Is Resoling Climbing Shoes Worth It?

May 21, 2023

Climbing shoes are an essential piece of equipment for any climber, but they can be expensive to replace when the soles wear out. This is where resoling comes in. Resoling is the process of replacing the worn-out sole of a climbing shoe with a new one.

In this blog post, we will discuss whether resoling climbing shoes is worth it by considering the economic benefits, environmental benefits, and sport performance benefits.

Economic Benefits

One of the main reasons climbers choose to resole their shoes is because it is much cheaper than buying a new pair. A quality pair of climbing shoes can cost more than $300, but a resole typically costs between $50 and $160 per pair, excluding shipping. The cost will depend on the extent of repairs needed and what type of rubber is used.

By choosing to resole your climbing shoes instead of buying new ones, you can save money in the long run. This is especially true if you have high-end climbing shoes that are still in good condition except for the worn-out soles. You can usually expect to resole a pair of climbing shoes 1-3 times, unless you wear through the rand or upper material.

Environmental Benefits

Resoling your climbing shoes also has environmental benefits. By choosing to repair your shoes instead of throwing them away and buying new ones, you are reducing waste as shoes are typically sent to the landfill at the end of their life.

The production of climbing shoes requires energy and resources such as rubber, leather, and synthetic materials. By extending the life of your existing shoes through resoling, you are reducing the demand for new products and minimising your environmental impact.

Sport Performance Benefits

Finally, there are sport performance benefits to resoling your climbing shoes. Worn-out soles can affect your grip on rock surfaces and reduce overall performance. By replacing the soles with fresh rubber, you can restore your shoe's grip and improve your ability to climb difficult routes. New climbing shoes usually require some time to break in, which can also impact your comfort and performance on the wall. It’s always easier to trust your feet when you can keep the same fit and feel of your trusty old pair!

Additionally, some climbers prefer certain types or brands of rubber for specific types of climbs or conditions. Resoling allows you to customize your shoe's rubber to suit your needs without having to buy a completely new pair.

In conclusion, resoling climbing shoes can be a worthwhile investment due to its economic benefits (saving money), environmental benefits (reducing waste), and sport performance benefits (restoring grip and not having to break in new climbing shoes). If you have high-quality climbing shoes that are still in good condition except for worn-out soles, consider resoling them rather than buying new ones. Just make sure you get them to the resoler before they actually wear through.

Pro tip: After every climbing session, check the line where the rubber sole meets the rubber rand. If it dips or feels softer than usual when pressed, it’s time to resole!