I just have one tip ...

DO NOT WEAR NEW BOOTS !!!

BREAK THEM IN FIRST !!! NOW YOU KNOW WHY YOU GOT BLISTERS IN THE FIRST PLACE =P

Each time I got a new pair I broke em in. Thats right!
Walk with em in normal day use because when game day comes it will be soooooooo comfortable. This is the best tip I can ever give to anyone about feet.

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I havent seen this posted yet from just glancing, but another important factor is wearing two pairs of socks. In the BSA, they teach wearing white socks followed by wool socks over that in boots. That will provide the best protection because when your feet become sweaty, all you have to do is change your white socks (liner) and keep going. I live by this standard all year long...and I dont have any problems with blisters.

Also, i would like to bring up the importance of breaking in a new boot before going and playing. Wear the new boot for up to a month with regular walking before going out and playing hard. This saves lots of misery.

of course break your boots in.
otherwise you are just asking for trouble.

Unless of course they are Original SWAT boots. No break-in period needed as they fit like a running shoe and are extremely flexible. I have a pair and will be picking up a second pair in black waterproof soon. Other than that.......definitely break in before play.

Oh, thread stickied.

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What should I wear for socks if I cant stand the feel of wool on my feet? Should I just go double layered?

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There are all types of synthetics available, and even what's called "Smartwool" which purportedly is itch free. Check out some of the online hiking/backpacking shops to get some ideas.

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never, i repeat, never wear speedball cleats in the woods or on rocky terrain. a teammate did that recently, it didn't go well for him

^that should be common sense but, alas, never hurts to reinforce the importance of footwear that is coordinated to the terrain.

the dual sock technique got me through miles upon miles of hikes in BSA too. Really works well, just be sure to use the wick-away style liners.

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98% of paintballers...eh, who cares

I'm a boy scout so I do a fair amount of hiking, especially during the summer. We did a trek through NM last year and I learned alot about good footwear and taking care of your feet.

Good shoes are the #1 priority. We went to R.E.I. it's a great place to go for high quality boots, everything they sell has something like a 2 year warrenty. The boots aren't cheap though, you'd be hard pressed to find something under $100 (but if you're feet have stopped growing the boots will probably last you years, they are extremely durable). The boots pay for themselves if you ask me, the pair I bought are hands down the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. The employees at REI know their stuff and they are very helpful, if you don't know exactly what you're looking for ask an employee and you'll get a wealth of knowledge.

I layer my socks: A silk liner sock to wick away moisture, then SmartWool socks. Keeps your feet very dry and comfortable.

BLISTERS: I've used ductape for treating blisters and hotspots, it's a lot easier to deal with than moleskin. There is also a blister treatment kit called 2nd Skin, my dad bought some for the trek and he swears by it.

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Team WOW My YouTube Operator Strike Force Brigade Page

SmartWool!!!
Awesome stuff. Cool in summer, warm in winter, and comfy all year round. I use them for paintball, hiking, and skiiing (yes I still prefer a board on each foot).

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I got a pair of Nike ACG mid high shoe/boots (black), they have small cleats on the bottom and they are waterproof and very light with good traction. No issue so far...

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You see us comin' And you all together run for cover We're takin over this town - CFH