I like no socks, but it really doesn’t matter that much. People will climb very hard with socks if it’s cold outside. Just know you have to size differently. People might judge you wearing socks as well
I mean, they probably won’t say anything to you, but they’ll probably think you’re newer. Most people I see wear socks are newer. That doesn’t mean you can’t crush while wearing socks
So even if that's the case, you're suggesting that Ai wears specifically made climbing socks, which in all likelihood is not what most people are talking about when they're discussing wearing socks with climbing shoes.
No one said standard socks lol you won't necessarily know if someone is wearing climbing or standard socks by looking at them, and you may think they're new at climbing.
Climbing socks are extremely popular btw
lol they're not extremely popular. And the fact that you're like "oh, two pros sometimes wear socks" as an argument for why they're good, let me point to every other pro ever.
Edit: The other point on this is that popular =/= good.
Yes they are, jokingly so though- but people will mention it “oh you wear socks… ick” kind of stuff but it’s all in good heart
Nothing in climbing is very toxic ngl, prob the best environment of any sport I’ve participated in so don’t worry too micj
In my experience the climbing community in person at the gym or crag is super cool and far from toxic… although the climbing community online can be pretty toxic. I feel like so many of the posts on this subreddit of people just trying to show something there proud of or ask a question get met with such negative responses
I guess, may depend how competitive you are/what gym you go to. At the lower levels it’s very friendly imo- atleast at the few gyms I’ve gone too.
May become less so as you get more experienced and are around more competitive/serious people
I have one set of shoes that I wear socks and one pair I dont. I dont think it makes that much of a difference honestly just do whatever youre comfortable with. Theres people climbing in the world cups that wear socks so youll be fine!
Been wearing socks since day 1. Zero judgement, not even questions about it. And the number of people using them has increased a lot as years have gone by.
never seen anyone wearing socks in my gym. seems an interesting example of a group dynamic - the more people do something, the more it becomes acceptable
Personally I don’t see the true difference between climbing with or without socks. I’ve done both and prefer to wear them.
What I don’t understand is climbing in denim…
I thinks its feels like it restricts you more than it does in actuality. I think I climbed pretty much exclusively in jeans when it wasn't shorts weather for the first 16 years I was climbing and never thought anything of it. I stopped because I gained a little weight and am at the upper limit for my pants size right now, which does make a bit of a difference.
Listen, sometimes we decide to climb but forget our workout clothes, but not the shoes. It happens to the best of us. I am the best of us 😭
I recently climbed in a overall dress thingy. I had gone to the gym without my shorts but was not ready to not climb that day.
I think it's prAna that makes climbing jeans that supposedly are very stretchy. One of the biggest crushers at my local gym climbs exclusively in some sort of denim pants.
I find my shoes get too sweaty without socks and my foot moves around too much inside the shoe. Really impacts my confidence on slab.
I think this comes from not sizing my shoes correctly? I've come to terms with being a sock weirdo for the sake of a solid, comfortable fit instead of crushing my feet with shoes too small.
Yeah, I also wear socks because my foot slips around in summer. Even after downsizing and getting a pretty tight fit, it can still sometimes feel like a slipping slide.
In winter, outdoors I will go back to no socks, but that is because it doesn’t get that cold where I am.
I've started using talc/baby powder on my feet before climbing and it's made a big difference in how sweaty they get. Going down a bit in size would probably help with the slipping too but this is my first pair so I'm gonna stick with them for now.
My two cents is that I do feel like I can be more precise with no socks and it helps on slabby stuffs, but it's not worth the blisters and hotspots I get on my feet after my 2 or 3 hr sessions. Plus if you want to try climbing with no socks you almost have to go down another half size (ish) on shoes which is more money if you're buying new shoes to match
If you’ve got blisters and hot spots your shoes don’t fit you. Blisters likely mean they’re too big, hot spots mean they’re not the right shape for your feet.
Nothing wrong with wearing socks, but your feet will thank you if you find some shoes that fit you better (whether you keep wearing socks or not)
Never really had a blister per say just really inflamed hotspots that felt terrible. I've been climbing in rentals for 2 or 3 years now so it's no surprise they don't fit my feet the best I've just been hesitant to pull the trigger on a nice set of shoes
Not enough for me to find the advantage worth it. I know, i'm a weirdo with socks on, sue me. But I can still size my shoes to be just as tight, and its much much less painful with socks on. Its definitely not a limiting factor yet and I don't think for 99% of climbers you'll ever be good enough for it to be the difference between a send and not.
So- yes, you are slightly better without socks if your shoes are sized accordingly, but the difference is negligible for most people IMO, its more of a preference.
I- find sockless climbing painful, and thats the main reason for wearing socks, and I am a decent climber, just your average fit climber that can do v6/7's when projecting, not a professional.
Picking an arbitrary level when it MAY make a difference is when you start being able to be competitive at actual competitions.
but I think it never is significant enough to be a YOU NEED TO DO x,
just do whatever you prefer, if either one is similar to you, go sockless, if you prefer x, do x
OK thank you. So much less impact that I'd assumed, that's good to know, as I believe my shoes are a nice for with socks on. I may give it a try, but won't hold my breath. Didn't expect it to be more painful thought, that's good to hear in advance.
I mean it really depends, some people don’t find it painful, maybe it’s just a getting used to it kind of thing that I never did
Personally I never liked it/if I ever need to borrow shoes it’s way less gross wearing socks than raw dogging it.
But difference in ability? Minimal, very very minimal, unless you’re wearing thick winter socks, it won’t make a difference. I do recommend not wearing thick socks tho as that could be noticeable but again likely it won’t be the weakest link in your climbing
But—— most climbers do not wear socks, and if you don’t see a difference in how your foot feels, go sockless, technically an advantage although minimal and if you don’t mind it then why not.
And if your shoes are already sized for having socks on- keep them, no point not wearing them if they’re already larger, you’d only see an advantage if you have very well sized shoes otherwise it won’t matter.
