Kids Rock Climbing Shoes

Kids rock climbing shoes serve as the interface between you and the rock, and an improper shoe or fit can be detrimental. There are three main factors to consider while selecting climbing shoes:

  • Climbing shoe type: Depending on the style of climbing you want to undertake, choose from neutral, moderate, or aggressive shoes.
  • Climbing shoe features: laces, straps, linings, and rubber all have an impact on a shoe’s performance.
  • Climbing shoe fit: Climbing shoes should fit snug but not painfully for optimum performance. Getting the appropriate fit will allow you to climb harder and for longer periods of time.

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Kids Rock Climbing Shoes

Neutral

Climbing Shoes (Neutral)

These sneakers have a slouchy fit for all-day comfort. They allow your toes to be flat inside the shoes. Neutral shoes are great for new climbers because they are more comfortable. They are also great for experienced climbers who want comfortable, all-day shoes for long multi-pitch climbs.

Pros:

  • Ensure all-day comfort.
  • For good support, they frequently have medium-to-stiff midsoles and thick rubber soles.
  • Because of their somewhat flat appearance, they are ideal for slipping into crevices.

Cons:

  • The soles of neutral and aggressive shoes are less sensitive than the soles of moderate and aggressive shoes, which are thicker and stiffer.
  • A relaxed, comfortable fit is not intended for strenuous overhanging climbs.

Moderate

Climbing Shoes for Intermediate Climbers

  • The slightly downturned form (also known as camber) of moderate shoes makes them ideal for tricky climbing. These shoes are good for slab routes, crack climbs, long multi-pitch climbs, and sports routes with a little overhang.

Pros:

  • The downturned shape puts your feet in a stronger, more powerful position than neutral shoes, which lets you climb harder routes.
  • For better grip and feel, the bottoms of these shoes are often made of stickier rubber and are thinner than neutral shoes.
  • Shoes that are comfier than aggressive shoes

Cons:

  • Because they aren’t as focused on performance as aggressive shoes, they aren’t as good for routes with a lot of overhangs and boulder problems.
  • Shoes that are less comfortable than neutral shoes
  • Stickier rubber and thinner soles wear out faster than neutral shoes’ rubber.

Aggressive

Climbing Shoes with Aggressive Style

These shoes have extremely downturned toes and a lot of heel tension to place your feet in a strong and powerful stance for difficult overhanging routes. The majority of aggressive shoes feature an asymmetric form that slopes toward the big toe, concentrating force on the toe for accurate placement on tiny holds. Climbers often utilize aggressive shoes for single-pitch sport climbs and gym routes due to the snug fit and downturned form, rather than all-day multi-pitch climbs.

Pros:

  • The design puts your feet in a strong, powerful position for overhanging sports climbs, gym routes, and boulder problems.
  • For better grip and feel, the bottoms of these shoes are often made of stickier rubber and are thinner than neutral shoes.

Cons:

  • Shoes that are less comfortable than moderate and neutral shoes
  • Downturn shoes do not fit as well in cracks or smearing as well as neutral and moderate shoes.
  • Stickier rubber and thinner soles wear out faster than neutral shoes’ rubber.

Kids’ Climbing Shoe Specifications

Footwear Closure

  • Lace-up: the most adaptable style. Loosen the laces when your feet grow hot and swollen, or for walk-off routes. However, for a steep pitch or climb, crank down at the toe and instep to improve the performance of the shoe.
  • Strap closures (sometimes known as “hook-and-loop closures”) provide improved on/off convenience. They are ideal for bouldering and gym climbing when you need to remove your shoes between routes.
  • Slip-on shoes, sometimes known as slippers, have elastic closing mechanisms and the highest sensitivity and lowest profile of any shoe. Slippers are great for training since they don’t have a normally firm sole and midsole, so your feet will develop stronger and faster. They have a low profile because they don’t have straps or laces, making them ideal for fitting into very narrow crevices.

Materials for Climbing Shoes

The uppers of the shoes are either leather or synthetic. Leather shoes (lined and unlined) require the least amount of maintenance, including deodorizing. Many high-performance shoes are made of synthetic materials, and many vegetarians and vegans prefer them.

Unlined leather shoes can be stretched up to a full size. Size them such that your toes just brush up against the end of the shoe, allowing you to feel (but not see) your toe knuckles pressing against the leather. Keep in mind that an all-leather shoe will bleed shoe colors all over your foot.

Synthetic materials: synthetic shoes do not stretch much and soften slightly with usage, but because there is minimal give, the fit will not vary considerably. Perforated synthetic uppers are more pliable than solid fabric uppers. Some fabrics allow the feet to breathe while also wicking away moisture.

Climbing Shoe Fitting Advice

When looking for a nice pair of rock shoes, the fit is crucial. Compare and try on as many models as possible. Here are some fit recommendations to help you select the perfect shoes:

  • Shop in the afternoon: During the day, your kid’s feet might enlarge to full size. Before you go shopping, take a stroll, run, or better yet, climb. Remember that you’ll most likely be sockless because the inside of shoes is meant to cooperate with skin to decrease slippage. Buy a comfortable shoe that is roughly a half-size too big for chilly, alpine circumstances that necessitate the use of a sock.
  • The only way to know for sure is to try them on. Ideally, you should shop in person so that your kid may readily try on different sizes. If you’re shopping online, get multiple sizes and return what doesn’t fit. To ensure that there are no hotspots, try on shoes at home.
  • Be versatile when it comes to size: there is no standard for rock-shoe sizing, and everyone’s feet are different.
  • Kids rock climbing shoes are available in US, European, and UK sizes. Size conversions may be found on shoe size charts.

Conclusion

The Kid’s heel should fit snugly. When standing on toes, make sure the back of the shoe doesn’t catch on the bottom of your kid’s Achilles tendon. The kid’s feet bend differently, but if a shoe is difficult to slide on, it is most likely too small. In general, the tighter the fit, the greater the performance of the shoe.

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