xlh883 0 #1 August 31, 2006 I can't find much in the archives about shoes, well pretty much nothing. Does everyone wear running shoes for jumping or is there a preferred type of shoe out there? Still new to the sport and no one has told me not to wear my New Balance running shoes. If there is something better or safer, I would like to know. David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #2 August 31, 2006 Nothing wrong with running shoes if that's what you like. Personally I prefer a skateboard style shoe since it lets my feet slide on landing, which is nice when landing in no wind. My personal preference in that regard are Etnies; however, you may find a pair of shoes that fit your feet better. The only kind of shoe that isn't really good for skydiving are sandles, even though they're fasionable. Its easy to catch the lip of the sandle and break toes. Especially with modern canopies that have a plane out portion of the landing instead of sinking down through the flare. Oh, the other only kind of bad shoe would be anything with hooks on it. You know like the speed hooks on hiking boots that used to be popular (and are still found on work boots and the such). Just think about snagging one of those in a line or on something. Not good.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
woodpecker 0 #3 August 31, 2006 I too wear skate shoes. Mainly for looks/style, but I agree with the safety mentioned. No ankle support can be debated over but they LOOK nice. SONIC WOODY #146 There is a fine line between cockiness and confidence -- which side of the line are you on? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fmmobley 0 #4 August 31, 2006 I wear sandals, but a type that has the toe covered. I think they are made by Keen.... Marion Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dragon2 0 #5 August 31, 2006 I love nike air's (or similar) ciel bleu, Saskia Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xlh883 0 #6 August 31, 2006 You hit the nail on the head. I was mainly concerned about the landing portion. I am thinking that my shoes are keeping me from running off some of my better landings. They seem to catch the ground and not let go. My canopy is one of those that lieks to plane out and fly along the ground so I think a pair of draggable shoes might be in order. Thanks David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kingbunky 3 #7 August 31, 2006 i used to wear whatever sneakers i had, but i started wearing chucks' high tops. before i got my rw suit (with booties), i was always worried about losing a shoe in freefall. had a couple of close calls, but if i had tied them tighter and knotted the laces i would have been okay. the chucks' also have a flat sole and slide pretty good."Hang on a sec, the young'uns are throwin' beer cans at a golf cart." MB4252 TDS699 killing threads since 2001 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #8 August 31, 2006 I cant believe I have another legitimate opportunity to post the THE WORLDS BESTEST SHOES http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=70696;You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
idlewild70 0 #9 August 31, 2006 Flat soled skate shoes are good for sliding out your landings. I personally wear nike shox high tops because i need the ankle support. they are not good for sliding, but give me the ankle support i need.-Fish Blue skies, Soft landings Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 36 #10 August 31, 2006 I don't slide landings, too many gopher holes, so I've worn Alps sandles for years. That or normal cross trainers. Sometimes I want traction and wear approach shoes. Some of the guys used to wear wrestling shoes for some more feel, high top, thin soles.I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
phoenixlpr 0 #11 August 31, 2006 Depends on the weather. I've used snowboarding boots in the winter, boots in cold weather, running shoes in normal and sandals in the heat. Sandals are not practical in the swoop pit with sand and gravel. I prefer shoes with slick/flat bottom with wingsuit. It is a pain in the ass to remove booties from trackion shoes in WS jump. I slipped on dry hay even with traction shoes . I know a man who prefers to jump with bare feet in the summer time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
apollard24 0 #12 August 31, 2006 Yep I will have to agree, I love my Etnies. And if you have wide feet like me they will fit perfect! Breathe out so I can breathe you in... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 3 #13 August 31, 2006 I have three different pairs of skate shoes that I wear. I make my choice depending on what color jumpsuit I am jumping or if I plan on pond swooping. All have flat, easy-to-slide soles. My primary pair are Sketchers and both the other pair are later-model Vans. Chuck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DJL 232 #14 August 31, 2006 I wear whatever is comfortable and I don't care about trashing. Usually old running shoes."I encourage all awesome dangerous behavior." - Jeffro Fincher Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xlh883 0 #15 August 31, 2006 QuoteI have three different pairs of skate shoes that I wear. I make my choice depending on what color jumpsuit I am jumping or if I plan on pond swooping. Chuck You sound very fashion consicous! Sounds like we need to have a skydiving fashion show some time. David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #16 September 1, 2006 QuoteQuoteI have three different pairs of skate shoes that I wear. I make my choice depending on what color jumpsuit I am jumping or if I plan on pond swooping. Chuck You sound very fashion consicous! Sounds like we need to have a skydiving fashion show some time. David I would winYou are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matthewcline 0 #17 September 1, 2006 Only if the judgespanel was all Min. Vikings fans. ( for the non-US Football fans, purple and yellow is the Teams color scheme)An Instructors first concern is student safety. So, start being safe, first!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xlh883 0 #18 September 1, 2006 You would win the purple category for sure! David Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
recovercrachead 0 #19 September 1, 2006 I thought you were suppose to where those shoes with the metal pieces that the laces go around. What were the called?Track high, Pull LOW!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites