Although some climbers find barefooting painful, it is perfectly legitimate. By climbing barefoot, you build up your tolerance for rough rocks and shells. If you’ve grown up on the beach, your feet have become very tough. You don’t need to go to all the trouble and risk the pain just because you prefer to climb in shoes. You can also get a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, La Sportiva’s revolutionary No Edge Technology, or Jonathan Mather’s Vibram Five Fingers.
Vibram Xs Grip 2
The Vibram Xs Grip 2 provides excellent durability and grip on smaller footholds. Its softer rubber compound offers superior edging and smearing capabilities. It is made from one of Vibram’s most exclusive compounds. This climbing shoe is best suited for bouldering and aggressive sport climbing. Its innovative design and performance make it ideal for use on the rock face.
Climbing shoes made from this rubber are highly versatile, as they offer a wide range of grip and support. Most climbing shoes made by La Sportiva are based on this rubber, while other brands, such as Scarpa, use their own rubber. The Vibram Xs Grip 2 offers excellent grip on sandstone edges. It is also extremely comfortable for barefoot use and is made for the most demanding of climbers.
La Sportiva’s revolutionary No Edge Technology
No Edge Technology is a breakthrough climbing technique that brings the climber’s foot closer to the rock surface. The La Sportiva Futura climbing shoe incorporates this revolutionary No Edge concept. Its lightweight, thin, and sensitive design allows climbers to feel the rock texture and stand on the most delicate edges. The Futura’s innovative No Edge Technology is baked right into La Sportiva’s latest models.
This revolutionary No Edge technology has been proven to dramatically increase your edging performance. The patented No Edge sole is remarkably sensitive, and offers maximum edging advantage. This climbing shoe is not suitable for beginners, however, and will wear out very quickly if not properly used. If you don’t know much about climbing, you should probably buy a pair in European half sizes.
Vibram Five Fingers
The Vibram Five Fingers are a versatile hybrid shoe that provides the benefits of going barefoot while adding protection against the elements. They are designed for wall and overhang climbing and are a favorite with climbers and rock climbers alike. Because the shoes are flexible, they minimize the risk of toe slippage, and are un-sticky, so you’ll find yourself climbing without any pain or discomfort.
One of the great features of Vibram FiveFingers is that they provide a natural feel and fit. They are unique in their design and fit, and have a deconstructed sole that allows the foot to flex and curl naturally. These shoes provide tactile feedback and biomechanics that improve balance and agility, and promote better posture. And the barefoot-specific fit of the shoe makes it a joy to wear.
Jonathan Mather
For years, Jonathan Mather has hiked and climbed without shoes, and now he wants to conquer the fourteeners of Colorado barefoot. Although he has received hostile questions, he says that barefoot climbing is the way to go when the weather is right. He is planning to go barefoot in the snow on his next attempt in 2021. Although he has received hostile reactions and questions about his decision to hike barefoot, he is aware of the risks and benefits of the approach.
The spider-monkey swing is the pivotal move on “Midnight Lightning,” a 15-foot rock face. The climber must suspend himself by the fingertips of his left hand, swing around the rock ledge, and then propel himself four feet to a fingertip hold. This move requires a remarkable amount of strength and balance – the climber must create momentum from his stillness and then use it to reach the ledge.
Charles
If you’ve ever wondered how a climber manages to stay barefoot, then you’ve probably seen the famous Barefoot Charles. A Font local, Charles repeats the original version of “L’alchimiste” in Apremont, 19 years after Marc Le Menestrel did the same. Charles sat down with Fanatic Climbing to hear his story and to watch him post pictures of his climbs on Facebook.
There are some benefits to climbing barefoot. One of them is the cost. By choosing to climb barefoot, you will save money on climbing equipment. Also, you’ll be able to practice on real rock and ice problems, and develop better reflexes. And if you’re new to bouldering, you’ll learn how to climb barefoot with a series of short videos created by the world’s best climbers.
Vu Nguyen
A Vietnamese climbing guide named Vu Nguyen is known as one of the world’s best barefoot climbers. The 24-year-old climbs without shoes and often uses his bare feet. The most difficult climb he’s attempted is 5.14, and few people have succeeded. Vu climbs this grade on limestone sport routes in the butterfly Valley, and also takes part in deep-water solo venues. Another barefoot climber is Charles Albert, a young Frenchman from Fontainebleau.
While Vu is arguably the world’s best barefoot rock climber, he has no favorite location. He has competed in bouldering competitions wearing shoes, but he found them cramped. After the competition, he took them off and flashed the final route without shoes. And that’s the way he prefers to climb! Despite the challenges that barefoot climbing poses, Vu is proving it’s a highly rewarding experience.