What do shoes have to do with shooting?
The question of which shoe to wear while shooting competition archery can be overwhelming as there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. An archer needs to spend hours standing in their shoe of choice, so making the right selection can mean the difference between happy and sore feet.
A key feature for outdoor shooting shoes is its level of water-resistance. Shooting an entire tournament with cold, wet feet is one of the most uncomfortable things an archer will experience, so having a shoe that can withstand a good amount of rain and moisture is a major consideration. A good number of hiking shoes are waterproof, and many golf shoes are as well.
Speaking of golf shoes, these are one of the best choices for footwear when shooting outdoor archery. They ‘re predominantly flat (with no raised heel or toe bed), they’re meant for someone trying to perform an action from a stable stance, and they’re waterproof. Since archery and golf share a lot of similarities, it’s only natural that they share a commonality in what their athletes look for in a shoe.
Weight-lifting shoes have become a recent favourite among archers. They have a very rigid sole with an elevated heel, transferring the archer’s weight toward their toes. Some archers prefer weight-lifting shoes because of the solid connection with the ground they feel, as well as a more “athletic stance” with the weight in their feet shifted slightly forward. Note that these shoes are typically made of a leather-like material and can get warm on hot sunny days. And since they’re made for an indoor activity, their water-proof level isn’t that high.
Running shoes can make for a very challenging shoe in which to shoot. While they’re extremely breathable, they can have a soft sole that allows for unstable rocking back and forth while standing on the shooting line. Some running shoes are meant to roll forward to assist the runner in pushing forward, which is a detriment to an archer as they might get the sensation of falling over.
Hiking shoes are another choice that are an “acquired taste”. They’re fairly stable, water- resistant, and come in low or high-cut ankle variations (for those who might want some extra ankle stability). The sole in some hiking shoes can be built with the toe box higher than the heel, therefore shifting the weight toward the heel of the foot. While this can make for a more stable hiking experience, some archers might feel unbalanced with this sole when standing on level ground.
Ultimately, trying on a variety of shoes in different shoe stores will give you the best sense of what feels best for you. If you shoot different disciplines, you might want to consider having more than one kind of shoe based on the different terrain you’ll be shooting on (flat target field vs the forest for 3D shooting). Finally, ask around and see what shoes your favourite archers are wearing; that may help point you in the right direction.
