r/climbingshoes 4d ago

Help!

Hi, I’m struggling to transition to my second pair of climbing shoes. My first is the La Sportiva Mythos, they are snug and comfy, my street size is 39 and they are a 37.5 (but they don’t look that small next to my everyday shoes). I have slim feet and have tried quite a few shoes, buying online and returning. I got close to ordering La Sportiva Kubo in 38.5 but went on holiday so held off. While on hold in Denmark I went to a climbing shop and the attendant convinced me to go Scarpa Vapor V in a 40. They are shorter than my Mythos and a bit painful but she said no pain no gain and that they would stretch…Have worn them at home for brief periods last 3 days and they are still sore. Should I persevere / is there any hope?

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u/DaHamstah 4d ago

The shoes won't stretch without load. You have to use them to break them in.

If they are generally fitting, they are definitely not to short. The downturn makes the shoe look shorter, because of the curve, but the length on the foot should be fine.

It sounds like you are not used to down turned shoes. It's a shape your feet naturally don't have, so it will take time to accommodate.

Btw, the Mythos is one of the straightest shoes on the market and for most types of climbing it's a really bad choice. Only in softer, long multipitches those have their benefits, so taking the step to modern shoes like the vapor brings the chance for a big improvement in your climbing!

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u/New-Berry-2732 4d ago

Thanks, you are right, I guess they feel a bit short but the pain is mostly in my knuckles because the top feels very hard and it’s leaving marks. But you are right, I am not used to downturned shoes, and realise the Mythos are an easy wear :) Thanks, I’ll persevere and walk in them more than I have been doing

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u/DaHamstah 4d ago

Don't walk. Most modern shoes are way more uncomfortable if you walk in them than if you climb in them. Walking will flatten the sole and create much pressure. Climbing, standing on the edge of the shoe, distributes the load of the foot like it's intended.

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u/New-Berry-2732 4d ago

Oh, ok thanks!

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u/exclaim_bot 4d ago

Oh, ok thanks!

You're welcome!

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u/New-Berry-2732 4d ago

And climb on big holds!