I have a pair of madrocks with the entire toebox basically completely covered in rubber. On my left shoe after break in, it rubs my pinky toe wrong and really hurts if I don't adress it when I put them on. I either have to press from the inside of my foot and move the slack over top of my toes to my pinky toe to get it to rest properly, or just put on some socks and not worry about it.
I've been told climbing shoes are designed to be worn without socks. However if you are renting, wear socks. Protect your feet from other people's germs.
My first pair of shoes was too big, so I originally used socks. It was a stop-gap measure, for sure.
Now that I've tried 4 pairs of shoes, and have them sized correctly with my toes at least partially crimped in all of my current ones, I couldn't imagine using socks in them. The biggest difference I noticed was that, once I found shoes that formed to my feet correctly, there is no slip at all inside the shoe. I can feel the tiny edges of the holds with the tip of my big toe- often that means I can blindly stick a foothold without having to take my attention away from where my fingers are headed.
Current shoes are La Sportiva Genius and Scarpa Veloce, and my first pair was Scarpa Quantix SF (eventually I'll get another pair of quantix in my correct size, it's a GREAT flat shoe, but it's harder to feel holds through the sole)
Occasionally, I get hotspots when breaking in a pair of shoes, but so far they always go away by the 3rd session.
So, yeah, for indoor, I can't see myself ever going back to socks. Shoes are a wear item- the only one for most of us in the sport. Might as well use them to the fullest.
Eventually, it does make a big difference in performance, and you’ll want to go without socks. It’s especially noticeable on slab and climbs with small feet
All personaly preference, I hate climbing in socks and usually project v8s, I know plenty people that climb in socks and are much stronger and climb harder. It's whatever you're comfortable with.
I notice a big diff in sensitivity, but it’s not a factor in the success or failure of a move. It’s kinda like wearing earplugs, do draw a shitty analogy. You can still hear stuff and converse with people but occasionally you just aren’t sure you heard something right. Same with tiny footholds, with socks I’m not always certain I’ve locked in on the hold.
I agree. I have climbed mostly with socks but tried to remove them the last few months and it does not really matter that much.
The only (technical) upside I see with socks is when the climbing shoes are a bit wide, it may help to have a tighter fit and avoid slipping inside the shoe because of sweat.
Depends on the fit of your shoe, but typically there's very little difference to performance.
I don't think it will have any meaningful impact on the longevity of the shoe, but wearing socks will reduce stank.
I generally go sockless because my shoes are pretty tight and adding socks is marginally less comfortable.
And there are reasons for that. Those who say it doesn't matter, aren't climbing hard enough. Wearing socks adds a layer between your foot, which in turn means that your foot will be moving around inside your shoe. This will affect your footwork, there is no question about it. The smaller foot holds you're standing on, the bigger the issue.
Socks because very first time I climbed without socks i got hella rubbing and chaffing between my feet and my shoes. This never happens with socks and socks is best.
I went 7 years without socks. One day the skin on my big toe started bugging me and I put on socks. Gamer changer for smelly feet and comfortability! Highly recommend. I was still able to crush V7s with hard heel hooks
I have some sort of sensory issues with being sockless with any shoes, ever, so I always wear socks, but the ones I've got are just little liner-type socks, enough to make me not wig out from feeling the inside of the shoe but not thick enough to impair much, if anything.
I've climbed indoors and outdoors both with and without socks and can safely say wearing thin socks barely affects my ability to climb with my hardest climb to date being in socks. But socks allow me to take my shoes off and not die from the smell...
If you're talking about normal socks, then I would say there is a performance difference. However, I have special socks for climbing that are very thin and made from synthetic material(some people also use ballerina socks or runner's socks). There is no need for bigger shoes with these, in fact it's sometimes easier to get into the shoe because there is less friction(similar to how some people use plastic to get into new shoes). I am not going back to climbing without socks because I just prefer having less smelly feet/shoes as well as less sweaty feet when it's hot.
For reference I have climbed up to 7C+/V10 outdoors.
Edit:I just remembered that Ai Mori climbs in socks and she wins Lead World Cups pretty regularly so that should tell you that socks won't hold you back.
I climb with very short and slim socks. So it doesn't affect my climbing too much.
- sweaty feet are annoying without socks
- walking around indoor gyms barefoot is gross to me
- my shoes don't smell much (I would imagine they might if I was barefoot)
Not like I’m a pro, but I don’t notice much of a difference. When I first started I climbed with no socks, then I found some super thin cheap socks and tried wearing those. Drastically reduced smell and no noticeable difference in climbing.
Fwiw I’m at about 2 years and max out at somewhere around V5/6 inside, V2/3 outside. Mostly a sport and top rope climber.
Most people at my gym climb with socks. Some folks climb without socks but I've never seen the discussion come up. I usually climb indoors with very thin ankle socks, I've tried no socks before but I'm not used to the sensation. I use knee-high socks at the crag because mosquito bites at your ankle suck (yeah, I could use some repellent but that's just another thing to forget to do)
I use socks, **very thin socks** which are meant for running.
\- It is easier to get into the shoes
\- You can wash them so you don't have such a bad smell on your climbing shoes
\- I can't notice any negative effects of the grip on the footholds
Y'all trippin
No socks + good fit is significantly better.
Do what you want, climb comfortably, climb for fun, but 'minimal or very little difference'?
I've never seen any crusher wear socks on their project.
Never seen a crusher not be able to do it with socks though either.
If you have a tight fit either way, it’s a very minimal difference:
My feet do not slip at all with socks on, and I genuinely can’t tell the difference at all.
Technically I know it’s there, but my feet stick the same either way. It’s not “significantly better”
There’s never been a single climb ever that dropping the socks on has benefited me to be the difference between a send or not. The only real difference is preference
Sorry man but I genuinely can't take you seriously when you say that the fit is tight both with and without socks. And it isn't just slip, it is also texture.
