Ummm I tried climbn in tennis shoes once ONCE
Not Really. With the 1/4 twist in the shank of the hooks they lay flat against the calf, and the lower strap just around the boot the hook tends to float a bit up the calf making them more comfortable than it sounds. You do need a good boot with a decent heel, and no running shoes won't work. When I started climbing I was taught by older lineman, and the only hooks they would use were Brooks so comfort is all relative.
I also use no pads__just straps. As a young AP my feet would go to sleep immediately while on a pole. One foreman I had noticed and asked about why I was always shaking my feet and such. I told him I just figured everyone's feet hurt like that and he made me use his rigging on my next climb. No pads, just straps. My feet never went to sleep again. Apparently, he, as well as I, have nerves run in odd places that pads seem to pinch on. After quite the dressing down over why I put myself thru all the agony, I replied that no one likes a whiner__he took me under his wing and the rest as they say is history.
I'm a second year apprentice. My gear is just your regular klein hooks with leather pads. Ive tried other guys fancy aluminum shanks, velcro pads, velcro pads with steel inserts. I don't like them at all. Yes the couple miles of 3 phase took some hide off my legs. I just have a scar and no hair where my pads rub, but I can tie in all day and nothing hurts now. And I wear 10" hoffman dri-line boots. I havent seen too many guys wear 6" boots. Mostly the trouble guys.
My boots are 48 in hers with a lace able cod piece. Because I am too **** cool.