If your feet are fit for rock climbing socks, wear them. If you’ve bought skin-tight, barefoot shoes, you most likely won’t wear socks on them when you tried a rock climbing adventure. If you’re just beginning, the decision might be a little harder. So how do you determine if your feet feel comfortable with rock climbing socks or not?
First, you have to consider how the socks fit. The majority of rock climbing socks are long and narrow to fit well. To test whether they fit well, wrinkle them up in the store before wearing them. The way the sock fits will be an important part of your comfort level. Socks that don’t fit well will restrict movement, which may cause blisters and soreness down the line.
Next, rock climbing socks will most likely come with a grip tape. This is placed over the heel to protect your feet and help make them more comfortable as you climb. If the grip tape is too sticky, it can wear off in hot, humid conditions. You don’t want to wear socks that cause blisters or discomfort, so choose grip tapes that feel right for you and your climbing shoes.