Climbing Shoes are designed to last anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the frequency of use. However, with proper care, some shoes have been known to last much longer. These shoes are basically designed to grip the rock, so they will naturally start to wear down after extended use.
You wear these shoes down by gripping small edges and ledges on the rock. The more you use them, the faster they will wear out. Here, we will discuss how long do climbing shoes last & some tips on how to make your shoes last longer.
Average Life Of Climbing Shoes:
If you climb 3 times a week, then your shoes will last anywhere from 6 to 8 months. If you climb 5 times a week, they will last 4 to 6 months. If you are a beginner and only climb once a week, your shoes can last up to 12 months. Of course, this all depends on the quality of the shoe and how well you take care of them.
Factors Affecting The Life Of Climbing Shoes:
There are a few factors that will affect how long your shoes will last. The first is the quality of the shoe.
- Frequency of Climbing: This is the most important factor. The more you climb, the faster your shoes will wear out.If you climb 1-2 times a week, you will likely see more wear and tear to the rubber of your climbing shoe than someone who climbs once a month.
- Type of Climbing: If you do a lot of edging (gripping small edges with your toes), your shoes will wear out faster. If you do a lot of slab climbing (climbing on smooth surfaces), your shoes will last longer.
- Size and Fit: If your shoes are too big or too small, they will not last as long. This is because ill-fitting shoes will cause you to use more energy while climbing and put more strain on your feet, which will lead to faster wear and tear.
- Climbing Technique: If you have good technique, your shoes will last longer. This is because good technique requires less energy and puts less strain on your feet and shoes.
How to Make Your Climbing Shoes Last Longer?
There are a few things you can do to make your climbing shoes last longer.
1.Rotate your shoes: If you have more than one pair of climbing shoes, rotate them so that you are not always wearing the same pair. This will give the shoes time to air out and dry between uses.
- Clean your shoes: After each climb, clean your shoes with a brush and mild soap. This will remove any dirt or grit that can wear down the rubber.
- Store your shoes properly: When you are not using your shoes, store them in a cool, dry place. Do not store them in direct sunlight or in a humid environment, as this can damage the shoes.
- Repair any damage immediately: If you notice any holes or tears in your shoes, repair them immediately. This will prevent the damage from getting worse and causing your shoes to wear out faster.
- Check your feet regularly: Make sure to check your feet regularly for any blisters or hotspots. If you have any, make sure to treat them immediately. This will prevent them from getting worse and causing your shoes to rub and wear out faster
- Keep In Bag When Not In Use: When you’re not climbing, make sure to keep your shoes in a bag. This will protect them from dirt and debris that can damage the rubber.
- Choose the right size: Make sure to choose the right size when you buy climbing shoes. This will ensure that they fit properly and do not rub or cause any blisters.
- Break in your shoes gradually: When you first get climbing shoes, do not use them for long climbs or routes. Gradually break them in by doing short climbs and routes. This will help to avoid any blisters or hotspots.
- Be careful when putting on and taking off your shoes: Be careful when you are putting on and taking off your shoes. Do not yank or pull on them, as this can damage the shoes. Instead, carefully put them on and take them off so that you do not damage the shoes
- Limit the use of shoe trees: Shoe trees can help to keep your shoes in shape, but they can also damage the shoes if used too much. Limit the use of shoe trees to once a week or less to prevent any damage to your shoes.
By taking these steps, you can extend the life of your climbing shoes and make sure that they last as long as possible.
How Long Do Climbing Shoes Last On Different Types Of Rock?
The type of rock you are climbing on can also affect how long your shoes will last.
- Granite: Granite is a hard type of rock that is not very abrasive. This means that your shoes will last longer when climbing on granite.
- Sandstone: Sandstone is a softer type of rock that is more abrasive. This means that your shoes will not last as long when climbing on sandstone.
- Limestone: Limestone is a soft type of rock that is not very abrasive. This means that your shoes will last longer when climbing on limestone.
- Gritstone: Gritstone is a hard type of rock that is more abrasive. This means that your shoes will not last as long when climbing on gritstone.
By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right type of rock to climb on to make your shoes last longer.
Conclusion:
Climbing shoes, on average, usually last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. However, this number can be affected by many different things. The type of rock you are climbing, your frequency of use, and the way you store your shoes all play a role in how long they will last. With proper care, though, you can extend the life of your shoes and get the most value out of them.
By following the tips in this article, you can make your climbing shoes last longer and get the most out of them. Thanks for reading!
