For the last two weeks we've been giving you some pointers and tips on how to go about equipping yourself with some of the proper and basic necessities of rock climbing. We already mentioned the importance of a good helmet to protect you from falls indoors, and falls and falling debris when you're doing outdoor climbing. We also talked to you about the need for a great pair of climbing shoes, but we just found an article packed with 10 tips on how to go about selecting the Perfect pair for you.

So you know you need shoes and want some help figuring out what to keep in mind as you look? Glad you asked, thanks to About.com, here are 10 tips to help you pick the perfect pair, and get you climbing in no time at all:

1. Buy at a Reputable Mountain Shop
2. Buy an All-Around Rock Shoe
3. Get a Snug Comfortable Fit
4. Rock Shoes Will Stretch
5. Improper Sizing is a Common Problem
6. Great Deals Can Be Found Online
7. Buy Used and Save Big
8. Buy Last Year's Models Cheap
9. Do A Test Run at a Shoe Demo
10. Rent Before Buying Rock Shoes

There you go! Keep those simple tips in mind the next time you're in the market for a great pair of climbing shoes and you'll avoid the hassle of having to return them, or worse, having to climb in shoes that don't fit. Ouch.

Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Gear, Climbing Shoes, How To

When it comes to rock climbing, indoor or outdoor, one piece of equipment that is worth its weight in gold, is a good pair of rock climbing shoes. If you've never climbed in proper shoes, you'll be shocked how much better you are, feel and how much higher your confidence will be once you get into them. They are vital, but many people aren't aware just how important they are.

We just found a good post that offers up a brief primer on what to look for, and why you should be looking, when it comes to rock climbing shoes. Basically, rock climbing shoes are specially made and designed "with a special kind of rubber that provides friction when climbing on rock. They also are formed so that a climber can jam their foot into a crack, or smear on a flat slab. Thus, they have a significant advantage over sneakers or boots."

When doing the actual shopping around, here are a few things you should look for:

"...consider doing so at a specialty climbing shop. It’s easier to make an informed purchase after trying the shoe on for fit and comfort, and the sales staff can help finding a particular shoe for different kinds of climbing (for instance, sport climbing on short routes versus trad climbing on long routes). The shoes should fit snugly, but not so tight as to cut off circulation. The store might have a simulated climbing surface to try out the shoes on."

Our advice, come into one of our Touchstone Climbing gym locations. Our staff can help you make the best decision possible, and you can even try them out right there on our walls. Remember, don't neglect the shoes, they'll take your climbing to new levels.

Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Shoes, How To, Touchstone Climbing