What to consider when choosing climbing shoes for Haglunds Heel Deformity?
I recently started bouldering and am looking to buy my first pair of climbing shoes. However, I have Haglund’s Heel Deformity, which means I have extra bone structure in my heel that creates additional pressure and discomfort.
I've seen several similar questions on this subreddit, but most focus on specific shoe model recommendations rather than overall advice.
According to this article I read, the best shoes for this condition should have:
- Flexible heel counters
- Modified heel counters that relieve pressure from the back of the heel while maintaining structure
- Shoes without heel counters altogether
I visited three different climbing shops and specifically asked for beginner-friendly shoes with flexible heel counters. The models recommended to me were:
- Scarpa Origin
- Scarpa Force
- Tenaya Tanta
I also tried on the La Sportiva Tarantula, which fit well, but I noticed they had a stiff heel counter. This made me question the importance of flexible heel counters in climbing shoes.
If I want to perform a heel hook, wouldn’t a stiffer heel counter provide better protection and support compared to a flexible one?
I'd love to hear from other climbers who have experience with Haglund’s Deformity. What has worked for you? Any suggestions or insights?