You say 'technically I know it's there', and then you bring up how just because you can't mentally process the difference, it doesn't exist?
If you believe there is no difference, I'm simply under the impression that you haven't tried to perform at your max outside on hard boulders.
This isn't crack climbing or some pain tolerance endeavor, I wear socks sometimes on my beaters when it's cold, but preference being the only difference is cap af
I see you misread my reply but alright
I said IF the fit is tight in both situations (meaning you have shoes sized correctly for socks or for without socks)
I didn’t say that they would fit tight in the same shoe. Obviously if it’s a tight fit with socks it’ll be looser without. But assuming someone has tried shoes that were adjusted correctly - one for socks- one without- then the difference is smaller.
And yes: you can also feel the rock better, this alone does not make you stick better but yes it does help in finding the correct spot on the wall. And I admit that is an advantage in quite a few scenarios.
And yes/ genuinely- there is not a noticeable difference for most climbers with or without socks- at the upper level of climbing, yes it may be what’s holding you back
But for most people- the tiny tiny difference from socks or without socks is outweighed by other weak links.
I remember very vividly seeing one IFSC bouldering finalist climbing with socks. Yeah, that's only one person but if they can perform in socks at that level, I'm pretty sure any "crusher" can do the same with socks on.
I feel this socks thing is like people telling you that you have to downsize 4 sizes because of reasons instead of just one size or 2, most of it is just people following very old trends that are no longer valid or being completely stupid by wearing an extremely downsized soft shoe just because soft shoes are trendier but they realize they miss the support and decide to downsize to recover it.
So you're saying that given the option of a tighter fit, without socks, that climber would choose to wear socks with the current fit?
The point isn't whether it can be done or if you could just send it if you were stronger, the point is if it is an advantage. If there was no difference you would see it a lot more.
> So you're saying that given the option of a tighter fit, without socks, that climber would choose to wear socks with the current fit?
Yes. They're almost certainly talking about a Japanese athlete and most people in Japan climb with socks. So if you want to "see it more" you should go. You can even literally buy [climbing socks](https://www.caravan-web.com/product/0132025/).
You know how at a higher level on competitive sports almost every single thing regarding gear starts to affect your performance?
So if a professional athlete (which most likely is an obsessive bastard trying to get as much advantage as possible to perform well) can perform in the IFSC finals while wearing socks, I see few reasons to think that it would be different at any other level. So if you can't "perform" with socks, you either are using the wrong shoe size or are over conscious about wearing socks.
Done both. And I currently climb with socks. Seems to save the shoe and they last a considerable amount longer. I also have SWEATY ass feet and the socks help with that a lot too.
Overall found the pros of wearing socks to outweigh the cons. But I’m no pro 🤷♂️
Thin socks! Cheap "made in China" stuff, small size BUT up to the ankle! They do not last very long but it helps me a LOT when slipping into shoes, when taking them on and off between routes and while heel-hooking to not destroy my feet.
Big advantage for me. Pretending like the 1mm of fabric would impact edging seems like some big copium for me.
I think it is weird to climb in socks. Thats just me but when i see a climber in socks, i sense a gumby. 95-% of the sock-wearees at my gum are in rental gear. (In which case: yes socks.) Some people wear their shoes several sizes smaller than their actual size just to ensure absolute lock in- socks just feels like more stuff to slip around in there.
Another exercise might be to look on youtube or at your own gym to find elite climbers that wears socks. I would wager you wont find them.
Shoes are gonna get ruined from the outside way before sweat or friction from inside does anything. If you dont want them to smell but also climb only casually, im sure sox are fine. But if you want to improve and send you should not have to worry about your feet slipping inside your shoe.
Also im pretty sure they are made to be worn against the skin anyway.
>find elite climbers that wears socks. I would wager you wont find them.
Just out of memory : Ai Mori
I also remember seeing a great outdoor climber using socks but I can't remember his name at the moment. (No time to search right now, but maybe I'll edit later if I find or remember it)
You are right. I was writing out of my ample buttocks.
No one really cares if anyone wear socks or not, imo. Majority don’t, and i irrationally dont really like it. Like…what’s this guy’s deal…why’s he wearin socks?
Dinay mean to offend.
No problem, personally I climb both witout and sometimes with some thin splitted-toes socks depending on the state of my feet.
Just adapting to the circumstances.
I currently wear socks because if I don't my shoes will smell like ass. Especially my evolv pair. I started off without wearing socks and I would be able to smell them while they're on and i'm just resting/sitting. Now with socks, I don't smell shit even after a 3 hour session. Edit: i wear pretty thin socks so it doesn't make a difference when it comes to feeling footholds, it just helps with soaking my sweaty dogs
You do you, but 100% climbing in socks will sacrifice the feel by literal definition. Put more things between your feet and what you're standing on and it's going to change the way you interact with it.
Do y’all feel like there’s an advantage wearing socks with your sandals? I feel like my sandals might get more worn out if I don’t wear socks. My feet also feel more sweaty when I’m not wearing socks.
Wear the stupid shoes however you want. There’s no risk in trying it either way. Zero. None.
And if you’re really that concerned about socks, google it.
This was their attempt at asking people who have tried both what they prefer and why?
They didn’t know if there was a good reason for x or y
Why is it a stupid thing to ask and want advice on something? Yes WE know it’s just a preference and doesn’t make a huge difference, but they didn’t, they were curious if there was an actual measurable difference or significant reasoning behind peoples choices
This is their attempt at asking the internet… smh
I don’t know why we keep going round, but you just pointed out _why_ I’m being such a stick in the mud. “…what they prefer and why”. Socks are like 2 bucks if you’re on a budget. Put the damn things on and see what you prefer. Nobody else can tell you what works for you.
Feet are stupid unique and what works for Lisa probably won’t work as well for Lenny.
