Rock climbers wear a specially designed shoe that is several sizes smaller than their usual street shoe. This is said to improve the biomechanical position of the foot for climbing, however it increases the stress on the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle during falls onto the feet.1We present two cases of open lateral ligament disruption following a fall whilst rock climbing and wearing climbing shoes. A high index of suspicion for lateral collateral ligament injuries should be maintained in rock climbers who accidentally fall. An adequate assessment should always be carried out, and the clinician should be aware of the possible need for examination under anaesthesia to determine the extent of these injuries.