Where to try on climbing shoes?

Question

There are a couple climbing shoes im looking into but the ones Im interested arent at any of the stores in my area. I currently own the Evolv Shamans so would the size I wear in them be the same as in La Sportiva or Scarpa? If not, is there any way I can try these other shoes on?

Answer 1

First off: Don't expect the Evolv Shaman sizing to be the same with any other model or brand. Every shoe fits different. Depending upon the quality control of the company, the same size just different pairs will fit differently. Because of how climbing shoes are worn (tight/snug/whatever), trying them on prior to purchase is necessary. The good news: Climbing shoes are one of the few pieces of climbing equipment that retailers/websites will allow exchanges. So, if there isn't a store near by that carries La Sportiva or Scarpa, you have a few options:

1) Use a site like zappos.com that sells climbing shoes but provides free shipping and returns. Order a several different pairs of a wide range of sizes all at the same time. Find the pair you want to keep and send the rest back. If you do this at the beginning of your credit card billing cycle, you can have them all back and refunded before they hit your bill.

2) Road TRIP! Find a store with the shoes you think you want, and jump in the car and start driving. Call a head to make sure they have the shoes you want. If they dont have them in the sizes you think, ask if they will order them and have them in stock for your visit.

-Good luck

Answer 2

I would suggest going to a popular website that sells these shoes and send them an email asking 'if I order a pair of climbing shoes and they do not fit can I send them back'.



I am sure their policy will allow for this sort of thing.



Good luck in finding the right shoes!

Answer 3

You don't have to get them resoled - actually i might suggest towards it as footwear don't invariably fit the same after being resoled. If you have had a pair of rock sneakers for decades, this may occasionally occur - the rubber will oxidize and get hard on the outside. That you can have a skinny layer of the rubber floor off or use a wire brush to buff off the layer of hardened rubber. I have an old pair of trad shoes that I simplest use a couple of occasions per yr and this invariably does the trick. Good luck