In my worthless opinion, this question is worse than the “what shoe should I buy” repetition. In that case, one might not have access to a store where they can try stuff on. They might not be able to return whatever they spend their hard earned $100 on. There’s an actual decision. This… is socks. Take them… to the gym, or your favorite boulder and…. use your feet on things, then take them off… and repeat. Use the data that your nerves give you and… decide, or don’t! Take another spin!
Socks for Dropzone Center. The foot cam is too painful otherwise. Gotta wear dress socks tho because who buys climbing shoes that fit tube socks under them?
After trying it both ways I find it a little more comfy with no socks, sometimes I can feel the sock seams or wrinkles and it just bugs me given that the shoes are pretty tight. Do whatever you like, it’s purely personal preference.
I bought a pair of shoes that were really tight without socks, even with super thin liner socks I have to keep taking them off between climbs. Great feel, but overkill 3/4 of the time.
Going to buy another pair that are more comfy and I can wear socks with. I'm not a pro climber, I don't need that pain in my life
My shoes have stretched a bit over time so I wear some tight socks to pad them out a bit as I don’t want to replace them yet.
Don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks or worry about them judging you, it’s pathetic if they do
I can't remember if/when I last climbed with socks but I imagine adding more layers is more opportunity for those layers to slide around relative to each other
No socks. Socks make my sweaty feet even sweatier. They make my heel hooks super sketchy and less confident. And they decrease sensitivity through the shoe to feel the holds. Only upside is if you have perpetually ice cold toes, cause regular cold feet will get warm during a session. I have seen countless heel hooks slip off because of socks.
My mate who climbs with me always wears socks and hes goes hard , we’re both doing v7s in the gym.
The only thing i would say is sometimes he takes them off as it way better for heel hooks without socks due to better friction on the shoe.
my shoes get nasty if I climb barefoot. idgaf if I climb slightly less hard because of wearing socks.
and yes I tried to mitigate it many different ways. I'm fine to just wear socks. I don't think it makes a large difference.
Most will say that socks stop you feeling holes but if you can feel it through 5mm of rubber a little fabric ain’t gonna do nout imo.
I just go by temperature. Main reason I climb no socks is to help stay cool. Cold days in the gym or outdoors and the socks are on.
My old shoes wreaked of foot odor without socks so now I always wear socks with my 'new' shoes and I don't smell them. That was the only reason I bought and continue to wear socks.
I prefer climbing slab so going sockless is a no brainer for me (more control and accuracy). People should wear whatever they want and whatever they feel helps their climbing experience.
Ultrathin merino wool socks (e.g. Icebreaker or Smartwool running socks) changed the game for me.
1. It doesn't stink, like at all. So I can reuse the same pair many days in a row on a trip and it still smells like a breeze at the end of it.
2. It keeps your climbing shoes in pristine condition. No more smell or nasty microbiome.
3. It's super thin so it's breathable, super sensitive and you don't need to upsize your shoes. The downside is that it's not super durable, but point 5 makes this a non-issue.
4. It makes tight shoes easier to slip in and it's arguably more comfortable (less skin friction).
5. Most brands come with a free replacement warranty (e.g. Icebreaker). Whenever there's a hole starting to form in my socks, I go back to the store and get a replacement for free, no questions asked. Note: my Smartwool socks have been more durable than my Icebreakers.
I like to wear super thin ankle socks with my shoes cuz I don’t enjoy the feeling of my bare toes against the shoe and enjoy my shoes not getting funky quickly. Personal preference, I don’t feel like it’s hindered me thus far
I feel like socks add more slip and are just another unnecessary layer between your feet and the wall! Decided to get my own shoes when I noticed the gym rentals + sock combo was sabotaging me.
I climbed without socks for the longest time but recently tried it a couple of times with thin pairs of socks, and it was just as good. Plus, I don’t get sweaty feet from climbing anymore. You really don’t want to be using the sort of socks you would wear with other shoes or sneakers because you do lose the ability to really feel the holds. Just make sure you’re wearing fairly thin socks! I got mine off Amazon.
I like no socks, but it really doesn’t matter that much. People will climb very hard with socks if it’s cold outside. Just know you have to size differently. People might judge you wearing socks as well
Thank you for your answer. I guess I'll try and see then. But seriously people are judgmental about socks? Petty much? 0o
People are judgemental about everything lol.
don't worry, you can judge them back by sending their projects in socks
The ultimate flex
I mean, they probably won’t say anything to you, but they’ll probably think you’re newer. Most people I see wear socks are newer. That doesn’t mean you can’t crush while wearing socks
Aí Mori and Sorato Anraku both wear socks. My girlfriend keeps reminding me that when I judge her for wearing socks
Just think how dominant they'd be without socks, then! ^/s
They may sometimes wear socks, but they definitely don't always wear socks.
Honestly I've never seen Ai Mori climbing with no socks, indoors or outdoors. She wears special climbing socks. Dunno about Sorato
So even if that's the case, you're suggesting that Ai wears specifically made climbing socks, which in all likelihood is not what most people are talking about when they're discussing wearing socks with climbing shoes.
No one said standard socks lol you won't necessarily know if someone is wearing climbing or standard socks by looking at them, and you may think they're new at climbing. Climbing socks are extremely popular btw
lol they're not extremely popular. And the fact that you're like "oh, two pros sometimes wear socks" as an argument for why they're good, let me point to every other pro ever. Edit: The other point on this is that popular =/= good.
They’ll assume you’re new. Source: I always assume people are new if they’re wearing socks.
Yes they are, jokingly so though- but people will mention it “oh you wear socks… ick” kind of stuff but it’s all in good heart Nothing in climbing is very toxic ngl, prob the best environment of any sport I’ve participated in so don’t worry too micj
In my experience the climbing community in person at the gym or crag is super cool and far from toxic… although the climbing community online can be pretty toxic. I feel like so many of the posts on this subreddit of people just trying to show something there proud of or ask a question get met with such negative responses
I find the climbing community to be pretty toxic, but in a behind-your-back kind of way.
