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Heel Hook

Definition of a Climbing Word

By Stewart Green, About.com

Ian throws a high heel hook on a boulder problem in Elevenmile Canyon, Colorado.

Photo © Stewart M. Green

Heel Hook

A heel hook, a specialized and advanced climbing technique, is when a climber literally hooks the heel of his foot onto a foothold, which is often waist-high or higher, on overhanging stone, or around an arête. This move allows a climber to keep in balance so that his hands can move higher.

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