I am still fairly new to disc golf, been playing all together for a little over 1 year... What do people prefer for discgolf shoes? I like running shoes since i was in track all my life, but they get tore up really fast... I guess i am looking for a lightweight, comfortable and durable shoe.

Can't speak for durability yet, but the opinion here seems to favor Merrells and the like. For what its worth, I just (tonight) bought a pair of Merrell Chameleon II Stretch shoes. Very slight color variation got me 40 bucks off at the local [censored] Sporting Goods. Can't wait to play in 'em tomorrow. KP

Merrell's, although I played in Saucony's for a long time before I got my Merrell's.

Dunham

I am still fairly new to disc golf, been playing all
together for a little over 1 year... What do people prefer for discgolf shoes? I like running shoes [...]



Running shoes don't work well for DG as the heel is very built up and they provide about zero lateral stability - very bad.

My three season shoe is Hi-Tec Altitude IV Hiking Boot that's very sturdy. Also, the sole is just grippy enough. Too grippy in the sole will transfer huge amounts of stress into the lower joints, the knee in particular, which takes a lot of torque on a typical throw.

In the summer, I use the same Hi Tecs if the ground will be at all slippery or a rugged course. Otherwise, a court shoe like a basic tennis or maybe even basketball shoe works. These shoes are built to be stable for the kinds of movements involved in DG.

Also, Trail hiking / walking shoes might be an option but I've never tried them.

Merrell's, although I played in Saucony's for a long time before I got my Merrell's.



I've been wearing merrells for four years now. I've had 5 pairs ( I like to alternate them) and no other shoe has held up better than merrells.

I've tried: Nike, Hi-Tec, Northface, Solomans, and nothing handles like merrells. The Chameleon is my fav, with gore-tex and the vibram sole.

I just purchased my first pair of Merrell Moab GTX....i've tried a slew of other shoes....so far the Merrells are rock solid.....

I really like the Asolo Fusion GTX 95. They are Goretex and have great gripping Vibram soles. After my Bite shoes wear out, I'm going back to them.

Salomon!!!! I went through 3 pair of Merrill in 2 seasons and they never held up or they would have horrible quality control and materials would be really poor.

I've worn Merrell Chameleons for the last 4 years and just bought a new pair yesterday (Hex Stretch), but I've found a Nike trail runner (Air Alvord IV) that handles well too. I'll probably be switching them out this year.

If you like running shoes, then definitely try the trail running shoes. A little more durable and grippy than road runners.

I went through 2 pairs of salomons in 2 seasons, great shoe-they're just not that durable;just like Adidas who makes them. Try the Vasque Velocity; last pair that I had lasted a year,just got another pair.

I wear Nike ACG trail shoes to play in and I really love the grip that you get, even on wet days.

I've got Bites and Salomons as well as some Timberland/GoLites that I was digging for a while. The only problem with the Timberlands was the lacing systems would fail. The Salomon laces snapped, but I got a free replacement and REI installed it. The Salomons look almost new. I've had them since a little after USDGC 2006. And I wear them most of the time when I play. They're the style that Avery used to love, but they were discontinued. I would love to get a new pair, but I will let these last a little longer. I do not play as much as most, but I can be hard on my shoes.

Don't go with NorthFace gortex shoes. A friend and I have the exact same shoes and both pairs have torn on the rubber outsole. The bottom of mine started coming loose after the very first round. Their customer service is lacking at best as well. I sent several emails and called several times. I was put on hold and waited for almost a half hour each time. I never got a response from any of the emails that I sent to them.

Not exactly what you would expect from a pair of shoes that cost over $110.

Strange... I used North Face Goretex trail runners for the last 2 1/2 years and loved them. Each pair lasted a little over a year before needing to be replaced. I got new ones when the water resistance started to go. I would highly recommend them.

Mine still work they are just missing pieces of rubber on the bottom of the shoe. I have had them for about a year now and the water resistence is now fading as well. I put a lot of torque on shoes and the rubber soles just seem to turn off with that rotation I guess. My friend doesn't throw that hard but is missing rubber in the same spot on the opposite side. He is a lefty where I am a righty. I have heard good and bad things about every shoe company out there so one person's issues doesn't mean its a bad shoe I guess.

