While most shoes we wear for daily use usually should fit us comfortably, give us cushion, and traction, one of the key components of a proper climbing shoe is a little bit different than your regular pair. Climbing shoes usually may fit tighter, even require a few weeks of breaking in, before they feel like second skin. This break in period allows for your foot to shape the shoe a little, stretching it out to your foot shape. So, when you decide to purchase a pair, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Climbing shoes are meant to allow for your foot to feel the surface on which they’ll grab and stick to the wall or rock. Having something too loose won’t allow minute differences in texture of the wall to be felt. Having a tighter fit than your sneakers will also prevent you from slipping out of the shoe during moves that require more force, like dynos or heel hooks.

If you’re newer to climbing, the best bet is to go with a shoe that is either a half size smaller than your sneaker size, or something (if it has an aggressive toe turn) that is the same size as your sneaker. Most beginners start with a shoe that has little downturn in the toe which allows them to get used to how a climbing shoe feels. After a few months, if you decide you love the sport, select something with more of a downturn toe for better grip on overhangs and slab.

Any climbing shoe will have a rubber compound as the sole of the shoe, critical for grip on the wall. Usually, this compound can be Vibram rubber, or a special brand-developed compound that provides the ultimate in traction. After all, you aren’t walking in these shoes, you’re going vertical! The texture the sole has can become more important as you advance in climbing skills, and some specialized shoes will have different rubber for different styles of climbing.

Overhangs require grip in the sole, but the shape of the sole and shoe can become important too. These shoes usually have a downturn toe, perhaps even more angular in the toe area, to allow for grip on the smallest of footholds. Slab specific shoes will likely have a sharper edge to the sole, allowing smears to be easier than something a bit rounder.

The toe shape of the sole is important as well. An angular toe shape can help with moves requiring just your big toe to find a foothold on the wall. Some shoes come with a more rounded toe, good for those who have wide feet and still want proper feel.

The closure of the climbing shoe is something a little more personal to a climber. These can include Velcro strap closures, lace up vamps, or some are simple slip on shoes. Each have their benefits and fallbacks for exactly what it is you may plan to do, but overall, it’s based on your comfort and the performance you require.

Velcro closures allow for a bit of adjustability, and an easy on and off. This can come in handy for quick adjustments, but the closure can wear down over time. Most shoes have a dual closure in this fashion, but some can have a single or triple, usually alternating which sides they strap down on.

Lace up closures are for those looking for a superior in-shoe fit, strapping them solidly inside the shoe. This can be beneficial for longer climbs through multiple pitch routes, or when you think you may apply more force on footholds. The more force applied, the more likely you could slip out of the shoe if you don’t have the right fit. Others feel lace up vamps may be dated, but some prefer these for competition shoes where they need a snug fit.

Slip on shoes, or moccasins, are more for general climbing indoor or out, but may not have the extreme kind of fit a lace up or Velcro can have. They are easily pulled on using heel tabs, and for those starting out, sometimes can be a preferable option.

Climbing shoes should be durable for wear, but granted, over time you’ll likely have a toe pop out through the seams if you use them frequently. The materials used in the shoe, mostly rubber on the sole, leather, suede, or synthetics and breathable fabrics, give the shoe durability, breathability, and its overall foot-feel.

Leather and suede make some of the most durable shoes, but the way it’s constructed is critical to durability. Seams along the toe box top and sides, if not properly stitched, can easily fall apart, no matter what the upper is made from. Those who tend to drag their toes along the wall would do best with a shoe that has more rubber on the top of the toe, or even a robust leather toe cap, to help slow down wear and tear.

Fabrics and synthetics usually create the parts of the upper that have a breathability aspect. Leather can wrap around the instep and heel, sometimes the arch, to create support and stability, while fabrics and synthetics fill in the spaces between. Some shoes even have small perforations in these areas to try and maximize breathability.

Lastly, depending on your skill level, the way you plan to use your new climbing shoes can come into play. There are several styles of climbing, from sport climbs, where gear is placed into a longer route on the wall and the climber uses rope with a harness, to bouldering, where no rope is used and problems are usually 10-15 feet high. Slab is another type of climb, where holds are minimal, and balance becomes key. Sometimes routes can also have overhangings that can range from 30-40 degrees of vertical, so you’ll need something in the shoe design to help keep you clinging to the roof.

For slab, look for a shoe with a sharper edge on the sole. This helps allow for smearing, small foot holds, and maximal friction. These shoes can vary in their design, from those with a minimal downturn, to some with a medium downturn.

Overhangs are best suited to shoes that do have a more aggressive downturn, helping to point the toe for keeping the force along the toeholds, and the hips against the wall. Sometimes these shoes also have an angular toe box shape, and can have a sharper edge to the sole.

Shoes can vary in their durability and sole texture, based on if they are best suited for outdoor rock, or indoor walls. Many are versatile enough for both, but can wear down easier depending on the sole compound. Lastly, many folks consider two kinds of shoes, one for competition, and one for daily climbing practice. Competition shoes usually are aggressive in their design, with a downturn, edged sole, and super sticky rubber compound. Daily climbing shoes can have a lesser degree of these aspects, as they are used more for training rather than sending.