to last between 6 to 12 months.
On the other hand, if you’re a less frequent climber who primarily engages in trad or bouldering and uses lower-quality shoes, you can expect your shoes to last between 3 to 6 months.
Signs that it’s Time to Replace Your Climbing Shoes
It’s important to regularly check the condition of your climbing shoes, as worn-out shoes can be dangerous. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your climbing shoes:
Worn outsole: The sole of the shoe is the part that comes into contact with the rock, and it’s part of the shoe that wears out the quickest. If the sole is worn down or has smooth spots, it’s time to replace the shoes.
Torn or stretched upper: The upper is part of the shoe that surrounds your foot, and it should fit snugly. If the upper is stretched out or torn, it’s time to replace the shoes.
Loss of support: A good climbing shoe should provide support and grip. If you notice that your shoes are no longer providing the necessary support, it’s time to replace them.
Bad odors: Bad odors are a sign that the shoes are not drying out properly and that bacteria is growing inside the shoe.
How to Prolong the Life of Your Climbing Shoes
Proper care and maintenance of your climbing shoes can help prolong their lifespan. Here are some tips to help you do this:
Proper care and maintenance: Clean your shoes after each use, and let them dry out completely before storing them. Use a leather or fabric conditioner to help keep the shoes in good condition.
Proper storage: Store your shoes in a dry, well-ventilated area to help prevent bacteria growth and odors.
Rotating between multiple pairs: Rotating between multiple pairs of shoes will help prolong the life of each pair, as it will give them time to dry out and recover between uses.
Proper sizing: Make sure you’re buying shoes that fit you properly. Shoes that are too tight or too loose will wear out more quickly.
FAQs
How often should I replace my climbing shoes?
The frequency of replacement depends on the factors such as the frequency of use, type of climbing, quality of the shoe, and proper care and maintenance. A frequent climber who primarily engages in a sport or indoor climbing and uses high-quality shoes can expect their shoes to last between 6 to 12 months. Less frequent climbers who primarily engage in trad or bouldering and use lower-quality shoes can expect their shoes to last between 3 to 6 months.
What are the signs that it’s time to replace my climbing shoes?
Signs that it’s time to replace your climbing shoes include worn-out soles, torn or stretched upper, loss of support, and bad odors.
Can I extend the lifespan of my climbing shoes with proper care and maintenance?
Yes, proper care and maintenance of your climbing shoes such as cleaning them after each use, letting them dry out completely before storing, using a leather or fabric conditioner to keep the shoes in good condition, and storing them in a dry, well-ventilated area can help prolong their lifespan.
Is it better to rotate between multiple pairs of climbing shoes?
Rotating between multiple pairs of climbing shoes can help prolong the life of each pair, as it gives them time to dry out and recover between uses.
Can the wrong size of climbing shoes shorten the lifespan?
Yes, the wrong size of climbing shoes can shorten the lifespan. Shoes that are too tight or too loose will wear out more quickly. It’s important to make sure you’re buying shoes that fit you properly.
