What shoes do you wear while playing?

[JReynolds]

I wear nike running shoes, with nice padded socks

 

[Okie-J]

Merrell Moab Vents.

 

[ringerguy]

Nike or Adidas running shoes. They are really light and very affordable. They are more durable than my friends' keen or merrell disc golf specific shoes. Which makes me laugh

If I know it is going to be really muddy or wet then I will switch to my hiking boots.

 

[Imbadatdiscgolf]

Nike or Adidas running shoes. They are really light and very affordable. They are more durable than my friends' keen or merrell disc golf specific shoes. Which makes me laugh

If I know it is going to be really muddy or wet then I will switch to my hiking boots.

I haven't had luck with Keen, Merrell, or Nike. I'm hard on shoes though. Patagonias have held up the best, well besides my Born shoes but those aren't really good for DG.

 

[SteezeOG]

Year round

 

[discdoh]

I hope this doesn't come off harsh on Merrell, but I have never been very impressed. I really liked the fit and comfort level of their shoes, but the durability always left something to be desired. If it wasn't the soles coming apart, it was the seams busting out, or the gore-tex failing after a month or 2, or the laces falling apart. Trust me, I don't like to rag on any company, but I more than gave Merrell a fair shake of the stick simply because I loved the fit.

I first bought Merrells back before the turn of the Millenium (before they were bought out by Wolverine). They had a line of trail runners that was truly the first of its kind. To give a little reference, Nike soon followed with their ACG line of shoes. At the time, the Merrell shoes WAY outlasted the Nikes in terms of DG durability. Gore-Tex was still kind of a new concept in this type of shoe, so for the most part, this wasn't even an option. Everyone always asked what kind of shoes they were and I gladly offered up accolades. Even then, however, they had a persitent problem with the toe seams blowing out. If you have owned Merrells throughout the years, you know exactly what I am talking about.

I continually purchased new Merrells (before I found REI andd their replacement policy) all the way up until about 5-8 years ago. I started to get a little disenheartened with having to spend $75+ (add Gore-Tex $100+) every 9 months or so (and the shoes were always beyond trashed). Once an REI opened up in my area, I immediately joined the club and started to experiment with other brands. I found that most shoes won't hold up any better in terms of the outsoles, but most shoes will hold up better in terms of the insoles/gore-tex. After a while, however, I started to feel like a DB going into REI every 2 months to trade in my used shoes with a vague complaint and a request for a completely different pair of shoes. I am sure a lot of people wouldn't have a problem with this, but I did...I like my REI afterall! That is when I started to do some research online and came up with my best solution so far. I found a pair of LOWA shoes onlne that looked like a perfect match. REI didn't carry them, but they were more than willing to bring them in for me. I would give you some different model numbers, but in all honesty they are all superbly made. The only reason I have ever had to get rid of a pair was due to the lugs on the bottom finally wearing out after 2 years of use and the muddy traction wasn't as good as I wanted. That is all. The Gore-Tex has never failed in any pair. They are a little pricey, but, in my experiences, this doesn't come into play in the long run.

Sorry for the essay, but I thought I would try to shed a little light on a subject that I have been obsessed with for pretty much the duration of my DGing "career". Sorry, Merrell, but until I start seeing DGers with 6 month old shoes in good vs. destroyed shape, I won't be purchasing your shoes ever again...and trust me, I loved your fit the best!

 

[Um...]

I wear the saucony Xodus 2.0 trail runners. Light, vibram sole, sweet looking spiderman shoes.

Im saving my pennies to get the xodus 3.0s. Saucony makes a great shoe.

Been thinking about these, but they look like they'd let a lot of fine dust and dirt get into your shoe. Has this been your experience? What about water resistance?

 

[Connor Jones]

I hope this doesn't come off harsh on Merrell, but I have never been very impressed. I really liked the fit and comfort level of their shoes, but the durability always left something to be desired. If it wasn't the soles coming apart, it was the seams busting out, or the gore-tex failing after a month or 2, or the laces falling apart. Trust me, I don't like to rag on any company, but I more than gave Merrell a fair shake of the stick simply because I loved the fit.

