Climbing shoes are sport-specific equipment designed for bouldering and rock climbing, both indoor and outdoor. The most common materials used to make climbing shoes are leather (lined or unlined) or synthetic upper portions, with the bottom comprised of sticky rubber soles, made to improve grip on rock. http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/rock+shoes.html#Shoe_Construction_101 Depending on the type of climbing, shoes come in multiple styles intended for varying types of rock.

The first modern climbing shoes were developed by Pierre Allain in 1935, and since that time have evolved from soft leather shoes with nails embedded (in specific patterns for grip) to technical versions with multiple shapes, closure types and sticky rubber soles. http://books.google.com/books?id=Tu_5TL_Ci8kC&lpg=PA67&dq=climbing%20shoes&pg=PA67#v=onepage&q=climbing%20shoes&f=false After Allain's invention, several companies began mass producing climbing shoes, with Royal Robbins leading the pack in development and distribution through the 1980s. Then, in 1982, Boreal invented the first sticky rubber soled climbing shoes. Named "Fire", these shoes revolutionized climbing footwear, and allowed climbers to "stick" to smooth rock walls by utilizing smaller footholds on routes.http://www.spadout.com/a/climbing-shoe-news-turning-it-down/

In addition to advancements in the sole and fit of the shoes, modern climbing footwear offers wearers a variety of closure systems ranging from slip-on, to Velcro to several types of laces. Each option affects the fit of the shoe, and is customizable to the wearer's personal preference. Climbing shoes are worn tight - often one or two shoe sizes smaller than normal - allowing the wearer to feel the rock surface through the sole of the shoe, and to provide better control during climbs. http://www.spadout.com/a/climbing-shoe-news-turning-it-down/

Climbing shoes come in a variety of shapes, specifically designed for the type of climbing they are intended for.

• Flat (or traditional) shape is designed for longer wear and climber comfort for multi-pitch climbing routes

• Pointy toe shapes are designed for better hold in cracks and crags

• Symmetrical shapes are designed for long wear and additional comfort for climbers with Morton's Toe

• Asymmetrical shaped have additional length for the big toe, and are designed for bouldering or gym climbing

• Down-turned shaped shoes (or 'cambered') are designed for overhanging rock problems. http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/rock+shoes.html#Shoe_Construction_101