🧗Perfitt Launched the AI-Powered Climbing Shoe Recommendation Service with Nelson Sports
Introduction
Climbing shoes are unlike any other footwear. A difference of just a few millimeters in fit can decide whether a shoe feels perfect — or impossible to wear. For decades, climbers have relied on trial-and-error in physical stores, or simply guessed their size online, often leading to frustration and returns.
In April 2025, Perfitt and Nelson Sports partnered to solve this challenge. Together, we launched an AI-powered climbing shoe recommendation service, the first of its kind in the industry. Designed to reflect the unique needs of climbing shoes, the service combines precision toe-shape analysis with a beginner-friendly user flow, making it easy for anyone — even first-time climbers — to confidently buy climbing shoes online.
The Challenge: Why Climbing Shoes Are Hard to Buy Online
Climbing shoes must lock the toes and heel with surgical precision. A few millimeters too large or too small can affect both safety and performance.
For beginners, technical terms like “toe box,” “downturn,” and “last shape” often feel overwhelming. This complexity causes hesitation, abandoned carts, and mis-purchases.
Without proper guidance, retailers see high return rates, endless size inquiries, and frustrated customers. Nelson Sports knew this was the critical barrier to scaling their online climbing shoe sales.
The Collaboration: Co-Developing with Nelson Sports
Perfitt and Nelson Sports worked closely to co-develop a tailored solution for climbing shoes. The collaboration focused on two priorities:
Toe-shape segmentation: Using Perfitt’s database of 2.5M+ foot profiles and our unique classification of five global foot types, we built recommendations that reflect real-world climbing-specific needs.
Beginner-friendly UX flow: Instead of overwhelming technical jargon, we designed a 10-second scan and recommendation journey that anyone could use, ensuring accessibility for first-time climbers.
Advanced Technology: Foot-Type Classification
Perfitt’s technology goes beyond simple sizing. Our AI engine can classify each user’s foot into five global foot types with just one smartphone photo:
Roman type
Egyptian type
Greek type
Round type
Hallux valgus type
Based on this classification, the system can recommend not only the right size but also the most suitable climbing shoe models that fit each toe shape.
In climbing, toe shape is critical. The wrong shoe type can undermine both comfort and performance. By accurately identifying foot types, Perfitt delivers value far beyond sizing — helping climbers select the product category itself that will maximize their performance and enjoyment.
This marks an important evolution: Perfitt is no longer just recommending size. We now provide product-level guidance, enabling athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy their activities more fully and to perform at a higher level.
Key Features of the AI Climbing Shoe Recommendation Service
10-Second Smartphone Foot Scan: A single smartphone photo, with an A4/Letter paper reference, measures length and width with ±1.4mm accuracy.
Toe-Shape & Foot-Type AI Engine: Perfitt’s Fit Engine matches each climber’s foot profile and toe type to the inner dimensions of climbing shoes across brands like Arc’teryx, SCARPA, and Mad Rock.
Beginner-Centric User Flow: With a streamlined interface, new climbers can simply scan, get their recommendation, and choose with confidence — no technical knowledge required.
Why This Launch Matters
First-of-its-kind in performance footwear: Bringing AI Fit Tech to one of the toughest categories.
Lowering barriers for entry-level climbers: Making climbing more accessible to new enthusiasts.
Reducing retailer pain points: Cutting inquiries, lowering returns, and boosting conversions.
Strengthening brand loyalty: Delivering boutique-level personalization online enhances Nelson Sports’ premium positioning.
From size to product guidance: Expanding from recommending the right size to recommending the right shoe model based on foot type — unlocking new value for performance-driven categories.
Looking Ahead: From Beginners to Pros
Today’s launch focuses on entry-level climbers with a simple, intuitive experience. But this is just the beginning. Together, Perfitt and Nelson Sports plan to expand the service to include:
Personalized recommendations based on climbing grade, frequency, and brand history
Fit insights linked to athlete performance needs
Deeper analytics to help both retailers and climbers optimize their choices
Conclusion
The Perfitt × Nelson Sports partnership demonstrates that even the most specialized footwear category can benefit from AI-powered fit solutions. By blending precision foot-shape analytics, five-type classification, and a beginner-friendly flow, we’ve redefined what’s possible for climbing footwear online.
This is more than a launch — it’s a milestone in the evolution of Fit-Tech, proving that every step, every climb, and every customer deserves the perfect fit.
About Nelson Sports
Nelson Sports Co., Ltd. is Korea’s leading premium outdoor and performance footwear distributor. The company manages globally renowned brands such as Arc’teryx, SCARPA, and Mad Rock, and has built a strong presence in the Korean outdoor market with consistent growth. Leveraging a deep understanding of outdoor enthusiasts and the rising influence of MZ-generation consumers, Nelson Sports continues to expand its e-commerce business while delivering innovative digital shopping experiences.
About Perfitt: Our Mission
At Perfitt, our mission is simple: We help everyone find and connect with the products that fit them best.
Our vision goes beyond sizing. We believe that more people should be able to enjoy their favorite activities and challenges in a way that truly fits their bodies — leading to greater achievement and fulfillment. From climbing and hiking to running and beyond, our goal is to empower individuals to discover the lifestyle that suits them best.
Our motto, “Be Yourself”, captures this spirit. We want every person to pursue the challenges and activities they love, free of barriers, with products and services that are perfectly tailored to them — so they can enjoy more, achieve more, and truly live their lifestyle to the fullest.