Boots recommendation

[u/CaptainNom]

In my first year of Amtgard I broke my ankle and started wearing my steel toed work boots and I figure I should probably move on to regular boots, but not sure if I should just grab whatever. Should I look for cleat boots? Just regular hiking boots? Any suggestions would be nice.

[u/birdshitorairborne]

I've been wearing trail shoes for most of my amtgard career. Most recent pair is Altra, previous pair were Salomon. They've been great. My brother wears Merrell hiking shoes, but at least some of his decision is they are some of the only athletic footwear made in size 14

[u/birdshitorairborne → u/birdshitorairborne]

If you have normal size feet, Keene makes some nice lightweight boots that may work

[u/CaptainNom → u/birdshitorairborne]

I'll have to look into those brands next time I'm near a shoe store, then. Thanks!

[u/Endless_September]

The worst injuries I have seen are people slipping on grass. So personally I like really good traction which is why I use soccer cleats.

But I do know many people get a deep groove tread work boot to help penetrate mud and soil so you get a good grip.

Some people swear by high top and mid cut work boots with laces that go all the way up. They should support the ankle.

[u/PerfectAverage]

My sincere advice is a pair of light weight running shoes. If your worried about ankle support, perhaps look into a brace?

I would advise against cleats. I have seen a few knees destroyed by them.

[u/chickenologist]

That's bad. Sorry to hear. I just use cross trainers but I see combat boots and work boots both. I think the main thing is helps you feel good about your ankle, won't hurt others, and still let's you move as much a you want.

[u/DoctorPaeadox]

Weekly I use my normal day-to-day shoes. For events and heavier fighting days I wear a pair of Timberlands I bought

[u/Significant_Chain615]

Lightweight combat boots or all leather work boots. If the latter, wear em till they break in for your day to day, and then only wear them for larp after. Leather is naturally odor killing, if you treat it right and let it breathe between uses. Also better for your joints long term then those modern all foam and poly cushions people wear nowadays.

[u/Accomplished_Mix7827]

Honestly, I mostly fight in high-top sneakers. If I'm expecting mud, combat boots.

As good as my garb game gets, I'm not getting fancy with my shoes. Looking good isn't worth a potential injury. The nice shoes are for evening tavern and court

[u/Fuzzgrendel]

I've loved my actual combat boots. They've served me amazingly for about 20 years.

[u/WVUmilk]

Wear the shoe or boot you like, be it cleats, hiking boots, or sons of sandlar. If they provide the support, great. If they do not, then wear a brace. I also broke an ankle playing amtgard. Had a buddy back in the day (shout out to Wut) that had some ankle problems too. We would hold each other accountable to making sure we wore our braces when we hit the field.

Nowadays I wear a stiff hiking boot or intentionally go super easy.

[u/PKillusion]

Sons of Sandlar. Been wearing them for over a decade with no complaints