I have been looking for a good pair of shoes to wear during my DG rounds...I live in a pretty arid state, but I run across a fair amount of water. I have tried the Bite shoes that are specifically made for Disc Golf, but the interior of the shoe is a bit weak and has worn out. I want to find something better...
Yes! I know of the best wet weather shoes ever made. The company is called Vasque and the name of the shoe is called Catalyst. It comes in low, mid, and high. I think all choices are gor-tex sealed too. I have and prefer the mid catalyst for ankle support. I have 2 pairs of these and i mainly use them for wet weather ie: rain, dew, sprinklered courses, sloppy muddy teepads, etc etc etc. The reason why these shoes rule is cos of the sole. The sole is made out of Stealth rubber. This rubber is very durable and very sticky. Thats why I do not use them for dry weather. In dry weather they have a tendency to stick on my plant foot rotation and it throws off my timing. The best part of the shoe is when it's raining in a tournament and you see everyone slipping and shanking all over the place and then you step on the tee and plant as hard as you normally would like on a dry summer day and blast one on point 400 feet. For dry weather the best shoes I have ever found are the Nike Bandolier 1 mid gore-tex. They don't make these anymore so I buy the Bandolier 2 mid gore-tex. Its the same shoe with a new look but I like the way the 1's look better. These Nike's are very light and very comfortable right out of the box. I never got a single blister. Its like there is no break in period. They kind of feel like Jordan's for a hiking shoe. I swear by both of these. I hope this helps! -Ruben
I bought a new pair of Vasque shoes, I'm not sure the model. I love them. Leather upper balance, gore-tex, and Vibram rubber soles. $135 and worth every penny. Buy them at REI. If they fall apart you can take them back.
Permalink Reply by Bill on January 22, 2008 at 10:25am
For muddy conditions I use a cheap Hi-Tec brand hiking/workboot that I'd never hike in more than a mile but its good for sloppy conditions. When/if they get ruined, no worries.
For wet/cold and most all other time I have to say my Merrill low-tops are the bomb. They fight thru brambles and anything else, plus the support and tread are great for all terrains. I found mine for $50 2 years ago and the Gore-tex waterproofing allows me to just brush dried-on mud off with my hand. They even double as a casual work shoe on Fridays.
Permalink Reply by bobd on January 22, 2008 at 11:27am
Salomon all the way
I know a lot of you play on 'groomed' courses, so converse or what-not might work...
BUT here in Montana, Disc Golf is more hiking intensive, so Salomon hiking footwear rocks!
why?
First and foremost, COMFORT, Salomon is the closest natural fitting footwear on the market. Complete with orthotic style footbeds.
Second, Excellent grip.. ContaGrip is not only super grippy, but it last a long time too.. non-marking, aggressive tread.
Third, QuickLace system, invented by Salomon (first in ski boots) now on almost all Salomon shoes, and COPIED by the entire industry. No laces to trip on OR tie, and YES, they keep your shoes firmly in-place, without slipping.
Fourth, DURABILITY - I am rough on shoes, and Disc Golf is no exception. A large part of the Salomon footwear line is reinforced in areas that need it, toe caps, double and triple stiching, etc.
Lastly, Great Selection... you want Gore-Tex, got it, Breathable, got it, Low cut, got it, mid cut, got it, high/boots, got it, .. i could go on, and on... :)
The BEST pair of Salomon's I have played with - Salomon Super X Low-D. Feldberg in Salomon Super X Low's - Unfortunately this model is no longer in production...
this is basically what i do for a living, so I apologize for going above and beyond :) but SOLOMON is where it's at...
and as far as BITE goes, heh, keep trying... or stick to ball golf.
oh, BUT don't take my word for it, throw a pair on, and you'll be hooked too!
I have to disagree, the 2 pairs of Salomons that I tried fell apart after 3 rounds. Since then I have been sponsored by BITE and each pair has lasted at least 20 tournaments plus practice rounds
Permalink Reply by bobd on January 29, 2008 at 12:48pm
ok, seriously, you expect people to believe 3 rounds made your Salomon shoes "fall apart". ummm... yah.... A: get your money back from the store that sold you them, Salomon shoes come with a Warranty, as I imagine Bite does too...
B: sure, sure - BITE is like 50 times better than Salomon... hehehehe Thats why there is tons of GREAT Bite reviews here, and all bad Salomon..
from these posts, seems Salomon has actual, tried and true durability.. .. I think I read one person who had good luck with Bite.. (oh that wasn't Sponsored)
hehe 3 rounds, WHERE??? - I MUST ASK!!! --- but as stated b4, its different for everyone :) :)