Salomon techamphibian...hands down the best shoe i've had for disc ever. This shoe is amazingly light, comfortable, and can handle everything disc golf can throw at it. I've ruined many soles of shoes because of the pivoting in throwing. But the soles on these bad boys are molded very well. Now...having said that, i've only had them for 9 months...but not a problem whatsoever yet. Also...even though i've had them only 9 months, i've ruined shoes in less time than that. Get them now...zappos.com....free overnight shipping...and free return shipping. Order 2 pairs at different sizes...then the next day send one pair back that fits badly....for free! Salomon Techamphibian...very light and very durable. If you've ever been in track and had track shoes....this is the equivalent for hiking shoes.

they aren't waterproof...but they are for water hiking...so there is meshing on it...but thats why its so light. ( i didn't want people to buy them for the wrong reasons)....besides these are relatively cheap for salomons as well.

I have played about 10 rounds with Merrell Chameleon Wrap Mid Goretex. Performance-wise, they are awesome. I can literally stand in 4 inches of water and my feet stay completely dry. The grip is also great on all surfaces including mud and snow. The other thing I like is they are a hiking boot, but are lightweight. From the ankle down, they are molded to be form-fitting almost like running shoes. Definitely not bulky clunkers like normal hiking boots.

The only thing I am concerned about is durability. I am already seeing some significant wear from cement tee-pads. I think Vibram material is designed for grip and performance, but definitely not durability.

I think they will be a perfect disc golf shoe, for as long as they last.

Merrell's, although I played in Saucony's for a long time before I got my Merrell's.



I've been wearing merrells for four years now. I've had 5 pairs ( I like to alternate them) and no other shoe has held up better than merrells.

I've tried: Nike, Hi-Tec, Northface, Solomans, and nothing handles like merrells. The Chameleon is my fav, with gore-tex and the vibram sole.




I can't believe you are trying to say Merrell is good...you've gone through 5 pairs in 4 years...nuh uh, not gonna cut it, not even if you alternate. Get Salomon Techamphibian...get with it. Merrels soles are crappily molded...not a disc shoe thats for sure..the reason being they basically glue a exterior pad to the bottom of the sole...its not molded on. Over time discing, the turing and twisting it recieves tears the pad off. Mine lasted less than a half a year. When buying disc shoes look for a fully molded sole that actually looks sturdy.. None of this crappy manufactuing processes stuff just to save merrell a couple a bucks a year...meanwhile all you suckas out there keep paying them to make crappy shoes. Salomon Techamphibian....get them...the sole is fully molded and its super light and durable for its weight and "seemingly" flimsy stature. However...thats why i said "seemingly" flimsy...because they really are good shoes.

Merrell's, although I played in Saucony's for a long time before I got my Merrell's.



I've been wearing merrells for four years now. I've had 5 pairs ( I like to alternate them) and no other shoe has held up better than merrells.

I've tried: Nike, Hi-Tec, Northface, Solomans, and nothing handles like merrells. The Chameleon is my fav, with gore-tex and the vibram sole.




I can't believe you are trying to say Merrell is good...you've gone through 5 pairs in 4 years...nuh uh, not gonna cut it, not even if you alternate. Get Salomon Techamphibian...get with it. Merrels soles are crappily molded...not a disc shoe thats for sure..the reason being they basically glue a exterior pad to the bottom of the sole...its not molded on. Over time discing, the turing and twisting it recieves tears the pad off. Mine lasted less than a half a year. When buying disc shoes look for a fully molded sole that actually looks sturdy.. None of this crappy manufactuing processes stuff just to save merrell a couple a bucks a year...meanwhile all you suckas out there keep paying them to make crappy shoes. Salomon Techamphibian....get them...the sole is fully molded and its super light and durable for its weight and "seemingly" flimsy stature. However...thats why i said "seemingly" flimsy...because they really are good shoes.



I'm glad you have all of the facts...

Each of the five pairs are still wearable. The soles are great on each pair. The uppers are also good. I've never had a problem with the goretex.

I've had five pairs in the last four years because I can afford to. I like buying new things. Case in point, I just bought a camcorder during lunch today just because. I bought a new laptop computer, an 80 gig ipod, and a PSP last week. Just because. I like buying new pairs of Merrells because I like new ones. Right now if I go out to play for the weekend I choose between which pair I'm going to wear. I've never had a pair fail. I'm a stocky 225lbs. Plenty of playing on all tee pads.

Again, I'm glad you've got all the info to form an opinion of my post.

Have a great day!

Merrell's, although I played in Saucony's for a long time before I got my Merrell's.



