No matter how good you are at playing airsoft, you won’t be able to play your best if you have the wrong shoes for the game!
You don’t want to spend a lot of time and money shopping for boots that are just not up to the job, so we’ve put together this guide to help you choose the right footwear. That way, you can concentrate on the game at hand without worrying about your airsoft shoes causing you discomfort.
From stylish patrol boots to tactical pro footwear, each pair should offer airsoft players plenty of ankle support, grip, and comfort.
Some airsoft shoes can be combined with specialist socks or insoles to improve their performance even more!
You’ll want to make sure the boots you’re choosing will protect your feet from any stray BBs, as well as be comfortable to walk (or run) around in for extended periods.
So, if you’re looking to buy a good sturdy pair of airsoft shoes - SOCOM Tactical can help you decide!
Airsoft Shoe Material
We always recommend selecting a leather or suede shoe as a good option for airsoft shoes. These materials can stand up to harsh weather conditions and offer excellent durability and comfort. They also feature a rugged sole, which is great for protecting your feet on uneven or wet terrain.
For the ultimate in flexibility and breathability, we recommend: Kombat UK Leather Patrol Boots
Ankle Support
Whether you’re stealthily moving around the forest or running for cover in a speedball tournament, you’re going to want to look after your feet. Specifically, the part that is at the highest risk of injury in these scenarios is your ankles.
For that reason, you should seriously consider a shoe or boot that provides you with sturdy ankle support in case you end up rolling it or tripping. That support could make the difference between a slight sprain or a break.
Lacing Options
As in the military, there are a number of ways in which you can lace your shoes to comply with the standard uniform. This isn’t simply for aesthetic purposes either. These lacing techniques can change how the shoe fits and even provide you with added support.
There are many types of lacing techniques, but there are also many types of laces too. Material is an important choice for both shoes and laces, and a more rigid lace will provide you with more support, whereas a softer lace will allow for extra manoeuvrability.
Sole Selection
Different shoes will naturally provide different levels of support for your feet. A hiking boot or shoe will be incredibly sturdy to allow you to safely walk over uneven terrain, and a sports shoe will be lightweight and breathable but with less support.
You can also add new insoles to a shoe which isn’t providing you with the comfort and support you need. Everyone’s feet are different, so it’s important to find what is comfortable for you.
Lightweight or Heavy Boots?
When it comes to choosing your boots, the initial decision is going to be centred around whether those boots are lightweight or heavy. A heavy combat boot is going to be much more resilient and offer more protection than a lighter option.
However, a lightweight tactical boot will be much more comfortable overall and can offer a lot more manoeuvrability than thick and heavy footwear.
Shoe Sizes
Most of the time, you can buy new footwear based on your typical shoe size. However, it’s worth remembering that any boot can fit differently than your everyday shoes. Similarly, you might find that a new pair of trainers in your size just doesn’t fit at all.
A boot is likely going to give you a bit of extra room, especially if it’s a heavy one. This will allow you to wear comfortable, thick, and supportive patrol socks or thermals while also allowing your feet the space to breathe.
Breathability
This is an important factor with all boots. If you’re running around breaking a sweat, you’re going to be very grateful for a shoe or boot that is breathable.
At the same time, you also have to take into account your environment too. If you are playing airsoft in a colder area or during the winter months, a breathable airsoft shoe is likely going to let out too much valuable heat, whereas, in the summertime, you’re going to be thankful for that feature.
Waterproofing
While you’re not always going to be running around a forest setting when playing airsoft, this tends to be a common environment for this particular activity. And that means that you’ll have to deal with other aspects of the natural world.
Most notable of these is the rain, especially in the UK. There’s nothing worse than running through the trees only to stomp down into a deep muddy puddle and soak your boots and combat trousers. Luckily, many combat boots are waterproof, including breathable tactical boots too.
Choosing a Good Sock for Your Airsoft Boots
Your choice of airsoft socks is just as important. When it comes to your airsoft boots, you’re going to want something comfortable, and your socks can amplify this comfort. When choosing a sock, remember:
- Think about the weather and temperature
- Consider your comfort
- Look for added support
A thicker sock can be surprisingly supportive for your feet, yet it can also cause them to overheat during the winter. It’s worth having a few different pairs, as well as different footwear options altogether, to suit different seasons and environments.
How to Care for Your Airsoft Shoes
Similar to your non-airsoft shoes and boots, you’ll want to find ways you can prolong their lifespan with some extra care and consideration. There are a number of things you can do to ensure your boots last much longer.
Waterproofing is a great idea when it comes to your airsoft shoes, as water can be the worst enemy of footwear. While you can find waterproof and water-resistant airsoft boots and other tactical equipment like backpacks, there are many that might benefit from an added boost of waterproofing spray.
You should endeavour to clean your boots thoroughly after each day of airsoft play and avoid using soaps. Warm water and a stiff bristle brush will do fine. Alcohol or oil-based cleaning products can actually damage them, so avoid using these things.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a good boot for your airsoft games is important as you’re likely going to be on your feet for a large portion of the day. If your boots are hurting your feet and aren’t providing you with enough support, then it’s time to find something else.
Your boots can be your best friend during airsoft, and the last thing you want is to roll your ankle due to a lack of support or have to run around with soaked feet all day because your boots aren’t waterproof. Do your research and choose the right shoe for you for maximum fun and protection while you engage in your favourite spot and don’t forget to break them in!
