QUESTION?
ANSWER.
Curious about the differences between climbing shoes? Looking for climbing shoe sizing advice? Or do you want to know more about our delivery times and return shipment possibilities? You can read about it all in our FAQ section below.
Did not find the answer to your question? Ask us via our contact form.
Did not find the answer to your question? Ask us via our contact form.
How quick do I receive my order?
Orders are shipped within two week days from the order date. Shipping within The Netherlands takes on average 1-2 week days from shipment to delivery.
Delivery elsewhere in Europe takes 4-6 week days.
We are with a small team and sometimes we hang on a wall or boulder abroad ourselves.For those cases, we have a plan B. If that somehow causes a shipping delay, we will contact you and find a suitable solution.
We are with a small team and sometimes we hang on a wall or boulder abroad ourselves.For those cases, we have a plan B. If that somehow causes a shipping delay, we will contact you and find a suitable solution.
How can I return ship?
Not happy with your order? Here at Elementary we understand how important a perfect climbing shoe fit is. Turns out you needed a size smaller or larger? No worries, we've got return shipment set up really easy.
How does this work? You can return ship within 14 days from the date of receiving the goods. Put the items in the orginal packaging and seal it shut. Sign up your return shipment, print out the return shipping label and tape it on the box. Bring the package to a shipping point and have it shipped.
We credit the purchase sum minus the return shipment costs. You will have it on your bank account within two weeks after receipt of the package.
We only accept undamaged and unused goods. Climbing shoes we accept only if both the shoes and shoe box are undamaged.
How does this work? You can return ship within 14 days from the date of receiving the goods. Put the items in the orginal packaging and seal it shut. Sign up your return shipment, print out the return shipping label and tape it on the box. Bring the package to a shipping point and have it shipped.
We credit the purchase sum minus the return shipment costs. You will have it on your bank account within two weeks after receipt of the package.
We only accept undamaged and unused goods. Climbing shoes we accept only if both the shoes and shoe box are undamaged.
How can I pay at Elementary?
In the Elementary webshop you can pay via IDEAL, direct bank transfer, Bancontact and credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).
What if my size is not available?
Stock levels at Elementary are limited. This is why we exclusively do business with suppliers who garantuee a short lead time. Your size is out of stock? Contact us. Chances are we already have another shipment pending and we can communicate a lead time to you. If not, we can order the product for you and keep you informed.
What if the model I am looking for is not available?
Are you looking for a particular model climbing shoe from of the brands we promote but do not offer in our webshop? Contact us. We'll get in touch with the manufacturer and let you know what's possible. If the demand turns out to be bigger, we will add the model to our webshop selection permanently.
Downturn
Downturn is simply put, the arch (or camber) of the shoe. A last with aggressive downturn bends your foot more. This creates tension on the heel and bends your toes more. This allows for better heel hooking and toe hooking. It also provides more stability on small edges and in tiny pockets. Aggressive downturn is very suitable for boulder problems and overhanging routes.
Medium downturn feels more comfortable and give you more stability on flat and large surfaces. Beginner shoes often have more moderate downturn, but also for climbers longer (multipitch) routes, moderate downturn is desirable.
Asymmetry
An asymmetrical last means that the shoe is at its longest at the big toe and at its shortest at the small toe. This creates tension on the inside of the shoe and provides a single contact point with the wall (usually your big toe). This enables you to stand with more precision on small edges and steps. Asymmetry usually goes hand in hand with more downturn.
Flexibility
Flexibility in a shoe defines how far you are still able to bend your toes while wearing the shoes. Flexibility is determined by either the production process (the way in which the shoe and sole are connected) or, nowadays more common, by the shape and stiffness of the mid sole.
More flexibility increases the possibility for smearing on slab or volumes. Also for more dynamic moves in modern indoor bouldering (i.e. jump starts), a more flexible shoe is desirable.
Stiff shoes provide more grip and stability on rock and on tiny edges and are usually more suitable for climbing longer routes, especially on rock.
Upper
The material of the upper (top layer of the shoe) comes in two flavors: leather or synthetic. Leather stretches more (up to an entire size over time) and usually does not smell like sweaty feet as quick as synthetic materials do. The stretch is sometimes limited by adding a liner and connecting the leather to the liner.
Synthetic materials stretch hardly or not at all. These materials are also more animal friendly. Many manufacturers nowadays indicate if shoes are vegan or not.
Sole
Rubber is a big thing amongst climbing shoe manufacturers. We all yearn for maximum friction on rock or plastic. Sticky rubber comes in many shapes and sizes. Some climbing shoe manufacturers use Vibram, which is often used in mountaineering boots. Other manufacturers develop their own rubbers.
The stickier the rubber, the more grip (i.e. for smearing) but this also means that the sole wears out quicker. More wear-proof rubbers are better for standing on sharp edges and last longer.
The thickness of the sole also plays a part. A thinner sole provides more sensitivity: you feel the surface you’re standing on better. Thinner soles are usually applied in performance and high end shoes. Naturally, they wear out faster. Shoes in the comfort segment usually have thicker soles.
Fasteners
Talking about fasteners, there are three options: velcro straps, laces or nothing. The last option involves slipper-style climbing shoes: elastic shoes that you put on like a slipper. Slippers are sensitive and provide a lot of feeling with the surface because of the elasticity.
Laces provide the most flexibility in tightening or loosening various contact points. Straps have less contact points but are easier to put on and take off (while indoor climbing or bouldering for instance).
Size
You do not have to be Einstein to figure out that choosing the right size is important when selecting a shoe. While doing so, it is helpful to take into account the manufacturers advice. Some manufacturers advise to go two size smaller than your regular shoe size while others advise to go one size larger. Besides that, you are dealing with US, UK and EUR shoe sizes. Look at our size guide below to make your life easier.
Not all shoes are equal.
What do you look for when choosing a climbing shoe? Click the plusses for an explanation of product specifications in plain English.
Size guide
Sizing advice differs per brand. To keep it simple, we offer an overview of sizing advice for each model compared to your regular shoe size.
| Merk | Model | Size guide |
|---|---|---|
| Ocun | Oxi Lady | regular shoe size +0,5 |
| Ocun | Ozone | regular shoe size +1 |
| Ocun | Jett QC | regular shoe size |
| EB | Split smaller foot | regular shoe size |
| EB | Split bigger foot | regular shoe size +0,5 |
| EB | Guardian | regular shoe size +1 |
| Mad Rock | Drifter | regular shoe size |
| Mad Rock | Remora | regular shoe size |
| Mad Rock | Shark | regular shoe size -0,5 |
| SCARPA | Instinct VSR | regular shoe size |
| SCARPA | Veloce | regular shoe size |