I've been wearing merrells for four years now. I've had 5 pairs ( I like to alternate them) and no other shoe has held up better than merrells.

I've tried: Nike, Hi-Tec, Northface, Solomans, and nothing handles like merrells. The Chameleon is my fav, with gore-tex and the vibram sole.




I can't believe you are trying to say Merrell is good...you've gone through 5 pairs in 4 years...nuh uh, not gonna cut it, not even if you alternate. Get Salomon Techamphibian...get with it. Merrels soles are crappily molded...not a disc shoe thats for sure..the reason being they basically glue a exterior pad to the bottom of the sole...its not molded on. Over time discing, the turing and twisting it recieves tears the pad off. Mine lasted less than a half a year. When buying disc shoes look for a fully molded sole that actually looks sturdy.. None of this crappy manufactuing processes stuff just to save merrell a couple a bucks a year...meanwhile all you suckas out there keep paying them to make crappy shoes. Salomon Techamphibian....get them...the sole is fully molded and its super light and durable for its weight and "seemingly" flimsy stature. However...thats why i said "seemingly" flimsy...because they really are good shoes.



I'm glad you have all of the facts...

Each of the five pairs are still wearable. The soles are great on each pair. The uppers are also good. I've never had a problem with the goretex.

I've had five pairs in the last four years because I can afford to. I like buying new things. Case in point, I just bought a camcorder during lunch today just because. I bought a new laptop computer, an 80 gig ipod, and a PSP last week. Just because. I like buying new pairs of Merrells because I like new ones. Right now if I go out to play for the weekend I choose between which pair I'm going to wear. I've never had a pair fail. I'm a stocky 225lbs. Plenty of playing on all tee pads.

Again, I'm glad you've got all the info to form an opinion of my post.

Have a great day!


Do you like buying new stuff for others as well? I'm sure there are plenty of us on here that can use some new Merrells :D

Don't go with NorthFace gortex shoes. A friend and I have the exact same shoes and both pairs have torn on the rubber outsole. The bottom of mine started coming loose after the very first round. Their customer service is lacking at best as well. I sent several emails and called several times. I was put on hold and waited for almost a half hour each time. I never got a response from any of the emails that I sent to them.

Not exactly what you would expect from a pair of shoes that cost over $110.



I have 3 pair of North Face. 2 that are really good and 1 that totally sucked.
The M Ultra 103 XCR (http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AYW8&language=en) sucked.

The M Hedgehog GTX XCR (http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AX4R&language=en) and another pair which are no longer available both perform awesome.

The key is the sole. Make sure the sole can handle the rigors of stopping and starting. Some running style shoes just shread under those conditions because that isn't what they are designed for.

I love my Merrells - I use Chameleon IIs.

Ladies take note - another great thing about the Merrell Chameleons is that they are available in women's sizes !!!! (If you've just looked for them at the sporting goods, you may not know they are made for women too because some of those big chain stores don't stock well for women - but look online or try a specialty retailer and you should be able to order them.)

I tried the North Face dial tightening shoes, they were way too stiff. they were also too small by size. With the dial in the back, they had no give, so they really hurt my feet. The dial was tight, as in cool, but the fit was tight as in owww!

I just bought a pair of Merrell (2 months ago but only use for DG) and think they are a piece of crap. Since wearing them I have started to have serious foot pains and blisters in the heel area. For the price I paid not recommended

Don't go with NorthFace gortex shoes. A friend and I have the exact same shoes and both pairs have torn on the rubber outsole. The bottom of mine started coming loose after the very first round. Their customer service is lacking at best as well. I sent several emails and called several times. I was put on hold and waited for almost a half hour each time. I never got a response from any of the emails that I sent to them.

Not exactly what you would expect from a pair of shoes that cost over $110.



I have 3 pair of North Face. 2 that are really good and 1 that totally sucked.
The M Ultra 103 XCR (http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AYW8&language=en) sucked.

The M Hedgehog GTX XCR (http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/opencms/tnf/gear.jsp?site=NA&model=AX4R&language=en) and another pair which are no longer available both perform awesome.

The key is the sole. Make sure the sole can handle the rigors of stopping and starting. Some running style shoes just shread under those conditions because that isn't what they are designed for.



That's funny I have the 103 XCRs in orange and they looked cool at the time but didn't make it through the first round without the rubber coming unglued on the bottom. Like I mentioned earlier a friend has the exact same color and model and his tore up in no time also.

