Breaking in a new pair of climbing shoes sucks.

You love your current pair, and they’ve been with you through the good, the bad, and the flail-y. So when the rubber wears out, don’t ditch ’em — resole them.

Here’s why resoling wins every time:

1. It Saves You Cash

High-performance climbing shoes aren't cheap. Current prices are up to $300 for some brands and models!  Resoling? Way more affordable. You’ll get fresh rubber for less than half the price of a new pair — which means more budget for road trips, gym passes, or that post-send pizza/beer or both.

2. You Keep That Perfect Fit

Let’s not pretend getting the right fit is easy. If your current shoes feel like foot-gloves, why start from scratch? Resoling does not alter the upper or structure, so you stay comfy and dialed-in.

3. It's Way Better for the Planet

Here’s a wild stat: over 22 billion pairs of shoes get tossed every year worldwide — that includes climbing shoes. Most end up in landfill, where they sit for decades and decades leaching nasty stuff into the earth.

Climbing gyms go through a ton of rental shoes too. Many opt to replace rather than resole, which adds to the pile. But here’s the thing: resoling saves shoes from the bin and cuts down your footprint. Pun inteneded.  If you care about the planet, resoling is the more sustainable move. Less waste, less production, and way more life for your gear.

Bonus points: less demand for manufacturing = lower carbon footprint. Win.  Some interesting stats can be found here.   Recycle your shoes in Australia.

4. You Get to Choose Your Rubber

Want stickier rubber? Something firmer for edging? When you resole, you can pick what suits your style and your project.   Some of the options you have down under include:  

• Vibram XS Grip 2

• Vibram XS Edge

• Butora Neo Fuse

• Butora Neo Force

• Evolv Trax SAS

• Evolv Trax XE

• Unparallel RH

• So iLL Dark Matter

5. Avoid the Break-In Blues

We’ve all been there: new shoes, sore toes, and regret. Resoling skips the painful break-in period. Your shoes already know your foot game — just give ’em new soles and go.

Final Word: Don’t Toss — Resole

If the upper’s solid and the rand isn’t wrecked, don’t give up on your shoes. Resoling gives your favorite pair a second life — and keeps you climbing smarter, not poorer.