Anyone who has ever gone rock climbing knows that one of the most important pieces of gear is your shoes. They need to be comfortable, but more importantly, they need to have a good grip. The trouble is, over time, as you use them, they can start to lose their stickiness.
It can ruin your climb and leave you feeling frustrated and defeated. If your shoes are the cause of your slipping, don’t worry; With a little bit of care, you can make your shoes sticky again and avoid any further frustration.
Here are a few tips on how to make your climbing shoes sticky again. So, let’s get started!
Ways: How To Make Climbing Shoes Sticky Again:
There are a few different ways that you can make your climbing shoes sticky again, including:
1. Clean The Shoes:
The first way is to clean the shoes. Use a brush to remove any dirt or debris that might be on the shoes. If the shoes are really dirty, make sure the soles of your shoes are clean by using a scrubbing brush and warm water not too hot so as not to destroy them.
Immediately after you remove the shoe, you will see how much dirt has accumulated. Once the shoes are clean, make sure to dry them completely before moving on to the next step.
2. Warm Up The Shoes:
Another way to make climbing shoes sticky again is to warm them. You can do this by leaving them outside in the sun or by putting them near a heat source such as a radiator or heater.
The soles of your shoes can also be warmed up by rubbing them together for 30 seconds or so, you’ll notice the difference in heat. This helps to loosen any material that may have gotten stuck to the soles, making your shoes stickier for climbing.
3. Sole Sandpapering:
If you find that your climbing shoes are still not as sticky as you would like, you can try sandpapering the soles of the shoes. This will remove any extra material that is causing them to stick less, leaving behind a fresh and sticky surface. You can do this by gently rubbing an emery board or sandpaper across the soles of your shoes until they are smooth.
4. Increasing Friction:
To make your climbing shoes sticky again, increase the friction between the soles and the wall or rock. You can do this by applying chalk to the soles of your climbing shoes so they have more traction and grip on surfaces, allowing you to climb with ease. Moreover, this will help keep your hands dry and prevent you from losing your grip.
5. Shoe Resoling:
If you have tried all of the previous methods and your climbing shoes are still not sticky enough to give you that extra grip you need, you may want to consider re-soling them.
Resoling is a great option for those who are serious about climbing and don’t want to have to worry about their shoes slipping. It can be a bit pricey, but it’s worth it if you can’t seem to get your shoes to stick no matter what you do.
Conclusion:
Whether you are a seasoned climber or just starting out, it’s important to make sure that your climbing shoes are sticky enough to give you the grip and traction you need. Luckily, there are several ways to make your shoes stickier again. So, these methods are the solution that works for you! So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try these tips today to make your climbing shoes sticky again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Are My New Climbing Shoes Slippery?
New climbing shoes are slippery because of softer rubber soles, which are more pliable and tend to grip less. You can try different methods to make your climbing shoes stickier again.
Why Are My Climbing Shoes Not Sticky Anymore?
Climbing shoes become less sticky over time due to wear and tear. You may have also applied too much chalk or tried other methods that simply don’t work, such as sandpapering the soles of your shoes.
Should I Try Resoling My Climbing Shoes if They Are Not Sticky Enough?
Resoling your climbing shoes is a great option if you find that none of the other methods work for you. However, it can be quite expensive, so make sure to do your research and shop around before committing to this solution.
