Compared to the soft-as-possible bouldering shoes of today, the Acopa Merlin ($195) is stiff and stout. It’s difficult to stroll into a climbing gym without spotting a pair of Evolv Defys ($109).

Modern climbers have the opposite problem. Go to any outdoor recreation store and prepare to be overwhelmed by shelves of cutting-edge climbing shoes and marketing gibberish. That’s how I felt ...

Combine your kids' shoe shopping with in-store play areas, an ice cream treat, Golden Gate Bridge views and perhaps even a new pair of running shoes for yourself. Bordering Pacific Heights and ...