Modern shoe designs feature increasingly more advanced lasts, resulting in more comfortable shoes without affecting performance. A close comfortable fit is essential to get the right level of feel for the terrain you are climbing, as your ability improves so will your demand for a tighter fit and increased feel. An incorrectly fitting pair will be detrimental to your climbing. As a general guide, overall fit should be as snug as possible. Your toes will be pinched inwards from either side of the shoe but this pressure should not be such that the toes are being panfully forced underneath each other. Be aware of dead space within the shoe particularly at the heel area as this will hinder performance and cause painful rubbing.
Thickness of sole - affects durability and sensitivity.
Stiffness of sole - affects edging capabilities and support given to the foot.
Toe profile - influences the action of pointing into pockets.
Rand - affects stretch and toe feel.
Type of last - affects fir and feel of shoe.
Lining - affects fit, sensitivity and stretching.
Uppers - affect flexibility, mobility and support.
Closure system - affects precision of fit and ease of putting on and taking off.