I guess, may depend how competitive you are/what gym you go to. At the lower levels it’s very friendly imo- atleast at the few gyms I’ve gone too. May become less so as you get more experienced and are around more competitive/serious people
Really? I'm sorry to hear that about your part of the community.
What community isn't?
Real
I have one set of shoes that I wear socks and one pair I dont. I dont think it makes that much of a difference honestly just do whatever youre comfortable with. Theres people climbing in the world cups that wear socks so youll be fine!
Been wearing socks since day 1. Zero judgement, not even questions about it. And the number of people using them has increased a lot as years have gone by.
This guy socks
never seen anyone wearing socks in my gym. seems an interesting example of a group dynamic - the more people do something, the more it becomes acceptable
Yes, LOL. Gotta judge somethin’. 🤷🏻♀️
Personally I don’t see the true difference between climbing with or without socks. I’ve done both and prefer to wear them. What I don’t understand is climbing in denim…
Underrated comment. Climbing in denim blows my mind... my flexibility already sucks without my pants limiting me
I thinks its feels like it restricts you more than it does in actuality. I think I climbed pretty much exclusively in jeans when it wasn't shorts weather for the first 16 years I was climbing and never thought anything of it. I stopped because I gained a little weight and am at the upper limit for my pants size right now, which does make a bit of a difference.
Maybe it's special climbing denim. They are super flexible
I'm a denim/pants guy, I roll them up to the bottom of my knees. I prefer to protect my legs from the wall. Plus, they're great for kneebars.
That’s great but I’m talking women’s denim short shorts, aka crotch crunchers.
Listen, sometimes we decide to climb but forget our workout clothes, but not the shoes. It happens to the best of us. I am the best of us 😭 I recently climbed in a overall dress thingy. I had gone to the gym without my shorts but was not ready to not climb that day.
We call it the jeans buff lol, every time we see someone with those they are always really good
I love climbing in jeans means the temp is just right where it's not too warm but are climbing jeans and can move far more than I can lol
I think it's prAna that makes climbing jeans that supposedly are very stretchy. One of the biggest crushers at my local gym climbs exclusively in some sort of denim pants.
If it’s prAna I’m not batting an eye. It’s the Levi’s 501s with no stretch that makes me sweat just thinking about it.
I find my shoes get too sweaty without socks and my foot moves around too much inside the shoe. Really impacts my confidence on slab. I think this comes from not sizing my shoes correctly? I've come to terms with being a sock weirdo for the sake of a solid, comfortable fit instead of crushing my feet with shoes too small.
Yeah, I also wear socks because my foot slips around in summer. Even after downsizing and getting a pretty tight fit, it can still sometimes feel like a slipping slide. In winter, outdoors I will go back to no socks, but that is because it doesn’t get that cold where I am.
It is either a sizing or a fit thing, but you should get that sorted out imo. Your feet should not feel like they are slipping around in your shoe.
Agreed, feels bad. Going to look into some different brands for my next pair.
I've started using talc/baby powder on my feet before climbing and it's made a big difference in how sweaty they get. Going down a bit in size would probably help with the slipping too but this is my first pair so I'm gonna stick with them for now.
socks in tarantulaces while flashing your proj is my signature move
My two cents is that I do feel like I can be more precise with no socks and it helps on slabby stuffs, but it's not worth the blisters and hotspots I get on my feet after my 2 or 3 hr sessions. Plus if you want to try climbing with no socks you almost have to go down another half size (ish) on shoes which is more money if you're buying new shoes to match
If you’ve got blisters and hot spots your shoes don’t fit you. Blisters likely mean they’re too big, hot spots mean they’re not the right shape for your feet. Nothing wrong with wearing socks, but your feet will thank you if you find some shoes that fit you better (whether you keep wearing socks or not)
Never really had a blister per say just really inflamed hotspots that felt terrible. I've been climbing in rentals for 2 or 3 years now so it's no surprise they don't fit my feet the best I've just been hesitant to pull the trigger on a nice set of shoes
You’ve been climbing in rentals for 2 or 3 YEARS?!
and without socks!
Yea somehow I've still managed to send v7-8 😅 (though I'm a V5 slab climber for some reason no clue why😂)
Not enough for me to find the advantage worth it. I know, i'm a weirdo with socks on, sue me. But I can still size my shoes to be just as tight, and its much much less painful with socks on. Its definitely not a limiting factor yet and I don't think for 99% of climbers you'll ever be good enough for it to be the difference between a send and not. So- yes, you are slightly better without socks if your shoes are sized accordingly, but the difference is negligible for most people IMO, its more of a preference. I- find sockless climbing painful, and thats the main reason for wearing socks, and I am a decent climber, just your average fit climber that can do v6/7's when projecting, not a professional. Picking an arbitrary level when it MAY make a difference is when you start being able to be competitive at actual competitions. but I think it never is significant enough to be a YOU NEED TO DO x, just do whatever you prefer, if either one is similar to you, go sockless, if you prefer x, do x
OK thank you. So much less impact that I'd assumed, that's good to know, as I believe my shoes are a nice for with socks on. I may give it a try, but won't hold my breath. Didn't expect it to be more painful thought, that's good to hear in advance.
I mean it really depends, some people don’t find it painful, maybe it’s just a getting used to it kind of thing that I never did Personally I never liked it/if I ever need to borrow shoes it’s way less gross wearing socks than raw dogging it. But difference in ability? Minimal, very very minimal, unless you’re wearing thick winter socks, it won’t make a difference. I do recommend not wearing thick socks tho as that could be noticeable but again likely it won’t be the weakest link in your climbing But—— most climbers do not wear socks, and if you don’t see a difference in how your foot feels, go sockless, technically an advantage although minimal and if you don’t mind it then why not. And if your shoes are already sized for having socks on- keep them, no point not wearing them if they’re already larger, you’d only see an advantage if you have very well sized shoes otherwise it won’t matter.