That's funny I have the 103 XCRs in orange and they looked cool at the time but didn't make it through the first round without the rubber coming unglued on the bottom. Like I mentioned earlier a friend has the exact same color and model and his tore up in no time also.



thats what happend to all 3 pairs of salomons ive owned within a week the rubber on bottom starts to seperate.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa260/erroneous930/IMG_0374.jpg

I'm the only person I've seen playing in track shoes, but I play most rounds in Puma 5000 shoes -- they have zero ankle support, are incredibly light, and the bottom is covered in hundreds of conical nubs. Imagine sharpening a pencil eraser until it came to a point, and that's what the nubs feel like. I've found them to have great traction on all surfaces except slick mud, and because of the evenness of the tread, they don't torque your knee when you throw -- its grip without joint pain. I've been throwing on them for about two years -- probably an average of two rounds a week -- and they have done great. Not for everyone, for sure, but I am a person who would rather throw barefoot than anything else, and these are some of the least intrusive shoes I've ever worn.

Alternately, on decent teepads/dry conditions, I wear Puma indoor soccer shoes. Great grip on all dry surfaces and very comfortable.

On muddy days on courses with dirt/gravel tees, I wear Puma soccer cleats -- again, incredibly light (though no ankle support), and fantastic grip on poor surfaces. These will cause torque to the knee if you throw hard backhands, but I throw a lot of forehands, especially when ground conditions are poor, since the forehand release is more predictable, so having a firm plant foot for a flick is more important than the detriment to the backhand throw.

I know these are all untraditional choices, but I figure for someone out there -- especially people who play a lot of soccer/ultimate and are most comfortable in that type of footwear, may appreciate the recommendations.

My best advice: wear what YOU feel most comfortable in. Throwing well is more about a solid mental game than it is about the best equipment. I've played some of my best rounds in Birkenstocks -- no traction, lousy in weather, slip off the feet when climbing hills -- and yet they were comfy and they were what I had with me when friends wanted to play, so I played... so the shoes I play in are the ones that are reliable and aren't distracting -- the shoes that allow me to keep my head in the game instead of worrying about my feet. Remember that whatever goes on your feet goes in your head as well.

I just bought a pair of Merrell (2 months ago but only use for DG) and think they are a piece of crap. Since wearing them I have started to have serious foot pains and blisters in the heel area. For the price I paid not recommended



I've tried a lot of shoes and Merrills are my favorites. I'm on my 4th pair. I'm super hard on shoes, though I don't have any habits like foot dragging or anything. These shoes stay in good condition for about 3-4 months. After that they are still comfy for lawn mowing, etc, but they have lost support and traction. I play/practice almost every day. This may not seem like a long time, but its easily twice as long as anything elso I've bought. The hiking varieties have lasted longer than the chameleons. Right now I'm wearing Moab Ventilators which are super light and cool, yet very supportive. Perfect for Florida heat.

Regarding blisters and sore feet from your Merrells .. it doesn't matter how durable a shoe is (or how well it works for someone else) if it doesn't fit your feet properly. Take Bites, for example - Coleman and both boys bought some, but they just didn't fit them properly. (yes, we had 3 pairs of practically unused Bites in the garage!!) They seemed like great shoes, and we were eager to support a manufacturer interested in the disc golf market -- but the shoes just didn't work for their feet.

I will also add that I wear arch support inserts in my Merrells - I have a high arch and need that additional support. From my experience, I've concluded that the Chameleon IIs aren't very good for someone with high arches without an appropriate insert. I don't have custom inserts, but they are high-quality very stiff inserts from the local Foot Store (where the pedorthists work) not the WalMart. It was $25 VERY WELL spent!! That said, I can wear those shoes and be on my feet all day and have no kind of foot soreness at all.

The fact that the Merrells are available in women's sizes is really important for fit. How many times have you seen a woman playing in running shoes because that's really all she's got for the outdoors? (Its not that you can't play in running shoes, but it does make things harder!). Switching over to a small man's shoe doesn't work terribly well either (because the basic shoe doesn't really fit the shape of the female foot). Its great news for women that Merrell makes an option !!

i someone trying to be sarcastic? you're not good at it otterbein, thats for sure. Just because ur funny looking i give you 10 nerd points...and as for you erroneous...look at the decision you made when you bought the shoe...it has the pad that is glued to the bottom...and is obviously not molded as one unit....geez. What a waste of money...but maybe you didn't know enough then. decisions decisions...make sure you don't waste you money like otterbein...buying shoe after shoe for no reason at all...wow...how was that sarcasm? waaaawaaaweeeee.

