Climbing Shoes Resole: When & How To Do it

There comes a time in the life of every climbing shoe when it reaches the end of its lifespan and needs to be resolved.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about the process, from how to do it yourself, to when it's worth resoling your shoes rather than buying new shoes. We'll also cover the benefits and drawbacks of resoling so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it's right for you.

What Does Climbing Shoes Resole Entail?

Climbing shoe resoling is the process of replacing the soles of your shoes with new climbing rubber. This typically occurs when the original soles have become worn down and are no longer providing adequate grip on rock surfaces.

The replacement material can be either a factory-made sole or a custom sole crafted from specialty climbing shoe rubber, depending on your needs.

Is Resoling Worth it?

Resoling is not an inexpensive process, so it's important to consider whether or not it's worth the cost. Generally speaking, if your current shoes are still providing adequate grip and protection then you may be fine continuing wearing your climbing shoes unless you're looking to upgrade due to being a better climber since you first bought them.

That's a whole new topic for a different day.

However, if you've worn shoes down in certain areas then they may need resoling in order to continue to provide you with the best possible performance. In this case, resoling may be worth the cost of giving your lightly used shoes a new lease on life.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Climbing Shoes Resoled?

The cost of climbing shoes resoling will vary depending on the type of sole and material you are having replaced. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 - $150 per pair to have your shoes resoled professionally.

Why Should You Resole Your Climbing Shoes?

One of the main benefits of resoling your climbing shoes is that it gives them a second life and can add several more years of use to them. This means that you won't have to purchase a new pair as often, saving you money in the long run.

Resoling also allows you to customize your shoes with different materials, colors, and textures that may not be available in store-bought options. This gives you the opportunity to really dial in your shoe setup for optimal performance.

Finally, resoling is a great way to extend the lifespan of older climbing shoes that are no longer manufactured or are difficult to find in stores.

Save Money By Resoling

If you're looking to save money, then resoling can be a great alternative to buying a new pair of climbing shoes. Not only will it cost less than purchasing a new pair, but it also allows you to keep your old shoes and customize them with specific materials for optimal performance.

Reduce Waste By Resoling

Resoling can also help to reduce waste. By extending the lifespan of an old pair of shoes, you're preventing them from ending up in a landfill and helping to keep our planet a little bit cleaner.

You Get To Hang Onto Your Favorite Pair of Climbing Shoes

Finally, another great benefit of resoling is that it allows you to keep your favorite shoes for longer. We all have our go-to pair of shoes and resoling them can ensure that they stay with us for years to come.

When to Resole Climbing Shoes?

It's important to note that there are certain times when it may not be wise for a climbing shoe resole. If the uppers of your shoes have become stretched out or worn down, then resoling may lose performance compared to a new pair.

It's also generally not recommended to try and resole rock climbing shoes with new rubber that is thinner than the original soles.

In general, it's best to resole your shoes when the entire sole has become too soft or worn down in certain areas. This will ensure that the resoled shoe can provide you with optimal performance for many more years to come.

You Wish To Save Money

When budgeting for climbing shoes, it's important to factor in the cost of resoling as well. This will help ensure that you're prepared when your shoes need to be resoled and don't end up costing you more than necessary; if it does, then it's time to shop around and buy yourself a fresh pair of climbing shoes.

You Care About Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing concern for many climbers, and resoling can be a great way to reduce waste and help keep our planet clean. By extending the life of an old pair of shoes, you're helping to ensure that fewer materials are used in the manufacturing process and therefore reducing your overall impact on the environment.

You Won't Need to Rebreak Them In

The final benefit of resoling your climbing shoes is that you won't need to re-break them in again. This means that you can slip into them and start climbing right away, no matter how long its been since the last time you used them.

How to Resole Climbing Shoes?

Resoling climbing shoes is a fairly straightforward process.

• The first step is to remove the old sole, which can be done with either a heat gun or an X-acto knife.
• Once the old sole has been removed, you can then apply a fresh sole using contact cement or another adhesive of your choice.
• Finally, it's important to make sure that the new sole is properly trimmed and cut to your desired size and shape.

This is simply a quick how-to, I would recommend either watching a tutorial on YouTube or getting a professional to resole them for you (I always go to a professional when it comes to resoling my La Sportiva Solutions).

It's also important to note that it's best to have a professional do the resoling for you; if not, then make sure to read up on all of the safety precautions before attempting it yourself. This will help ensure that your shoes are properly resoled and last you a long time.

Should You Resole Your Own Shoes?

This really depends on your skill level and the condition of your shoes. If you're confident in your abilities and have a pair of shoes that are still in good condition, then it may be worth attempting to resole them yourself. However, if you're unsure or don't feel comfortable doing so, then it's best to leave the work to a professional.

Personally, I would ABSOLUTELY GET A PROFESSIONAL TO DO IT FOR YOU.

The money you're paying ALWAYS outways the stress you're going to avoid by doing so; not to mention the fact that you might actually mess up the resoling, which means you've wasted money on materials AND will need a brand new pair of climbing shoes.

What About The Upper of a Climbing Shoe?

