Jumping shoes/sneakers

[SkyPainter 0]

Here's a real clueless newb question - what kind of sneakers/shoes are recommended for jumping? I have seen vids of people jumping in all sorts of footwear, but I would think that a good pair of hightop sneaks with decent ankle support might be better than low-cut Chucks.

Is it just whatever you feel comfortable jumping in?

Thanks!

Safe Landings -

SkyPainter

Live deliberately; Dare greatly; Land gently
SkyPainter
SOS 1304, POPS 10695, DS 118

[redlegphi 0]

Safest answer is for you to contact the dropzone that you'll be jumping at and see what they request you wear.
Personally, I jump running shoes. They offer a good amount of support without being too clunky. You'll see some people jumping sandals or barefoot, though I would definitely not recommend that until you've got your landings down to a science. Boots are generally not recommended, as they tend to have grommets and hooks and whatnot that lines could get snagged on.

[SPAWNmaster 0]

Most people jump with whatever feels comfortable.

Personally I jump in vans because they look awesome when I'm decked out, and they are soooo comfy.

Some people will recommend boots and the like in case you have to land in less-then-smooth terrain. I have landed out in funky situations and think you should ask yourself:

"would I be satisfied landing into tallgrass w/ rocks and angled terrain in these shoes?"

[SkyPainter 0]

Thanks! I think I will get some high-top B-Ball sneaks with some good ankle support to begin with. Makes sense to me. It the DZ wants something else, then I will go out and get those. I have martial arts sneaks that are high-tops, but too flexible, and not a wide sole.

Hmmm...Nike, or Addidas......dunno

Thanks!

Chaaaz, AKA SkyPainter

Live deliberately; Dare greatly; Land gently
SkyPainter
SOS 1304, POPS 10695, DS 118

[countzero 7]

pretty much anything that's comfortable and you don't mind losing will work.

though, if you ever do any CRW you don't want any buckles or lace hooks.

i jump in beat up Vans, i make sure to double knot them before jumping and i have an extra pair with my gear just in case.

diamonds are a dawgs best friend

[IanHarrop 42]

For those that really want to look cool

http://www.paragear.com/templates/base_template.asp?group=482#COR1500

"Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me" Dorothy

[skymama 37]

Make sure you pick a pair that's all matchy-matchy with your gear; you'll skydive better because you'll look and feel so damn cool.

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[Rick 67]

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Make sure you pick a pair that's all matchy-matchy with your gear; you'll skydive better because you'll look and feel so damn cool.

It's all about being stylish

You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early!

[Peej 0]

Haha, awesome!

I did that with my first pair of jump shoes, i had the shoes first and built a jump suit around the colour scheme of the shoes

Advertisio Rodriguez / Sky

[Dumpster 0]

I'm a Vans guy myself - Prefer the smooth sole vs. anything with traction. I made a jump once wearing hiking shoes, and beleive that was one of several factors leading to a broken ankle that day.

Easy Does It

[skymama 37]

I bought those at least 5 years ago at the Nike Outlet store for about $10. Now I wish I would have bought all of them in my size because I can't find any more navy and magenta colored sneakers!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[Rick 67]

I love my Vans the pink magenta soles look great on video

You can't be drunk all day if you don't start early!

[Broke 0]

I jump a pair of running shoes. I like the protection it gives my feet over that of an open toed shoe

Divot your source for all things Hillbilly.
Anvil Brother 84
SCR 14192

[Gato 0]

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I bought those at least 5 years ago at the Nike Outlet store for about $10. Now I wish I would have bought all of them in my size because I can't find any more navy and magenta colored sneakers!

Glad to know I'm not the only one who's had this idea. The ONLY pair of Nike running shoe I ever found to fit me are these:

http://www.famousfootwear.com/product.asp?product_id=1010834&variant_id=33907?CMP=KNC-Adwords&partnerid=Adwords&cpc=Adwords&campaign=FF-Nike&hbx_ou=50&cpckw=Nike%20Xccelerator&hbx_pk=Nike%20Xccelerator

So when the time comes (in a year or so) those are my custom gear colors - I didn't even know I liked the combination. I will be using neon yellow instead of gold, though.

