Friction Tips

Ever notice how on days that are not too hot and not too cold your climbing shoes perform better. Thats because most climbing rubbers tend to have an optimum temperature range in order for there rubber to have highest coefficient of friction with the surfaces they are in contact with. We have found that most freshly resoled shoes perform best in temperatures ranging from 50 degrees F to 75 degrees. A few tricks for keeping them at this range.

If its too cold

• Rub the soles of your shoes with your hands creating friction and heat just prior to putting them on
• Keep them in you pack on the hike up next to your body and surrounded by clothes and maybe even a warm water bottle.
  
• Put them in under your shirt while belaying until its your turn to climb.
  

If its too hot

• Again insulate them in your pack with clothes and maybe a cold water bottle
• Cool dry storage in your vehicle (try a cooler)
  
• If you are climbing next to a water source dip them soles in the water for a minute and them dry.
  

Good luck with rubber.

The Cobbler