It's important to note that during the resoling process, it's also wise to check on the upper as well. If there are any spots that need patching up or mending, then this should be done before you resole them.

This will help ensure that your shoes stay in optimal condition for as long as possible, and will also help prevent any further damage from occurring during the resole process.

What Happens If You Don't Resole Your Climbing Shoes?

If you don't resole your climbing shoes, then they will eventually become too worn down and soft to provide optimal performance. This means that you won't have the same level of grip and edging capability as you once did, which can be dangerous both for yourself and those around you.

It's also important to note that if your shoes are too worn down, then it will be more difficult to resole them. This means that you may need to replace the shoes altogether, which can end up being more expensive than if you had just taken care of them and resoled them in the first place.

Where to Go For Climbing Shoe Resoling?

Most states will have at least one climbing shoe repair shop or cobbler who can provide you with a resoling service.

Here is a quick list of shoe resolers across the States:

California

• Flophouse Resoles LaSpo, Joshua Tree, California
• Greater Tahoe Gripworks LaSpo, South Lake Tahoe, California
• The Rubber Room LaSpo, SCARPA, Bishop, California
• Vanderwall Climbing LaSpo, San Mateo, California
• Yosemite Bum Evolv, Buena Park, California

Colorado

• Rock and Resole LaSpo, SCARPA, Boulder, Colorado
• Pro Deal Resoles, Pueblo, Colorado

Georgia

• Peach Cobbler ATL LaSpo, Atlanta, Georgia

Nevada

• Black Rainbow Resoles, Las Vegas, Nevada

New Hampshire

• New England Resole, Newfields, New Hampshire

New York

• Plattsburgh Shoe Hospital, Plattsburgh, New York

Oregon

• Gear Fix LaSpo, Bend, Oregon

Tennessee

• Sole Slingers LaSpo, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Texas

• Lost Soles, Houston, Texas

Utah

• Ramuta’s Resoles LaSpo, Ivins, Utah
• The Gear Room, Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Virginia

• Crescent Resoler, Charlottesville, Virginia

Wyoming

• Backcountry Cobblers BUTORA, Lander, Wyoming
• Onsight Resoles

FAQs

How Should I Ship My Shoes to the Resoler?

When shipping your shoes to the resoler, it's important to take extra care to ensure that they are protected during transit. The best way to do this is by packaging them securely in a box, along with plenty of cushioning material such as bubble wrap or newspaper. Additionally, make sure to include your name and contact information with the shipment.

How Long Do Resoled Climbing Shoes Last?

This depends on the resoling material used, as well as how much wear and tear your shoes receive. Generally speaking, a properly resoled pair of climbing shoes should last anywhere from 6 to 12 months before needing another resole.

Can Climbing Shoes Be Resoled?

Yes, climbing shoes can be resoled. This process involves removing the old sole and replacing it with a new one, which typically requires the use of specialized tools and materials. It's important to note that this task should only be performed by a professional resoler in order to ensure optimal results.

Can You Repair Rock Climbing Shoes?

Yes, rock shoes can be repaired. Depending on the type of damage, repair may involve patching up holes in the upper or replacing worn-out components such as laces or straps. In some cases where the soles are severely worn down, a complete resole may be necessary.

How Do You Fix the Sole of Climbing Shoes?

The best way to fix the sole of climbing shoes is to have them professionally resoled. This involves removing the old sole, cleaning and preparing the shoe, and then replacing it with a new one. It's important to note that this task should only be performed by a professional in order to ensure optimal results.

How Many Times Can You Get Climbing Shoes Resoled?

Climbing shoes can typically be resoled multiple times, although the exact number varies depending on the type of shoe and the quality of the materials used.

What Kind of Shoes Can Be Resoled?

Most types of shoes can be resolved, including leather, canvas, and synthetic materials. However, some materials like rubber may not be able to withstand the heat and pressure required for a successful resole. It's best to check with your local cobbler or shoe repair shop for more specific information.

Can You Resole Climbing Shoes With a Hole?

Yes, climbing shoes with a hole can be resoled. However, it's important to note that this may require additional work in order for the repair to be successful. For example, the hole may need to be patched up first before the new sole is applied.

How Expensive Is Resoling Climbing Shoes?

The cost of resoling a climbing shoe can vary depending on the material used, as well as the complexity of the repair. Generally speaking, most resole jobs will range from around $35 to $100 USD.

How Do You Fix the Rand Rubber on Climbing Shoes?

The rand of a climbing shoe is the rubber material that wraps around the perimeter of the shoe and provides support and protection. If this material becomes damaged or worn down, it can be repaired with an epoxy-based adhesive.

How Long Does It Take To Get Climbing Shoes Resoled?

The turnaround times required for a resole job will vary depending on the complexity of the repair and the workload of your local cobbler. Generally speaking, most climbing shoe resoles can be completed within a week or two.

The post Climbing Shoes Resole: When & How To Do it is courtesy of https://rockclimbinglife.com/

from rockclimbinglife.com - Feed https://www.rockclimbinglife.com/climbing-shoes-resole-guide/