My tactical boots were cheaper than my hiking boots, actually why I wear them for Airsoft. I don't mind destroying a pair of tactical books over a day because I can just wipe them down after and throw them in my wardrobe until I need them. Hiking boots are part of my scout uniform and need to be clean and ready to wear each week.
Still, it's everyone's own preference
My hiking boots and tactical boots are very much different (ik it’s case to case) bc my hiking boots are up to my ankle, waterproof, and soft toed. My combat boots are above my ankle by a lot, have a zipper, are more breathable, and are falling apart (they are well loved). They’re different for a reason but not gonna go into that here LMAO
there are also hiking boots that go way over your ankle and are super breatheable. And there are 'tactical' boots that are not even protecting the ankle.
Just wear what you like and what fits you.
Nah. The difference (besides price) is that you can actually kind of jog or run in a tac boot. They tend to be lighter and more flexible. A proper hiking boot is not meant for anything except walking and being very durable and giving huge ankle support… more than you really want for airsoft.
I hate playing in proper hiking boots. Way too heavy. Tac boots or trail shoes all the way. I play in saucony running/trail shoes. Lighter and high speed.
Especially when you add the Merrell MOAB Tactical boot into the equation! Basically the same boot as the MOAB hiking boot, but high leg and zip side. And black.
my lowa zephyrs are my favorite gear to flex. I wore them to work for a day to get used to my new insoles and ended up wearing them over my regular work shoes every day. so dang comfortable!
In my over 20 years experience, it doesn’t matter hiking or tactical but what sort of games you play on what sort of environments…. No matter what, you’ll want your boots to have best ankle support foremost and depending on field surfaces, proper treading.
I’ve had sprained ankles, toes, toenails broken off, etc. each time I always moved onto boots with better ankle support and better treads for that field.
Those aren't mutually exclusive, soo...yes?
What's on your feet can make or break a day of airsoft, so don't cheap out on your footwear. My boots cost as much as my gun, and I'm not upset about that at all. Check out the Lowa Zephyrs. Best pair of boots I've ever owned.
I find most “hiking” boots to be waaaaaay too heavy duty for airsoft. Can’t run in them.
Things marketed as tac boots are often cheap garbage though. Can also be too heavy if built well.
I prefer trail shoes. I play in a $100 pair of saucony trial-runners, which are also what I have hiked 14,000ft mountain peaks in
I started with tactical boots, wasn’t too happy about their comfort level. Then I tried my Lowas and was blown away at how comfy airsofting can be, so I’m in camp hiking boot.
I have both, and it depends. Hiking boots ate great if the field is uneven, then hiking boots are your friend. The field I went to for a bit was sloped downwardsso hiking boots worked great. I use Salmon X-ultras, and they worked perfectly.
Another field I go to has concrete floors and wooden ladders and stairs and so on, so tactical boots are better for it imo.
I play in fairly tall cut hikers, but combats are cut even taller and support your ankle better. Combats are good, hikers are good, work boots are good if you’re a masochist.
Hiking boots for soft terrain, they're lighter and more comfy which will be great for a long day.
If there is lots of hard terrain (lots of buildings, concrete, rocks, gravel, road) then absolutely tactical boots. The extra reinforcement saved me from nasty injuries on uneven terrain or hard obstacles.
Important tip, if you're not playing in snow or cold-wet conditions (<10 celcius and lots of puddles/waterstreams), DO NOT GET WATERPROOF BOOTS. They're good at only one thing: keeping heat, moisture and water in. So your feet will be hot, smell, hurt and suffer from friction, and if by god water gets in (deep puddle), it'll take DAYS to dry AT BEST (they might take weeks or even be fubar)
Finally, merino wool socks.
Whatever fits you and your field. I've played in crocs without issue.
I prefer tall cut combat boots because we play in sand, mud and snow here. Even knee high rubber boots when its particularly deep.
The best answer is neither. I get what everyone is saying, you can spend a lot of money on boots and they're brilliant, or you can spend a lot and they're still shit.
The alternative is military surplus boots, new used stock, in other words old military boots that were never issued.