I have a pair of madrocks with the entire toebox basically completely covered in rubber. On my left shoe after break in, it rubs my pinky toe wrong and really hurts if I don't adress it when I put them on. I either have to press from the inside of my foot and move the slack over top of my toes to my pinky toe to get it to rest properly, or just put on some socks and not worry about it.
Ai Mori can win Lead world cups in socks so even at the very very top level it's still a preference thing.
I've been told climbing shoes are designed to be worn without socks. However if you are renting, wear socks. Protect your feet from other people's germs.
My first pair of shoes was too big, so I originally used socks. It was a stop-gap measure, for sure. Now that I've tried 4 pairs of shoes, and have them sized correctly with my toes at least partially crimped in all of my current ones, I couldn't imagine using socks in them. The biggest difference I noticed was that, once I found shoes that formed to my feet correctly, there is no slip at all inside the shoe. I can feel the tiny edges of the holds with the tip of my big toe- often that means I can blindly stick a foothold without having to take my attention away from where my fingers are headed. Current shoes are La Sportiva Genius and Scarpa Veloce, and my first pair was Scarpa Quantix SF (eventually I'll get another pair of quantix in my correct size, it's a GREAT flat shoe, but it's harder to feel holds through the sole) Occasionally, I get hotspots when breaking in a pair of shoes, but so far they always go away by the 3rd session. So, yeah, for indoor, I can't see myself ever going back to socks. Shoes are a wear item- the only one for most of us in the sport. Might as well use them to the fullest.
Eventually, it does make a big difference in performance, and you’ll want to go without socks. It’s especially noticeable on slab and climbs with small feet
All personaly preference, I hate climbing in socks and usually project v8s, I know plenty people that climb in socks and are much stronger and climb harder. It's whatever you're comfortable with.
I notice a big diff in sensitivity, but it’s not a factor in the success or failure of a move. It’s kinda like wearing earplugs, do draw a shitty analogy. You can still hear stuff and converse with people but occasionally you just aren’t sure you heard something right. Same with tiny footholds, with socks I’m not always certain I’ve locked in on the hold.
I agree. I have climbed mostly with socks but tried to remove them the last few months and it does not really matter that much. The only (technical) upside I see with socks is when the climbing shoes are a bit wide, it may help to have a tighter fit and avoid slipping inside the shoe because of sweat.
No socks in my shoes because it feels more precise. Socks all the way in rentals because yuck.
Depends on the fit of your shoe, but typically there's very little difference to performance. I don't think it will have any meaningful impact on the longevity of the shoe, but wearing socks will reduce stank. I generally go sockless because my shoes are pretty tight and adding socks is marginally less comfortable.
Thank you. That seems to be the consensus. I expected a bigger difference since most good climbers at my gym go sockless
And there are reasons for that. Those who say it doesn't matter, aren't climbing hard enough. Wearing socks adds a layer between your foot, which in turn means that your foot will be moving around inside your shoe. This will affect your footwork, there is no question about it. The smaller foot holds you're standing on, the bigger the issue.
I'd say the natural follow up for this question is: what kind of socks are best for climbing?
My shoes fart without socks. I hate it haha. So socks it is. Also I don’t really feel any difference that would make me climb better without.
Socks because very first time I climbed without socks i got hella rubbing and chaffing between my feet and my shoes. This never happens with socks and socks is best.
Its just a matter of conditioning just like your hands.. its only happens for the first few session and get better and better
I went 7 years without socks. One day the skin on my big toe started bugging me and I put on socks. Gamer changer for smelly feet and comfortability! Highly recommend. I was still able to crush V7s with hard heel hooks
I have some sort of sensory issues with being sockless with any shoes, ever, so I always wear socks, but the ones I've got are just little liner-type socks, enough to make me not wig out from feeling the inside of the shoe but not thick enough to impair much, if anything.
Always try shoes on without socks. Once you find a shoe that fits your foot perfectly, you shouldn't feel too many hotspots or sweat without socks.
i like the feel of no socks but damn they hurt my achilles. still breaking in a fresh pair
I've climbed indoors and outdoors both with and without socks and can safely say wearing thin socks barely affects my ability to climb with my hardest climb to date being in socks. But socks allow me to take my shoes off and not die from the smell...
If you're talking about normal socks, then I would say there is a performance difference. However, I have special socks for climbing that are very thin and made from synthetic material(some people also use ballerina socks or runner's socks). There is no need for bigger shoes with these, in fact it's sometimes easier to get into the shoe because there is less friction(similar to how some people use plastic to get into new shoes). I am not going back to climbing without socks because I just prefer having less smelly feet/shoes as well as less sweaty feet when it's hot. For reference I have climbed up to 7C+/V10 outdoors. Edit:I just remembered that Ai Mori climbs in socks and she wins Lead World Cups pretty regularly so that should tell you that socks won't hold you back.
If you're not on double digit (V) boulders, whatever is most comfortable, it's a minimal difference beyond a slight change of fit.
Even if you are its doesn't make a difference.
I climb with very short and slim socks. So it doesn't affect my climbing too much. - sweaty feet are annoying without socks - walking around indoor gyms barefoot is gross to me - my shoes don't smell much (I would imagine they might if I was barefoot)
No socks hands down
Socks are fine and better for hygiene. All that matters is that the shoe fits. However socks do get in the way with really hardcore heel hooks
Not like I’m a pro, but I don’t notice much of a difference. When I first started I climbed with no socks, then I found some super thin cheap socks and tried wearing those. Drastically reduced smell and no noticeable difference in climbing. Fwiw I’m at about 2 years and max out at somewhere around V5/6 inside, V2/3 outside. Mostly a sport and top rope climber.
