Climbers Point

Yes, climbing shoes do tend to stretch after a few weeks of use. Synthetic climbing shoes usually stretch just about half a size at most, and many times do not stretch at all, while leather shoes normally stretch between half a size to 2 full sizes.

This should be taken into consideration when buying climbing shoes, since if you get synthetic shoes and size down 2 sizes, expecting them to stretch 2 sizes, you are in for a disappointment since they will at most stretch only about half a size. The same goes for leather shoes, if you don't take into consideration that they will stretch and don't downsize, you will end up with very loose and floppy shoes.

You should not be able to freely wiggle your toes in climbing shoes. Your toes should be slightly bent downwards to give you better accuracy and the ability to apply the required amount of pressure and force from your toes when standing on small foot holds. If your toes wiggle in your shoes, you may not be able to actually apply the amount of force you need.

If your toes freely wiggle in your shoes, they may be slightly too loose, or the shoes may just not fit the shape of your foot.

It is completely normal for your toes to feel sore in climbing shoes, especially if you are a beginner, and you are not used to them, or if you have downsized your shoes a lot. Everyone can have different toes that hurt, the big toe is a quite common one.

Though some amount of pain is considered normal, if you have throbbing pain that lasts even after you take your shoes off, then you may either have shoes that are too small and tight, or the shoes just don't fit the shape of your feet.

Finding the right climbing shoe that actually fits your feet is crucial. Not only to find the right size, but also the right shape, one that will fit your feet. This can really help ease most of the pain and discomfort that comes with climbing shoes.