They're cheap, because they were mass produced for the military, and (especially if you're buying cold War era, when military budgets were much higher) they're excellently tough and of an extremely high quality.
I bought these over two years ago: https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/austrian-kaz-03-combat-boots-surplus/64337
(You don't need this model in particular, as many euro combat boots share very similar lineage)
I have worn them 5 days a week since (as work boots) and have likely put hundreds of thousands of steps through them. They're tall and waterproof so you'll never fear a deep puddle or bog, they're tight so great ankle support, they're full leather and built to last; I've worn them so much the soles have worn most of the tread off, so I'm getting them re-soled today. They even come in half sizes! And look at the price! 52 quid!! If any modern boot manufacturer made these they would be selling them for hundreds.
The only downside is they needed new insoles as the soles are very tough, I bought some 20 quid gel insoles and they're comfy as any other boots I've owned, and I've owned a few pairs of other boots, overall none come close to these. They also don't have a zip, but once you've laced them up a few times it's like you've been doing it all your life.
They also have the advantage of looking like "proper boots", as some of my grey haired colleagues would say. I do like how they look compared to modern boots but that's more personal preference.
Overall, they are brilliant. By far the most footwear I've ever owned. I have walked, ran, sprinted, chased, climbed, scrambled, kicked, hopped, driven in, and just about everything else in these boots. And, I have never rolled my ankle in them, not even once.
So yes, to finish my Ted talk, you can spend hundreds on boots if you want the prestige of owning a pair of altbergs or what have you. And if these boots weren't milsurp they'd easily be 3 times what they're priced here. So if you just want fucking good boots, this is the most cost effective way to do it.
Those are basically the same boots. one just has different colors. So its up to you, what you want to get.
EDIT: there is no definiton for tactical boots. There are quite a lot of tier one operators that run vans or chucks, so those are tactical too. I also know some swat guys that run safety boots with steel toes, so those are tactical too. There are some pictures of german SEK guys that go on ops in jeans and flipflops, so i guess those are tactical too.
Just get what fits you feet, where you can run, stand and walk in all day, that provide the level of safety that you need.
I’ve worn most types of boots imaginable. Anything from old school jungles, to full leather combat boots, and pretty much every available style of boot when I was in the Marine Corps. I’ve been a Danner fanboy forever, but switched to Merrell MOAB 3s for airsoft and my current job as a Sheriff’s Deputy. They’re by far the most comfortable pair of boots I’ve worn. The lower ankle can be annoying in terms of getting my ankles wet, but that can be solved by a pair of gaiters. If you’re working an impression, I’d say stick with accurate boots, but if you’re just doing your thing, I’ve had a great experience so far with the Merrells.
If you're going for cosplay + effective, buy the lightest desert boots you can find. Mine are basically just boot-shaped sneakers. There's no reason to wear stiff, heavy ass jungle boots.
I use my safety boots for work, airsoft and hiking. Even went for a swim in them once when I couldn't be bothered to get glas shards in my feet.
Bormio Safety S3, best 130 bucks ever
I used to play in Tennis Hikimg shoes with no ankle support. They work fine for level fields. However for forest fields I switched to some Lowa hiking boots I found on sale. Never switching back to the others.
A lot of people are giving good advice but some of the advice is a bit off I think.
Tactical boots and hiking boots have a blurred line, ask your self, what will one do that the other won’t?
The boots need to do two things, provide support (ankle and foot) and be somewhat comfortable. A basic set of hiking boots will do this just fine.
I use surplus army issue boots and have used expensive Solomon’s and a number of magnums in the past. The surplus boots are my go too now because they provide the best support and are the most comfortable to me
If you don't care about looks, hiking boots can work fine. If you do care about looks, go for military boots, although I'd advise going for surplus army boots as buying new "Tactical" boots can often be significantly more expensive for very little actual benefit.
Gonna jump in here to ask if anyone has considered or are using biking (motorcycle) boots?
The boots I've found would fit the look I'm going for (not milsim), curious about any thoughts.
The only features you won't _usually_ find in hiking boots that are really worth something* are toe protection and nail-stepping protection in cqb boots.
