Heel spacer for climbing shoes

I did a search and couldn't find anything on this, so I'll ask here.

TL;DR: Anybody have any luck padding the back of the heel area in a climbing shoe that's just slightly too long, to push the foot a bit forward to fill the toe box?

Detailed version: I'm between a 42 and 42.5 in TC Pros. The 42s work just fine once they stretch a bit, but my smaller toes are a bit curled, and I can't help but think I'd get a narrower profile on the outside of the toe, and better performance in thinner cracks, with a bit more space. With 42.5, the outside toe profile is a bit narrower, but my big toe isn't at the end of the shoe. I'm thinking the 42.5, with some padding in the heel, might just do the trick. Thoughts?

I think you are a size 42. I'm sorry, I know that is not the answer you are after, but if your big toe is not at the end of the 42.5 then they are too big. Maybe a spacer will push your foot forward but I don't see that as a permanent fix.

There isn't a synthetic shoe in the world (at least not one that I know of) that doesn't stretch a tiny bit. Have you actually worn a 42 long enough to break it in? I'd bet that after a few weeks they will be exactly what you are looking for.

Or maybe the TC is just not for you.

I'm inclined to agree with Ryan.

But if you must go with the TCs in the 42.5, I'd try silly putty as filler. Seems like it'd be a lot more comfortable than tissue paper, it won't get soggy or moldy, and it has a high melting point so it shouldn't get all gummy and stringy on summer climbs.

But you will have to re-mold it to the shape you want each time you put the shoes on as it is a semi-liquid/viscoelastic and will become a puddle in the bottom of the shoe when not used.

Also, it is fun to play with and promotes blood flow and motor function when nursing hand/finger injuries back to health. When it's not in your shoe of course.

Hope that helps.

No, I don't work for Silly Putty.

I agree with Ryan, go with the 42's or find a different shoe. I have my Tc's sized so I have a bit of curl when I first put them on, after they stretch through the day my toes flatten out a bit, sized like that they are the only shoe I've been able to wear for over 10 hours straight without being in agony.

I'd wear a sock or go with the smaller size.

I'm sending my size 42s off for a resole, so they've definitely had time to stretch!

I love the TC Pro. It's been a great shoe in size 42. I was just thinking of getting a second pair, possibly a complimentary pair in size 42.5 that would be more comfortable at the end of a long day when my 42s get uncomfortable, and maybe be a bit better in thin cracks.

Two ideas:

If you are getting the shoe for long moderate routes and/or alpine endeavors, go for the bigger size and wear some socks with them; this will greatly enhance comfort.

For a general purpose and/or performance shoe, get the smaller size. For granite crack climbing (i.e. California), having slightly curled toes honestly probably enhances performance anyway, since if the crack gets small enough that toe profile is an issue, you'll probably be ending on the face more than jamming. If necessary, you can accelerate the stretching process with a hot-water stretch (wear shoes while taking a hot shower, then wear them around the house for a bit while they dry); this doesn't damage the shoes and can easily get you an extra 1/4 size out of them.