text: These shoes are great for a beginner rock climber.  I had a different pair of climbing shoes, but they were so tight and painful, it was hard for me to focus on anything else.  I wear an 8 1/2 shoe, and I intentionally ordered a larger size that I can even wear with socks (size 40.5).  I know this is not ideal for rock climbing, but at least my feet are comfortable.  Had I ordered according to the size chart, I think they would be true to size without socks.  I would only recommend these for a beginner rock climber.  A stiffer shoe would definitely be needed for more advanced climbing.