Ever since I started shooting in the USPSA Open Division, I realize that the game is so different. The most notable difference shooting in the Open Division is the speed and efficiency level is so much higher than the other divisions. One small pause, can cost you 2-3 places in the standings.
In order to be fast, you’d have to be very efficient in your movement, you’d also have to move into and out of positions very quickly. The unfortunate part is that the shoes I’ve been wearing, the Salomon Mid Exit Peak GTX, (awesome, super comfortable shoes btw) can’t keep up. The threads weren’t aggressive enough to grip onto gravel or muddy surfaces. Seeing that many shooters in the circuit wear the Nike Landsharks, I went out and bought a pair. The Landsharks were very reasonably priced (~$36).
I’ve been wearing my Nike Landsharks for two USPSA matches and they hurt like a bitch. Not only do they feel tight, the shoe is not firm enough to keep my feet from compressing up front and squeezing my toes together. To the point where I have bleeding under my toenails. I had to get different more comfortable cleats.
I pinged several friends on Facebook and on our local forums and the most recommended shoes were the Inov-8 Mudclaws. Inov-8 is a UK based company with a US office in Southborough, MA. There were two versions of the Mudclaws, a 272 and a 333, both are essentially the same except for the color. I decided to go with the more muted Grey/Yellow combination which is the Inov-8 Mudclaw 333.
The fit as it came is a little tight, but after loosening the laces, it conformed around my feet perfectly. The comfort level is almost as good as the Salomon Exit Peaks that I have but lightyears better than the Nike Landsharks.
And checkout the super aggressive threads/cleats!
I might say, the threads are much more aggressive than the landsharks and with the comfort level as it is? It’s a sure winner. I can’t wait to take it out for a spin in my next match.
Price is obviously higher at around $130 but you get what you pay for.
Things I wished they had are :
- Goretex or some kind of waterproofing
- Mid level cut so it’ll cover more of my feet to avoid getting the insides wet
Gunbot! 