Finding climbing shoes on sale is exciting, but making them last is even better. Your footwear takes a beating on the wall, but with some simple care, you can double their lifespan.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or daily climber, these practical tips will help you get more sends from every pair you own.
Why Climbing Shoes Wear Out So Quickly?
Your climbing shoes face rough treatment. The rubber wears down from friction on rock and plastic holds. The upper fabric stretches and tears. Even the best-made shoes eventually give in to these forces.
The average pair lasts between 3-6 months of regular use. But with proper care, you can push that to 9-12 months or more, saving you hundreds of dollars each year.
Daily Care Habits That Make a Big Difference
The way you treat your shoes after each climb dramatically affects their lifespan. Here are simple habits to form:
Air them out immediately. After climbing, take your shoes out of your bag. Let them dry completely in a well-ventilated area, but not in direct sunlight. This prevents bacteria growth and stops the materials from breaking down due to trapped moisture.
Wipe them down. Use a damp cloth to remove chalk and dirt from the upper part and the rubber. This prevents the materials from drying out and cracking.
Use odor prevention. Sprinkle a small amount of climbing-specific shoe powder or baking soda inside your shoes to combat odor and moisture. Just make sure to tap it all out before your next climb.
Storage Matters More Than You Think
How you store your shoes between sessions makes a huge difference:
Never leave them in your car. Heat damages the rubber and adhesives. In summer, a car’s interior can reach temperatures that delaminate shoes in days.
Store them flat. Don’t crumple your shoes at the bottom of your bag. Lay them flat or use a dedicated shoe bag that keeps their shape intact.
Keep them in a moderate climate. Store your shoes in a place with stable temperature and humidity—not your garage or attic where conditions fluctuate wildly.
Climbing Technique Improvements That Save Your Shoes
The way you climb dramatically affects how quickly your shoes wear out. Here’s a comparison of techniques and their impact:
| Technique | Impact on Shoe Lifespan | How to Improve |
| Dragging toes | High wear on toe rubber | Be precise with foot placements |
| Excessive smearing | Wears down entire sole | Use edges and features when possible |
| Heel hooks | Strains heel rand | Build heel hook strength to reduce slipping |
Focus on clean footwork. Place your feet deliberately instead of dragging them up the wall. Each scrape against the wall wears down your rubber unnecessarily.
Resoling: The Budget Climber’s Secret Weapon
The smartest money-saving move is resoling your shoes before they’re too far gone. Most climbing shoes can be resoled 2-3 times before needing replacement.
A full resole costs $40-60, compared to $80-150 for new budget shoes. That’s a 50% savings each time.
When to resole: Look for these signs:
- Thin spots in the rubber where you can almost see through
- The beginning of holes, but before the rand is damaged
- When the edge of your shoe starts to round out
Don’t wait too long. Once the rand (the rubber that wraps up around the side of the shoe) is damaged, resoling becomes more expensive or even impossible.
Extending the Life Between Resoles
You can make each resole last longer with these tricks:
Rotate between pairs. Using different shoes for different styles of climbing distributes the wear more evenly. If you can afford two pairs (bought on sale, of course), they’ll last more than twice as long as a single pair.
Use gym shoes and crag shoes. Plastic holds in the gym are actually harder on your rubber than real rock. Consider keeping an older pair for gym sessions and saving your newer shoes for outdoor climbing.
Apply rubber glue to small holes. For tiny wear spots, a dab of Shoe Goo or Freesole can prevent the problem from spreading and buy you a few more weeks of climbing.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your climbing shoes doesn’t require expensive products or complicated techniques.
With these simple habits, you’ll get many more pitches from each pair you buy. Your wallet will thank you, and you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for your gear.
Remember that even budget shoes perform wonderfully when properly maintained. The most expensive shoe won’t climb better than a well-cared-for budget option that fits you perfectly.
