Feature  History  Bios  Events  Orgs  Gear shoes boots harnesses clothing misc  Photos  Forum  Quotes  Reads  Links  Home		Climbing shoes are one part of your climbing gear that you shouldn't skimp on. Previously women had to try to fit into men's shoes, designed for men's feet. Our feet aren't that different but there are a few characteristics that make a men's shoe mighty uncomfortable. Many women's arches are higher, ankle bones lower, and lower-volume heels. The following shoes are either made for women (five.ten's selection) or have been highly recommended by women as good fitting shoes. Find the right fit by borrowing, renting, or just taking the plunge and buying. Remember that many shoes are men's sizes (find out your European size and that will make it easier) and you should go small, but not too small so that you can't stand to wear them for more than 5 minutes. Happy feet make for happy climbing. :) Five Ten - Prima Lace-Up The new Prima Lace-Up feature Five Ten's award-winning Stealth C4 rubber and ballet-inspired performance. The comfort level is remarkable, as is the unprecedented toe power. The unlined, synthetic performance shoe excels at gyms, on boulders, and at the crags. Salmon Padded tongue Stealth C4 Soles Unlined leather upper Retails at $99. Five Ten - Prima Slipper Ballerinas are no slouch athletes. Designed on the principle of a ballet slipper, the Prima is feminine and powerful. At just 9 ounces a pair, the Prima proves that less is more. Comfortable Syndrella® upper and Stealth® C-4 soles - the world's highest friction rubber. Retails at $99. Buy Now at Five Ten - Anasazi Velcro The soles are Stealth HF to make them grip like glue An asym last edges with accuracy and a thin sole molds around toes so they can feel the rock A rubber-banded rand and Velcro® closure crank it tight for the final send Padded split tongue Retails at $129. Buy Now at Five Ten - Sapphire This women’s specific shoe is excellent for all-around climbing - indoors and out. With a low-volume design, the high arch and narrow heel hug the foot for better precision. Note: If you owned the Sapphire's predecessor, the Diamond, you may want to size down a half size from your Diamond size. Retails at $99. Buy Now at Five Ten - Women's Zlipper First Women's slipper. Slip lasted good for any level climber: bouldering or gym. NEW in 2000. First ever women's sport climbing slipper; elastic top and lock-down zipper; narrower last and a higher arch (women specific last). These just came out so we'll give em a test run and let you know how they are. Retails at $109. Buy Now at Five Ten - Diamond First Women's climbing shoe. Lace up slip lasted, all purpose. Great all around women's shoe. Black quilted leather (yes it can get a bit warm in the summer) with a thin foam lining makes this shoe comfortable. This was the first shoe made specifically for women: narrower last and higher arch (women specific). The shoe is asymmetrical and has a "S Curve". lacing system that allows greater adjustments to conform to your feet. Highly recommended from personal experience: really comfy. The only drawback: many, many women have them so you won't be unique. Think about it though, there has to be a reason everyone has them, right? Why not be like Mia Axon who likes bouldering in them or Steph Davis who digs them for long routes in Yosemite. These are no longer in production- you may want to check out the sapphire instead! Retails at $148. La Sportiva - Mythos - Women's Familiar four-pitch performance is still the story of the classic La Sportiva Mythos shoe. An awesome fit feels good in cracks or on sport routes, while a strong slingshot rand and downturned toe enhance precision. This women's version is narrowed and shaped to accommodate lower ankle bones. Features: A Vibram® XSV sole is plenty sticky for faces, while a toe rand of the same compound affords superb function in thin cracks The Mythos is unlined and has an almost infinitely adjustable lacing system, so it will fit all types of feet Synthetic Lapsoflex in the midsole provides edging power but doesn’t limit smearing feel Retails at $120. Buy Now at La Sportiva - Mythos Slip lasted, unlined. Also very popular. These were the shoe of choice for many women before the diamond came out. And for some it still is. Retails at $137.5. Buy Now at Mad Rock - Hottie The SupaSuede leather upper is lined and padded for comfort A narrow hooker heel, low-volume toe, high arch and ribbed power patch keep it supportive and sensitive for small feet Three-strip Velcro® cranks it tight and a hot red-rubber rand adds some girly flash Dual external directional pull tabs X-Static antimicrobial treatment Retails at $80. Buy Now at Montrail - Splitter Ventilated synthetic and leather makes the all-around Montrail Splitter shoe a great choice for heated three-pitch days. Features: The leather upper will mold to your foot while synthetic reinforcements control stretch A symmetrical last positions the foot naturally for comfort The Gryptonite™ sole sticks to rock; it's on the toe as well to enhance hooking and thin crack climbing Speed lacing Retails at $80. Buy Now at Scarpa - Dominatrix Low volume rock shoe, with high arch, narrow-ish toe and heel constructed on a women's last. This is an unlined shoe with speed lacing. Retails at $140.
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