I'm touching on probably the most overlooked piece of equipment, at least in airsoft, footwear.
Figure a good topic would be where everyone can add what they use and their experiences.
The standard and most popular practice seems to be going out and purchasing a pair of new or old military issue boots.
Even worse is tennis shoes. But I've seen both at several games, of course the latter is very rare at the bigger games.
When I first started acquiring gear I spent probably $20 on a set of these.
Standard desert boots. they come in other colors as well.
After playing in them and realizing what a POS they are I did the typical doctoring; insoles, socks, moleskin.
Of course this was like polishing a turd so I did a little research on good kicks.
There's plenty of great boots out there and many can be used not just for airsoft but for hiking and everyday use.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a tight ass most of the time and I used my old boots close to 2 years.
But I'll spend the money where it matters and I got sick and tired of aching feet, knees and lower back.
All these issues I concluded to my footwear and I was right.
I eventually decided I wanted a set of Asolo FSN 95's. They had good reviews, I know guys that use them and I liked the way they looked. A bonus was that they were available locally, probably the BEST reason now that I look back.
I saved up some coin and finally went to buy them. REI carries them locally. A very important note, I wore the socks I would use with them. They had my size, laced them up and BUZZZZZZ, they didn't fit my feet "right". They had a couple pinch points. Oh well, every pair of feet are different. Now one of the guys I shoot plastic with recommended some different boots not but a couple weeks before so I tried a pair of those on. DING DING DING! Winner! I bought these.
Lowa Zephyr Desert Mid's. Probably THE MOST comfortable pair of footwear I have ever worn. I'm talking ALL shoes.
They're super light, supportive and have excellent grip. I highly recommend you try them. Worth every penny.
Now that I know the sizing I plan on getting a pair of the same in high GTX's.
Now that being said, don't get them because someone recommends them or sneaky special forces guys use them. Here's some important points on boot shopping.
1. Try them on. Don't guess on the internet. Many of these GOOD boots are made in Europe and the sizing is different.
2. Walk around in them for at least 10 minutes. The sales people will let you. Any fitment problems besides hardcore use should present themselves.
3. Wear the socks you are planning on using with them. I took a pair of desert socks which also let me plan for thicker ones when it's colder.
I'd like to hear what you guys are using, it's not about "Gucci" boots, unless of course that's what works for you.
Plus you can be tacticool and I'm a geardo.
For me, $200 for footwear is worth it in comfort, durability and looks. Some guys love issue boots.
Even some of the cross trainers are great. And no this is not a "anti tennis shoe" debate so let's not go that route.
Let's see what you got. Post up!
