Topic: How to grip on "less than grippy" surfaces

[Runs like a Porsche]

Hey guys, I'm having a serious problem getting vertical traction on some surfaces, which in my area, is mostly painted concrete and painted cinder block.

On a bare wall I'm really confident in my wall runs both vertical and horizontal, but when I hit something painted... wow, it usually ends up with a knee to the wall (or a face on some occasions) Is there a different technique for running on painted surfaces? or could it have something to do with the shoes I wear?

Right now I'm using these (http://www.shopping.com/xPO-Asics-ASICS-GEL-Frantic-3-Running-Shoes-at-Kohl-s) The Asic Gel frantic 3, it's not a terrible shoe, but it's the worst Asic I've ever wore by far.  I'm in the market right now for a new pair of shoes, and I'm wondering what some options are for getting better grip all around?

[Andy Keller]

Well, there's a couple of things to be discussed, here.

Your shoes look decent, so its worth looking into your technique a little. You should still be able to get a little bit of height on less grippy walls, and most of all you should not be hitting your knee or especially face on that wall. Try a little exercise where you plant your foot onto the wall from straight ahead and try to avoid any slipping. More and more, you can push less away the wall and more up the wall. In time you'll get better at it.

But, if you really feel you want to solve your issue with a new shoe, then I suggest looking into the FiveTens, or Ariakes. They are the most popular shoes in terms of grip and effectiveness.

[Runs like a Porsche]

Thanks, I'm gonna try to make a video on my wall running, then I'll be able to look at my form, and also have those of you on here who are more advanced also critique it

[David Jones]

I find it to be simply adjusting technique. Kick off more, and not as much down with walls without the grip. See what works. Once you practice enough, you'll get used to adjusting with different materials.

[Runs like a Porsche]

Thanks guys

[Jesse Wharton]

The asics I got actually helped my grip alot I forgot what they were exactly but it was much improvement over my hawks.

[Runs like a Porsche]

Yeah, my last 2 pairs of asics have been awesome, then I saw these...they're kinda like a asic knock off, but actually made by asic lol

[NateVD]

I had the same thing.
All I did was keep practicing and adjusting.

Thats all you can do really.

[Jake Chess]

Kick the wall at a 45º angle not downwards. This should propel you upwards.

[Spulunker]

ive been wanting to talk about these shoes i got at kohls nike acg running shoes and it seem like they were meant FOR PARKOUR lol but for real like when you land on a wall the front of the shoe is bent up a bit with somewhat of a wave design so i dont slide down as much these shoes are amazing they cost arounf 68$ but i got em for 19 and i LOVE EM

[Eli "Keylime" Coutch]

Some painted walls, regardless of technique, cannot be climbed. I considered myself to have a pretty good technique, but cannot get up the inside walls of my school. However, this could be because of my shoes, I'm not entirely sure.

[jp2ykz]

Some painted walls, regardless of technique, cannot be climbed. I considered myself to have a pretty good technique, but cannot get up the inside walls of my school. However, this could be because of my shoes, I'm not entirely sure.

I agree. There are some that just don't grip. Some play ground equipment etc., climb resistant paint coating. You can still get a little traction but not really. Doesn't really matter if you can't execute the climb or wall run efficiently. 

Also, I haven't tried my Ariakes on these mega slippery surfaces I have a feeling they would do better as most painted stuff they grip really well on. I have heard that the 5 Tens are great on rough surfaces but tend to slip on painted stuff so I would avoid those for what you are after. 

[Clint Walker]

I agree. There are some that just don't grip.

Seconded. There's a parking garage I train on which the inside walls are nearly impossible. One thing you could try though if you haven't yet, is hitting it barefoot.

[Nathaniel Kauffman]

My thoughts exactly.  Irony is, most walls that are 'slippery' are easily gripped by barefeet.  Like in my school too, with shoes, no traction. Barefoot however, awesome.

[Jesse Wharton]

Yea thats definetly true I tried a wall-run and kept slipping but when my friend tried it barefoot he did it no problem.