Resole or replace: When is it time to get new climbing shoes

Resole or replace? Good question, tricky answer. When you know, you know. However, if you are a beginner at this, we got you!

Keep on reading to find out more about resoling and when it’s time to get new climbing shoes.

First, what is resoling and what are the benefits?

Technically, resoling is a repairing process where the worn-out soles of your shoes are being replaced by new ones.

Resoling is not limited to climbing shoes therefore you can resole almost anything your feet wear, even your ski boots!

Depending on your model, you can choose your type of rubber and how many mm you prefer.

Resoling is a Godsent for all those climbing lovers out there. Not only good for the environment but also cost-effective (up to 50% cheaper than replacing).

When done right you essentially get a new pair of climbing shoes that you won’t have to break in again!

Here’s Pablo the Cobbler showing you the entire process, from A to Z.

Main causes of resoling

Resoling can’t be done indefinitely! So, to avoid resoling more often than you have to it’s important to understand what wears out your climbing shoes faster.

Poor footwork

Not being precise enough such as dragging your feet up the wall, rotating, or shimmying your feet will most surely run through rubber at the tip of the toe.

As a solution, you can make precision on footholds one of your training goals.

The type of rock

Some types of rock deteriorate the sole faster than others. Such as granite.

Therefore, when choosing your bouldering shoes you can also keep in mind whether you are going to climb more indoors or outdoors.

For example, softer shoes tend to be stickier but they also wear out faster.

Here’s a video of EpicTV Climbing where the types of rubber are explained.

Body weight and size

I am 161cm and I weigh 52kg. One of my climbing partners is 1.85cm and weighs above 80kg.

Assuming we have the same climbing style, the same pair of soft climbing shoes will definitely not have the same lifespan.

Because of that, this friend decided to buy a sturdier pair of climbing shoes instead.

Climbing frequency

I have nothing to say here, I did not find the cure against the love for climbing nor do I intend to. 😂

The bottom line is that the more you climb, the faster your rubber will wear out.

Luckily, resoling is available!

What are the signs that it is time for new climbing shoes?

First, when in doubt is better to speak with a resoler sooner rather than later.

Something you don’t want is really worn rubber and a big hole in your shoe – a case in which resoling can become impossible.

Check out for signs of when it’s time to get a new pair of climbing shoes.

1. A new model is available and you are curious about putting it into action.
2. Too much resoling. The resoling center tells you there’s no way you can resole your climbing shoes one more time.
3. Depending on the model, your weight, and resoling, climbing shoes become loose over time. If this happens it’s probably a good time for a new pair.
4. You’ve done multiple resoles and you notice a drop in shoe support and performance. Or it turn out your resoling is not what you expected.
5. Rubber has lost its shine and is disintegrating.
6. Straps break down. In this case, if the closure system can’t be replaced, consider getting a new pair.
7. Your climbing level has improved, so you are ready to level up! Try different shoe models and forget about your beginner shoes!
8. Delamination is often a problem with some climbing shoes. Sometimes it’s due to direct sunlight, other times is a fabrication defect. 
9. Your shoes need a lot of repairing and the resoling costs more than 50% of the value of your shoe.

Stil not sure of when is the best time to resole your climbing shoe? Here’s some extra help.

Delay resoling by caring for your climbing shoes

When it comes to climbing shoes, not every climber dreams of getting new ones. Most of us prefer sticking with the ones that our feet are used to!

The high prices of climbing shoes have also become a deterrent. So, here are some tips and tricks for extending the lifespan of your climbing shoes:

• Ideally, after each session, check out those sending weapons for dirt and/or rock particles and brush them off your sole.
• Be it at the gym or at the crag, do not walk in your climbing shoes. You will not only cause your shoes to lose performance (because of the extra stretch) but they will also wear out faster.
• Do your climbing shoes feel sticky and probably stinky? Wash them off. Water, vinegar, baking soda, and a toothbrush work well for me. There are also special detergent options out there. If stinky shoes are becoming a lifestyle, read more in our article on how to fight the funk.
• Ideally, after a sweaty bouldering session the best way to fight the smelly skin bacteria is to leave your climbing shoes out to dry. I tend to leave everything in my climbing backpack. That’s why I use the boot bananas for shoe deodorisers that not only combat extreme odour but also absorb moisture.
• Climbing shoe rotation. Have at least two pairs of climbing shoes: one for gym and one for outdoors. Ideally with two types of rubber.
• Wear climbing socks. And since doing that is a bit of a taboo, read our thoughts on it and find out when you should be wearing climbing socks.
• Avoid leaving your climbing shoes in the sunlight. Rubber as well as glue can get damaged and rush the wear and tear process.

Discover the process of resoling and find out How to extend the life of your climbing shoes.

Conclusion of debate: resole or buy new climbing shoes?

We think the decision to repair or replace your climbing shoes is entirely up to you.

Your own sensations and expectations from climbing as well as the information you read in our guide, should give you a good understanding of when is it time to get new climbing shoes.

On a personal note, I am pro resoling climbing shoes for 3 reasons: it is usually cheaper, it is environmentally friendly, and is less consumerist.

However, I will never resole unless I am sure I will get the same performance from my shoe.

Despite Barefoot Charles crushing it barefoot, not all of us have the skill or the will. 😂

Find a good resoler and be precise about what are your expectations from repairing your shoe.

And if you don’t you can always check out our shop for new climbing shoes.

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