Paintball

[caplucky]

Started playing in jungle boots and always worked well. Now that I am a little older, need something a bit lighter and more comfortable.
I got these two summers ago and love them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Premium-EASTON-S...QQcmdZViewItem
Price was right and I really like em, broke in real quick and traction is excellent and they are comfortable. Comes with plastic or metal replacable cleats for either hard packed fields or normal ground. Not very good on rocks in a creek though, as I found out.
Two of my buddies picked these up too and they have no complaints either.
Might even recommend a size up and use those neoprene ankle supports if you need more support. If you were looking for cleats these are not a bad choice to try out for about 20 bucks. I give them a thumbs up.

[Gun4Hire]

Check out the magnum Viper waterprooof 6 in ($49) or 8 in ($59). These are one of the most comfortable and cheaper pair of boots my store sells. The amazon 4 boots are what I use cause I like the coyote brown color of the boot and tread. Black sole shoes have given away the best snipers.

[ringer706]

I've been looking into the Magnum 8" for a while now. Ankle support is the biggest concern on my list. After spraining it for the bajillionth time a few months ago, it kinda dawned on me that I need to take care of 'ol righty. The magnums look good, but any other suggestions on boots that give more support than a shrink in alcoholics anonymous

[Robertsr]

You may want to try bracing the ankle and going with a shorter boot. That may really give you better protection than a higher boot would unless you're going full on paratrooper. It may also save you some $$$.

I can recommend the Magnum line. They seem to be really well made.

[Schmitti]

I'm currently wearing (in order to help break in) a pair of Danner 8" boots. I got them the other year and have only worn them to do site inspection on paving jobs. They have a nice soft insole and steel tips (job requirement) and have vibram soles.... they will be my boots for castle this year as my older boots are a little heavier.

And if you have ankle problems, discuss it with your doctor....I personally prefer a tall well laced boot over a brace but that's just me.. your doctor may have other ideas based on your own need.

[Walrus]

Well, given we have something in common (weak ankles), I wear 3/4 football cleats and an ankle brace. I have one of the Ultra Ankle Braces (http://www.breg.com/products/bracing...e/default.html) and along with some good cleats that I was able to find my size in, I don't have any problems. I can't and don't want to hurt my right ankle again. After I had reconstructive surgery to get it fixed, when I played college basketball, I can't afford to go through all of that again (thank God for my parent's and school's insurance). You will probably look at the brace and think that $75-$80 is too much for a brace, but it is a lot less than a $30k surgery bill!!

I used to play in boots, but I soon realized that they wouldn't allow me to get traction and to run as fast on grassy surfaces. If you are strictly a woodsballer and don't really run, then boots will work for you. But if you do alot of running while on the field, you may want to look at cleats for better traction and to be able to stop easier.

[jhyan]

I've tried military boots (vietnam style), work boots, hiking boots & soccer cleats. To me it comes down to terrain. For speedball I like my soccer cleats (though I'm looking to get some mid rise football or baseball cleats for support), but for woodsball the cleats actually slip more on trees and rocks so I usually sacrafice weight and go with the work boots (big heavy steel toe and shank... indestructible!).

[Schmitti]

The three most important factors....

1. Support.. is the material supportive enough so that you don't roll your ankle, this goes for anybody not just injured or injury prone people.

2. Insole... if it doesn't already have a good cushion buy a nice dr. sholes or similar insole pad... if you are going to be running in them you don't want the insoles to be hard. Replace them when the insole gets compressed and no longer has give.

3. Tread.... vietnam block tread is great in mud but is crap on rocks! Pick treads that are good (like said above) for the terrain you will be walking/running on. Heck if you need several pairs of boots just because of the tread then get several pairs. Also look at the material, how wel does it wear (vibram is nice because it is somewhat soft and taky...but at the same time it wears quickly)... vietnam block treads are usually relatively hard and don't grab well.

Anyways just a few things to keep in mind. These are just the basics.... then you can get into breathability, lacing, height..etc.etc.etc.

[Deadfall]

I just picked up a pair of Magnum Stealth boots at my local Sports Authority for the crazy-low price of $40.00. They seem to be very well-constructed and are pretty darn light! They provide plenty of ankle support and are very comfy, as well.

I'm guessing that they were on clearance because they were the last pair and the only other model they had were the Stealth II's and the 6" Vipers.

I also tried on the Stealth II's. They were ridiculously light! I've literally owned gym shoes that were heavier than these things. They also have a more aggressive, multi-directional tread compared to the Stealth I's. I was tempted to buy these instead, but I just couldn't pass up the price tag on the Stealth I's.


I was also considering a pair of 5.11 A.T.A.C. boots, which look very nice, but again, the price difference finalized my decision.

[Butch]

I like the magnum phantoms I picked up. Side zipper, 60 day comfort return policy. I haven't taken them off since I got them... Insanely comfoy, easy to put on/take off (laces be GONE!). I love these things...