What's in a name? Women's shoes or low volume shoes? They all smell the same! Personally we prefer the term low volume for reasons which will become apparent a little later. So, should you be looking for a women's shoe or not? Like so much in life there isn't really a simple answer - except for 'it depends'…

For far too long the Outdoor industry has had a 'shrink it and pink it' approach to the development of women's climbing products. Or in the case of climbing shoes, mostly just 'shrink it'. Thankfully, as the result of increased participation of women in climbing, and the resulting increased feedback, manufacturers and UK suppliers have made a real effort to accommodate the different physiological needs that women require from climbing shoes.

Ignoring the expensive marketing jargon, there are significant differences between LV/women's and unisex shoes. It is not just a matter of size and colour. To begin with the over all volume of the shoes is decreased and the the heels are slightly narrower in comparison to the equivalent unisex models. Some of the models have also made slight differences to either the thickness or type of rubber used, in order to allow for increased sensitivity and feedback comparative to similar unisex models. However, this is not the case across all of the LV/women's shoes.

As a result of the acknowledgment that existing 'unisex' shoe models, even in smaller sizes are not always ideal for all climbers feet, we at Cold Mountain Kit are stoked to finally be able to offer a comprehensive range of women's technical climbing shoes.

La Sportiva Katana Women's

An older style, flat lasted, relatively soft technical shoe that can be fitted for 'looser' all day comfort, or for a tighter, better edging fit. A good option for a first technical shoe.

RRP £125.00

Scarpa Vapour V Women's

A modern classic whos slight curve belies it's potential performance (used for F8a+). The curved last provides more support and better edging. Can also be fitted for a relaxed or aggressive fit, making it another good option as a first technical shoe. The most popular of our LV technical shoes.

RRP £120.00

BD Focus Women's

The new kid on the block from Black Diamond, who've turned their attention to detail to shoes. It's probably the stiffest shoe within our low volume, making it a fantastic edging shoe. Due to the deep toe box there's possibly less room for a relaxed fit, but this does mean a tight fit is relatively comfortable.

RRP £130.00

La Sportiva Skwama Women's

This is the softest shoe in our LV range and the most technical. This means it's also the most sensitive shoe in our range. Ideal for those who've been climbing a couple of years and want to feel every nuance of crimpy, smeary footholds as well feel secure on volumes indoors. Perfect for bouldering and hard single pitch sport climbs, with a surprisingly comfortable fit.

RRP £140.00

La Sportiva Otaki Women's

This aggressive looking, down-turned shoe is more 'comfortable' than it looks like it should be. Possibly due to a deep toe box, with a slight toe trench, which allows you to curl your toes into it. A stiffer shoe than most, designed for edging, although it does soften up and flatten out, thus improving its smearing ability. The close 2nd most popular of our LV technical shoes.

RRP £135.00

La Sportiva Solution Women's

The original was one of the earlier of the new breed, curved lasted technical shoes and much loved. This version sorts out the strap 'issues' and is one of the more aggressive, stiffer technical shoes in our LV range. Ideally fitted rather tight for better edging performance, it still smears reasonably well.

RRP £135.00

However, should we be thinking in terms of 'men's' and 'women's' shoes? Perhaps we should began with the facts. This development in shoes is not just some marketing ploy enabling the exploitation of a growing market. Yes, most of the top brands have been making their shoes across a range of sizes in order to fit big and small feet but this has not always been ideal for smaller, lighter climbers.

Although some studies suggest there are some differences between male and female feet (Luo G, Houston VL, Mussman M, Garbarini M, Beattie AC, Thongpop C., Comparison of Male and Female Foot Shape), the development of LV/women's shoes has also been a result of feedback to the brands from end users. Whilst the difference in volume and heel size relative to foot length has been important, how different body weights affect the sensitivity and feed back of smaller shoes has also played a role.

With regards to the terminology, low volume or women's shoes, do we need to use gender specific terms? There are a number of women who suit the fit of the unisex models due to broader, higher volume feet or the need for increased support. Just as there are a number men who fit the LV shoes better than the unisex models. The truth of the matter is that the shoe that fits you the best, is the best shoe for you, irrespective of brand, model or what you think you need.

However, you can ignore the descriptive bollocks above because the shoe that fits you the best, is the best shoe for you, and the only way to know this is to get advice from a knowledgable climbing shop, try them on and, ultimately, climb in them. Thankfully, CMK has a solution for you...

Exclusive CMK London Ladies La Sportiva Demo at The Stronghold

Cold Mountain Kit in association with the awesome folks over at The Stronghold will be running an exclusive, slightly secret La Sportiva London Ladies demo which will include the new La Sportiva women's models Otaki, Skwama, Katana and Solution for you to try on and climb in!

It will take place on the 9th of August from 5pm at Stronghold. Giveaways and one-off deals will be available on the night. Keep your eye out on CMK social media for more news.

More info on the CMK blog here.