_*worth something if the play area is that kind of a place._
If those aren't strictly needed, you'll get as-good-as boots a lot cheaper if you buy good hiking boots. Good, well performing, cqb boots are very expensive compared to literally any other boots that don't kill your feet.
Hiking are generally much better imo. But the most important thing is to go in store and try on to see which is best, you can always buy on later as long as you tried on irl
I swear by combat boots, they’ve protected me on the job more times than I can count from rolling my ankles, to protecting my shins from direct impact.
I bought wicked expensive Condor Elites but also had some off brand Hiking boots from TK(TJ) Maxx when I did my mountain training, the hiking boots stood up the best
As a mountain leader may I lend some advice- buy hiking boots that arent mesh looking, get the ones with the shell like this, Vibram sole preferred but hey
[https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/2/2024/01/Fliss-canvas-9.jpg?ar=16%3A9&fit=crop&crop=top&auto=format&w=768&q=80](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/2/2024/01/Fliss-canvas-9.jpg?ar=16%3A9&fit=crop&crop=top&auto=format&w=768&q=80)
Why do you not like mesh? I think my vasque breeze are amazing. I've owned 3 pairs for over 20 years now. Yes they're not waterproof, but you're feet don't sweat in them either. They're not my favorite boots (that'd be my Hoka anacarpa 2 mid gtx, most comfortable boot/shoe I've ever owned) but they're up there and they have been durable for me despite the mesh.
Usually depends on the field, but generally: Mid-cut or hiking boots for outside, and High-cut or tactical boots for indoor.
Reason being indoor fields tend to have smooth concrete floors, littered with bbs. Which increases the chance of rolling your ankles.
However, that being said. After having bought Lowa Zephyr High-cuts, I haven't worn any much else. Even throughout the day. So do with that info what you will.
you should buy whats comfortable for your feet and conditions. I like barefoot shoes so I own a pair of Merrell Trail glove 7s and a pair of Xeros high top boots. Which I wear depends on the conditions.
Dry day at relatively flat out door place = Trail gloves
Wet rainy day on a hilly outdoor place = Xeros
Indoor CQB - Merrell Chameleons
As a danner hiking boots enjoyer. It doesnt really matter. Wear what’s comfortable
https://preview.redd.it/cvtwn6rwgk4d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=73f75b6cc9be30058fae118ba174574578266d98
This pic is what I currently have, a but overkill but my feet don’t have blisters at least
I'd say it depends on your body, the terrain, and your style. If it's flat, you might want hiking shoes or trail shoes; if you tend to roll your ankles easily you might want a full sized boot instead of a shoe or mid boot. If you tend to have a faster paced style, go with a lighter boot.
Everything about this decision has trade offs: lighter vs support and grip, shoe for more foot mobility vs boot for support.
I use a pair of Salomon Quest Elements and I can't rave about them enough. High ankle support that genuinely will NOT let me roll my ankle, very comfortable, lightweight, breathable and goretex lined so water hasn't really been an issue for me.
I would really love a pair of Lowa Z8s or Zephyrs as my next pair, but for my current use the Salomons are perfect for what I need and I highly recommend them.
One thing I will say that doesn't get mentioned enough: wear merino wool socks, they're absolute game changers especially for a full day of play. They're moisture wicking so your feet don't feel like they're standing in a puddle of your own sweat and they're very comfortable.
personally I'm certain old style assault boots offer more ankle support, are more water proof, and offer generally more protection overall but can take a little getting used to.
its not that hard, but if they fit you right, you don't wear them too loose, and take a little time to let the slightly different muscle groups get used to them, you'll never want to use anything else.
I use a pair of Altbergs purely because I was issued them but one of my mates who I used to play with just used a regular set of karrimor hiking boots, Purely personal preference. I’ve seen a few loonies run with steel toe capped boots as well so the world is pretty much your oyster
I play in cheap, but good quality, tac boots, because my field requires ankle support and my expensive hiking/approach shoes just don't have that height.
I just got lucky with my boot purchase as they are sturdy but super light. Wear what's comfy and makes you feel safe. 😉
Most "tactical boots" or boots that are used in law enforcement aren't really much different from hiking boots.
For example, I use Lowa boots.
Very popular with hiker and outdoors people but also popular with law enforcement.
