If the Moccasym is not the shoe for you, then be sure to check out La Sportiva’s vast climbing shoe collection. They produce high quality climbing, mountaineering, and trail running shoes. For bouldering, the Katana Rock Shoe is a great choice. La Sportiva’s Katana is the magical rock shoe you that will allow you to reach your limit on boulder problems. The Katana will keep your toes in a supportive Power Position, preventing them from curling in order to alleviate pain. The Katana will hug your entire foot securely and comfortably. For intermediate to experienced climbers, the Katana is the perfect shoe choice. Over the last couple of years, Montrail has gone from manufacturing only a few rock shoes on the side to being one of the world’s leaders in climbing shoes. The Wasabi is one of Montrail's newest Rock Shoes for 2006. This shoe is made for all the dime edgers, boulderers, footwork masters, testpiece senders, standard setters, and rad tradsters. The Wasabi is custom-moldable around the toe and heel, has focused toe power for the life of the shoe, has a modest camber, and a plush comfortable heel. The Wasabi will provide sticky edge power for hanging on to smaller edges. When searching for the right shoe, look for a shoe that fits snug to your foot. You want climbing shoes to be skin tight which will allow you to have maximum control. Let climbinggear.com’s enormous selection of climbing shoes be your guide.

When you are bouldering, the only protection that you have comes from your “spotters” (climbing partners) and a crash pad. Crash pads are placed on the ground below the climber and will provide some comfort in the case of a fall. Plus, if you are in the backcountry, or if you are just a dirt poor climber, your crash pad can double for a mattress! Climbinggear.com carries all the top brands of crash pads available. Be sure to check out Metolius’ Fat Bastard Crash Pad new for 2006 or from Misty Mountain check out the classic Highlander Crash Pad. Both of these crash pads are extremely affordable and offer excellent padding in the case of a fall while you are bouldering.

Choosing the right clothing will make for a much more enjoyable and comfortable climbing experience. Look for clothes that are breathable, durable, lightweight, and allow for unrestricted movement. Since the early days, climbers have been designing clothes especially for climbing. Companies like Patagonia and Royal Robbins have been around for decades, developing functional clothing lines for outdoor athletes. More recently, Prana has revolutionized clothing designed for climbing. Based in Carlsbad CA, prAna makes excellent quality clothing that embodies the form, function and spirit of climbing and yoga. The best part about these companies is that they give back to the environment. All of these companies play an active role in protecting and conserving our Earth’s most precious natural locations, ensuring that the next generation of climbers will still have a place to roam.


-Josh Wheeler, 26 June 2006


Photo: "John Dorough bouldering at Little Rock City, near Chattanooga, TN," copyright Jut Eiseman