REBORN Mad Rock's classic lace-up model from 2002 makes a fiery return, with upgrades to bring modern sensibilities to the shoe. This fan-favorite is perfect for the gym, with a comfortable and flatter profile to go with the stiff shoe. Science Friction 3.0 makes sure that the shoe performs, and R2 on the rand helps durability. TECH SPECS PROFILE: Comfort STIFFNESS: Hard UPPER: Leather CLOSURE: Lace RUBBER: Science Friction 3.0, Science Friction R2 rand MIDSOLE: 1.8mm Polyester Midsole ASYMMETRICAL CURVATURE: Slight Upsize 1 full size to find your US size General Rule of Thumb for beginners: Comfortable is too largePainful is too tightUncomfortable is perfect The most important factor to consider when choosing any rock shoes is finding a pair that fits well. Remember that leather upper shoes are likely to stretch over time (mostly in lateral width), while lined and synthetic upper shoes are not likely to stretch much at all. Climbing shoe sizing varies from brand to brand and, just to confuse the issue, often from model to model within a brand. Use numerical sizes purely as a guideline. As a rule of thumb, the level of shoe discomfort increases proportionately to an increase in climbing "level". This is primarily a result of molding the foot into as firm and precise an appendage as possible in an effort to eliminate "roll" (due mainly to weak feet or the shoe is too big and rolling around your foot) and increase sensitivity (sensual feedback) and pinpoint control.