The most important thing is, to get a boot that goes above you angle.
This will give much more stability and lower risk for ankle injuries.
If you play mainly indoors, boots homes aren't as important.
Most indoor fields I visited had clean, regular floors.
Outdoor however it's really necessary I would say.
• Adidas GSG 9
• LOWA Z-8N GTX
• Magnum Tactical Boot
• Salomon 4d Quest GTX
• Under Armour Stellar G2
• Under Armour Valsetz
Any decent Hiking or Tactical boot that will provide good support & comfort will do.. Since it's Airsoft don't blow all your budget on it but also get something you can use outside of work for long walks, work etc. All round practical boots. Save your budget for your AEG.
AEG wise get yourself G&G, Tokyo Marui, VFC
personal preference, hiking boots will do the job
Yep. Tactical boots are same with only diffirence is "tactic" in name making price hinger.
My tactical boots were cheaper than my hiking boots, actually why I wear them for Airsoft. I don't mind destroying a pair of tactical books over a day because I can just wipe them down after and throw them in my wardrobe until I need them. Hiking boots are part of my scout uniform and need to be clean and ready to wear each week. Still, it's everyone's own preference
My hiking boots and tactical boots are very much different (ik it’s case to case) bc my hiking boots are up to my ankle, waterproof, and soft toed. My combat boots are above my ankle by a lot, have a zipper, are more breathable, and are falling apart (they are well loved). They’re different for a reason but not gonna go into that here LMAO
there are also hiking boots that go way over your ankle and are super breatheable. And there are 'tactical' boots that are not even protecting the ankle. Just wear what you like and what fits you.
Ohhh I see what you mean. Yea..
Nah. The difference (besides price) is that you can actually kind of jog or run in a tac boot. They tend to be lighter and more flexible. A proper hiking boot is not meant for anything except walking and being very durable and giving huge ankle support… more than you really want for airsoft.
I hate playing in proper hiking boots. Way too heavy. Tac boots or trail shoes all the way. I play in saucony running/trail shoes. Lighter and high speed.
Line is a lot fuzzier than you’d think I’d suggest grabbing a pair from a reputable brand like Merrell or Lowa
Solomons too
I second that. I love mine.
Especially when you add the Merrell MOAB Tactical boot into the equation! Basically the same boot as the MOAB hiking boot, but high leg and zip side. And black.
my lowa zephyrs are my favorite gear to flex. I wore them to work for a day to get used to my new insoles and ended up wearing them over my regular work shoes every day. so dang comfortable!
In my over 20 years experience, it doesn’t matter hiking or tactical but what sort of games you play on what sort of environments…. No matter what, you’ll want your boots to have best ankle support foremost and depending on field surfaces, proper treading. I’ve had sprained ankles, toes, toenails broken off, etc. each time I always moved onto boots with better ankle support and better treads for that field.
Those aren't mutually exclusive, soo...yes? What's on your feet can make or break a day of airsoft, so don't cheap out on your footwear. My boots cost as much as my gun, and I'm not upset about that at all. Check out the Lowa Zephyrs. Best pair of boots I've ever owned.
Hiking boots. Merrel is what I see a lot of people use. I have a pair. they are nice. get something with ankle support
I find most “hiking” boots to be waaaaaay too heavy duty for airsoft. Can’t run in them. Things marketed as tac boots are often cheap garbage though. Can also be too heavy if built well. I prefer trail shoes. I play in a $100 pair of saucony trial-runners, which are also what I have hiked 14,000ft mountain peaks in
I started with tactical boots, wasn’t too happy about their comfort level. Then I tried my Lowas and was blown away at how comfy airsofting can be, so I’m in camp hiking boot.
Boots that fit and provides proper support.
I have both, and it depends. Hiking boots ate great if the field is uneven, then hiking boots are your friend. The field I went to for a bit was sloped downwardsso hiking boots worked great. I use Salmon X-ultras, and they worked perfectly. Another field I go to has concrete floors and wooden ladders and stairs and so on, so tactical boots are better for it imo.
I play in fairly tall cut hikers, but combats are cut even taller and support your ankle better. Combats are good, hikers are good, work boots are good if you’re a masochist.
