When it comes to buying climbing shoes, you will want to have as much grip as possible.
Most climbing shoes are not going to give you issues but new ones do need time to get worked on. There will be a period where they are not going to be at 100%.
This is normal and there is no reason to get frustrated.
If the new climbing shoes are slippery, it is possible to work on them.
If the new climbing shoes are slippery, it’s best to rub the soles against each other, walk a few miles on different terrains, and continue to use them as much as possible. After a few weeks, the shoes will be good to go.
The reason this happens has to do with how the climbing shoe is designed. The sole tends to be brand-new, which means it is still slippery.
The shine will go as soon as you walk a few miles and use it on different surfaces.
This article will look at how you can fix slippery new climbing shoes.
Table of Contents
How To Fix New Climbing Shoes That Are Slippery
1. Rub Against The Sole
While most people are going to fret about how their climbing shoes fit, you will also want to think about the overall grip you’re getting.
When there is no traction with climbing shoes, you are not going to feel safe while climbing.
This is why you will want to take the time to work on the shoes.
You can do this by taking your hand, spitting in it, and then rubbing it against the sole. This will help add a bit of grip right away.
This is a good solution for those who are already climbing or walking with their shoes on. You will want a temporary solution and this one will work.
You can also rub the soles against the ground in a bid to work on them.
2. Walk A Few Miles With The Shoes
You will want to walk a few miles with the shoes.
This is a mistake people make because they don’t think about working on climbing shoes. Just like you will need to get used to the curled toes with climbing shoes, you will also want to work on the traction.
It’s best to walk a few miles to do this.
You can go into the neighborhood with the shoes on and just walk around for a bit. You will begin to notice a change in how much traction you are getting from the climbing shoes on your feet.
It will be noticeable.
If you can walk more, you should do so.
This is how you are going to appreciate the results and climbing will become easier. You should always do this before trying a more complex climbing setup.
3. Walk On Different Terrains
It is not just about walking on a simple sidewalk.
You will want to take the shoes for a small hike on a nearby trail.
This is going to allow you to walk through different surfaces and see how the climbing shoes hold up. If they are good, they will get better as you walk.
It is easy to walk on a sidewalk but it might not be as easy on an uneven surface. This is going to help you break the shoes in as you want.
Continue to do this for a few miles and you are going to appreciate the results as soon as you put the shoes on.
4. Rub The Soles Together
This is another solution that tends to work well in the short term.
You are going to take off your climbing shoes and then rub the soles against each other. This works because the soles are going to create friction.
This will help get rid of the sheen of the new material.
It is not going to happen within a few seconds but you can continue to do this as you are sitting around. It will make the grip better under your feet and that is what matters most.
Continue to do this and you will see appropriate results.
Final Thoughts
These tips will help when new climbing shoes are slippery.
If the new climbing shoes are slippery, start by rubbing the soles against each other and then walk a few miles on different terrains. This will help break the shoes in and they will gain the traction you are hoping for.
Do not rush this process as gaining traction does take time.
You will want to only start climbing a more complex height when you are sure the grip is there. This is why going through these steps is a must and it is the only way you are going to appreciate what you are wearing on your feet.
