which climbing shoes should I get?

Okay climbers, let's talk about finding that perfect pair of shoes! I've been on the hunt for a while, and the Butora Gomi has been buzzing in my climbing circles. So, I finally took the plunge and spent some serious time with both the Wide Fit and Narrow Fit versions to give you my honest review. At $159.95, these aren't cheap, so you want to make sure they're the right investment for your feet and climbing style. First off, let's dive into what makes the Gomi stand out. The NEO Fuse Sticky Rubber (4mm Outsole) is seriously impressive. From the moment I stepped onto the wall, I felt an incredible connection with the rock. The sensitivity is top-notch, allowing me to feel even the tiniest footholds, which is crucial for technical routes. And let's not forget the Large thin sticky rubber toe patch – it's a dream for toe hooking. I found myself confidently pulling on overhangs and executing intricate moves with a grip I hadn't experienced in some other shoes. The Power Rand design really shines here, transferring power directly to the forefoot and toebox, which translates to powerful edging. One of the biggest questions I had, and I'm sure many of you do too, is about the fit. I tried the Wide Fit first, as my feet tend to be on the broader side. It offered a surprisingly comfortable yet precise feel. The High tension heel rand really locks your heel in place, and the 3D Molded heal cup tucks under that rear rand beautifully, which contributes to overall durability and prevents slipping. However, I also tried the Narrow Fit to compare, and while it was definitely snugger, it offered an even more aggressive feel for those really tiny edges. The choice between Wide and Narrow will depend heavily on your foot shape and how much aggression you prefer. For sport climbing and bouldering, I loved the precision of the Narrow, but for longer sessions, the Wide felt more forgiving without sacrificing much performance. Now, let's address some common questions. What about the climbing shoes rand? This is a critical component for performance and durability. The Gomi's Power Rand isn't just a fancy name; it genuinely aids in power transfer, especially when you're trying to stand on micro-edges. It's designed to funnel power from your foot through the shoe's structure to the very tip of your toes. The rear rand also plays a huge role in keeping the shoe snug and preventing it from stretching out too much over time, ensuring that aggressive downturn stays put. This thoughtful engineering really makes a difference in how long the shoe maintains its shape and performance. And for the age-old debate: do you wear socks with rock climbing shoes? My personal take, especially with performance shoes like the Butora Gomi, is generally no. These shoes are designed to be worn without socks to provide maximum sensitivity and eliminate any slippage between your foot and the shoe. Wearing socks can actually reduce your feel for the rock and potentially cause hotspots or blisters due to friction. However, if you're just starting out, or if you find the shoes incredibly uncomfortable at first, a very thin liner sock can sometimes help break them in. But for optimal performance with the Gomi's incredible grip and sensitivity, I firmly believe going barefoot is the way to go. Overall, the Butora Gomi is a fantastic climbing shoe for intermediate to advanced climbers looking for a high-performance option. Its blend of stickiness, sensitivity, and powerful edging capabilities makes it a versatile choice for various climbing styles. Just remember to consider your foot shape carefully when choosing between the Wide and Narrow Fit to ensure you get the absolute best out of these impressive shoes!