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How Often to Resole Climbing Shoes

Original Post
Zack Wentz · · Issaquah, WA · Joined Jan 2012 · Points: 265

Hello everyone!

I've owned a pair of La Sportiva Mythos shoes since early December. They're my only shoes and I've been climbing indoors until mid March, where I then started climbing outside. I climb around 4 days a week for nearly 5-6 hours per day. I've noticed my ability to grip small footholds and smear isn't as polished as it used to be, especially remembering back to that day in early December when I got my shoes. Is it time for me to get a resole? How often does one typically resole shoes with continuous wear?

Tim Stich · · Colorado Springs, Colorado · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 1,520

You get a resole when holes appear.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425

Yep...holes. Sure new shoes are the bomb, but you also aren't wearing a agressive shoe. AND you went from climbing inside to outside, which really don't have alot in common other than the basics.

Just keep climbing and if you want buy a more technical shoe.

Mark E Dixon · · Possunt, nec posse videntur · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 974

I am usually happier if I get my shoes resoled when the sole rubber is getting thin near the toe, but before there's actually a hole and before the toe gets worn. I find getting toe caps alters the fit more than just a plain resole, plus it ups the cost.
If you still have plenty of rubber, you could try washing the soles with warm water, then vigorously wire brushing them and see if this helps the friction.
If you have any question about whether it's time for a resole, just run down to Rock and Resole and let them take a look- you'll get an honest opinion.
Mark

JJNS · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2008 · Points: 531

Mythos and grip small footholds should not be used in the same sentence.

Evan1984 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Aug 2007 · Points: 30

Just going by the times and amounts you climb, I'd say you're likely due for a resole, if not overdue.

Resoling shoes is a great value and they come back better than new-broken in with fresh rubber. But, and this is the big BUT, you need to do it on time or you risk a rand repair, which kills the value of a resole and the fit of your shoe.

Pretty much the only part of the sole that will wear is the very point of the toe. I send my shoes out when there is still a little bit of sole left on the toe and I am not wearing into the rand at all. If I've started to wear into the rand, I just wear the shoes until its trashed. By the time you add an extra $20 bucks for rand work and the high chance that the shoes won't fit just perfect, I'd rather spend for new shoes.

I send my shoes out for resole about 2x a year when I'm climbing regularly.

bearbreeder · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 3,065

when the rubber wears down thin, before holes ... some places will charge more if there are holes that need to be repaired ...

ive had to resole some shoes in as little as 2 months in climbing season ... but thats climbing 10+ pitches a day, 5+ days a week outside ...

Jeffrey Arthur · · Westminster, CO · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 290

I used to resole, but now that I'm a balla I can just throw around my loot anyway I see fit. I just buy new kicks every 6 months.

Tim Stich · · Colorado Springs, Colorado · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 1,520

I haven't resoled my shoes in a while and instead just buy a new pair. I don't like the so-so performance of a resole over new and since I can get Moccasyms for about $70 it doesn't make much sense to drop $35-$40 on a resole.

Mark E Dixon · · Possunt, nec posse videntur · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 974
JasonJNSmith wrote:Mythos and grip small footholds should not be used in the same sentence.
I also find Mythos challenging on small sharp footholds, but for small smeary feet i think they work better than more aggressive shoes.

YMMV

Mark
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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