[The_Vigilante]

Since any shoe with cleats (Land Sharks, etc) are supposed to be illegal for IDPA, what if any recommendations do you have for shoes appropriate for IDPA competition? Thanks

[BritinUSA]

I don't do IDPA, but for IPSC I have started using Merrells, they are wider than cleats, they have good traction, they look like a hiking shoe. Plus they are very comfortable if you're on your feet all day.

[Steve Koski]

I wear Merrels also, to work, home, hiking, about everywhere, and matches. Excellent shoes, well built, take a lot of abuse. Light, comfy.

Here's a huge list:
http://www.merrell.c...amp;__ajax=true

This is what I'm wearing now:

http://www.merrell.c...r?galleryId=M-F

This post has been edited by Steve Koski: 23 September 2009 - 07:47 AM

[dkleskiw]

Are outdoor trail shoes allowed?

Something like these: http://www.zappos.co...620-black-red-1 ??

Whatever color and style bottom you want of course. I searcher zappos for trail shoe and narrowed it down from there.

[The_Vigilante]

The Merrell's look good but I am looking for something I can buy locally and actually try them on and see what they look like before I buy them.

[dkleskiw]

Zappos has free shipping both ways if you return them / order something else.

http://www.zappos.co...ing-and-returns

[jasmap]

I like the Merrells but they don't fit my feet as well as Vasques' do. I would say try on some trail running or hiking shoes like Adidas, Merrell, Under Armour, New Balance if you're a bigger guy, and Vasque.

This post has been edited by jasmap: 23 September 2009 - 08:05 AM

[Nik Habicht]

I wear boots to shoot all matches --- that seems to work pretty well for moving around the stages, as well as leaving my feet and ankles feeling happy at the end of the day....

[Sarge]

The_Vigilante, on Sep 23 2009, 10:57 AM, said:

The Merrell's look good but I am looking for something I can buy locally and actually try them on and see what they look like before I buy them.

Bass Pro Shop has them.

[Merlin Orr]

Depends on the scenario. If the stage description says "You are out at a fancy restaurant with the GF when you are beset upon by robbers" then you should wear leather soled pump dress shoes. ( don't forget the Tux as a cover garment too.) If the scenario states " you are sitting in your easy chair" you should wear house slippers. If the scenario states "while asleep at night you hear glass breaking and see a burglar in your bedroom" you should shoot the COF barefoot and naked with the spare mag stowed on your person - somewhere.

Lets keep it real.

[Victor R]

I use Sketchers http://www.zappos.co...-sage?zlfid=111 They are light and have the prongs on the side and back of the shoe for better grip on any ground condition. Well i haven't tryied them in snow yet.

[zero_down]

I see alot of people with hiking shoes, tennis shoes, tac boots, etc... just go to Academy, try on some moderate priced shoes and wear whats comfortable. While cleats aren't allowed, you still want to have an aggresive sole. I've seen alot of people slip, no one has fallen yet but many slip trying to get there, or stop once they get there.

[jasmap]

The_Vigilante, on Sep 23 2009, 07:57 AM, said:

The Merrell's look good but I am looking for something I can buy locally and actually try them on and see what they look like before I buy them.

You can find Merrell's in MANY locations. They're not just a specialty shoe and neither are any of the others I mentioned.

[lugnut]

Another happy Merrels customer here.

[The_Vigilante]

I took a trip to my nearest Academy and found that they did carry Merrell's. I decided on the Radlands model-see photos. Hopefully they won't get me DQ'd for IDPA!! Thanks for all of your help.

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[rr4406pak]

Just bought a pair of these:
http://www.finishlin...ctId=prod634609

All weather and one of the most aggressive tread patterns I could find
$90 on sale for $27 right now too!
Glad they had my size.
*(I did change the dumb red laces for black ones as soon as I got them).

[ExtremeShot]

Work boots:

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[The_Vigilante]

Don't those "work boots" feel heavy on your feet?

[Nik Habicht]

ExtremeShot, on Sep 23 2009, 04:00 PM, said:

Work boots:

That blaster's not IDPA legal.....

[Nik Habicht]

The_Vigilante, on Sep 23 2009, 05:25 PM, said:

Don't those "work boots" feel heavy on your feet?

It's weird --- but I can go from slippers to 2+ lb. hiking boots and never notice a weight difference on my feet.....

I do notice at the end of a long day that my feet and legs feel better, if I spent the day in good boots....

...they could be hiking boots or modern "military" boots...

[Classic_jon]

I wear Hi-tec Magnum combat boots or Ariat hiking boots.

http://www.magnumboo...series_work.asp

http://www.cavenders...p;pf_id=AR34524

[JorDanO]

I just picked up a pair of Columbia's. Not THIS exact model, but the same tread pattern. Basically looks like cleats with the tips cut off. Traction is really good, comfortable and $60 at Gander Mountain.

[ExtremeShot]

The_Vigilante, on Sep 23 2009, 04:25 PM, said:

Don't those "work boots" feel heavy on your feet?

Nope. If anything, I need something even heavier. ...I find myself going way too fast most of the time.

I looked at a bunch of the shoes/boots that a lot of shooters use and I keep going back to my work boots. They have been re-soled a couple times and I have them broke-in so they feel great. I put gel sport insoles in them and I really get a comfortable fit. Additionally, if the range is crappy with mud, I don't have to worry about getting them muddy and I don't have to worry about getting my socks wet if I step in a puddle.

Regarding traction, I picked a tread that has some nobbies but is not as nobby as cleats. I don't have any problems sliding around on gravel nor on wood decks.

I've also thought that maybe I was being slowed down by the weight of the boots, however, like I said there are many many times when I really need to slow down. Due to this, I said forget being concerned about the weight. Besides, I don't notice the weight.

Lastly, my work boots have become my signature. Tony Hawkins and others wouldn't recognize me without them!

Darren

[ExtremeShot]

Nik Habicht, on Sep 23 2009, 04:47 PM, said:

ExtremeShot, on Sep 23 2009, 04:00 PM, said:

Work boots:

That blaster's not IDPA legal.....

[Filishooter]

Try some different trail running shoes. New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Asics, Merrell, etc. Light, good support and traction and many are waterproof.