Footwear and Ascender issues

[WaitakKauri]

I'm struggling with a good lightweight, summer season setup for my new CT foot ascender.

I've tried two minimal shoes and a more robust Merrell walking and light tramping shoe.

My main problem is that the ascender doesn't stay in position as I push down. It slides up into my ankle and is uncomfortable, or the heel strap slides up over the back of my heavier shoe (to the point of the ascender goes way out of position). I can see that a boot is an option, but it's just so humid and hot that I'm aiming for a cooler solution.

What might be some options? How can I improve the strap configuration?
(edit: down-sized the images)

 

[moss]

It just won't work with a low-rise shoe, no matter how you tweak the straps the ascender will ride up and dig into your ankle bone. If you tighten it enough to stay put it will make your foot feel like it's being crushed. You should be able to find a very light mid-rise boot that will work. I've been thinking about sewing up a leather piece that that could wrap around a bare foot or light shoe and allow the climber to attach a foot ascender over it. Or the ascender could be attached directly to the leather foot "sleeve".

This Merrell shoe would do it, I had a similar pair that worked great then they changed the sizing slightly and I wasn't able to buy another pair when they wore out. A light mid-rise like that will take care of your ankle but will still feel a bit hard on your foot since there isn't much padding in a light shoe. It is workable though.

http://www.zappos.com/merrell-moab-ventilator-mid-walnut
-AJ

 

[monkeylove]

That is the exact shoe I use all year long unless I am in spikes. They work great for that ascender and they grip fine for me in the tree.

If you want to stick with ultra light stuff you might have to make a foot sling and put the ascender above it on a leash. Think SAKA or HAAS with out the bungee. Moss if you get what I mean maybe you can better explain it. If you think it will never work then say so and save Waitak some money and pain, lol.

 

[WaitakKauri]

@moss Thanks Moss. I get what you're saying. I have tried the tightness option and yeah, I was just getting tighter and creating a new and worse problem

The Merrell shoe I have is almost exactly as your recommendation, though low cut. I'll look to try my Merrell boots next.

 

[WaitakKauri]

@monkeylove Thanks. Ironic you mention the foot loop option as I've given that a go. Prior to the new foot CT, I was SAKA on one foot (basic one with webbing as seen in the pic on the right foot) and a hand ascender with foot loop for the other. That actually worked ok. I placed a small accessory cord as hand loop above the hand ascender and dialled in its length so that I could hand over hand pretty well.

Fyi for anyone trying the hand loop above ascender option - I was not using an adjustable bridge and was tending my RW with a LOTS. It was easy for the RW to come up high against the ascender, or my hand. I had to have everything just right to be smooth. A shorter bridge probably would have solved this issue.

Gotta say, the foot ascender/SAKA combo is going to be great. Rope walking is just so quick and enjoyable.

Now on to happier feet while climbing.

 

[WaitakKauri]

While web surfing and whilst trying to adjust my CT straps, I happened onto this image...sock and foot ascender! Hard core for soft feet on a Kauri tree.

Image credit/copyright goes to local company The Living Tree Company who I should mention since the image link is to their website.

Typing this post just reminded me of an earlier video of a Kauri climb, Climb Everything - Karui. Foot gear drop at 1.57minutes. Might be the same guy as the image above.

 

[monkeylove]

The adjustable bridge works wonders. I have my top bridge adjustable for teathering but may soon make both the top and bottom bridges adjustable. You are correct in that it just make tweeking the teather point so much easier.

 

[moss]

Great vid, very inspiring, I needed that. Barefoot is the best. I'm on the road now but when I get back I'm determined to get started on a leather/barefoot foot ascender solution, I have the materials just need to get it started. Climber who dropped his shoes is Drew Bristow, well known in the international tree climbing community.
-AJ

 

[WaitakKauri]

@monkeylove You've convinced me to try a second bridge. I've been reading various threads about this, but haven't yet given it a go. When I went with an onyx a couple of months ago, I had a second long length of bridge added to the order ;-)

@moss Would really like to hear and see how you go with your minimal idea. Please share how it goes if you can. It's so great learning from others here.