How many times can I resole climbing shoes?

The number of times you can resole climbing shoes depends on several factors, including the quality of the shoe, the condition of the upper material, and the skill of the cobbler performing the resole. Generally, climbing shoes can be resoled multiple times if the upper and the rand (the rubber that wraps around the shoe) remain in good condition. Here are some guidelines and considerations:

Factors Affecting the Number of Resolings:

1. Condition of the Upper:
   • If the leather or synthetic material of the shoe upper is still in good shape and hasn’t stretched or torn significantly, the shoe can be resoled.
   • Extensive wear or damage to the upper may limit the number of resoles.
2. Condition of the Rand:
   • The rand can only be replaced a few times before it affects the shoe’s structure and fit.
   • Once the rand is too worn or has been replaced several times, it may no longer be feasible to resole the shoes.
3. Quality of the Initial Shoe Construction:
   • Higher-quality climbing shoes with durable materials and construction tend to withstand more resoles.
   • Shoes designed for performance and precision, with thinner rubber and more aggressive shapes, may have a shorter lifespan.
4. Frequency of Use and Climbing Style:
   • Heavy use and aggressive climbing styles wear out shoes faster, reducing the number of possible resoles.
   • Climbers who regularly edge on small holds or toe into pockets may experience faster wear on specific parts of the shoe.
5. Resoling Skill:
   • A skilled cobbler can often resole shoes multiple times without compromising their performance or fit.
   • Poor resoling can reduce the shoe’s lifespan and limit future resoles.

Typical Number of Resolings:

• Average Lifespan: Most climbing shoes can be resoled 2-3 times.
• High-Quality Shoes: Some high-quality shoes, if well cared for and expertly resoled, can be resoled up to 4-5 times.
• Aggressive Shoes: Performance shoes with more aggressive designs may only handle 1-2 resoles before they lose their shape or structure.

Signs It’s Time to Resole:

1. Visible Wear: The rubber is visibly worn down, especially at the toe and edges.
2. Loss of Performance: Reduced grip and precision on holds due to thin or slick rubber.
3. Minor Holes: Small holes starting to appear in the sole but not yet in the rand or upper.

Tips to Extend Shoe Life:

1. Rotate Shoes: Use different pairs for training and performance to distribute wear.
2. Care for Your Shoes: Keep them clean and avoid exposing them to extreme heat or moisture.
3. Timely Resoling: Resole the shoes before the wear reaches the rand or upper material to prevent extensive damage.

You can typically resole climbing shoes 2-3 times, and sometimes more if the shoes are high-quality and well-maintained. Monitoring the condition of the upper and rand, along with getting resoles done by a skilled cobbler, will help maximize the lifespan of your climbing shoes.