5 Key Considerations on Footwear

Accurate shooting comes from a solid foundation making footwork very important. Proper footwear and coordinated use of your feet allow the shooter to plant, set up and deliver accurate, reliable shots. Whether seated at a rifle bench or standing on a pistol range, I check my feet position first then move upwards through my body before I rest down on the stock of a rifle or shotgun or unholster my pistol. Flip flops poolside when you’re playing with a Nerf Gun may be ok, but those flip flops will not serve you well in uneven, gravel or while moving.

Keep it safe, keep it accurate with these 5 key considerations for the right footwear:

1. outdoor or indoor use, 2. height of the shoe, 3. tread on the sole, 4. cushion and comfort of the insole and 5. quality of laces.

Any athletic soled shoe or light hiking shoe is adequate for going to an indoor range to practice or walking in urban conditions if carrying for protection. A trail running shoe or moderate hiking boot will provide a better sole for the gravel or grass conditions of an outdoor range. Competitive shooters want a more aggressive tread for quick starts and stops as they move through an array of targets.

Ankle height depends on the level of support you wish to have. I personally go with low hiking shoes or trail running shoes (left in pictures) for most shooting. However, throw in a wet muddy day and shooting on the move and I'll quickly switch to my lightweight hiking boot (center in pictures) for better ankle support. In addition, drop the temperature below 40 degrees and my preference will be an insulated hiking boot or possibly a winter boot (right in pictures) if the temps really drop.

No matter the height of the shoe pick shoes with tread that provides adequate traction in loose dry conditions to muddy conditions. This may require more than one pair of shoes. Cushion and comfort of the shoe is very personal. Some like a soft shoe to protect their feet others go for more minimal and lightweight. Laces that tie well and stay tied is key, no spaghetti noodles or slippery strings on your shoes.

As you can see it's not just about the gun, ammo and targets. Much more goes into being able to shoot well at the range and perform if the need to defend yourself arises. For more information contact me through our website or sign up on our training page for a "Shooter Improvement Session" to work from the basics to upper level mechanics and fundamentals of shooting.

Happy Safe Shooting!