Do I really need climbing shoes for indoor boulder climbing?

Asked by: Joey Mitchell

If you’ve been invited to try indoor climbing or bouldering with a friend then feel free to wear your own trainers. There is no need to wear climbing shoes if you’re just giving it a go. It won’t affect your climbing too much at a lower level and it takes some time before dedicated climbing shoes are absolutely needed.

Do you need bouldering shoes to boulder?

Quick Answer: No, you don’t really need climbing shoes for bouldering as a beginner. But beginner climbing shoes can be really helpful for bouldering too, make it more fun and are not that expensive. And if you climb some harder problems chances are high you will need a good pair of climbing shoes at some point.

Can I rock climb with regular shoes?

Whether you are climbing barefoot, or in some other kind of shoe like a tennis shoe or toe shoe, you will not have the same grip and foot protection on the rock (or plastic). Without specific rock climbing shoes, you will have a really hard time executing certain climbing techniques, and you might hurt your feet.

Can I boulder in running shoes?

Running shoes do not work for bouldering or rock climbing because they are not rigid or tight enough. While you can climb the easiest rocks with running shoes, you will not be able to climb anything moderately difficult.

What should I wear for indoor rock climbing?

We typically recommend shorts, loose pants, or leggings when climbing so that you’re able to move freely when on the wall. For women, a loose t-shirt with a sports bra underneath is an easy option (and likely something you already own!) Light, breathable, flexible fabrics are recommended.

Can you Boulder barefoot?

So, while yes, you can rock climb barefoot, it’s not the best idea to do so. Shoes were designed to protect your feet and help them work together, especially when it comes to rock climbing.

Can you rock climb in Converse?

Should you climb in Converse sneakers? Probably not. If you just got to the gym and realized you left your climbing shoes at home, Converse sneakers will not help you work on your hardest project in the gym, but you will still be able to get up some pretty easy stuff.

What shoes do you need for bouldering?

9 Best Bouldering Shoes

Can you rock climb in trainers?

You can’t use sneakers because they don’t have enough grip and are often a weird shape for a climbing wall. You’ll struggle to get a good base from your feet upwards, which affects your climbing technique. If this is your first time, then we recommend getting some rental climbing shoes.

Do you wear socks when bouldering?

Comfort on the crag



By nature, climbing shoes are designed to fit snugly and aren’t very comfortable, often leaving you with uncomfortable rubbing or even blisters. A thin pair of socks, or even liner socks, will definitely help in this regard, providing a little protection from your shoe.

Can you climb without climbing shoes?

There is no need to wear climbing shoes if you’re just giving it a go. It won’t affect your climbing too much at a lower level and it takes some time before dedicated climbing shoes are absolutely needed.

Is indoor rock climbing a good workout?

“Indoor climbing is a great full-body workout for both strength and cardio,” says 5.14 (extreme-grade) climber Seth Lytton of trainingbeta.com. “You’ll work your shoulders—especially your delts—and build your bi’s and tri’s; plus, complex climbing movements use both the arms and legs, and that triggers your core.”

How do you look cute while rock climbing?

Folks that like to climb in athletic pants. But really it's up to you whatever is comfortable whatever you can move around in keep in mind it can get pretty hot while you're climbing jeans.

Can you boulder in shorts?

Shorts shouldn’t be too short and can be annoying they get caught up under your harness. Just above the knee is ideal. You’ll be banging your shins and scraping your knee up the wall a fair bits so consider something like capris or anything that offers a little protection.

Can you rock climb with sweatpants?

If you wear especially tight pants this probably won’t work for you, so you might have to invest in a nice pair of athletic pants, sweat pants, or just some looser casual pants.

Can you rock climb in jeans?

You Can Wear Jeans Rock Climbing. DUER’s line of rock climbing pants includes denim jeans that are made of moisture-wicking, breathable fabric. These jeans keep you cool and comfortable while you climb, without restricting your movement.

Can you lose weight bouldering?

Is Rock Climbing Good For Weight Loss? Rock climbing and bouldering can be great for losing weight in a healthy and fun way. Both can be done outdoors but nowadays most people will start at a climbing gym. That’s what we’d recommend for beginners as it means can learn in a safe environment.

Can you wear sweatpants bouldering?

A pair of bouldering-specific pants will allow for great performance and are a good investment. They should normally last through several years of use. Long pants offer more protection against scrapes and abrasions than shorts, and the pant legs add some padding between you and the wall.

Do you need to be strong for bouldering?

So, do you need to be strong for bouldering? Generally, the more technique you have, the less strength you’ll need when bouldering. However, when bouldering you’ll need to have at least some form of strength mainly in your forearms, back, core and shoulders.

How difficult is indoor bouldering?

Rock climbing is not hard for beginners; if you can climb a ladder, you can definitely go rock climbing. Climbing routes and bouldering problems come in different difficulty levels ranging from easy to very hard. Start with something easy in your comfort zone, and then work to improve.

Is indoor bouldering hard?

Compared to other climbing disciplines, bouldering has a reputation for being hard. That’s not a bad thing, but remember to have some fun, too. The moves may be difficult, but the company is good, the rewards are many, and the rocks are waiting.

Can you indoor rock climb alone?

Bouldering Indoors- The easiest way to climb alone, and easily the most common, is to go to a bouldering gym. Bouldering is rock climbing shorter routes (called problems) without a rope, using a crash pad or thick mat to catch your falls. Most bouldering problems are less than 30ft (10m) high.

Is it weird to Boulder alone?

Bouldering indoors alone is very common due to the significant amount of padding provided by gyms. However, bouldering outdoors alone is dependent on having the crash pads needed to keep you safe wherever you are on the wall. With that being the case, bouldering indoors alone is much more safe than bouldering outdoors.

Is indoor rock climbing scary?

Climbing is hard and scary, but it’s also exhilarating and can make you feel like you’re on top of the world (literally). You just have to push through your nerves—and be confident in yourself and your gear—to get there.

Can I start rock climbing in my 30s?

Yes, you can start climbing at age 30 and 40 and still become a pretty good climber. In rock climbing, each route is graded, so you start out easy and progress to more challenging routes. I know of many climbers who started late and were able to improve fast.

Is 40 too old to start bouldering?

Conclusion. No, you’re probably not too old to try bouldering, and you don’t have to be super strong to start the sport. Although the initial learning curve will demand a lot of patience, the natural outcome of regular bouldering is greater strength and endurance, better balance, and more flexibility.

Is 50 too old to start rock climbing?

Is 50 Too Old to Start Rock Climbing? As long as you are in good health, you can definitely start climbing in your 50’s. Climbing will help build core strength and keep your mind sharp. It can be a really fun activity to do with friends or to take your children to do.