I first bought Merrells back before the turn of the Millenium (before they were bought out by Wolverine). They had a line of trail runners that was truly the first of its kind. To give a little reference, Nike soon followed with their ACG line of shoes. At the time, the Merrell shoes WAY outlasted the Nikes in terms of DG durability. Gore-Tex was still kind of a new concept in this type of shoe, so for the most part, this wasn't even an option. Everyone always asked what kind of shoes they were and I gladly offered up accolades. Even then, however, they had a persitent problem with the toe seams blowing out. If you have owned Merrells throughout the years, you know exactly what I am talking about.

I continually purchased new Merrells (before I found REI andd their replacement policy) all the way up until about 5-8 years ago. I started to get a little disenheartened with having to spend $75+ (add Gore-Tex $100+) every 9 months or so (and the shoes were always beyond trashed). Once an REI opened up in my area, I immediately joined the club and started to experiment with other brands. I found that most shoes won't hold up any better in terms of the outsoles, but most shoes will hold up better in terms of the insoles/gore-tex. After a while, however, I started to feel like a DB going into REI every 2 months to trade in my used shoes with a vague complaint and a request for a completely different pair of shoes. I am sure a lot of people wouldn't have a problem with this, but I did...I like my REI afterall! That is when I started to do some research online and came up with my best solution so far. I found a pair of LOWA shoes onlne that looked like a perfect match. REI didn't carry them, but they were more than willing to bring them in for me. I would give you some different model numbers, but in all honesty they are all superbly made. The only reason I have ever had to get rid of a pair was due to the lugs on the bottom finally wearing out after 2 years of use and the muddy traction wasn't as good as I wanted. That is all. The Gore-Tex has never failed in any pair. They are a little pricey, but, in my experiences, this doesn't come into play in the long run.

Sorry for the essay, but I thought I would try to shed a little light on a subject that I have been obsessed with for pretty much the duration of my DGing "career". Sorry, Merrell, but until I start seeing DGers with 6 month old shoes in good vs. destroyed shape, I won't be purchasing your shoes ever again...and trust me, I loved your fit the best!

I've had my merrells around 5 months and they're still pretty much like new.

And i've played at least 120+ rounds in that timespan as well.

 

[SteezeOG]

discdoh- sounds like an honest and fair assessment to me. I've had better results but the new moabs I got are the first merrells I've had for over a decade. The last pair I still own strictly for hiking and haven't worn a bit on me. I've played a round a day or more on these and even buried them in pond mud that was up to my knees. I scrubbed them and they look good as new. Goretex is holding up well. I hope I don't have the durability issues you have recently but I'll check back in six months after a summer in them.

 

[discdoh]

I've had my merrells around 5 months and they're still pretty much like new.

And i've played at least 120+ rounds in that timespan as well.

They must not be gore-tex...their gore-tex assembly is not good at all. Just saying.

Congrats, though, on finding a pair of Merrells that has given you close to a solid 1/2 year. I hope they continue to last!

 

[BogeyNoMore]

Used to play in high heeled sneakers.

I hope this doesn't come off harsh on Merrell, but I have never been very impressed. I really liked the fit and comfort level of their shoes, but the durability always left something to be desired. If it wasn't the soles coming apart, it was the seams busting out, or the gore-tex failing after a month or 2, or the laces falling apart. Trust me, I don't like to rag on any company, but I more than gave Merrell a fair shake of the stick simply because I loved the fit.

I first bought Merrells back before the turn of the Millenium (before they were bought out by Wolverine). They had a line of trail runners that was truly the first of its kind. To give a little reference, Nike soon followed with their ACG line of shoes. At the time, the Merrell shoes WAY outlasted the Nikes in terms of DG durability. Gore-Tex was still kind of a new concept in this type of shoe, so for the most part, this wasn't even an option. Everyone always asked what kind of shoes they were and I gladly offered up accolades. Even then, however, they had a persitent problem with the toe seams blowing out. If you have owned Merrells throughout the years, you know exactly what I am talking about.

