Finding the perfect pair of climbing socks nowadays is crucial. While some have advertised the barefoot lifestyle in climbing, the more experienced climbers typically rely on the additional comfort of custom climbing socks to help relieve foot pain as they climb. In fact, many rock climbing socks are specifically designed to provide increased cushioning for every type of climbing location and climbing technique. This includes everything from sheer vertical walls to steep technical terrain. Rock climbing socks are extremely useful in a wide variety of situations, and they allow rock climbing enthusiasts to stay comfortable and perform to their maximum potential no matter where they climb.
Rock climbing shoes have been used for decades as the primary footwear when climbing. However, today many climbers are beginning to wear socks, especially when climbing indoors. This allows the wearer to not only keep their feet dry, but also allows them to wear all of the standard rock climbing gear that they would wear with their climbing shoes. Rock climbing socks provide the added comfort that climbers need when they want to climb, but prefer to have the freedom to simply wear their traditional shoes. Wearing socks allows rock climbers to be free to climb, yet have all of the standard rock climbing gear that they would typically wear with their rock climbing shoes.
One major reason why rock climbing enthusiasts wear socks is because rock climbing shoes can sometimes be uncomfortable or even hinder a climber’s performance when worn. When rocks or other pieces of dirt are trapped in the shoes, it can prevent proper breathing and cause irritation to the skin. The friction created by the shoe against the skin can also cause chafing and blistering. Rock climbers who wear socks have found that they do not only have increased comfort and freedom of movement, but have been able to avoid these discomfort problems altogether.