Climbing shoes

Tonyandthewhale

Hi there, I've recently started getting into rock climbing and I reckon I need to get myself a pair of shoes.

Unfortunately I'm pretty short on scratch and probably will be for some time so my number one priority is a low price.

So how cheap can you go with climbing shoes (before dimishing returns come in to play anywho)? And where's a good place to buy? I'm based in Galway but I'm frequently in Limerick and Dublin as well and would also be willing to buy online if anyone has any online recommendations?

Evil Phil

http://www.needlesports.com/Catalogue/Footwear/Rockshoes/Mid-Grade-Rockshoes/Vantage-SCA-VAN

Not a bad pair of beginner shoes, they've a good stiff sole in them which is helpful.

The 2nd hand route is open to you, so you could ask on http://www.climbing.ie/ or have a look and see if anybody is selling something there. Or http://www.adverts.ie/ or even ebay.

Tonyandthewhale

Thanks for that. The Scarpa ones appear to be sold out in my size. I suppose I'll take a look at the second hand market, never really liked the idea of second hand shoes but hopefully I can find a pair that aren't too smelly, beggars can't be choosers and all that.

Evil Phil

Yep, 2nd had shoes can be stretched to fit somebody else's foot, but when you're beginning it's not that important as a fairly snug fit that isn't uncomfortable to stand in.

sparrowcar

Tonyandthewhale wrote: »

Hi there, I've recently started getting into rock climbing and I reckon I need to get myself a pair of shoes.

Unfortunately I'm pretty short on scratch and probably will be for some time so my number one priority is a low price.

So how cheap can you go with climbing shoes (before dimishing returns come in to play anywho)? And where's a good place to buy? I'm based in Galway but I'm frequently in Limerick and Dublin as well and would also be willing to buy online if anyone has any online recommendations?

Don't buy your first pair online unless you try them on somewhere first. Climbing shoes are vastly different in fit to runners/shoes/hiking boots.

Evil Phil

http://www.greatoutdoors.ie/index.php?cPath=30_253_204&sort=2a&page=&&

IIRC they have a store in Galway? Defo in Dublin, if you're a member if Mountaineering Ireland or know somebody who is and will go with you, you'll get discount.