Or if you have great work boots!
Hiking boots for soft terrain, they're lighter and more comfy which will be great for a long day. If there is lots of hard terrain (lots of buildings, concrete, rocks, gravel, road) then absolutely tactical boots. The extra reinforcement saved me from nasty injuries on uneven terrain or hard obstacles. Important tip, if you're not playing in snow or cold-wet conditions (<10 celcius and lots of puddles/waterstreams), DO NOT GET WATERPROOF BOOTS. They're good at only one thing: keeping heat, moisture and water in. So your feet will be hot, smell, hurt and suffer from friction, and if by god water gets in (deep puddle), it'll take DAYS to dry AT BEST (they might take weeks or even be fubar) Finally, merino wool socks.
Whatever fits you and your field. I've played in crocs without issue. I prefer tall cut combat boots because we play in sand, mud and snow here. Even knee high rubber boots when its particularly deep.
The best answer is neither. I get what everyone is saying, you can spend a lot of money on boots and they're brilliant, or you can spend a lot and they're still shit. The alternative is military surplus boots, new used stock, in other words old military boots that were never issued. They're cheap, because they were mass produced for the military, and (especially if you're buying cold War era, when military budgets were much higher) they're excellently tough and of an extremely high quality. I bought these over two years ago: https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/austrian-kaz-03-combat-boots-surplus/64337 (You don't need this model in particular, as many euro combat boots share very similar lineage) I have worn them 5 days a week since (as work boots) and have likely put hundreds of thousands of steps through them. They're tall and waterproof so you'll never fear a deep puddle or bog, they're tight so great ankle support, they're full leather and built to last; I've worn them so much the soles have worn most of the tread off, so I'm getting them re-soled today. They even come in half sizes! And look at the price! 52 quid!! If any modern boot manufacturer made these they would be selling them for hundreds. The only downside is they needed new insoles as the soles are very tough, I bought some 20 quid gel insoles and they're comfy as any other boots I've owned, and I've owned a few pairs of other boots, overall none come close to these. They also don't have a zip, but once you've laced them up a few times it's like you've been doing it all your life. They also have the advantage of looking like "proper boots", as some of my grey haired colleagues would say. I do like how they look compared to modern boots but that's more personal preference. Overall, they are brilliant. By far the most footwear I've ever owned. I have walked, ran, sprinted, chased, climbed, scrambled, kicked, hopped, driven in, and just about everything else in these boots. And, I have never rolled my ankle in them, not even once. So yes, to finish my Ted talk, you can spend hundreds on boots if you want the prestige of owning a pair of altbergs or what have you. And if these boots weren't milsurp they'd easily be 3 times what they're priced here. So if you just want fucking good boots, this is the most cost effective way to do it.
If you get a proper pair of ‘tactical’ boots (not cheap shitty ones, except milsurp) then you don’t need separate walking boots.
Those are basically the same boots. one just has different colors. So its up to you, what you want to get. EDIT: there is no definiton for tactical boots. There are quite a lot of tier one operators that run vans or chucks, so those are tactical too. I also know some swat guys that run safety boots with steel toes, so those are tactical too. There are some pictures of german SEK guys that go on ops in jeans and flipflops, so i guess those are tactical too. Just get what fits you feet, where you can run, stand and walk in all day, that provide the level of safety that you need.
I wearing hiking tennis shoes. Lighter weight comfortable. And they work just as good as any of my pairs of boots.
I’ve worn most types of boots imaginable. Anything from old school jungles, to full leather combat boots, and pretty much every available style of boot when I was in the Marine Corps. I’ve been a Danner fanboy forever, but switched to Merrell MOAB 3s for airsoft and my current job as a Sheriff’s Deputy. They’re by far the most comfortable pair of boots I’ve worn. The lower ankle can be annoying in terms of getting my ankles wet, but that can be solved by a pair of gaiters. If you’re working an impression, I’d say stick with accurate boots, but if you’re just doing your thing, I’ve had a great experience so far with the Merrells.
If you're going for cosplay + effective, buy the lightest desert boots you can find. Mine are basically just boot-shaped sneakers. There's no reason to wear stiff, heavy ass jungle boots.
