Common questions and answers regarding climbing shoe repairs.
If you have any further queries please get in contact.
01
Can all climbing shoes be re-soled?
The majority of climbing shoes can be re-soled, including edgeless and downturned profiles.
02
What is a rand repair?
A rand repair is the new rubber located around the shoe's toe cap.
03
Can you do strap/ eyelet/ pull tab & other stitching repairs?
Yes, we frequently repair straps/ eyelets/ pull tabs and a variety of stitching repairs where required. For pricing please see the 'Price List' page. Depending on the individual job, some of these will be quoted upon viewing the job in hand, as there can be many factors at play that can effect how we complete the repairs.
04
How long will repairs take?
We aim to have a minimum turnaround time of 2 weeks, from the date of payment confirmation. However during busy periods, this can quickly increase, therefore we advise checking our Instagram bio for weekly updates on turn-around times.
05
Can I drop my shoes off?
Unfortunately, our drop box does not have a home at the moment, but we will find one soon. However, if you are local to Bristol don't hesitate to get in touch with us and we can arrange something.
06
What rubber do you use?
We currently strictly work with Vibram and offer:
Vibram XS EDGE 4mm
Vibram XS GRIP 4mm
Vibram XS GRIP2 4mm
Vibram GRIP 2.2mm (rand rubber)
07
Can you repair down-turned profile shoes?
Yes, at Ascend CSR we carry one of every size last in both profiles necessary; the cambered (aggressive/downtunred) and traditional (flat). Each shoe must be repaired in the correct profiled last so that the shape of the original shoe intended by the manufacturer is retained during the repair process.
08
Can climbing shoes be resoled multiple times?
Yes, climbing shoes can be resoled multiple times. Under the guidance and recommendation of Vibram's head repairer in Italy, approximately 7 is the limit.
However, some factors need to be considered to achieve this longevity. For example the extent of damage to the shoes at each point brought in for repair, or simply the age of the shoes, as rubber can decompose through a process of hydrolysis (please see question 13.
09
What if my resole begins to delaminate?
If your resole begins to delaminate, please get in contact with us and we will proceed to correct this as soon as possible. Providing the delamination has occurred within a relatively close time frame to the repair process, this delamination repair is usually free of charge. However, if this happens after a long time after the initial repair, there will be a sole re-securing charge.
10
What is a 'last'?
The last is a molded form shaped like a human foot. Shoes are both manufactured on and repaired in lasts.
The shape of a last determines the fit, performance, ergonomics, and style of a shoe, therefore is it imperative climbing shoes are repaired in the correct lasts. We carry one of every size last in both profiles necessary; the cambered (aggressive/downturned) and traditional (flat).
11
How do I pay?
Please ensure the 'Order Form' is printed out, completed, and sent to us with your shoes. Once received we will completely review all shoes and send you an Invoice via email. Please then pay the invoice with a BACS bank transfer. Please note that we will not proceed with any repairs until payment is confirmed.
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For any queries regarding payment please get in contact with us.
12
Can you do edgeless shoes?
Yes. However, it is a far more complicated resole than standard ones, therefore being more time-consuming and thus more expensive. Please see our 'Price List' page for more information.
13
Can shoes be too old?
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What is Hydrolysis/perished?
Yes. Rubber can age and begin to decompose/perish, this process is called hydrolysis. This can prevent and cause many issues during the repair process. When a shoe is repaired while not recognising it is perished, it's common for the repair to delaminate.
The only way around this is to replace all perished rubber, this can be very expensive and more often than not, not worth the time and money involved.
14
Can you ship to Ireland?
No. Unfortunately we are not currently accepting orders from Ireland or anywhere outside of the UK.
15
Will my climbing shoes still feel the same?
We aim to return your shoes feeling far superior to a new pair. While retaining your footprint, a new outsole and secure toe cap featuring new rands where required should enable you to get back climbing faster and more comfortably than ever. Without the need to break in a fresh pair of shoes, resoled pairs may only take a couple of climbs to feel truly yours again, but with fresh rubber and good edges.
16
Can you resole walking boots and other shoes?
Yes, although we will only be taking on select jobs, so please enquire. However, I can highly recommend Moors Brothers est. 1912 (www.moorsbrothers.com), who are an authorized Vibram Diamond Store and can fulfill all of your shoe repair needs. This is my family's shop, where I still proudly work three days a week. Open for over a century and spanning 5 generations, I can promise you are in good hands.
17
Is Ascend CSR a repair shop you can visit
No, we are a private workshop within an industrial unit and unfortunately cannot accept visitors.