I continually purchased new Merrells (before I found REI andd their replacement policy) all the way up until about 5-8 years ago. I started to get a little disenheartened with having to spend $75+ (add Gore-Tex $100+) every 9 months or so (and the shoes were always beyond trashed). Once an REI opened up in my area, I immediately joined the club and started to experiment with other brands. I found that most shoes won't hold up any better in terms of the outsoles, but most shoes will hold up better in terms of the insoles/gore-tex. After a while, however, I started to feel like a DB going into REI every 2 months to trade in my used shoes with a vague complaint and a request for a completely different pair of shoes. I am sure a lot of people wouldn't have a problem with this, but I did...I like my REI afterall! That is when I started to do some research online and came up with my best solution so far. I found a pair of LOWA shoes onlne that looked like a perfect match. REI didn't carry them, but they were more than willing to bring them in for me. I would give you some different model numbers, but in all honesty they are all superbly made. The only reason I have ever had to get rid of a pair was due to the lugs on the bottom finally wearing out after 2 years of use and the muddy traction wasn't as good as I wanted. That is all. The Gore-Tex has never failed in any pair. They are a little pricey, but, in my experiences, this doesn't come into play in the long run.

Sorry for the essay, but I thought I would try to shed a little light on a subject that I have been obsessed with for pretty much the duration of my DGing "career". Sorry, Merrell, but until I start seeing DGers with 6 month old shoes in good vs. destroyed shape, I won't be purchasing your shoes ever again...and trust me, I loved your fit the best!

Just got a pair of these very Gore-Tex Merrells from... REI. A few people have posted here about their woes with a pair of Merrells, but it seems more often than not, folks are happy with them. I needed to grab something quick for a trip I took over X-mas, and REI and the pictured shoe was convenient and comfy... so I rolled the dice.

Will see how they work out for me.
:crosses fingers smiley: opcorn:

 

[Connor Jones]

They're not, they're just the standard moab vents, i've really enjoyed them so far!

At the same time though, although I am a big guy I think I have a pretty low impact form, pretty light on my feet.

 

[Dsplayname]

I just wear my Reebok Realflex freerunning shoes until it's hot out, then I go barefoot. It's the best way to play.

 

[jobwilson]

These! I am actually on my 3rd pair (two warranty claims, but hey, they honor it).

This 3rd pair really seems to be holding up a lot better.

Year round

 

[Stud Muffin]

Waterproof shoes tend to not last for me, so I keep it simple:

*on courses with cement pads, I use cross training shoes.
*on courses with natural pads, I use hiking shoes.

I shy away from running and basketball shoes.

Depending on your budget, and the course you most often play, I would invest in that direction. I have so many things I want to do that I really hate investing $100 into a pair of shoes, but my home course is natural, so I would love some comfortable Merrell's with the Vibram soles, but even if I had the spare money, I would rather invest it into my house right now.

 

[kpc2004]

I wear Merrell Chameleon Wrap Slam's. Great shoes for DG but they are noticably heavier than regular athletic shoes and my legs are more tired after a 8-9 hour disc marathon than when I wore Nike Air Max's.

 

[sactoduck916]

Had used Nike Shox and they were great. What I liked about them was the long time comfort and duribility of the shoe, they are very light weight and lasted at least 300 rounds. I have moved on to a new Nike trail shoe called the Nike Avlord. So far so good, they have twice the traction of my previous pair but are a touch heavier.

 

[5slamma]

anything Timberland. I have like 12 pairs of various Timberlands from flops to formal to hiking.

 

[cmcolomb]

yea - I will also chime in on the less-than-desirable durability from Merrell... especially in recent years.

I've been thru many brands/types:
- started with some old slip-on, waterproof Tevas (worked great, eventually wore out after 2+ years)
- Keen... started with some Newports for summer play and then ventured into their DG line, not impressed - continued trying Keens and just found they didn't fit well on my foot - not knocking them in the least bit, but my ankle would always slip and move (think, chicken legs)
- Merrell - eh... the Vibram soles could only do so much to improve my allegiance to this shoe brand.. lugs fell apart, rips in the mesh, etc. etc.
- Northface - good shoe, low durability (bout half a year)
- Salomon - great shoe, decent durability (almost a year)

and then I thought, 'hey how bout i give ol' Teva another go'.... and then, BAM
- Teva Riva eVents
- a hell of a shoe, virtually unscathed after 2 months of use (recent months, cold/wet conditions, 3x per week)

 

[Verjaeger]

running shoes with some tread