I am fairly new but already signed up for my local gym, so it does not need to be like professional or anything, i am planning on going maybe between 3 or 4 times a week depending on university
Shoes come either more or less "aggressive", which is how much they basically bend your foot. Really agressive shoes can help give you a bit of an edge especially on really hard bouldering, but they are really uncomfortable, so I wouldn't recommend them as a first pair. Even if you want to go more agressive later on, you'll never regret owning a more neutral pair for longer days at the crag.
Honestly, I would basically go for the type that most gyms have as rentals: evolv defy, black diamond momentum, scarpa origin, etc.
If you have wide feet, I really like butora as a brand, and they have a few pairs that should work great for a beginner.
I think the most important thing is to try shoes on in the store vs online. It's more expensive, but getting shoes that really fit like a glove is important.
most gyms sell or let you rent shoes, and you can try them there. since you want shoes that fit really well, and shoe sizes can be different to your regular sizing, trying them in person is best.
If they don't sell them, the staff there can help tell you where you can get good ones locally.
Alright, then I think the best option indeed is to try them in a store, right? Though I see my local store has a lot of online promotions which kinda sucks
yeah. I mean you can let the store know of this if/when you decide to buy/not buy. maybe they'll transfer the online deal to you, or understand or whatever.