Size them large enough to wear socks. They add a bit of slop, but my Veloces in a comfy size with light socks only hold me back on 5.10 and up vs. my Miuras, and even then only on tiny holds. The socks help even out pressure and provide some cushion, so much that I prefer the same shoes w/ socks instead of without.

Painful shoes are for projects. Until your kids are working on that 5.11c, comfort comes at a low cost.

Edit: oh, and kids grow. When/if you buy them shoes, get them as big as possible without seriously hampering their climbing. The snuggness will come slowly, and they may appreciate it eventually.

Yep, that's good advice. The few times my kid has gone, we,(myself and the guy renting us the shoes), made sure they felt comfortable on his feet, and that he had wiggle room, w/ or w/out socks. I think it's important for beginners, especially at that age, to be comfortable, or they might be turned off to the whole thing.

Dingus Milktoast wrote:Oh and kids feet grow FAST!
What fits tight at Christmas is excruciating by August.

The rest of their bodies, too.

There were some clothes that my son got for Christmas that didn't fit him by Easter!



Mike, what revised size shoes would you be looking for? I might have some little/no use shoes that my kids have outgrown. Shoot me PM.