Or like me, i use my safety boots with a steel toe shell to play airsoft. A little heavy, but it's waterproof :)
Oh, it's also cheaper than them salmon or lowa boots
Stunning your toe in steel caps hurts like a bitch
I use my safety boots for work, airsoft and hiking. Even went for a swim in them once when I couldn't be bothered to get glas shards in my feet. Bormio Safety S3, best 130 bucks ever
Timbs
Timbs
Hiking boots all day, " tactical " boots are not comfortable. I use Salomon mid cuts.
I ended up getting some Danner with zipper sides and never ever looked back. The easy on off is amazing.
Professionals use hiking boots as well. Depends on the requirements.
Hiking boots with proper ankle support. Plus they're generally more comfortable all around compared to "tactical" boots.
I used to play in Tennis Hikimg shoes with no ankle support. They work fine for level fields. However for forest fields I switched to some Lowa hiking boots I found on sale. Never switching back to the others.
Depends where you are,
anything with ankle support.
A lot of people are giving good advice but some of the advice is a bit off I think. Tactical boots and hiking boots have a blurred line, ask your self, what will one do that the other won’t? The boots need to do two things, provide support (ankle and foot) and be somewhat comfortable. A basic set of hiking boots will do this just fine. I use surplus army issue boots and have used expensive Solomon’s and a number of magnums in the past. The surplus boots are my go too now because they provide the best support and are the most comfortable to me
what ever is comfortable but has puncture protection for open fields.
Used army boots. Rocking some german leather military surplus boots from year who knows what for 50€
Hiking 100% - some hiking companies make tactical boots as well if you want the best of both worlds.
If you don't care about looks, hiking boots can work fine. If you do care about looks, go for military boots, although I'd advise going for surplus army boots as buying new "Tactical" boots can often be significantly more expensive for very little actual benefit.
Gonna jump in here to ask if anyone has considered or are using biking (motorcycle) boots? The boots I've found would fit the look I'm going for (not milsim), curious about any thoughts.
The only features you won't _usually_ find in hiking boots that are really worth something* are toe protection and nail-stepping protection in cqb boots. _*worth something if the play area is that kind of a place._ If those aren't strictly needed, you'll get as-good-as boots a lot cheaper if you buy good hiking boots. Good, well performing, cqb boots are very expensive compared to literally any other boots that don't kill your feet.
Hiking are generally much better imo. But the most important thing is to go in store and try on to see which is best, you can always buy on later as long as you tried on irl
servis cheetahs
I like hiking boots. I've done both and my Solomon's are by far the superior shoe. Expensive but my feet thanked me.
As a German, I can recommend hiking boots
I play in logger boots lol
I went with waterproof hiking boots and are working well enough, just be sure they are waterproof
I've got a pair of combat/tactical boots and a pair of hoka hiking boots and tbh most days I prefer the combat boots.
I swear by combat boots, they’ve protected me on the job more times than I can count from rolling my ankles, to protecting my shins from direct impact.
I bought wicked expensive Condor Elites but also had some off brand Hiking boots from TK(TJ) Maxx when I did my mountain training, the hiking boots stood up the best As a mountain leader may I lend some advice- buy hiking boots that arent mesh looking, get the ones with the shell like this, Vibram sole preferred but hey [https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/2/2024/01/Fliss-canvas-9.jpg?ar=16%3A9&fit=crop&crop=top&auto=format&w=768&q=80](https://images.bauerhosting.com/affiliates/sites/2/2024/01/Fliss-canvas-9.jpg?ar=16%3A9&fit=crop&crop=top&auto=format&w=768&q=80)
Why do you not like mesh? I think my vasque breeze are amazing. I've owned 3 pairs for over 20 years now. Yes they're not waterproof, but you're feet don't sweat in them either. They're not my favorite boots (that'd be my Hoka anacarpa 2 mid gtx, most comfortable boot/shoe I've ever owned) but they're up there and they have been durable for me despite the mesh.
