As all peoples foot shapes are different you need to take into account the arch type, comparative length of toes, width of foot, angle of the heel, what level they climb at, whether the person likes climbing with socks, if someone climbs indoor or outdoor, what type of rock, their preferred climbing style and whether or not they take their shoes off after each route. As you can see when it comes to what climbing shoe is best the answer is whats best for each climber. This is why Simond create a number of different climbings.
The best beginners rock climbing shoes should be comfortable and with a flat sole so they can be worn regularly at your climbing wall, with or without socks for comfort. A good quality rubber on the sole, heel and toe will give a good grip on indoor holds and rock.
For the regular climber, great fitting climbing shoes are a really important factor and an essential part of your rock climbing gear. It is important to try a number of climbing shoes to ensure a snug fit, particularly in the toes and heel areas. Aim for a fitting with as little spare space as possible all around the foot, similar to the snug fitting of a sock. Every foot shape is different and dependant on the width of the foot or arch of the instep, which is why Simond have designed a great range of intermediate shoes.
Advanced climbers may be looking for a particularly asymmetric or aggressively downturned shaped sole on their rock climbing or bouldering shoes, in order to achieve the best grip on the rock or holds on steep problems or routes. The toe box will be fitted much tighter to ensure a solid unit of strength through the foot. At this level climbers will be looking for different flexibility levels in the rubber of the sole which can enable either smearing, edging and a varying sensitivity.
Whichever shoes you choose, bear in mind to keep the soles as clean and dry as possible, both indoors and particularly outdoors to avoid transferring dirt on to the holds.
