Rock Climbing Shoes

Hi peeps,

I've just started doing indoor rock climbing/bouldering and need to get myself some rock shoes. Now I've seen loads on t'interweb but I would prefer to try some on at an actual shop so I can get one that fits just right as I dont wanna guess the size. My question is..............does anyone know of any shops within the middlesex area where I can go in and try some??

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Phil

Try Cotswold Camping - several branches about, inc Kingston & Shepherds Bush
If it's indoor stuff you're doing, you want 'em to fit right - try them without socks

cheers

Tiso's is always good and Knowledgable.
the shoes to get best feel should be worn without sock and 1/2- 1 size smaller. It why we all walk funny!! (personal prefence plays a large part but you don't want them too big with spaces at the toes)
Talk to your local centre they may have a deal with the local shop. I got mine from Tiso - but I'm in Glasgow so imay not have helped at all!

If you can make it to Chertsey, Snow & Rock are very helpful- I got some hiking gear from them last year- boots & jacket. They are very knowledgeable and have facilities to try the footwear (at least for hiking boots- a stepped and sloped surface so you use them on similar ground that you expect to be hiking on). They can be rather pricey too, but try for sales, you'll possibly get a good set of shoes for a good price.

if your just starting out don't be tempted to get the fancy shoes with the 'hook' in the toe. You want ones with a thicker sole to support your foot. It takes a while to build up the strength in your feet.

cheers for all the responses!! I've been trying to find a shop where I can actually try some on and came up with nothing so many thanks.. Snow and Rock and Cotswold Outdoor will be on my agenda for a visit on Saturday.

cheers guys

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

if your just starting out don't be tempted to get the fancy shoes with the 'hook' in the toe. You want ones with a thicker sole to support your foot. It takes a while to build up the strength in your feet.

you seem like a knowledgeable fellow!! can you recommend any particular brand of shoe for a newbie - my feet are pretty strong but Im not going into why tho'..

Talk to them and tell them what you need it for. Indoor or outdoor (sandstone, rock etc.) Mine used to be as tight as I could stand them. It actually hurts first few times you have them on, but they give in a bit. Someofthe places have a small climbing wall to try them on so if you can give it a go. I used to like Boreal (Vectors or Lasers in my days) or 5.10. Lasers offered amazing grip. Choose wisely.

Check out outdoorsmagic.com they have a load of reviews etc... that might be a help

It just occured to me that if they made bike tyres out of the same rubber as my old climbing boots, then they wouldn't last very long, but I'd be able to go round corners leant over to about 85 degrees