Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Table of Contents
- Why Climbing Shoe Care Matters
- How to Clean Climbing Shoes
- Storage Do's and Don'ts
- Reading Rubber Wear
- Lifespan Extension Tips
- When to Resole
- Care by Model
- Shop Castiron Grip
- FAQ
- External Resources
Climbing shoes are one of the most important pieces of gear you own — and one of the most neglected. A well-cared-for pair of climbing shoes will last significantly longer, perform better, and save you money in the long run. Whether you're climbing at Hardrock Climbing, Boulder World, Hangdog Auckland, or projecting outdoors at Grampians, Nowra, or Castle Hill NZ, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Also see: Climbing Shoe Fit Guide · How to Choose Climbing Shoes · Resole Guide
Why Climbing Shoe Care Matters
Climbing shoes degrade from three main sources: sweat and moisture breaking down the rubber and upper materials, heat delaminating the sole and rand, and abrasion wearing through the rubber faster than necessary. All three are largely preventable with basic care habits.
A neglected pair of climbing shoes might last 6 months. A well-maintained pair can last 2–3 years before needing a resole — and can be resoled multiple times after that.
How to Clean Climbing Shoes
Step-by-Step Cleaning
- Remove loose dirt: Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works perfectly) to remove chalk, dirt, and debris from the sole and upper. Do this after every session.
- Damp cloth with mild soap: Wipe the upper and sole with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. Never use harsh detergents or solvents.
- Air dry completely: Never tumble dry, use a hairdryer, or leave in direct sunlight. Air dry at room temperature.
- Store in a mesh bag: Once dry, store in a breathable mesh bag away from heat sources.
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Never machine wash climbing shoes
- ❌ Never tumble dry
- ❌ Never use bleach or harsh solvents
- ❌ Never leave wet shoes in a sealed bag or chalk bag
- ❌ Never dry with direct heat (radiator, hairdryer, car dashboard)
Storage Do's and Don'ts
| Do ✅ | Don't ❌ |
|---|---|
| Store in a mesh bag | Store in a plastic bag (traps moisture) |
| Keep in a cool, dry place | Leave in a hot car or direct sun |
| Loosen velcro/laces before storing | Store tightly compressed when wet |
| Air out after every session | Leave in your chalk bag between sessions |
Reading Rubber Wear
- New: Full rubber thickness, sharp clean edge, good friction on holds.
- Worn — resole soon: Rubber visibly thinning, edge rounding off, friction starting to drop. Ideal time to resole — rand still intact.
- Too late — resole now: Rand exposed or delaminating. Don't wait this long.
Lifespan Extension Tips
- Use a shoe bag between sessions
- Never dry with direct heat — especially important in the Australian summer
- Rotate between two pairs — doubles the lifespan of both
- Resole before the rand is exposed — see our Resole Guide
- Brush the sole before climbing — restores friction without wear
- Take shoes off between climbs — especially aggressive downturned shoes
When to Resole
Resole when the rubber is visibly thinning and the edge is rounding off — but before the rand is exposed. A resole typically costs AUD $50–$90 at a specialist resoler in Australia or New Zealand and gives you a shoe that performs like new.
Ask at your local climbing gym — Hardrock Climbing, Boulder World, or Hangdog Auckland — for resoler referrals. Climbing Australia and Climbing New Zealand can also point you to local services. See our full Climbing Shoe Resole Guide — Australia & New Zealand.
Care by Model
| Model | Upper | Care Notes | Resole? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SWIFT | Synthetic | Wipe clean, air dry, loosen laces for storage | Yes |
| Little ALIEN | Synthetic | Wipe clean, air dry, store flat in mesh bag | Yes |
| PR23 | Synthetic | Wipe clean, air dry, take off between climbs | Yes |
| N23 | Synthetic | Wipe clean, air dry, take off between climbs | Yes |
| ONE | Synthetic | Wipe clean, air dry, loosen velcro for storage | Yes |
| HUG | Synthetic | Wipe clean, air dry, loosen velcro for storage | Yes |
Shop Castiron Grip
SWIFT — All-Round Lace-Up
Wide last, lace closure, flat profile. The most versatile shoe in the Castiron Grip lineup — ideal for beginners, wide feet, trad, and all-round climbing at Australian and NZ gyms and crags. International shipping available.
Shop the SWIFT — International Shipping Available
Little ALIEN — Beginner Slip-On
Flat profile, slipper closure, standard last. The go-to gym bouldering shoe for beginners at Hardrock Climbing, Boulder World, Hangdog Auckland, and gyms across Australia and New Zealand. International shipping available.
Shop the Little ALIEN — International Shipping AvailableFAQ
Can I wash climbing shoes in a washing machine?
No. Machine washing damages the rubber, adhesive, and upper materials. Always hand clean with a damp cloth and mild soap.
How do I get rid of the smell in climbing shoes?
Air them out after every session. For existing odour, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside and leave overnight, then shake out before climbing.
How long do climbing shoes last?
With good care, 1–3 years before needing a resole, depending on frequency of use and climbing style. After resoling, they can last many more years.
Where can I get climbing shoes resoled in Australia and New Zealand?
Ask at your local climbing gym for resoler referrals. Climbing Australia and Climbing New Zealand can also help you find local services.
External Resources
- Climbing Australia
- Climbing New Zealand
- IFSC — International Federation of Sport Climbing
- Climbing Magazine — How to Choose Climbing Shoes
- UKClimbing — Climbing Shoe Buying Guide
Written by T-K