What are the best shoes for paintballing . . .

[FromTheBack]

ATCs are good because they do exactly what they are called, All Terrain Cleats. You can wear them indoor, speedball or woods. In all three scenarios they have treated me well but be sure to be careful about the sizing if you get them. I wear a size 14 shoe and I wear a 12.5 ATC but would recommend just one size lower. Only problem I have had with them is that on a muddy day they cake up pretty easily but that happens with most cleats/boots. Besides that I have played with soccer cleats a couple days and those were nice but a pain when I was walking around on any surface that they would dig into.

[slateman]

I ended up getting some waterproof light hiking boots. The tread isn't quite what I was looking for, but they should do. Though I wish I had seen Viscous's post before I bought. Still, I have no idea how it would be to run in those . . . .

[phantomhitman]

high heels only, great traction and i got looks at the field


or football cleats.

[slateman]

I made the right choice, no doubt.

In the winter, the fields here get pretty muddy. Well, not the fields, so much as the paths to the different fields are muddy.

As I was reffing yesterday, I could tell I made the right call. I walked with impunity through puddles, mud, and anything else I came accross. Yet, they were flexible enough that I could run around (had to do a ton of paintchecks).

for me

[Oldest Sage]

I agree with Pump Player, Magnum boots. Light weight, good traction, excellent ankle support, and less than $60. I think I bought mine at Cabela's for $50. This by far the best boot by far and I believe I tried everything else mentioned (except bare foot) so far. Us more mature players need and edge and Magnums are it.

[shartley]

I use a pair of Cherokee Hiking Boots (low tops, look like high top sneakers but in boot form) and they work great. They transition well from one surface to another and give pretty good moisture protection. I too am a Rec player and play on all types of fields.

[Lenny]

Special Ops Paintball has some really good all around shoes. I love the zipping boots. They feel great, have great ankle supports, look very cool (militant), and once broken in are easy to move in.

[AgentSmith]

Remember too, that every shoe company builds their shoes to an imaginary foot shape called a Last. So merrells, which I and some others love will be hated by someone who's foot is shaped differently. I have worn boots this year from cabelas that had a hunting boot top and a gummy rubber 'stalking' sole. They were great, but didn't have enough cushion for 2-day events(I was knee-sore after all three big games I played this year.) I'm buying some more Merrells, cheap at the sportsmansguide website. They have many closeouts.

Rob

[than205]

I ran with ACG's for a long time. Before that football cleats.

I blew out my ankle last year and decided I needed some high tops. (ankle support)
I picked some of the JT Pro Series. Awesome all the way around.
Nice support on the ankle and arch. Great traction on everything I've ever had to run through.
My feet have yet to get wet, but still don't end up sweating to death. (how that's done I dunno)
And to top that off I think they're really comfy.

I ref at least 6 days a month at my local rec field (and play some to). They are holding up very well.
So that's what I'd recommend.