Rock climbing is always a pleasure for those who love adventure. It is the best method to connect with nature and understand mountains. You may have become friends with hills if you climb very often.
Hill or rock climbing requires a lot of skills. Mental and physical strength must be strong enough to take the pressure of climbing. It is also dangerous to climb hills without mental preparation and proper safety. You might be climbing 100 feet up top from the ground. You need to stand on your feet without slipping. For that grip, you need a nice pair of climbing shoes. Climbing shoes are significant for safety. But, how long a pair of climbing shoes can support you? Some would say 6 months, some would say several years. Let’s find out.
Key Takeaways
- Lifespan does a pair of climbing shoes have, and Making Material.
- Things that affect the lifespan of your climbing shoe directly.
- Increase your climbing shoe longevity with simple tips.
- Things to consider choosing a good pair of shoes for your interest.
The Lifespan of Climbing Shoes
Those who climb very often change their pair of climbing shoes within 2 to 3 months. And people who do climbing and hiking once a month change their shoes after 6 months. Some would replace their climbing shoes after a year.
So, what does matter for climbing shoes’ lifespan? The lifespan of climbing shoes is relative to the frequency of usage, shoe materials, natural elements, and the climber’s technique. It varies from band and person to person.
But, there is good news for those who think replacing climbing shoes very often is expensive. You can fix the sole of your used shoes to carry on climbing. Resoling your shoes to use for the next few months. Find a good shoe repair shop near you to get a good resoling solution.
Material of Climbing Shoes
Climbing shoes are durable for heavy use. When it comes to lifespan, you need to understand what it is made of. All the traditional shoes are made of leather, wood, or canvas. But climbing shoes are different. Most high-performance climbing shoes are synthetically made. Many high-quality climbing shoes are made with Vibram soles.
For better quality to use for a long time, you can find leather-made climbing shoes. They might cost you some extra bucks. But these shoes come with a better lifespan. These shoes are good for taking pressure and can endure hard hits and scratches. But not suitable for rainy days.
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Things to Consider that Affect Climbing Shoe Lifespan
Here are a few things that decrease the lifespan of climbing shoes.
Let’s discuss that.
Environment Elements
Weather is a big concern for climbing mountains. You may not be able to climb the hills in all seasons. Some seasons are very tough and risky for climbing such as rainy weather. You should not climb hills when there is mud on the ground or the temperature is less than 30 degrees Fahrenheit or the wind is contrary and unsafe.
The same goes for climbing shoes. When you climb, your shoes go with you. They make sure that you have a good grip on the ground, and do not slip. As climbing shoes are made for climbing, they do not come with cool features like waterproofing or dustproof. The weather can temper your climbing shoes very easily. Especially, in the rainy seasons, water can get into the sole of shoes and the solution will be loose soon. Also, the upper part of the shoe can get dusty and ruined.
Constancy of Climbing
How often do you climb? A couple of times in a week, month, or year. Your climbing shoe’s life expectancy depends on the frequency of use. You might need to change your climbing shoes within 2 months if you climb hills very often. Some people replace their shoes after 6 to 12 months as they climb occasionally.
Every daily-use product has longevity which may decrease eventually. Climbing shoes also lose their longevity. However, there are more options for regular climbers to suit their climbing cost-friendly and remove this shoe problem. Listen, you have two options. Either, you buy a pair of quality shoes from a well-known brand or buy some good cheat climbing shoes more often. The choice is yours.
See Also: How Many Calories Do I Burn Rock Climbing
How to Make Climbing Shoes Last Longer?
3 ways to make your climbing shoes last longer. These are-
Branded Climbing Shoes
A brand means the value and quality of products. People always talk about brand value and kinds of stuff. Do you know why? Cause, a brand can provide your reliability, quality, and standard.
Hill climbing shoes have a bunch of awesome brands that can meet your urge to climb tension free. The sole of a branded climbing shoe is stronger and can last much longer than a cheap one. The materials are from the finest to make a perfect shoe to climb hard rocks. There are some hill climbing shoe makes that provide quality for a long time.
Here are a few recognized climbing shoe brands all over the world:
- La Sportiva
- Petzl.
- Metolius Climbing.
- Patagonia.
- Scarpa.
Resole Your Climbing Shoes
Fixing or changing the sole of a climbing shoe with a fresh one is a good way to increase its lifespan, as we discussed earlier. Many think it is not a good idea or impossible. But changing a climbing shoe sole is 100% possible as well as it changes the look of your climbing shoes.
There is no point replacing it with a new pair of shoes for another 200 bucks just for the reason that a little bit of shoe rubber has worn through. This is how resoling changes the game. It is much cheaper to resole than to buy a new pair of shoes. Also, for some types of climbing, resoling can even improve your shoes and overall rock climbing experience.
Keep Your Shoe Clean
Clean your climbing shoes after every time you use them. It is important after heavy use and as those shoes are not mud and dust friendly or resistant. Keeping them on a shoe box after heavy use is nonsense. Those pairs will get rusty and trash day by day. So, make your climbing shoe nit and clean to increase its lifespan.
What to Consider Before Buying?
You need to consider a few things before purchasing a pair of climbing shoes. These shoes are different from regular shoes. The design, shape, and size may vary from person’s interest and need.
As you are about to rock climb wearing any specific pair of shoes, you must consider these:
- Your foot shape needs to fit with the shoe. It is necessary for a better climbing experience. If you fail to buy the perfect shape of pairs then do not wear them for climbing. You may fall and injure yourself pretty badly. There are a few categories for climbing shoe shapes:
- Flat
- Moderate
- Aggressive
So, choose the best shape according to your foot shape:
- Your foot size must match the pairs. If you buy shoes that are small to fit your foot or bigger, then you made a mistake. Make sure you measure perfectly to fit the pair.
- The surface of the hill is not for natural walking. There will be hard rocks and slippery ground with dust and mud. Climbing shoes are made to protect your feet from all those miseries. So buy those pairs which can be durable in these tough situations.
Personal Experience
As a hill climber, I have tried so many climbing shoes. My shoe pairs lasted for 3 months on average. I have bought La Sportiva, Metolius Climbing, and Patagonia for a long time. These brands last longer than non-branded shoes. My first shoe tore up on a hiking trip. Me and my buddies were exploring new hills. Eventually, my shoe sole got ripped off as I fall from a height.
Hill climbing is fun if you can prepare mentally and physically with every necessary gear. If you do not have good climbing shoes, you never have a good climbing experience.
FAQs
How often do climbing shoes need to be resoled?
If you climb once or twice a week, a branded pair of shoes will last around 3-9 months before needing a resole.
Do rock climbing shoes expire?
On average, climbing once or twice a week will result in climbing shoes lasting around 3-9 months. At this point, the toe box normally has enough wear to need a resole and possibly toe rand and work. Many things affect this. But if you get them resolved in time, they’re good to go.
Do climbing shoe mold to your feet?
As you use your new shoes and forces are applied naturally through climbing, your shoes will expanse slightly and mold to your feet, creating a custom fit for you.
Final Thoughts
A climbing shoe lasts for 3 to 12 months on average. This idea is variable. The lifespan of a climbing shoe is relative to how frequently it is used, its quality as well as brand value, and how much it is taken care of. A good branded climbing shoe pair can last for a year which is the same lifespan as 5 non-branded climbing shoe pairs. So, think before buying a good pair and clean it after every use. Make sure you check the weather before go for climbing.