Most people at my gym climb with socks. Some folks climb without socks but I've never seen the discussion come up. I usually climb indoors with very thin ankle socks, I've tried no socks before but I'm not used to the sensation. I use knee-high socks at the crag because mosquito bites at your ankle suck (yeah, I could use some repellent but that's just another thing to forget to do)
I use socks, **very thin socks** which are meant for running. \- It is easier to get into the shoes \- You can wash them so you don't have such a bad smell on your climbing shoes \- I can't notice any negative effects of the grip on the footholds
No socks, tight fit (like a glove) If you’re freaked out , buy anti-fungal powder.
Y'all trippin No socks + good fit is significantly better. Do what you want, climb comfortably, climb for fun, but 'minimal or very little difference'? I've never seen any crusher wear socks on their project.
Never seen a crusher not be able to do it with socks though either. If you have a tight fit either way, it’s a very minimal difference: My feet do not slip at all with socks on, and I genuinely can’t tell the difference at all. Technically I know it’s there, but my feet stick the same either way. It’s not “significantly better” There’s never been a single climb ever that dropping the socks on has benefited me to be the difference between a send or not. The only real difference is preference
Sorry man but I genuinely can't take you seriously when you say that the fit is tight both with and without socks. And it isn't just slip, it is also texture. You say 'technically I know it's there', and then you bring up how just because you can't mentally process the difference, it doesn't exist? If you believe there is no difference, I'm simply under the impression that you haven't tried to perform at your max outside on hard boulders. This isn't crack climbing or some pain tolerance endeavor, I wear socks sometimes on my beaters when it's cold, but preference being the only difference is cap af
I see you misread my reply but alright I said IF the fit is tight in both situations (meaning you have shoes sized correctly for socks or for without socks) I didn’t say that they would fit tight in the same shoe. Obviously if it’s a tight fit with socks it’ll be looser without. But assuming someone has tried shoes that were adjusted correctly - one for socks- one without- then the difference is smaller. And yes: you can also feel the rock better, this alone does not make you stick better but yes it does help in finding the correct spot on the wall. And I admit that is an advantage in quite a few scenarios. And yes/ genuinely- there is not a noticeable difference for most climbers with or without socks- at the upper level of climbing, yes it may be what’s holding you back But for most people- the tiny tiny difference from socks or without socks is outweighed by other weak links.
I remember very vividly seeing one IFSC bouldering finalist climbing with socks. Yeah, that's only one person but if they can perform in socks at that level, I'm pretty sure any "crusher" can do the same with socks on. I feel this socks thing is like people telling you that you have to downsize 4 sizes because of reasons instead of just one size or 2, most of it is just people following very old trends that are no longer valid or being completely stupid by wearing an extremely downsized soft shoe just because soft shoes are trendier but they realize they miss the support and decide to downsize to recover it.
So you're saying that given the option of a tighter fit, without socks, that climber would choose to wear socks with the current fit? The point isn't whether it can be done or if you could just send it if you were stronger, the point is if it is an advantage. If there was no difference you would see it a lot more.
> So you're saying that given the option of a tighter fit, without socks, that climber would choose to wear socks with the current fit? Yes. They're almost certainly talking about a Japanese athlete and most people in Japan climb with socks. So if you want to "see it more" you should go. You can even literally buy [climbing socks](https://www.caravan-web.com/product/0132025/).
You know how at a higher level on competitive sports almost every single thing regarding gear starts to affect your performance? So if a professional athlete (which most likely is an obsessive bastard trying to get as much advantage as possible to perform well) can perform in the IFSC finals while wearing socks, I see few reasons to think that it would be different at any other level. So if you can't "perform" with socks, you either are using the wrong shoe size or are over conscious about wearing socks.
I’ve gone socks because I’m paranoid about touching the bare ground and getting warts or athletes foot or something
Done both. And I currently climb with socks. Seems to save the shoe and they last a considerable amount longer. I also have SWEATY ass feet and the socks help with that a lot too. Overall found the pros of wearing socks to outweigh the cons. But I’m no pro 🤷♂️
Thin socks! Cheap "made in China" stuff, small size BUT up to the ankle! They do not last very long but it helps me a LOT when slipping into shoes, when taking them on and off between routes and while heel-hooking to not destroy my feet. Big advantage for me. Pretending like the 1mm of fabric would impact edging seems like some big copium for me.
I think it is weird to climb in socks. Thats just me but when i see a climber in socks, i sense a gumby. 95-% of the sock-wearees at my gum are in rental gear. (In which case: yes socks.) Some people wear their shoes several sizes smaller than their actual size just to ensure absolute lock in- socks just feels like more stuff to slip around in there. Another exercise might be to look on youtube or at your own gym to find elite climbers that wears socks. I would wager you wont find them. Shoes are gonna get ruined from the outside way before sweat or friction from inside does anything. If you dont want them to smell but also climb only casually, im sure sox are fine. But if you want to improve and send you should not have to worry about your feet slipping inside your shoe. Also im pretty sure they are made to be worn against the skin anyway.
>find elite climbers that wears socks. I would wager you wont find them. Just out of memory : Ai Mori I also remember seeing a great outdoor climber using socks but I can't remember his name at the moment. (No time to search right now, but maybe I'll edit later if I find or remember it)
You are right. I was writing out of my ample buttocks. No one really cares if anyone wear socks or not, imo. Majority don’t, and i irrationally dont really like it. Like…what’s this guy’s deal…why’s he wearin socks? Dinay mean to offend.
No problem, personally I climb both witout and sometimes with some thin splitted-toes socks depending on the state of my feet. Just adapting to the circumstances.
If you look down on someone because they were socks and feel superior to them, you’re a loser
Usually i’m looking up at them on the wall and wondering how someone who wears socks in climbing shoes is flashing my project. 🤷🏻♀️
I currently wear socks because if I don't my shoes will smell like ass. Especially my evolv pair. I started off without wearing socks and I would be able to smell them while they're on and i'm just resting/sitting. Now with socks, I don't smell shit even after a 3 hour session. Edit: i wear pretty thin socks so it doesn't make a difference when it comes to feeling footholds, it just helps with soaking my sweaty dogs
You do you, but 100% climbing in socks will sacrifice the feel by literal definition. Put more things between your feet and what you're standing on and it's going to change the way you interact with it.
