What Shoes are You Wearing

Dave Meltzer · Post by **Dave Meltzer** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:43 pm

Everyone always talks about what discs they are throwing. But as Bill Newman once told me, "They all land in a pile anyway." I wanna talk about shoes. Perhaps the most important aspect of a golfer's attire is the footware. Good footware provides both comfort and support. Good footware has a good grippy surface to prevent spills. Good footware must be waterproof, because nobody likes to squish for a round or two.

After trying a lot of different boots, I am absolutely sold on mid size goretex Merrills. They are extremely comfortable, warm, and there is no need to bring an extra pair of socks - just incase. They are a tad more expensive, but I found a pair at DSW for $100. Money well spent.

So, what's everyone wearing on their feet these days. Has anyone tried the special disc golfing shoes out?

MEL

Matt DeAngelis · Post by **Matt DeAngelis** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 5:02 pm

I buy Avia waterproof hiking boots. Out of the box I saturate them with waterproof spray (same thing with my bag). They are comfortable, provide ample traction, and provide excellent ankle support. Plus they are only $30 at Khols. The waterproofing wears out, but can be re-applied. When they get worn out on the edges from the follow through foot drag, the waterproof is no longer applicable (takes about 3-4 months). They still are good enough for dry conditions and will last in that capacity for a few more months.

Benny Dunlap · Post by **Benny Dunlap** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 5:07 pm

Sports Authority just started carrying Nike's Gore-Tex low top trail runners/hikers for only $59. I haven't used them yet as I'm still under 2 ft of snow and wearing the winter boots, but they seem pretty solid. You can't beat the price...or even come close for that matter.
If they're constructed as well as the last pair of summer weight Nike's I purchased, then I made a wise choice. I've gotten through two long seasons with those and they're still going strong.

Doug Bechtel · Post by **Doug Bechtel** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:13 pm

Low ankle gortex Merrills. Comfortable, sticky, relatively durable. Similar to the Bite shoes. Wear them for everything, very good for golf.

Steve Solbo · Post by **Steve Solbo** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:52 pm

Merrel goretex chameleons.

nuff said, most popular on the nefa tour thats for sure.

Gary Cyr · Post by **Gary Cyr** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:58 pm

Steve-O wrote:Merrel goretex chameleons.

nuff said, most popular on the nefa tour thats for sure.

2rd, 3rd and 4th this one.

As long as you don't mind a "low top", nothing is better.

Andy Gallerani · Post by **Andy Gallerani** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 8:45 pm

Gary/Mass wrote:
Steve-O wrote:Merrel goretex chameleons.

nuff said, most popular on the nefa tour thats for sure.

2rd, 3rd and 4th this one.

As long as you don't mind a "low top", nothing is better.

ISO or EVO? Why? I know which one i think but id prefer some first hand knowledge to suppliment my online viewing. Thanks

Ben Parker · Post by **Ben Parker** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:01 pm

Merrell Chameleon Wrap XCR is what I wear and I love them. They usually run $120 but you can find them on sale.

Gary Cyr · Post by **Gary Cyr** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:10 pm

That is an older color pattern. It's the XCR. I don't know what ISO or EVO are.

Here are the reasons aside from Gortex. Let's take that out of the equation, because I don't like these in the summer.

#1 Overall weight. I found a couple of lighter shoes, but they were not as tough.

#2 The tread has great grip but doesn't have big "nobs on it" to possible get hooked on something.

#3 The heal tie down. That strap that says Merrell on it is the strongest tie down I could find because none of it's strength is provided by fabric.

Rob Tatro · Post by **Rob Tatro** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:12 pm

BP wrote:Merrell Chameleon Wrap XCR.

Ditto that and I love them ... I like how snug they feel on my feet. So much so that I wear them everywhere.

The first pair I had though had some stitching come out of the front left toe as well as some rubber peel up after about 3 months of wear ... I brought them back to REI and they exchanged them without flinching. They did say that it was highly unusual and that they never see that from those shoes ... 5 months later and they look as if they were new.

Jc vermynck · Post by **Jc vermynck** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 9:21 pm

timbaland ,

Scott Connell · Post by **Scott Connell** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:46 am

Good weather: New Balances

Bad weather (including dead of winter): New Balances inside these:
http://www.backyardstyle.com/shop/index ... ypage-7943

Can't play in anything but New Balances!

Oh, and regarding any of those "waterproof" boots - if I can't stand in a puddle of water up to my ankles for 10 minutes and come out with bone-dry feet, they're not waterproof. They're water-resistant.

Most companies play too loosely with the word "waterproof", IMO.

Dave McHale · Post by **Dave McHale** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:59 am

if it keeps my feet dry through a round of golf, do i care how they're branded?

