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May 20, 2022 | CLIMBING

IDEAL CLIMBING SHOES FOR BEGINNERS

Climbing shoes are the essential tool for climbing. Here we recommend three ideal models for getting started in climbing.

Climbing shoes are a fundamental, essential tool in climbing. However, nowadays there are so many different brands and models that choosing the right climbing shoe to get started in this sport can sometimes become a real nightmare.

Here we aim to recommend three models tested and proven in our introductory rock climbing and gym climbing courses. They're ideal models for beginners. They offer great precision and security without sacrificing comfort. They have a velcro system that makes them quick and easy to put on and take off. They're also built to last over time. They're essentially symmetrical with a flat profile.

The Sizing Dilemma

Choosing the right size is without a doubt the hardest part. You've probably heard that climbing shoes need to fit tightly, and that's true. But you don't need to lose feeling in your toes during your first few months of climbing. In our courses, we usually give participants a size larger than the size they normally wear in their everyday sneakers. In other words, if they wear a size 42 running shoe, we give them a size 43 climbing shoe. And for the braver ones, the same size.

Over time, you'll be able to use tighter-fitting climbing shoes. Either way, keep in mind that the ideal approach is to go to a specialty store and try on two or three different models. Some brands make climbing shoes with narrower lasts, others with wider ones, and so on. You need to find the one that best fits your foot.

The three models we recommend below tend to fit all types of feet very well.

Tanta, Tenaya

Tenaya is a local brand based in Mataró, Barcelona. Their beginner model, the Tanta, stands out for its comfort, precision, and durability. It's a climbing shoe with a perfect balance between soft and stiff, ideal for the level and type of routes we typically climb when starting out, and it offers great sensitivity.

Average online price: €65

www.tenaya.net

Tarántula, La Sportiva

This Italian brand's flagship beginner climbing shoe is the Tarantula model. It's a comfortable, highly durable climbing shoe. It tends to be stiffer than soft, which takes away a bit of sensitivity, but it's without a doubt an excellent climbing shoe for beginners.

Average online price: €80

www.lasportiva.com

Origin, Scarpa

Another Italian brand with a long history and track record. The Origin model is designed for beginners. It's a sensitive, durable, and comfortable climbing shoe, with an excellent sole that offers great grip on rock.

Average online price: €70

www.scarpa.com

Our Choice

From our point of view, the Tenaya Tanta climbing shoe offers the best performance for getting started in climbing. In our courses, participants are usually very comfortable in their Tanta climbing shoes and feel confident while climbing. Plus, you're supporting a local brand.

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You can contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone to (+34) 645 432 307, or by filling up the contact form in the following link.

Client Reviews
Excellent!

Messaged Santi to teach us lead climbing outside as it was our first time. He was very responsive with his communication and we sorted out a day to climb. We climbed at a really scenic location. Santi tought us most of the aspects required to perform lead climbing and was very patient, effective and an all round down to earth person. By the end of the day we were almost competent lead climbers. I would definitely recommend him if you want it learn how to climb or need a challenging route to climb with assistance.

– Inayat Sawatiwal
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Climbing course in Via Larga with Santi. It was two days of pure learning and enjoyment. It tests you and corrects you with clear and concise modifications taking into account all kinds of details. Activity very well planned and worked in incredible environments. Great experience!
(Original) Curso de escalada en Via Larga con Santi. Fueron dos días de puro aprendizaje y disfrute. Te pone a prueba y te corrige con modificaciones claras y concisas teniendo en cuenta toda clase de detalles. Actividad muy bien planificada y trabajada en entornos increíbles. Gran experiencia!

– xavi jiménez
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) I did a climbing course with my two children, everything was very well organized and we had a great time. I'm sure we'll do it again.
(Original) Hice un curso de escalada con mis dos hijos , todo muy bien organizado lo pasamos muy bien .Seguro que repetimos .

– Jessica Martin Fortes
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) 100% recommendable. Santi is a crack, and he explains himself great! Eager to repeat!!
(Original) 100% recomendable. Santi es un crack, y se explica genial! Con ganas de repetir!!

– Adria Santaella Brunet
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Hilario and I turned to SouthClimb to do a long route in Montserrat. In our case, Santiago made us an excellent guide, we recommend him and above all we will repeat the experience. He makes you feel very safe and comfortable on the wall, he explains all kinds of details, both safety and technical details of the track, he is an expert in it. Days before, he gives you all kinds of details and information, adjusting the time of the activity and the necessary material very well. Just thank him and encourage everyone who wants to discover similar experiences, he is a great person.
(Original) Hilario y yo recurrimos a SouthClimb para hacer una vía larga en Montserrat. En nuestro caso, Santiago nos hizo una guía excelente, la recomendamos y sobre todo repetiremos la experiencia. Te hace sentir muy seguro y cómodo en la pared, te explica todo tipo de detalles, tanto de seguridad, como técnicos propios de la vía, es un experto en ello. Días antes te da todo tipo de detalles e información, ajustando muy bien el tiempo de la actividad y material necesario. Solo darle las gracias y animar a todo aquel que quiera descubrir experiencias similares, es una gran persona.

– Miguel Mansergas Collado
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) I did an initiation course with Santi and it was amazing, I learned a lot and I had a great time, super nice at all times and above all very concerned about safety. As soon as I can I will sign up for more activities! I highly recommend it!!!
(Original) Hice un curso de iniciación con Santi y fue una pasada, aprendí un montón y me lo pasé genial, super agradable en todo momento y sobretodo muy preocupado por la seguridad. En cuanto pueda me apuntaré a más actividades! Lo recomiendo a tope!!!

– Cami
Excellent!

Had an amazing time learning to multi-pitch with Santi and Mariano in Montserrat. They were patient with us and taught us everything we need. We ended the day by climbing El Gorro Frigo (5 pitches).

– Zed
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) Nice and very attentive
(Original)Agradables y muy atentos

– Hilario Delfa Calvet
Excellent!

(Translated by Google) I did the Initiation Course with Santiago, and it was an unforgettable experience! Dynamic, with a lot of practice. The difficult makes it easy! Then, the Tutored Rock Climbs have been really useful, full of emotion, SAFETY (one of the most emphasized topics). SOUTHCLIMB's work IS excellent, you feel personalized, you have fun while you learn, you get answers to doubts and/or questions very quickly. The routes where you will go climbing have wonderful landscapes !! Full of charm! I super-recommend it!!!
(Original) Hice el Curso de Iniciación con Santiago, y fué una experiencia inolvidable!, dinámico, con mucha práctica . Lo difícil lo hace fácil! Luego, las Escaladas Tuteladas en Roca han sido realmente útiles, llenas de emoción, de SEGURIDAD ( una de los tema que más recalca). El trabajo de SOUTHCLIMB ES excelente , lo sientes personalizado, te diviertes al mismo tiempo que aprendes, las respuestas a las dudas y/o preguntas las obtienes muy rápido. Las vías donde irás a escalar tienen paisajes maravillosos !! Llenos de encanto! Lo súper-recomiendo!!!

– Yris Sanchez
Excellent!

Santi cared about my overall experience in Spain as much as providing me a great climbing experience. Since I am an experienced climber, Santi encouraged me to climb hard at the same time as keeping safety top of mind. You cannot ask for a better guide.

– Timothy DiGiulio