Playing in Steel Toed Boots???

[CrazyCanuckles]

First of all as silly as this question may sound this is a legit question that I would like to ask before I do go out to play. If you do feel that there's reasonable grounds to flame me this is "written" consent to do so :P

So I've ordered my gun (VFC M4 SOPMOD) from Mach1 through ArmyIssue and because of my low student budget I am not able to purchase boots right away. So my question is: is it possible to play (for long periods of time) with steel toed boots? Has anyone ever done this before? I'm not in the best physical condition but then again I'm not in the worst condition either. I understand that this issue isn't really the end of the world but hey I'm bored and can't seem to get my mind off anything airsoft :P Oh I guess I should mention that these boots do have ankle supporters to prevent rolling so that's already a plus, I'm more worried about mobility and weight. :P

[Spike]

Protective boots like that aren't really meant for running, chances are you're going to get
a) really tired, really fast
b) sore, really fast
c) full of blisters

If you have a pair of hiking boots, I would suggest using those instead (provided they are high enough rise to protect your ankles)

[Rugger_can]

The boots you choose should provide secure well fitting ankle support and be comfortable for you to wear all day. Steel toe boots can be very comfortable but might increase weight and thus your fatigue.


Also most modern steel toe boots often include a steel shank which can theoretically make running at speed slightly difficult/uncomfortable as well as making sneaking about harder.



In short, go with what you have (provided it does support your ankle) and look into purchasing something down the road.

[CrazyCanuckles]

Yeaap thought so haha, well it looks like I'm gonna have to start looking for some ghetto boots or maybe even chairsofting during games for now. At least 'til next paycheck :P Thanks for confirming, my dreams of playing in steel toed are crushed :P

[L473ncy]

You *CAN*, but just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Work boots or whatever is fine but just keep in mind that the steel inside gets hot, really fast. I've had the pleasure (or displeasure) of having to work outside in the summer with steel toes. Trust me it's not very fun at all. If at all possible get a composite toe boot, you'll thank me for it.

Personally I use hiking boots. They're McKinleys that I got for ~$90 on sale from SportMart or Coast Mountain Sports (SportChek). They've served me well for the last 5 years, and this is with semi regular use (winter, hiking, garden work/home improvement, etc.). Composite toe, steel shank in sole (to prevent nail from puncturing sole), high top (good ankle rolling protection).

[Drake]

Dunno about the particular boot you wanna use, but I've used issue USMC steel toe boots (Belleville 551ST). I think they were still lighter than the old leather CF boots.

You can wear them outside of games to get used to them: if you're always wearing sneakers (without much running) and you play once a month and run with boots, you'll feel a major difference, steel toe or not.

Otherwise, maybe your legs will hurt the next day. Maybe a lot if you really aren't in shape. Put some heat rub on em, take a couple Advil and you'll get over it. And you'll eventually build up endurance. Then you'll realize you're in better physical condition than when you started playing, and you'll be happy with yourself. It's win-win.

[sicki6]

Originally Posted by CrazyCanuckles

my dreams of playing in steel toed are crushed :P

We're just gonna let that pun slide?... Alright...

Anyways, yeah I played my first outdoor game in work boots, went home with blisters and sore feet. Investing in a good pair of boots will be the BEST purchase you make. If you wanna skimp on everything else, by all means, but spend the money needed for good boots.

[ap27]

I played my last game in steel toed boots. While the ankle support is there, their weight made it more fatiguing. It may also be uncomfortable on hilly or uneven terrain.

A good pair of boots is on the top of my list right now.

[ThunderCactus]

I did it for a year, yeah you get tired fast, but it's a fantastic workout

[Mizfit]

I have a number of steel toed shoes from work but found they didn't work well on the field. Already noted is the weight and comfort factor but in addition is that some of them will cut into your foot when you are constantly kneeling or crawling through the terrain. If you are playing in a field that is wet or has swamp area, these boots typically don't dry very fast either and are very unpleasant to continue playing in after they soak up water.

If cost is a concern, try out some surplus stores that sell boots and get a feel for what works at a reduced cost. Then invest in a really good pair of boots that suit the field you most likely will be playing.

[Shirley]

Composite ones are lighter and still do the work.

[Deadpool]

I played with steel toes for more then a year. Yes they are heavy, but I prefer fatigued then a broken ankle.

The secret for reducing blisters is "tie the laces tight all the way!" and it will also support your ankles better.

Now I have rockport tactical composite toe boot. Super light and super comfy, like playing in slippers.

[coach]

I played I'm my composites once, before I got my original swat classic 9's, but they a insanely light weight compared to my steel toed boots. They are in fact lighter than my steel toed running shoes I use at work in the summer.

I would not even consider regular steel toed boots for playing airsoft.

[CrazyCanuckles]

These are all very sound advice, I believe what I'll do is try to play at least one game in them and take the consequences of fatigue and/or blisters. Hey, we're all entitled to making a couple stupid decisions once in a while, right? :P But ya hopefully in two weeks time I'll have one of the last pieces to my loadout: gun - check, MarPat BDU - check, Boots - need, Tac Vest - have a MarPat paintball one that I'd like to replace so need :P

[dutch13]

I've played with them quite a few times. It was nice to know that if I did come upon a nail or something sharp in the ground, I'd be safe. I've also worn the duratoe boots from marks which are composite. It isn't too bad if you're used to wearing them, I wear mine 14 hours a day. My running was hampered though.