If they get the job done for me, that's what I care about

the problem with my current Merrill's is that not only has the gore-tex worn mostly away, but the uppers have started pulling away from the soles. Meaning no matter how much the uppers TRY and prevent my feet from getting wet, if I stand in a puddle the water just goes in the side

Steve Solbo · Post by **Steve Solbo** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:20 am

how bout these? anyone try them yet?
[url]
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 0000000226[/url]

David Hoey · Post by **David Hoey** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:37 am

Steve-O wrote:how bout these? anyone try them yet?
[url]
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 0000000226[/url]

as awesome as those look and must be, there's no way I can justify paying $50 for socks.

Steve Solbo · Post by **Steve Solbo** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 10:45 am

David Hoey wrote:
Steve-O wrote:how bout these? anyone try them yet?
[url]
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/store ... 0000000226[/url]

as awesome as those look and must be, there's no way I can justify paying $50 for socks.

I think I am gonna get a pair or 2.. .I have a pair of Brooks Acaida trail runners that I love playing in b/c they are one pair of shoes that can contain my fred flinstone feet (high volume, no arch) comfortably, but my feet get soaked in wet conditions, as they are not offered in Goretex.

Ill see what these are all about and get back to you all...

Steve Dodge · Post by **Steve Dodge** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:01 pm

I've been wearing these for almost two years (same pair) and my stand and deliver lifestyle has seen no change.

http://store.maplehillopen.com/search.a ... crocs&pg=1

and with this coupon: 5crocs
they are 5 bucks cheaper.

Davis Johnson · Post by **Davis Johnson** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:26 pm

You kidding me? You walk a disc golf course in broad daylight in those things?
They look like day glow Dutch cloggers. Besides, I hear they get stuck in escalators.

But if they're kind to tired old footsies, I'd give them a try.

Daniel Marcus · Post by **Daniel Marcus** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:26 pm

For those on the fence... real goretex socks are the best $50 I ever spent (well...:)).

Seriously though, with these socks on you literally CAN stand in water up over the tops of your shoes for half an hour and YOUR FEET WILL BE BONE DRY!! They also are very effective at wicking moisture out of your liner socks (smartwool)

You have to be careful with them always, as the membrane that does the work will wear out more quickly if you take them on and off roughly or forget to wash them gently by hand. With proper care they will last a year or two depending on how much you play, at which point they become "water resistant".

I always think of the time I won Pyramids (beating Dr. Doug is always good) and hit a 40 footer on #8 while calmly standing in about 8 inches of running water for 20 seconds. When I was done my socks were dry as when I started.

I never could justify them either; then I got some as a gift and I've gladly shelled out for replacements ever since. I'm due for a new pair now. Order through Cabelas...

I tried the Sealskins route because they are only $30, but they just don't quite cut it, though they are extremely water resistant.

Holmesy · Post by **Holmesy** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 5:07 pm

At the sugarbush open last fall I noticed a couple of the tour players(Feldberg and Brinster I think) wearing socks like that. I was wondering what they were. If they really work that good I think I'll try a pair. Will be nice to have dry feet in sneakers.

Daniel Marcus · Post by **Daniel Marcus** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 5:48 pm

they are great for summertime as well when there's a lot of dew on the ground early...

Holmesy · Post by **Holmesy** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:16 pm

Was thinking the same thing... or following a rainstorm when all the grass is wet. I see they only come in whole sizes. Would you reccomend sizing up or down?

Steve Solbo · Post by **Steve Solbo** » Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:50 pm

thanks daniel.

you just sold me on them.

Shaun LaForce · Post by **Shaun LaForce** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 5:59 am

sconnell wrote:
Can't play in anything but New Balances!

agreed!

Daniel Marcus · Post by **Daniel Marcus** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:37 am

Definitely size up... one wants to be able to get them on and off easily...

David Hoey · Post by **David Hoey** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:40 am

Steve-O wrote:thanks daniel.

you just sold me on them.

sigh,

he did make a pretty mean arguement...

christer · Post by **christer** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 1:48 pm

Check out sierra trading post!!! I usually go through two to three pairs of waterproof (Gore-tex or similar breathable membrane) trail-runner/light hiking boots each year with work and dg... you can usually find top notch (Merrill, North Face, Solomon, Columbia ect) brands there for around $40-50 a pair.

zak brown · Post by **zak brown** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:01 pm

Steve Dodge wrote:I've been wearing these for almost two years (same pair) and my stand and deliver lifestyle has seen no change.

http://store.maplehillopen.com/search.a ... crocs&pg=1

and with this coupon: 5crocs
they are 5 bucks cheaper.

nuff.said

Pete Johnson · Post by **Pete Johnson** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:50 pm

Merrells with gortex socks. Definately one of my most important pieces of equipment. I have three prs at the moment

Andy Gallerani · Post by **Andy Gallerani** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:25 pm

Do you guys wear these hiking shoes/boots that you are talking about during spring/summer play instead of x-training shoes? Or are these all worn during winter and/or on rainy rounds?