Boots in pistol shooting

[rmca]

This is my rant...

8.5.6 Athletes Shoes
a) Only low-sided shoes that do not cover the ankle bone
(below the medial and lateral malleolus) are permitted.

Why?

I know that some may say that they help stabilize the shooter, but really I don't think that they make such a difference. Sure, your ankles are more restrained, but every joint you have from that upwards will still need to be locked... So why bother with such a rule? Scores won't automatically jump to 600's just by wearing boots will they?

During most of the year, I don't really care too much about this, but in winter I do! And I live in a temperate climate country and don't have to walk in snow! But it really pisses me off having to shoot with cold feet! Specially in free and standard pistol, whose ranges are outside.

Now, most of the times I can understand the reason for some more silly rules, even if I don't agree with them, but for this rule I can't.

Further more, why the difference in equipment (clothes) in pistol and rifle shooting? Why is it ok and regulated for rifle shooters to use boots and not ok for pistol? Aren't the objectives the same? Hitting the 10 (or 10.9s)?
I don't care too much for pants and jackets made for shooting, as I believe they shouldn't be permitted even for rifle let alone pistol... but boots? What support does a pair of boots gives you when the pistol is at an arms length...

There... I said it... and my feet are still cold! :)

[mtncwru]

http://www.rei.com/product/838831/cordi ... pecial-buy

Problem solved :-P

[j-team]

Further more, why the difference in equipment (clothes) in pistol and rifle shooting? Why is it ok and regulated for rifle shooters to use boots and not ok for pistol?

Because we pistol shooters don't want to have to drag around a suitcase full of stupid special clothing in order to be competitive.

[BobGee]

http://www.rei.com/product/838831/cordi ... pecial-buy

Very fetching on the firing line!

Bob

[conradin]

Are sandals allow? How about high heals? Bare feet?

[rmca]

Are sandals allow? How about high heals? Bare feet?

6.7.6 ISSF Dress Code

It is the responsibility of athletes, coaches and officials to appear
on the ranges dressed in a manner appropriate for a public sports
event. Clothing worn by athletes and officials must comply with
the ISSF Dress Code. See 6.19 for the full ISSF Dress Code.

6.7.6.1 If shorts are worn during competitions, the bottom of the leg must
be not more than 15 cm above the center of the kneecap.

6.7.6.2 During competitions, athletes must wear shoes that comply with
these Rules. Athletes may not wear sandals of any type or
remove their shoes (with or without socks).

6.7.6.3 During Award or other Ceremonies, athletes are required to
present themselves in their official national uniform or national
training suits and sport shoes.

6.7.6.4 Juries are responsible for the enforcement of the ISSF Dress
Code.

Just search "shoes" in the pdf version of the rules.

[rmca]

http://www.rei.com/product/838831/cordi ... pecial-buy

Problem solved :-P

Will they pass the sole flexibility test!?
And can I walk normally with them!?
I'm sure some jury will find something in the rules bellow to disqualify such warm comforts... :)

8.5.6 Athletes Shoes
a) Only low-sided shoes that do not cover the ankle bone
(below the medial and lateral malleolus) are permitted. The
sole must be flexible in the entire forward part of the foot;
b) Athletes may use removeable inner soles or inserts in their
shoes, but any inserts must also be flexible in the forward
part of the foot;
c) An ISSF-approved testing device will be used to check sole
flexibility;
d) To demonstrate that shoe soles are flexible, athletes must
walk normally (heel-toe) at all times while on the field of play.
A warning will be given for the first offense, a two-point
penalty or disqualification will be given for subsequent
violations;
e) Shoe Sole Flexibility Measurement Device. The device
used to measure shoe sole flexibility must be capable of
accurately measuring how many degrees the shoe sole
bends while bent with a precise amount of upward pressure;
and
f) Shoe Sole Flexibility Standard. The soles of athletes’
shoes must bend at least 22.5 degrees when a force of 15
Newton-Meters is applied to the heel area while the shoe is
clamped in the testing device.

[jr]

Further more, why the difference in equipment (clothes) in pistol and rifle shooting? Why is it ok and regulated for rifle shooters to use boots and not ok for pistol?

Because we pistol shooters don't want to have to drag around a suitcase full of stupid special clothing in order to be competitive.

And that right there is exactly why I don't do any rifle competitions (well, except 'sporter' silhouette or our local 'sporter' class matches).

Skateboard shoes.
Wool socks if your feet get cold.
Wear two pair if that's not enough.

The weather here where I live is almost exactly the same as in Lisbon and the above setup works well for me.

[jr]

http://www.rei.com/product/838831/cordi ... pecial-buy

Problem solved :-P

Will they pass the sole flexibility test!?
And can I walk normally with them!?
I'm sure some jury will find something in the rules bellow to disqualify such warm comforts... :)

By the way, I've seen those REI moccasins - they're very thin-soled, and I'm absolutely sure they'd pass the ISSF flexibility test. They're intended to be the kind of thing you'd wear in a mountain cabin or in a tent, I think. You'd be able to walk normally in them, it would feel as if you had on like 4 pairs of socks, or maybe a comfy worn-out pair of canvas shoes. I can't imagine anything in the rules possibly excluding them.
Go for it. Or get some of these: http://www.rei.com/product/664970/rei-m ... tion-socks

[David M]

Forget the dress code, sandals, open toed shoes and bare feet are a saftey hazard on a range,as are open neck shirts and low cut dresses.
Ever had a hot fired case land on you in a soft spot........not nice dancing around with a loaded pistol in hand.
Sensible enclosed footware and good socks in winter work well.
Good quality walking shoes with fairly flat soles that are comfortable work well.
Special purpose built shooting shoes really don't do much and are not worth it until you are shooting at World Cup level.

[RobStubbs]

Forget the dress code, sandals, open toed shoes and bare feet are a saftey hazard on a range,as are open neck shirts and low cut dresses.

Not on an air range they're not, and the rules apply to those ranges as well.
Most shooters in major competitions (on smallbore and centre fire ranges) wear polo type tops and/or track suit tops - how dangerous.

Rob.