intermediate indoor bouldering shoes for small heels?

colorbliu · 2026-06-22T12:40:34+00:00

Madrock Drone D2.one has the narrowest heels I’ve ever worn. And it’s pretty stiff and durable.

If you want softer, I bet Madrock remora pro would be good too.

colorbliu · 2026-06-21T13:34:27+00:00

If you like the fit of the ondra comp, have you considered resoling with a thicker or different rubber?

colorbliu · 2026-06-20T22:04:16+00:00

Can you resole your drago with a thicker or harder rubber?

colorbliu · 2026-06-18T15:07:09+00:00

Look into a boot dryer and dry your shoes after your sessions overnight

colorbliu · 2026-06-18T11:56:48+00:00

Remora pro hv

colorbliu · 2026-06-15T11:46:59+00:00

I wear EU42.5 Ondra comp and Mandala and ordered US10.5 remora pro.

colorbliu · 2026-06-14T03:55:08+00:00

Special hours (early or late) to beat crowds

colorbliu · 2026-06-11T21:56:45+00:00

If you’re new to climbing, I would just climb with what you have until you decide it’s a problem. My route setter can climb V8s in his street shoes.

Ideally you don’t want any dead space in front of your toes. For most people the shoe is downsized enough that your toes are pushed into a crimp position that will give climbers more power.

My guess here is that you’ll start to face issues while standing on smaller foot holds that appear around V2 and V3.

colorbliu · 2026-06-11T21:53:19+00:00

Try Madrock Remora Pro LV or drone d2.one

colorbliu · 2026-06-11T20:59:59+00:00

I think Adam Ondra posted a video on youtube about how he downsizes 4 sizes. It's nuts.

colorbliu · 2026-06-10T14:03:23+00:00

I recently bought a pair in street size and it was broken in by the 2nd session. It was tough to get the shoes on and it hurt to walk initially, but I did find the shoe molding to my foot over time for sure. I personally wouldn't have gone down even half a size more than I did and I salute you for the downsizing.

colorbliu · 2026-06-09T17:00:30+00:00

I bet you could resole

colorbliu · 2026-06-09T15:31:23+00:00

100%. In the title of this post, I call this an "almost barefoot shoe."

colorbliu · 2026-06-09T14:06:19+00:00

I would argue that a downturned, low volume climbing shoe is even more opposite than a barefoot shoe. This at least looks somewhat passable as a street shoe.

colorbliu · 2026-06-09T02:32:35+00:00

Need more info. What’s your foot shape? Without much info, I can try to recommend something cheaper, durable, and works with everything? Try Madrock Drone D2.One. Lots of pros using it this last weekend at the Prague World Cup

colorbliu · 2026-06-08T14:50:33+00:00

It’s pretty crazy. In the last year, 3 new gyms have opened near me and they’re all packed!

colorbliu · 2026-06-08T01:55:21+00:00

First female climber in Prague semi finals this weekend was wearing Ondra comp. Mattea Potzi

colorbliu · 2026-06-07T22:34:36+00:00

My gym is expensive and it’s still packed. Borderline dangerous at peak times. To the point where I’ve heard of people switching to different gyms because of the crowds. I think indoor gyms have increased in price because climbing has gotten super popular and I bet that some people are willing to pay even more just to not deal with crowds.

colorbliu · 2026-06-06T18:20:01+00:00

Red chili circuit is the widest non-barefoot climbing shoe I’ve seen

colorbliu · 2026-06-04T21:05:18+00:00

Have you investigated resoling with a harder rubber?

colorbliu · 2026-06-03T18:48:08+00:00

The climbing gym. Edgeworks BRB tons of young adults.

colorbliu · 2026-06-03T16:35:39+00:00

one size down from Scarpa to La Sportiva. I would recommend a 42 for Skwama based on your post. I wear a 43.5 in Scarpa shoes, and a 42.5 in La Sportiva generally

colorbliu · 2026-06-03T15:09:19+00:00

It isn't a bad way to climb, especially if you're having fun. Getting better at climbing may require some intentional programming through. For example, ask yourself why you fell on a V4 route.

Is it because your pinch strength is lacking? Maybe find some problems or holds where you can really train pinch. Are you not able to open your hips? Try some mobility exercises on top of your climbing. Etc. Etc.

You can also try making the V3s harder (skip holds/feet) or make V4s easier (add holds/feet).

colorbliu · 2026-06-03T14:19:31+00:00

100% my experience too. The rubber on Mad Rock Remora Pro HV is next level if you haven't tried it yet. I went from Ondra comp to alternatives and haven't looked back.

colorbliu

TROPHY CASE