A worn Scarpa Drago climbing shoe in black and neon yellow with a visible hole in the toe area, showing significant wear on the rubber sole and indicating the need to resole climbing shoes.

Resole Climbing Shoes: Everything You Need to Know

Climbing shoes are a climber’s best friend, providing grip, precision, and support on challenging routes. However, frequent use can wear down the rubber, reducing performance and grip. Instead of replacing your shoes at the first sign of wear, you can resole climbing shoes, restoring their function and extending their lifespan.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about resoling climbing shoes, including when to do it, how the process works, and tips for caring for your shoes after a resole.

For a tailored climbing shoe recommendation, check out “Senderella“.

Table of Contents


Why Resole Your Climbing Shoes?

Resoling isn’t just about saving money—it’s also about keeping the perfect fit and reducing waste. Here’s why I always choose to resole instead of buying new:

  • Cost Savings: A good resole typically costs less than half the price of new shoes. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars by resoling my favorite pairs instead of replacing them.
  • Environmental Impact: Reducing waste by keeping my shoes longer makes me feel better.
Front-facing view of a pair of orange and black La Sportiva climbing shoes placed on a black mat, with an indoor climbing wall featuring yellow and gray holds visible in the blurred background.
A frontal view of La Sportiva Python climbing shoes, highlighting their distinctive orange and black color and downturned toe.
  • Maintaining Comfort: Let’s be honest—breaking in a new pair can be a pain. My resoled shoes feel like an old friend, and I get to avoid the discomfort of starting fresh.
  • Performance: A resole with fresh climbing shoe rubber brings my shoes back to life without compromising fit.

If your shoes fit like a glove, don’t replace them—resole them! You’ll be surprised at how good they’ll feel afterward.


When to Resole Climbing Shoes

I’ve learned that the key to a good resole is catching the wear at the right time. Waiting too long can result in expensive repairs or even make the shoes unfixable. Here’s how I know when it’s time:

  • Visible Sole Wear: When the rubber starts looking thin or shiny, it’s time. If I see smooth patches, I book a resole immediately.
  • Small Toe Holes: A tiny hole in the toe rubber is a clear warning sign. I’ve made the mistake of waiting too long and ended up damaging the rand, which made the resole more expensive.
A pair of climbing shoes hanging from carabiners on a metal wire against a rocky background, representing a pause in an outdoor climbing adventure.
A pair of climbing shoes hanging on a rock face, showcasing their durability and wear, ready for the next adventure.
  • Loss of Grip: If I start slipping more on holds I usually trust, I know the rubber has worn down too much.
  • Rounded Edges: When the once-sharp edges turn rounded and sloppy, my footwork starts suffering.

Regularly inspect your shoes and resole at the first signs of wear—don’t wait until they’re completely trashed!


Different Types of Resoles

Depending on how much wear your shoes have, different types of resoles are available. Here’s what I’ve learned about my options:

1. Half Resole

  • What it is: Replaces the front half of the sole (where most wear happens).
  • When to get it: If the toe and ball area are worn but the heel is still in good shape.
  • Personal Experience: I’ve found half resoles are the most budget-friendly and practical solution for maintaining my shoes regularly.

2. Full Resole

  • What it is: Replaces the entire sole, including the heel.
  • When to get it: If the shoe has widespread wear, including the back.
  • Personal Experience: I had to do a full resole once when I ignored early wear signs, and while it worked great, it cost a bit more.
La Sportiva Skwama climbing shoes hanging from a light fixture outdoors, with greenery and flowers in the background.
La Sportiva Skwama climbing shoes hanging on a makeshift light fixture outdoors, against a backdrop of greenery and flowers.

3. Rand Repair

  • What it is: Repairs the toe rand when it starts to wear through.
  • When to get it: If small toe holes appear before you resole.
  • Personal Experience: Rands are tricky—once they’re worn, the fit can change slightly, so I try to avoid letting it get that far.

