Climbers love a brand debate: Scarpa vs La Sportiva, Five Ten vs Unparallel, Boreal making a comeback — the lot. But here’s the truth we see daily in the workshop: the best climbing shoe is the one that fits your foot, not the logo you prefer.
Different brands suit different shapes. Some cater to low-volume feet, some to wide forefeet, some to bananas (looking at you, aggressive downturn lovers). A shoe that fits perfectly will edge better, smear better, and wear out more evenly. A poorly fitting one — even an expensive model — will twist, crease, or blow out a rand in no time.
If you’ve found the perfect fit, hang onto it! Resoling is not only cheaper than buying new, but it keeps the exact shape your foot has already moulded. New models change lasts, rubber compounds, even closure systems, so keeping your favourite shoes alive makes sense both financially and performance-wise.
If you’ve got a beloved pair that’s seen better days but still fits like magic, send them to us — we’ll revive them so you can keep climbing in shoes that truly suit you.