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Drew Hulsey - Climbing Shoes for Wide Feet

Drew Hulsey outside getting ready to climb

It’s always so exciting to get a fresh pair of shoes! There are so many options to choose from. So many different styles for different styles of climbing...

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As a wide-footed climber, it's hard and can be harder to choose! You want to be comfortable and you want to have the best fit for you. I chose 5 different styles to choose from to test out what's best for me.

La Sportiva climbing shoes

Skwama
When La Sportiva athlete, Emily Harrington tells you that these are the best all-around climbing shoes, you definitely take that beta. I was surprised by how soft these shoes are. Great for smearing and flexibility. The softness kind of threw me off originally, but after breaking them in and getting used to the feel I knew I was going to enjoy these shoes. At first, they were a bit tight - but that didn’t scare me away. After breaking them in, they fit well. They are a bit tight around my ankles and the toe box feels pretty decent. I used them on rope climbs and bouldering and they performed well both times.

Mythos
I always wanted to try a pair of Mythos because they just looked so cool! They have a relaxed look but really can get the job done. I had a hard time fitting into these shoes at first. These shoes tend to be narrow towards the tip so with a wide foot you may not get what you want out of these shoes. I really had to open up the laces to get the correct fit. A great shoe - but for me, there are better options.

Otaki
Otakis have now become my go-to bouldering shoe. After trying these on, I fell in love. They have a wide all-around toe box that fits my whole foot. Otakis fit my foot perfectly! I even could probably go a half size down and they would still work. They are comfortable to the point I forget I have them on. They are also slightly aggressive so great for upping your bouldering game. I was honestly shocked at how much I love these shoes. Give them a try!

Drew climbing in the TC's

TC Pro
These are the shoes that sent Alex Honnold’s free solo attempt of Free Rider, Tommy Caldwell’s the Dawn Wall, and among other recent climbing feats (pun intended) - Emily Harrington's Golden Gate in a day send last fall. With so much history behind these shoes, I had to get a pair. TC's were the first shoe I fell in love with. They fit my wide foot perfectly. All-day comfort is what they are made for. I sometimes don't even take them off when I walk between routes close by. They were the only shoes I wore for about a year. Bouldering, outside, and in the gym. I was so happy when I got these shoes because they were the first shoe I finally felt my wide foot was comfortable in.

Miura
When I asked on my Instagram (@drewclimbswalls) what everyone's favorite Sportiva shoe is, overwhelmingly so many people said Miuras. Miuras were my second pair of Sportiva shoes. My foot fits great in these after using them for a session or two. You will have to get used to the fit as they are aggressive shoes. Aggressive meaning that the curve of the shoe is more concave than a usual shoe, or downturned. The curve of the shoe and preciseness of the toe adds so much to the Miura. These are not really walking around the gym and warming up shoes. These are a bit more serious. Miuras are my favorite all-around shoe currently though. I have taken them up rope routes outside and felt great in them. They also helped me send my first V0 boulder this past winter. I make sure to take them everywhere now because they are the best all-around for me.

Drew climbing in the Miuras


If you have a wide foot there are options for you! Don’t get discouraged. Make sure you try on different sizes in the shoe you are looking at. You will be sending in no time! Hopefully, this helped you feel less intimidated by finding the right shoe for you! If you have any more gear questions feel free to ask on my Instagram, @drewclimbswalls.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Drew Hulsey Drew Hulsey is a member of the La Sportiva Climbing Team.

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Apr 27, 2021, 11:50:00 AM
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