Think of the Red Chili Men's Charger Climbing Shoe more as a running shoe that charges up multi-pitches with comfortable ease. In fact, it's so comfy that beginners would have an excellent time learning how to climbing in the gym, too. Two hook-and-loop straps hug the padded tongue and soft leather across your foot, and the leather stretches ever so slightly, so expect to size just slightly lower than you usually would. The supportive heel last keeps multi-pitchers on the run, so you can be sure to stay well-footed as your instructor goes over the basics.