UKC

Hi,

Just started out bouldering past month. Been using the hire shoes, I seem to be a size up than normal (i'm a size 11 in normal shoes). Is this normal? Understand they need to have a certain tightness to them.

thanks in advance for any advice.

Massively depends on the model, but for a well fitting shoe you would normally expect to fit either true to size or smaller. Needing to go up suggests its either too big or simply the wrong shape for your foot - or you're wearing very thick socks.

(When i used to hire out shoes offering them too big was normal as beginners have no idea how to fit shoes and otherwise they almost invariably brought them back asking for larger ones)

Thanks for the response!

It's really worth going to a reputable shop with staff who know what they're talking about (a lot of walls have them) to try on lots of varieties and see what fits your feet. 

I like my shoes to be pretty tight, the heal box needs to be secure enough that it won't come off on heal hooks and for my toes to be bent to give me more strength when standing on small holds but I like a pretty flat shoe. When you're bouldering you can take them on and off if they get really sore, especially in the early days. 

But it depends on what you're climbing, and what you want your shoes to do and which shoes fit your feet.