Should You Wear Cleats For Paintball?

  • Updated July 31st, 2023

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When most people get into paintball, they automatically go straight to the paintball gun itself as the gear they need. But there are so many other things to consider when creating a customized paintball kit for yourself. One of the things that are often overlooked is footwear.

The footwear you use is going to be crucial to your performance on that battlefield. Sure, you can wear sneakers or even combat boots if that’s what you’re comfortable with.

But not all of those are going to give you the traction and grip you need. That is why cleats are a great option for paintball footwear. But should you wear cleats for paintball? In the end, the answer is personal preference, but there are benefits to including them in your kit.

So let’s take a look at paintball cleats and some important information that might help you make a final decision when it comes to whether they’re the right footwear for you or not.

Man in camouflage pointing a paintball gun up - Should You Wear Cleats For Paintball?

What Are Paintball Cleats?

When it comes to paintball cleats, there are two types that you can choose from. Both, though, are athletic shoes that have cleats built into their souls for paintballers, too, were both on indoor and outdoor fields. Here are the two options you have to choose from:

 

  • You have the traditional paintball cleat, which is similar to a soccer cleat in that it is designed with interchangeable spikes. This is a great option for those who like to play in different fields and weather conditions.
  • The second option is an athletic sneaker that has cleats built into it. These spikes are not interchangeable and oftentimes only crafted with rubber. So this may offer less traction and customizability. This is the option for individuals that play in one type of place, particularly if they do indoor fields.

 

Why are Paintball Cleats Better Than Normal Shoes?

You can really wear any type of shoe you want when you’re out on that paintball field, but cleats have some distinct advantages. Maybe the biggest of these is that they are outfitted with those spikes. These are perfect for fast-action battles that you are running consistently.

This is because those cleats dig into the ground and offer improved grip and traction. This is good in a couple of different ways. The first is that the attraction allows you to have better footing, thereby reducing the chances of trips and falls.

Along with this, better footing and grip give you more maneuverability and agility on the battlefield.

 

What Types of Cleats are Good for Paintball?

Naturally, the best option when it comes to cleats for paintball is paintball cleats. That is because they are specifically designed for the sport in general.

In addition, they are attuned to the fact you will be dealing with multiple different environments, and the movement utilized in paintball is not quite the same as in others.

However, if you don’t want to pay for cleats that are specifically for paintball, there are other options.

Soccer or lacrosse cleats are probably the best alternative when it comes to looking at other forms of cleats to invest in for your paintball gear. They are very similar to the paintball cleats, and that makes them interchangeable.

 

Where Should You Buy It?

If you’re on the hunt for a paintball pleat, there are multiple different places that you can go in. The first and probably the most popular is online through sites like Amazon. There you’ll have access to a wide range of models of depression dependent on where you are.

But if you’re open to heading out and trying your luck in the sporting goods starters, you can go there as well.

On top of that, as we said, you don’t necessarily have to buy paintball cleats, so truly, any sporting goods store should be able to help you find a good pair of cleats to invest in.

 

How Much Do These Cost?

The price depends on the brand and the materials used in the construction. You can find paintball places ranging anywhere from $50 up to over $100.

The one you settle on really is dependent on your budget, but not that the price doesn’t necessarily indicate quality. Often those at a higher-end price tag last longer due to the higher quality materials used.

 

Final Thoughts on Should You Wear Cleats For Paintball

Paintball cleats are not a necessity when you’re looking at filling out your paintball kit.

However, if you’re looking for something to help with better grip and traction so you have more maneuverability on the field, thinking about investing in a good set of clearance is ideal. This is especially true if you play speedball or like versions of paintball.

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