Why Visiting a Chiropodist Should Be Part of Your Training Plan
Sport bouldering continues to grow in popularity across Toronto. With more indoor climbing gyms opening and outdoor climbing gaining traction, many people are discovering the physical and mental challenge the sport offers.
While it may look controlled and fluid, bouldering places intense pressure on the feet. Every movement concentrates force through a small surface area and over time, this repetitive strain can lead to foot pain, calluses, bruised toenails, and soft tissue injuries.
How Climbing Shoes Affect Your Feet
Climbing shoes are designed to fit snugly to maximize sensitivity and grip. This tight fit, however, can increase friction and compression on the toes and forefoot if the shape doesn’t match your foot. Many climbers mistakenly assume pain and problems are “normal.” In reality, ongoing discomfort often means your feet need attention.
A chiropodist can assess how your foot mechanics and climbing footwear interact. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming chronic injuries that negatively impact your climbing or daily functioning.
Why seeing a Chiropodist makes a difference
A chiropodist specializes in foot health and can identify small problems before they become larger injuries. For climbers, this is especially important because even minor foot pain can affect balance, technique, and performance.
At Step Right Foot Clinic in Toronto, we assess foot mechanics, identify pressure points, and provide targeted treatments that reduce pain and support long-term climbing activity. Climbers should make routine foot care part of their training plan. Regular visits can improve comfort, reduce injury risk, and support long-term climbing performance.
Tips for Choosing and Wearing Climbing Shoes
Consider High Volume (HV) or Wide Fit Models: Many brands now produce “high volume” versions designed for climbers with wider feet. Look for wider toe boxes which allow toes to spread naturally, improving breathability.
Try Different Closure Types: Although velcro is quick and convenient for sessions, Lace-up models offer more fine-tuned adjustability throughout the foot and is better for wider feet.
Try Shoes Later in the Day: Feet tend to swell with activity, so trying shoes when your feet are at their largest can help ensure a comfortable fit.
Limit Climbing Session: Try to keep climbing sessions to 1-2 hours and incorporate plenty of breaks throughout. During breaks, remove climbing shoes and spread your toes to encourage circulation in the feet.
If your feet are hurting you while you climb, consider a foot assessment at Step Right Foot Clinic today! We encourage you to bring your climbing shoes, work shoes and exercise shoes with you to your visit for the practitioner to assess and make recommendations.
Rachel graduated from Western University with an honours degree in Health Sciences and studied as a Chiropodist at The Michener Institute. Her professional journey includes roles at St. Michael’s Hospital and Community Health Centres, and most notably she contributed to the growth of the Women’s College Hospital Foot Care Centre, transforming it from an orthotics practice to a comprehensive full-scope practice.
With an interest in biomechanics, Rachel is dedicated to tailoring effective solutions for her clients’ needs and lifestyles through diverse modalities. Beyond her career, she finds joy in pottery-making, weightlifting, and spending time with her two rescue cats.
