Sports Equipment
Is it a good idea to rent rock climbing shoes from sports equipment stores??
Do u think it's a good idea to rent a pair of rock climbing shoes at sport check or mountain co-op?? do they rent out good ones or they rent out old wreck looking ones?? will the rock climbing shoes feel loose since a lot of people have worn them?? does normal running shoes work almost the same as rock climbing shoes if I'm not renting the rock climbing shoes?? please help me!!
As a climbing instructor, I'll give you a few tips about rental shoes:
- most rental shoes will be shaped for general climbing and to fit the majority of the population. Rarely will you be able to rent asymetrical shaped, pointy toed shoes for crack climbing, etc.
- keep in mind that you will size down a climbing shoe from a street shoe - usually half to a full size or more to get a more solid fit, therefore stretched shoes are less of a concern (unless they're truly worn out, but few renters will keep these for rental)
- climbing shoes should NEVER feel/be loose
- street shoes are too loose and flexible to be worn for climbing
- rent your shoes from MEC or if in Calgary, rent them from U of C, Outdoor Center ($6)