Resoling climbing shoes is a great way to extend the life of your shoes and save money. Or, if you’re like me and have a pair of climbing shoes that are “just right” it’s the perfect way to keep them in service for years to come. Here’s a general overview of the steps involved in resoling climbing shoes along with our top resloer company recommendations.

Climbing Shoe Resoling: Key Terms

Climbing shoes are made up of several main parts that work together to provide support, traction, and comfort on the wall. Before we dive into how climbing shoes are resoled, it’s important to get an understanding of the key part of the climbing shoe involved in the resole process. Here are the main parts that make up a climbing shoe:

Upper: The upper is the part of the shoe that covers the foot and is usually made from synthetic or natural materials like leather. The upper is designed to provide support and durability while allowing for flexibility and movement.
Toe box: The toe box is the front part of the shoe that covers the toes. It is usually made from a thicker material than the rest of the upper to protect the toes from impact and abrasion.
Sole: The sole is the bottom part of the shoe that comes in direct contact with the rock or climbing surface. It is usually made from rubber and can vary in thickness and stiffness depending on the type of climbing shoe.
Rand: The rand is a strip of rubber that wraps around the shoe’s upper and provides additional protection and support. It also helps to improve the shoe’s durability and edging ability.
Heel cup: The heel cup is the part of the shoe that surrounds the heel and provides support and stability. It is usually made from a stiffer material than the rest of the upper to help maintain the shoe’s shape and prevent slippage.

Having trouble picking the right climbing shoe? Check out our climbing shoe fit guide for everything you need to know!

When Should You Resole Your Climbing Shoes?

There are several signs to look for to know when it’s time to resole your climbing shoes:

Worn-out rubber: The rubber on climbing shoes wears down with use, and can become thin or start to peel away from the shoe. If you find that you’re slipping or losing traction more frequently, it may be time to resole.
Holes or tears in the rubber: If you see holes or tears in the rubber on the bottom or sides of your climbing shoes, it’s time to get them resoled.
Uneven wear: If the rubber on one shoe is more worn down than the other, or if there are areas of the shoe that are more worn down than others, it’s a sign that you should consider getting them resoled.

In general, if you climb regularly, you should plan on resoling your shoes or buying new ones every 6 to 12 months, depending on how quickly the rubber wears down and how often you climb.

How Climbing Shoes Are Resoled

Remove the old sole: The resoler will use a knife or grinder to carefully remove the old sole, being careful not to damage the shoe’s upper or rand.
Prepare the shoe: The resoler will clean and prepare the shoe’s upper and rand for the new sole.
Glue the new sole: The resoler will apply a special adhesive to the shoe’s rand and the new sole, then press the two together and let them dry for several hours.
Trim the excess sole: Once the sole is securely attached, the resoler will trim off any excess rubber and shape the sole to match the original shape box and heel cup..
Finish the edges: The resoler will finish the edges of the new sole and check for any remaining imperfections.
Quality control: The resoler will check the shoe’s fit and make sure that the new sole is securely attached before returning the shoes to you.

The cost and turnaround time for resoling climbing shoes can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the resoler’s workload. It’s important to choose a skilled and experienced resoler to ensure that your shoes are repaired properly and can continue to perform at their best. Keep reading for our top climbing shoe resoler recommendations!

How Long Does it Take to Get Climbing Shoes Resoled?

Leadtime can vary depending on the resoling service and the current workload of the resoler. Most resolers will give an estimated turnaround time when you submit your shoes for resoling with the average turnaround time for resoling climbing shoes is usually around 1-2 weeks. However, it can be longer or shorter depending on the company and the time of year. Some resolers may offer rush services for an additional fee if you need your shoes resoled more quickly.

If you’re sending your shoes to an online resoler, you’ll also need to factor in shipping time to and from the resoler’s location. Try to plan ahead and send your shoes in for resoling well before you need them for your next climbing trip.

Top Climbing Shoe Resoler Recommendations

There are many resoling services available for climbing shoes, both online and in-person. Here are a few options to consider:

The Rubber Room

The Rubber Room is a popular resoler located in Bishop, California. They offer a variety of resoling options, including different types of rubber and sole thicknesses.

Rock and Resole

Rock and Resole is a resoling service located in Boulder, Colorado. They offer a range of resoling options and can also repair other climbing gear such as harnesses and backpacks.

Yosemite Bum

Yosemite Bum is a resoler located in Yosemite, California. They offer a variety of resoling options, as well as repairs for other climbing gear.

Before sending your shoes to any resoler, make sure to research their services, prices, and turnaround times. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other climbers to ensure that the resoler is reputable and skilled.

Wrapping It Up

Thanks for reading! If you have any further questions about climbing shoe shoes or climbing in general, make sure to check out our other blogs such as Types of Rock Climbing and be sure to subscribe to our email list where we send you awesome adventure tips monthly.

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