By the way, Skymama - I'm buying up as many pairs as I can afford!

T.I.N.S.

[Nomad 0]

I prefer the "support" and style of my Transformers light up velcro shoes. I avoid the infamous shoe wedgie, and the light up soles keep those around me in the plane entertained.

All that is gold does not glitter, Not all who wander are lost.

[kkeenan 14]

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...though, if you ever do any CRW you don't want any buckles or lace hooks...

That's very true for CRW, but it really applies to all jumping. Lace hooks were responsible for several fatalities way back in the day, due to snagging pilotchutes that wandered into the foot area. That is just as real a possibility today with a student or noobie making a sleezy PC deployment.

When it comes to boots, also avoid the ones with big lugs on the soles. These can catch more easily on weeds and stuff on the ground, causing falls or ankle injury.

Kevin K.

_____________________________________
Dude, you are so awesome...
Can I be on your ash jump ?

[BikerBabe 0]

You need to be sure you can POINT YOUR TOES!

if you can successfully point your toes in high tops, then by all means, go ahead. i have an issue with that personally, so i always jump in my vans. toe and foot movement is important, especially if you're learning.

Never meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup!

[Armour666 0]

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Make sure you pick a pair that's all matchy-matchy with your gear; you'll skydive better because you'll look and feel so damn cool.

thats why I keep going low, Dam time to shop lol

I would only thing the ones that would not do well would be cleats , golf shoes, track shoes with spikes lol

SO this one time at band camp.....

"Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most."

[horwichg 0]

I jumped in skate shoes a bunch. The flat, smooth sole makes for some great sliding landings

But one day I was wearing my Addidad sneakers, and got called to jump when a spot opened up on a load. As I was throwing my rig on running to the plane, I didn't have time to change shoes, and I likes it even better.

They are indoor soccer shoes, so they have a tight fit, but smooth sole. I love them for jumping.

Basicly, as long as you can point your toes, and aren't going to snag lines/pilot chute/terrain, go for it.

[anthonyfellows 0]

I like my tennis shoes, but I did lose one on my first tandem jump last year. Very interesting how it flew right off my foot upon aircraft exit :) Now I tie those things up extra tight.

Serious relationships turn into work after a few weeks and I already got a fucking job :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
H.A.F. = Hard As Fuck ... Goddamn Amateurs

[skymama 37]

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Now I tie those things up extra tight.

I double knot mine and sometimes they still manage to get untied!

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[novacaine 0]

I am a fan of the Converse Chuck's! smooth bottoms, light weight and flexible. Plus they are easy to find in several colours to sort of mix and match to my jump suits!!

[MarkM 0]

Vans for the smooth soles or keens when I want that "wearing sandals" feeling, without the risk of shredding up my feet.

[ltdiver 3]

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I like my tennis shoes, but I did lose one on my first tandem jump last year. Very interesting how it flew right off my foot upon aircraft exit :) Now I tie those things up extra tight.

I've seen many tandem students with their laces flying in the breeze. Makes for great video as it gives their whuffo friends a sense of the speed the pair is going. (long hair does this too...but I feel kinda sorry for the TM when they're enveloped in it. )

As for losing shoes, the only ones I've personally seen is a CReW wrap. The unlucky gimp taught me a lesson that day...Always keep a spare pair in your car for episodes like this.

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[SkyPainter 0]

Decided I will wear the Martial Arts shoes/sneaks for the jump(s). They have high, flexible tops (can point the feet (whether placing a high snap head kick or fly in the iar!) with ribbed - not lugged - soles that I can slide, and then run-out a landing if necessary in! No hooks, nothing to snag ( MA refs hate equipment cuts!) and they are familiar to me. Plus, they look kewl as hell! Black and gold with gold laces - colors of the Army's Golden Knights Team! Hoo-Ahh! (Made by Addidas).

Thanks for all the idea, folx. This community ROCKS!

Safe Landings always -

SkyPainter

Live deliberately; Dare greatly; Land gently
SkyPainter
SOS 1304, POPS 10695, DS 118