Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Climbing Shoe Resole 101

Have your favorite climbing shoes bit the dust? Maybe you’ve already sent them off to be resoled, but maybe you’re not even sure what to look for. Today we’re going to talk about climbing shoe resole, when to consider it, how long it takes, and why it’s important to do so. Let me start by saying if there are visible holes, it’s too far gone. The last thing I want is to give you false hope. But, if that is the case, keep reading! The goal is to educate you on the warning signs of shoe degradation and help you extend the life of your shoes. Climbing shoes are not indestructible and whether you are a gym rat or a regular at the crag, the rubber on your shoes can and will shave down over time. Now, I want you to look at your climbing shoes. Turn them over so you are looking directly at the tip of the shoe where the rubber meets the wall. There, if you look hard enough, you will see a thin seam line that wraps around the rubber pretty evenly. This is where we will be looking for wear. The top section of rubber is called the rand, and the rubber below the seam line is called the sole. Over time the seam will become more irregular across the tip and sides of the shoe. This is completely normal, but know that the proper technique (or lack of) does play a part in it. When this seam line starts to dip significantly or altogether disappear, you know it's time to send your shoes in for a resole. Image credit: bogong.com

Timeline:

Shoe resoling can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Depending on the season and reputation of a resoler, it could take even longer. To resole a climbing shoe costs around $40-$60 plus shipping, and if that seems like too much, remember a quality pair of new shoes will cost upwards of $100. That’s a pretty penny to shell out each time your shoes blow out! Resoling is not only more cost effective, but it effectively lowers your impact. As a climber, we are creating a literal footprint every time we go outside to climb. Not that this should deter you from enjoying your local rock, but to serve as a reminder that taking easy steps like resoling your shoes or brushing off excess chalk when able is crucial for the longevity of the outdoor spaces we play in. Here at Geartrade. We are all about keeping gear in rotation and you out to play longer. So, what’s better than resoling your shoes? Buying used and then resoling them! Wearing out your gear and taking good care for years to come of it is what all the cool kids are doing nowadays anyway, haven’t you heard? As always – Have fun, be safe, and we’ll catch you out there! Finola McDonald thinks bios are really hard but here is her best go: Finola is a runner, a writer, a climber, snack enthusiast, cat mom, and city lifer turned nature lover who loves getting people outside. She is a firm believer that time in Earth’s wild spaces is time best spent and we need it more than ever. She hopes by sharing her passion for our planet and outdoor recreation, she can convince others of the same. In her free time, you can find her touching cool rocks, running around SLC and the Wasatch, and trying her hardest to leave this earth better than when she entered it. Follow us on Instagram + Facebook: Tag us @geartrade with the hashtag #unnewoutdoor #wearitout on your post or story for a chance to be featured on our page.

Have Fall gear to sell? Get cracking.

Have Jackets, Backpacks, Rain Gear, Puffies, Tents, Sleeping bags, Hike & Camp gear, or Bike gear? Now is the time to sell them. It is now easier than ever to sell your gear on Geartrade. With our new Consignment Selling option you can finally reclaim your gear closet. Send it in. We take care of the rest.