If you don't like your shoes, try a new pair of Smartwool socks. A good heavy hiking grade sock with plenty of cushion will do wonders for shoes that are giving you problems. A thin pair of Smartwool running socks can be a lifesaver if your feet get soaked. They wick dry and are snug, not saggy like cotton. When cotton gets wet in your shoes, it starts to break ddown, but Smartwool does not. INVEST in a couple pairs of Smartwool socks and live in them for a weekend. I mean put them on on Friday, and do not take them off until Sunday night. You will be sold, and your feet will thank you. And your shoes won't stink. Nor will your feet. Your putt might still stink though. I have about 5 pairs of Smartwool socks, and I would go all Smartwool if I could afford to. I have a pair that is 8 years old and still going strong, cept for a couple holes from moths (I guess), but they are still awesome. I do not go out of town to a tournament without them. Even the heavy hiking socks are not awfully hot in the summer. And they don't itch. I wouldn't wear them if they did. Technology rocks.

and as for you erroneous...look at the decision you made when you bought the shoe...it has the pad that is glued to the bottom...and is obviously not molded as one unit....geez. What a waste of money...but maybe you didn't know enough then. decisions decisions...make sure you don't waste you money like otterbein...buying shoe after shoe for no reason at all...wow...how was that sarcasm? waaaawaaaweeeee.



i got 2 pairs of those blue ones on SAC for 35$ each so no i didn't get a good look at how the sole was glued layers. but after tearing up the first pair i decided to use the other for non-disc golf and im happy with them and it wasn't a waste of money...

yeah Steep and Cheap!

Another convert!

I haven't quite went out on a limb and spent the money on smartwool, but I have been buying underarmor socks and they are awesome in the FL heat. I stopped wearing cotton a long time ago and will never go back. I agree that a lot of people spend money on good shoes and totally overlook decent socks.

Are these the ones? SMART WOOL (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?N=0&allWords=smartwool%20sock&s earchDescriptions=true)

That would be them. If you have loose feeling shoes, or your feet get sore from a day's worth of disc golfing, go with the hiking weight (medium to heavy). If you are snug, go with the cycling type. $8 is a serious bargain on these. Sierra always has em on special, they are most likely discontinued styles, but still the same high quality.

Sierra is one of the best places to find them. Try a few types to find your favorite, but you'll find a use for all, most likely. Wear the thicker ones for cold and wet weather. The thinner ones for dry or hot. Thicker ones can last an entire weekend, while the thinner ones should probably be changed daily, or at least given a break.

That extra cushion REALLY makes a difference if you are on a long course.

Stone Creek Ascender. <$20.00 lugs are staying on and concrete tee pads are not affecting them. No ankle support though.

There is alot of sound advice here regarding discn shoes. So many factors are involved. I played a little in the "Socal Series". I wore Vans or equivelant skate shoes while playing that series. Those shoes were great in that venue. I am partial to the more mountainous rugged type courses. The trail runner shoes are definitely the best style of shoe for all around discn. Pretty much all of the trail runners have a reinforced toe area. Sadly I have not gotten to try the Bytes. I have worn Merrills. They were a tough as nails shoe that didn't fall apart on me. After about 6-8 months they did become a little uncomfortable. I am very hard on shoes. I have seen at least 5-6 other golfers wearing those same shoes. They all had great things to say about those shoes. I also have the Soloman Techamphibians. Sick summer shoe! I have a wide foot, so they took some time to break in. Still, I'm saying that they are the best "Summer" shoe I have come across. It's nice to wear an all mesh shoe in a lighter neutral color when it is like 106+ outside. I am presently wearing the North Face Goretex XCR with the BOA lacing system(the dial on the heel that tightens aircraft cable lacing). They are the best shoe I have ever owned. Like I said, I have a wide foot. They are very comfortable and fit like a glove. I also have a high arch but no loss of circulation on the tops of my feet so far. I have had problems with that in the past with other shoes. The XCR's are showing some wear after only 4 months. No worries though because I will be getting back into the Techamphibians as the crippling heat returns here in Central California. So basically, wear shoes that fit YOU, support your ankles if you feel you need it, fit the courses that you play, and are the obvious choice for the climate that you play in.