Finally... I got my first pair of climbing shoes!
After spending just a little over a month climbing in rental shoes, I couldn't wait to get my own pair. The rentals did the job, but they always felt a little too big, well worn, and never quite gave me the confidence I was looking for.
I eventually bought a pair of La Sportiva Tarantulas in a size 44 from City Bouldering in Aldgate for around £81. For me, they've been worth every penny.
The biggest difference is the grip. The rubber feels much stickier than the rental shoes, which gives me far more confidence when standing on small footholds. Instead of worrying whether my feet are going to slip, I can focus more on the climb itself.
Will they instantly make me a better climber? Probably not. There's still a lot for me to learn, but I'm hoping they'll make future climbs that little bit easier as my technique continues to improve.
It's funny how something as simple as your first pair of climbing shoes can make you feel like you're finally part of the sport.
What do you guys think? Are your own climbing shoes really worth it, or do you reckon rental shoes are just as good.