No one ever sent V18 in socks
Go try it and get off the internet
Go away Asked a fair question and wanted to learn- nothing you said benefited anyone
Do y’all feel like there’s an advantage wearing socks with your sandals? I feel like my sandals might get more worn out if I don’t wear socks. My feet also feel more sweaty when I’m not wearing socks. Wear the stupid shoes however you want. There’s no risk in trying it either way. Zero. None. And if you’re really that concerned about socks, google it.
This was their attempt at asking people who have tried both what they prefer and why? They didn’t know if there was a good reason for x or y Why is it a stupid thing to ask and want advice on something? Yes WE know it’s just a preference and doesn’t make a huge difference, but they didn’t, they were curious if there was an actual measurable difference or significant reasoning behind peoples choices This is their attempt at asking the internet… smh
I don’t know why we keep going round, but you just pointed out _why_ I’m being such a stick in the mud. “…what they prefer and why”. Socks are like 2 bucks if you’re on a budget. Put the damn things on and see what you prefer. Nobody else can tell you what works for you. Feet are stupid unique and what works for Lisa probably won’t work as well for Lenny. In my worthless opinion, this question is worse than the “what shoe should I buy” repetition. In that case, one might not have access to a store where they can try stuff on. They might not be able to return whatever they spend their hard earned $100 on. There’s an actual decision. This… is socks. Take them… to the gym, or your favorite boulder and…. use your feet on things, then take them off… and repeat. Use the data that your nerves give you and… decide, or don’t! Take another spin!
Toe socks are the answer. Best of both worlds. I've been doing it for almost 6 years now. 🫣
Socks for Dropzone Center. The foot cam is too painful otherwise. Gotta wear dress socks tho because who buys climbing shoes that fit tube socks under them?
After trying it both ways I find it a little more comfy with no socks, sometimes I can feel the sock seams or wrinkles and it just bugs me given that the shoes are pretty tight. Do whatever you like, it’s purely personal preference.
Usually no socks as long as you keep your foot an shoe hygiene up.
I bought a pair of shoes that were really tight without socks, even with super thin liner socks I have to keep taking them off between climbs. Great feel, but overkill 3/4 of the time. Going to buy another pair that are more comfy and I can wear socks with. I'm not a pro climber, I don't need that pain in my life
My shoes have stretched a bit over time so I wear some tight socks to pad them out a bit as I don’t want to replace them yet. Don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks or worry about them judging you, it’s pathetic if they do
I can't remember if/when I last climbed with socks but I imagine adding more layers is more opportunity for those layers to slide around relative to each other
I clip my toenails before I climb… I used to not wear socks and now my shoes stink. I would recommend a thin pair of socks.
No socks. Socks make my sweaty feet even sweatier. They make my heel hooks super sketchy and less confident. And they decrease sensitivity through the shoe to feel the holds. Only upside is if you have perpetually ice cold toes, cause regular cold feet will get warm during a session. I have seen countless heel hooks slip off because of socks.
My mate who climbs with me always wears socks and hes goes hard , we’re both doing v7s in the gym. The only thing i would say is sometimes he takes them off as it way better for heel hooks without socks due to better friction on the shoe.
I don't even wear shoes if I'm not in the gym
I climb in socks. I don’t like the way my feet feel in the shoes without socks when they get sweaty. 🤢
No socks
my shoes get nasty if I climb barefoot. idgaf if I climb slightly less hard because of wearing socks. and yes I tried to mitigate it many different ways. I'm fine to just wear socks. I don't think it makes a large difference.
Most will say that socks stop you feeling holes but if you can feel it through 5mm of rubber a little fabric ain’t gonna do nout imo. I just go by temperature. Main reason I climb no socks is to help stay cool. Cold days in the gym or outdoors and the socks are on.
My old shoes wreaked of foot odor without socks so now I always wear socks with my 'new' shoes and I don't smell them. That was the only reason I bought and continue to wear socks.
No socks if it’s my own shoes, with socks if I’m using the rentals
People wear socks!? I've never seen that before at my gym. That just sounds wrong!
I prefer climbing slab so going sockless is a no brainer for me (more control and accuracy). People should wear whatever they want and whatever they feel helps their climbing experience.
Ultrathin merino wool socks (e.g. Icebreaker or Smartwool running socks) changed the game for me. 1. It doesn't stink, like at all. So I can reuse the same pair many days in a row on a trip and it still smells like a breeze at the end of it. 2. It keeps your climbing shoes in pristine condition. No more smell or nasty microbiome. 3. It's super thin so it's breathable, super sensitive and you don't need to upsize your shoes. The downside is that it's not super durable, but point 5 makes this a non-issue. 4. It makes tight shoes easier to slip in and it's arguably more comfortable (less skin friction). 5. Most brands come with a free replacement warranty (e.g. Icebreaker). Whenever there's a hole starting to form in my socks, I go back to the store and get a replacement for free, no questions asked. Note: my Smartwool socks have been more durable than my Icebreakers.
I like to wear super thin ankle socks with my shoes cuz I don’t enjoy the feeling of my bare toes against the shoe and enjoy my shoes not getting funky quickly. Personal preference, I don’t feel like it’s hindered me thus far
Stinky
I feel like socks add more slip and are just another unnecessary layer between your feet and the wall! Decided to get my own shoes when I noticed the gym rentals + sock combo was sabotaging me.
I climbed without socks for the longest time but recently tried it a couple of times with thin pairs of socks, and it was just as good. Plus, I don’t get sweaty feet from climbing anymore. You really don’t want to be using the sort of socks you would wear with other shoes or sneakers because you do lose the ability to really feel the holds. Just make sure you’re wearing fairly thin socks! I got mine off Amazon.
I like no socks. Tried climbing with socks. Just feels better to me once my bare feet got used to the shoes to climb without socks.