Choosing the Right Rubber for Your Resole

When I resole, I see it as an opportunity to customize my shoes. Here are the rubber options I’ve tried and what I think about them:

  • Vibram XS Edge: My go-to for sport climbing. It’s super durable and great for edging on small holds.
  • Vibram XS Grip2: This rubber is softer and stickier—perfect for bouldering and overhangs.
Climber hangs from an overhanging rock formation, demonstrating advanced climbing skills against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and blue skies.
A climber hanging effortlessly under a challenging overhang, framed by rocky cliffs and distant ridges.
  • Stealth C4: A balanced choice that works for all-around climbing. I’ve used it for both indoor and outdoor sessions with good results.
  • Trax SAS: Durable with a nice balance between grip and longevity. It’s been great for crack climbing where I need extra durability.

If you climb indoors and outdoors, go for a versatile rubber like Stealth C4—it performs well on different surfaces.


Understanding the Resole Process

Sending off my shoes for a resole used to feel nerve-wracking, but after understanding the process, I feel much more confident. Here’s how it works:

  1. Assessment: A cobbler checks the wear and decides on the type of resole needed.
  2. Rubber Removal: The worn rubber is stripped off carefully to avoid damaging the shoe.
  3. New Rubber Application: A fresh rubber sheet is applied and molded to match the shoe’s shape.
  4. Heating and Pressing: The new sole is securely bonded for durability.
  5. Finishing Touches: Excess rubber is trimmed, and edges are smoothed for a seamless finish.
A close-up of a climbing shoe pressing against a textured climbing hold on a vertical wall, highlighting the shoe's rubber grip and precise design.
A climbing shoe edges precisely onto a small, orange foothold on an indoor wall.

Take pictures of your shoes before sending them in. This helps track the work and compare results when you get them back.


Where to Resole Climbing Shoes

I’ve tried a few different places to get my shoes resoled, and here’s what I recommend:

  • Local Cobblers: Some specialized shops do great work if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby.
  • Mail-In Services: Companies like Rock and Resole or The Rubber Room provide excellent results and quick turnaround times.
  • Climbing Gyms: Some gyms partner with resole services, making drop-off and pickup super convenient.
A close-up view of a climbing shoe pressing against a small foothold on a rock wall, showcasing precision and grip in climbing footwear.
A climber’s shoe securely steps onto a natural rock edge during an ascent.

Check online reviews and climber forums before choosing a service—good reviews mean happy climbers.


Cost of Resoling Climbing Shoes

Here’s what I usually expect to pay for a resole:

  • Half Resole: $40–$60
  • Full Resole: $60–$80
  • Rand Repair: $20–$40 (if needed)
  • Shipping Fees: Around $10–$20 (for mail-in services)

Resoling is worth every penny if your shoes fit well and the upper is in good condition. It’s always cheaper than buying new!

A climber tightening La Sportiva Tarantula shoes while sitting on a rocky surface, ready for an outdoor climb, with the yellow and gray design prominent.
A pair of La Sportiva Tarantula climbing shoes with bright green and black details, designed for comfort and performance.

Caring for Resoled Climbing Shoes

After getting my shoes resoled, I take a few steps to make sure they last as long as possible:

  • Avoid Walking on Hard Surfaces: I always wear approach shoes to avoid unnecessary wear.
  • Clean After Climbing: Wiping off dirt and chalk helps keep the rubber in good shape.
  • Store Properly: I keep them in a cool, dry place to avoid deterioration.
  • Alternate Between Pairs: Rotating shoes helps extend their lifespan and keeps me prepared for different styles of climbing.

Resoling your climbing shoes is one of the best ways to save money and extend the life of a trusted pair. Knowing when to resole climbing shoes, choosing the right rubber, and finding a reliable service can keep your shoes in top shape for many climbs to come.

So next time you notice worn rubber, don’t retire your shoes—give them a second life with a resole!


FAQs

How long do climbing shoes last?

With regular use, climbing shoes typically last 6 months to 2 years before needing a resole.

When to resole climbing shoes?

Resole your shoes when you notice thinning rubber, loss of grip, or small holes in the toe area.

Is it worth resoling climbing shoes?

Yes, resoling extends the life of your shoes at a fraction of the cost of buying a new pair.

Where to resole climbing shoes?

You can resole your climbing shoes at specialized cobblers, online mail-in services, or even through climbing gyms that offer resoling partnerships. Many climbing gyms collaborate with professional resolers, making it convenient to drop off your shoes and pick them up once the resole is complete.

How much does it cost to resole shoes?

A half resole typically costs $40–$60, while a full resole costs $60–$80.