Rock climbing shoes

[wmoulds]

Well after finding out last night that when I wear rock climbing shoes I am actually some kind of rock climbing god  it only seems fair to the world now to go out and buy a pair for myself. Thats my story and I'm sticking to it   

I understand the fit is the most important thing, but is there any advice you can give?
Velcro or lace?
Whats the difference between a beginners shoe and an ordinary one?
Any recommended brand or model for durability and quality? etc.

[Are we there yet?]

The choice on lace up and velcor is a personal choice.. mine (Red Chillies) are laces, which i love, but know ppl with velcro who wouldnt change.. My regular climbing buddy loves 5/10's, but im not familiar with them.
With my shoes, which i went a 1/2 size bigger than what i normally am,  i really do think they have stretched in length from being 'a little uncomfortable' to, just grand for me. My friend bought a full size bigger and now, maybe thinks they are a little big..
You need to try 'before you buy' so to speak, ask advice, feel comfortable, Jackson Sports or Cotwolds.. is the way to go. Don't buy of the internet! Unless you have tried them in Cotwold or Jacksons first! Happy feet mean happy climbing!  Hi de Hi!   

[wmoulds]

Hi de ho  Thanks. Think I'll head to cotswold later then, there's a pair of laced red chili Durango shoes on deal I'd like to try. The Velcro version of it is £25 more which is crazy!

[Oisín]

£25 of pure quality more.

I'm a fan of velcro, but if your happy with laces, then you could put £25 towards a harness.

[Typo-On]

Hi de ho  Thanks. Think I'll head to cotswold later then, there's a pair of laced red chili Durango shoes on deal I'd like to try. The Velcro version of it is £25 more which is crazy!

I found Cotswolds really helpful, I agree with everything Anne said. I remember the guy saying you want your toes curled a bit as they then provide more support. Mine are laced whi h is fine for me, we were looking for new shoes for Megan and she said they 'HAVE TO BE VELCRO' so she already has a preference lol
I think it doesn't really matter unless your taking them on and off lots, which I don't but some of these rock shoes look like torture contraptions shaping your foot to look like a banana so maybe that's when you want to take it in and off everytime. Tbh I'm rambling now about things I don't know about

[Oisín]

Laces for me just shouts out having to take your gloves off in the cold to put your shoes on. But then again I suppose thats why climbing season starts in the milder weather.

[specimanYak]

Some handy information about shoes and the style of climbing you intend to do here:

http://goo.gl/BYWDK

[LandyLiam]

I suppose velcro would be handy if you doing some climbs that require walking down again via an exit route (i.e. you would have your trail shoes clipped to your harness while climbing, now you know why they have those little loops on the back  )  Laces would be fine if only putting them on at the start of the day, i.e indoor stuff. I have laces on my red chillis and find them really comfortable, but i hear they should be a little tight, but i'm not doing anything remotely extreme that it will make any difference 

[wmoulds]

Took the advice given on board, went to cotswold and tried most of the shoes and I finally got the red chili spirit vcr shoe. It cost a bit more than what I wanted to spend but without looking at the price they where the most comfortable so I got them. Unfortunately I didn't get to try the durango's with laces but the Velcro ones where too tight. Anyway hope these will prove to be a great buy!