Climbing Shoe Design

[anderwho]

I'm a final year student at Loughborough University and intend on re-designing a performance climbing shoe for my major project. I would like to focus my design on the adjustability and fastening of the shoe but also look at materials used for applying varied stiffness across the sole.

I'd appreciate any comments on features you like or dislike about shoes you have climbed in.

Thanks for your time,
Andrew

[CLEANCLIMBING]

Man, if you redesign Scarpa's Dominator, I'd like to test them. It's a fine pair of climbing shoes, but merciless on the toes, even half size over  of a normal shoe size. I didn't enjoy much the fit, (1/2 size down) but the precision was FABULOUS !!!!

[ninjanelly]

^^ excellent idea, cleanclimbing!

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[ctxguide.com]

Has anyone ever thought about adding a small rubberized shank that extends from the tip of the shoe?  I'm immagining something that can be used for jamming into small cracks and such. 

[anisa]

Climbing shoes have a number of distinctive features which make them easy to differentiate from other types of shoes. The first is the flexible rubber sole, which runs partway up the side of the shoeshoeshoe for additional support. The second is the snug fit, which ensures that the shoeshoeshoe conforms to the shape of the wearer's foot. ClimbingClimbingClimbing shoes for men and women are also styled differently, to accommodate subtle anatomical differences.

Several functions are addressed by a climbingclimbingclimbing shoeshoeshoe. The first is friction. Good climbingclimbingclimbing shoes offer a lot of traction, allowing climbers to navigate a variety of difficult surfaces. The second is support, as climbers must be comfortable and their feet and ankles must be properly supported in order to climb without the risk of injury. Furthermore, climbingclimbingclimbing shoes must offer flexibility, allowing climbers to manipulate their feet to reach small climbing holds, and the shoes provide protection from scrapes and sharp protrusions.

There are a number of different styles of climbingclimbingclimbing shoes, designed for different types of climbingclimbingclimbing and different levels of ability. As a general rule, climbingclimbingclimbing shoes are designed to only be used during climbingclimbingclimbing, and they are unsuitable for hiking, walking, or running. This is especially true of performance climbingclimbingclimbing shoes, also known as sport or bouldering shoes, because they have a rigid designdesigndesign and a downturned toe which are perfect for climbingclimbingclimbing, but not for navigating flat ground.

All-around climbingclimbingclimbing shoes have a basic, utilitarian designdesigndesign which can be used on a variety of surfaces and by climbers at all levels of ability. Many beginners start out with all-around shoes while they explore different types of rock climbingclimbingclimbing to see what appeals to them. Smearers are highly flexible climbingclimbingclimbing shoes ideal for bouldering and manufactured climbingclimbingclimbing walls. Some beginner shoes also have ankle support, to encourage climbers to develop foot strength without injuring themselves.

Four Seasons Outdoors

[rockclimbinguk]

Wow, what a fantastic project.

I suppose the design will be based on what you need the shoe for... is it all day multi-pitch climbing or short technical routes on slabs with tiny footholds?

I have had Boreal Jokers and Red Chilli Impact zone so far. I liked them both really. The rubber on the Jokers seemed to be really sticky and they were super comfortable. The Red Chillis rubber seemed a little harder and slightly less adhesive but they have better edges for small holds.

Personally I like a comfortable shoe which fits nicely. Would love to review your design on my Rock Climbing magazine site, if you're looking for some exposure.

Cheers, Gareth

[gracypetro]

This is true of performance climbing shoes, often known as sport or bouldering shoes, because they have a rigid design. Some beginner shoes also have ankle support, to encourage climbers to create foot strength without injuring themselves.