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Footwear choices change dramatically as terrain becomes more demanding. Walking across a lawn tolerates ordinary soles, and a steep trail is manageable with robust hiking shoes. But when the challenge becomes vertical, climbers turn to specialized equipment—most notably sticky rubber designed to maximize friction on rock. In a recent experiment, professional climber Magnus Midtbø explored an unconventional source of that stickiness: reclaimed rubber from top-tier motorcycle racing. The material, marketed by RAToM, is derived from used MotoGP tires, and it promised the kind of adhesion typically found under a liter-class superbike.
Midtbø’s trial involved affixing sheets of this recycled racing compound to everyday climbing shoes and evaluating performance on a bouldering wall. The initial outcome was striking: the modified soles showed strong contact and a tendency to adhere to holds, producing confidence on small edges and smears. While the visual and tactile results were impressive, the test was exploratory rather than exhaustive. Questions remain about long-term wear, temperature sensitivity, and performance across diverse rock types. Still, this case highlights how advanced motorsport materials can find unexpected applications outside the paddock.
How the test was performed and what was observed
Rather than a lab protocol, the evaluation was practical and field-based: Midtbø requested samples from RAToM, applied the sheets to his shoes, and climbed a variety of boulder problems to gauge real-world behavior. The shoes demonstrated enhanced traction, with the rubber sometimes sticking to itself and improving smear performance on less-than-ideal surfaces. Climbers often measure success by feel, and here the sensation was of greater bite and immediate confidence on tiny holds. That said, the experiment did not include a controlled comparison over hundreds of climbs, so conclusions about longevity or comparative performance versus established brands are necessarily preliminary.
Why MotoGP rubber performs differently
The exceptional grip comes from intensive material engineering in motorcycle racing, where tire makers tune compounds for maximum adherence at extreme speeds and loads. These formulations include additives such as carbon black and silicate-based ingredients like silicon dioxide, which modify elasticity, wear characteristics, and temperature behavior. Racing teams and tire manufacturers push these formulations hard to balance grip with degradation. When repurposed for climbing, the same molecular tricks yield increased surface contact and tackiness. However, a compound optimized for a high-temperature, high-speed environment may behave unpredictably under the low-speed, high-pressure conditions of foot contact on rock.
Durability, sourcing, and the DIY angle
One important caveat is wear life. The recycled rubber originates from used MotoGP tires and is supplied to the market primarily through a single commercial channel, though the raw material itself comes from multiple team-used casings. That means consistent performance depends on the age and condition of the source tire as well as the recycling process. Long-term bouldering introduces different abrasion patterns than motorcycle tarmac, so the real-world lifespan of these soles remains unproven. Climbers considering this option should weigh potential short-term gains against unknown replacement frequency and cost.
Is a home conversion feasible?
Turning this idea into a home project is attractive to tinkerers, but it’s not trivial. Working with reclaimed racing rubber requires cutting, shaping, and bonding skills plus appropriate adhesives and safety precautions. If you can obtain a piece of used MotoGP rubber, careful trimming and a reliable adhesive layer can produce a functional sole overlay. Yet those attempting DIY conversions should be mindful of chemical fumes, adhesion failures, and the need for consistent thickness to avoid altering shoe fit. For many climbers, partnering with an experienced cobbler or waiting for commercial offerings will be the safer route.
Practical takeaways and future directions
Midtbø’s trial suggests that high-performance motorcycle compounds can translate into tangible climbing benefits: enhanced grip, improved smear performance, and a novel material source for innovators. Still, rigorous testing on durability, varied rock types, and different temperatures is needed before the approach moves from curiosity to mainstream. The idea opens possibilities for small companies and DIY enthusiasts alike, but it also underscores the importance of measured experimentation and respect for the distinct demands of climbing versus racing environments.