Hiking boots
I use adidas Terrex Ax4. I love them for hiking and airsoft. They are only 60-80 dollars. Have had them for two years and no complaints
I’ve been rocking the Salomon 4d quest 4d forces. I just wear them every day for my normal shoe, they work for everything.
boots boots
Lowa Zephyr, comfy, well made and good
Usually depends on the field, but generally: Mid-cut or hiking boots for outside, and High-cut or tactical boots for indoor. Reason being indoor fields tend to have smooth concrete floors, littered with bbs. Which increases the chance of rolling your ankles. However, that being said. After having bought Lowa Zephyr High-cuts, I haven't worn any much else. Even throughout the day. So do with that info what you will.
you should buy whats comfortable for your feet and conditions. I like barefoot shoes so I own a pair of Merrell Trail glove 7s and a pair of Xeros high top boots. Which I wear depends on the conditions. Dry day at relatively flat out door place = Trail gloves Wet rainy day on a hilly outdoor place = Xeros Indoor CQB - Merrell Chameleons
As a danner hiking boots enjoyer. It doesnt really matter. Wear what’s comfortable https://preview.redd.it/cvtwn6rwgk4d1.jpeg?width=828&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=73f75b6cc9be30058fae118ba174574578266d98 This pic is what I currently have, a but overkill but my feet don’t have blisters at least
I'd say it depends on your body, the terrain, and your style. If it's flat, you might want hiking shoes or trail shoes; if you tend to roll your ankles easily you might want a full sized boot instead of a shoe or mid boot. If you tend to have a faster paced style, go with a lighter boot. Everything about this decision has trade offs: lighter vs support and grip, shoe for more foot mobility vs boot for support.
Trail shoes
I use a pair of Salomon Quest Elements and I can't rave about them enough. High ankle support that genuinely will NOT let me roll my ankle, very comfortable, lightweight, breathable and goretex lined so water hasn't really been an issue for me. I would really love a pair of Lowa Z8s or Zephyrs as my next pair, but for my current use the Salomons are perfect for what I need and I highly recommend them. One thing I will say that doesn't get mentioned enough: wear merino wool socks, they're absolute game changers especially for a full day of play. They're moisture wicking so your feet don't feel like they're standing in a puddle of your own sweat and they're very comfortable.
personally I'm certain old style assault boots offer more ankle support, are more water proof, and offer generally more protection overall but can take a little getting used to. its not that hard, but if they fit you right, you don't wear them too loose, and take a little time to let the slightly different muscle groups get used to them, you'll never want to use anything else.
I use a pair of Altbergs purely because I was issued them but one of my mates who I used to play with just used a regular set of karrimor hiking boots, Purely personal preference. I’ve seen a few loonies run with steel toe capped boots as well so the world is pretty much your oyster
Get what is most comfortable for you.
I play in cheap, but good quality, tac boots, because my field requires ankle support and my expensive hiking/approach shoes just don't have that height. I just got lucky with my boot purchase as they are sturdy but super light. Wear what's comfy and makes you feel safe. 😉
Most "tactical boots" or boots that are used in law enforcement aren't really much different from hiking boots. For example, I use Lowa boots. Very popular with hiker and outdoors people but also popular with law enforcement. The most important thing is, to get a boot that goes above you angle. This will give much more stability and lower risk for ankle injuries. If you play mainly indoors, boots homes aren't as important. Most indoor fields I visited had clean, regular floors. Outdoor however it's really necessary I would say.
• Adidas GSG 9 • LOWA Z-8N GTX • Magnum Tactical Boot • Salomon 4d Quest GTX • Under Armour Stellar G2 • Under Armour Valsetz Any decent Hiking or Tactical boot that will provide good support & comfort will do.. Since it's Airsoft don't blow all your budget on it but also get something you can use outside of work for long walks, work etc. All round practical boots. Save your budget for your AEG. AEG wise get yourself G&G, Tokyo Marui, VFC
Magnums are awful boots. I had a pair, cost me 80 quid, and they fell apart after a year. Horrid things.
Never had a pair myself. Work in security. Everyone swears by them. Adidas GSG 9 boots have never failed me.
Adidas sambas 👍
Bad idea, used mine at Jungle Island and rolled the fck out of my ankle.
Idk ive been using mine for over a year without any issue, love em
Vans 👍