When I first began playing paintball I wore a pair of air force combat boots that provided lots of ankle support and decent traction. They were perfect for marching through the woods, climbing hills and general purpose woodsball. While I still have my boots, I soon learned that they weren't always the perfect attire for paintball as they were heavy, restricted movement and simply weren't very comfortable to crawl with. Since that time I've used just about every type of shoe to play from hiking boots to running shoes to slip-ons to cleats. While each type of footwear has its pros and cons, there are a few things to keep in mind when you choose what to wear.
As far as my general preference for paintball is to wear cleats. I've worn a number of varieties of cleats in my life and I currently prefer soccer cleats with a low ankle - they are comfortable, flexible and with their included molded plastic bottoms, there's no need to replace studs as is common with some other types of cleats. Plus, they are good for speedball fields, climbing hills and are almost a necessity if the ground is wet. If I'm going to be playing at a rocky field where cleats will slip I still pull out my old combat boots or just elect to go with running shoes. Whatever it is, though, I only play with shoes that are already broken in and comfortable - a blister and hurting feet can quickly ruin a day of paintball.
What do you use? Post a comment and share what types of shoes you prefer for paintball and why.
Comments
This is really a very useful article for me and I have bookmarked it to my browser.
I play paintball pretty Often and I think what to wear and which shoes will be the best fit is always a confusion.
Your Post really helps!
Cheers
I always use millitary style boots as although they are heaveyer they provide the best support for your ankle. Running around on even footing and moving in different directions can easily cause ankle injury if you don’t wear the right footware.
I have a 2 pair (dessert tan and Black) Converse Tactical/Swat boot. They are really light, flex almost like a sneaker and are really light.They come in 6″ and 8″ height. I use 6″.And if you prefer they come in composite safety toe, good for work if you need them….and so you dont have buy boots just for paintball. Oakley also makes a really nice light weight combat boot.
I wear my old, black, Army jungle boots.
Here’s why –
1. They’re light weight so I can run with them.
2. They provide medium ankle support for rough terrain without hampering movement.
3. They have big lugs for traction, or at least they used to (I’ve had them a long time.)
4. The leather is really tough and I don’t feel bad grinding my toes through rocks or dirt. Beat them up, they don’t mind.
5. They’re black with helps blend into the shadows pretty well.
6. They’ve got drain holes. Actually that can go both ways. They’re not waterproof, but they breath well, especially with the nylon around the ankles.
6. They’re pretty quiet when you walk.
7. Oh, and they rock mil-sim.
The only bad part is that they don’t have a ton of support. There is a steel shank in the sole but you should still add a nice pair of insoles. Your feet will thank you for it.