Footwear...

[wimag]

I use the Jt hightop cleats. They arent cleats like football ones, they ar emore like hiking if anything. I cant find them anymore in my size which sux because they have been the best ive used.

big time ditto !! best shoes i have ever got for paintball.

[xero28]

steel-toed combat boots

(Once I got shot in the toe and didn't notice until after the game when someone else pointed it out. Oops. )

I wear a nice pair of steel toed work boots I used to use when I worked for UPS. They're some of the most comfortable boots I've had, nice and sturdy, waterproof, good traction and a lot of ankle support, can't remember the brand off hand though.

I like to shoot myself in the toe from ~18" at least once in front of other people who don't know I'm wearing steel toe, tell them it's my pre-game ritual to see if they'll do the same.

[paint magnet]

I have been wearing the same pair of Adidas hi-top cleats since I started playing (2001), was using them for football before that.

They're light, padded, and have good support and aren't too "grabby," since the rubber knobs on the bottom have worn down over time. They make a huge difference in traction on wet grass, snow, mud, etc. They aren't waterproof, but I've found anything that's waterproof and comes up high enough to keep your feet dry in a creek is generally impractical for running.

[StygShore]

Magnum Stealth Force 8" Side Zip Waterproof Duty Boot

Been wearing these for going on 3 years now on the field and off, have never wore a more comfortable set of boots. The traction on these hase proved sufficient for indoor and outdoor play.

[Toll]

Hiking shoes are generally pretty decent. Anything with ankle support is never a bad choice. I still wear my cleats when I know I'm not going to have to watch out for sticks/rabbit holes on a certain field but in the woods I've tripped more times than I can remember due to a cleat getting caught.

[Spazmok]

I've tried many different types of shoes for playing; "paintball" cleats, boots, golf shoes, hikers, runners and trail runners. by far my favourite to use (outdoor and indoor) were puma 5000m's, amazing traction and ease of movement on all surface types. I went through a few pairs over the years, but unfortunately they had to discontinue them. after searching every local store and the internet for some leftover's, I tried out a winter trail runner made by adidas called the Kanadia. they have performed incredibly well and lasted a long time. the traction isn't as great as the 5000m's but it still grabs onto paint covered ground very nicely. I would put them on par with the puma's because they are incredibly comfortable to wear all day and have great arch support.

[Stayhuge]

I appreciate all of the replies. I was looking at the JT cleats, seem to be the best option. High ankle support and good treads, but the only place that has them in my size wants $80 after shipping. Might need to keep looking. I am also going to look into some of the other suggestions. Thanks!!!

[Chris]

I've found that an old pair of running shoes works best for me. Plenty of grip, and easy to run in.

[Bigwooly1013]

i wear whatever old ratty pair of shoes i have laying around. Size 16 cleats are fun to find and never cheap. well hell nothing in a 16 is cheap but you get the point.

[calcan311]

Having played for almost 20 years I would have to agree with spaz. The 5000m's were the bee'z knee'z. So sad they arn't made anymore. Just use your best judgement and get what suits you. Comfy is a must, waterprof if thats what you need. Football cleats have worked well for me in the past.

[athomas]

It depends on the terrain I will be playing on. If playing in the woods, I wear hiking books with ankle support. If playing on a grassed speed-ball course, then I wear my Nike football cleats. If playing on turf, I wear turf shoes. All of my shoes have ankle support. That is one thing that is important no matter where you play.

[Me�iCX]

Put my feet in Converse tactical boots (8877) a few years ago and haven't worn any else since. These have the all day comfort of sneakers. They're waterproof, breath, and an all weather solution.

[Spider-TW]

I am also going to look into some of the other suggestions. Thanks!!!

Yeah, thanks! I'm definitely looking around now too.

[Dirge]

Blackhawk tactical boots work for me. A bit pricy, but very comfortable.

[SSP-SheiK]

this thread reminds me of the "what marker should i buy" threads on pbn...not one similar answer yet.

but since ive already started to post, ill add my "opinion" to the fray



I bought a pair of Magnum Elite Spiders. They were a bit pricey but so far so good. plus they are as light as my normal sneakers.

before those i had Magnum Stealth 2's.. which held up for a year of basically no maintenance and very hard use... I would go Magnum all the way. very well made and most of the "basic" styles are fairly affordable. but with Magnums, you get what you pay for. I would like to try the converse or bates though, someday