Footwear in age based categories?

[Shooting Bull]

On 10/3/2025 at 1:59 PM, Ashley D Austin said:

It was a match official that confronted me. I explained about my foot and that SASS did not have a written footwear policy for age categories, so he went and got the Match Chair who said I had to wear "cowboy boots". When I explained again about SASS not having a written policy about footwear for age categories, he said he had not heard that. Then the match official chirped in that it was a range policy. I checked there was no range policy about shooters being required to wear "cowboy boots". The only thing I found was that SASS Rules applied. I even offered to show them my foot, but they declined.

Wow! That’s the last time I’d ever shoot with that club. Vote with your wallet.

Edited October 4 by Shooting Bull

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

16 minutes ago, Shooting Bull said:

Wow! That’s the last time I’d ever shoot with that club. Vote with your wallet.

Best advice ever given on the wire.

 

When a club/ club officer disrespects you, the shooter - go elsewhere.

 

There are clubs (one that was very important to me at one time), that will not see me again because of officer attitude or disrespect.  

 

.

[El Sobrante Kid]

46 minutes ago, Shooting Bull said:

Wow! That’s the last time I’d ever shoot with that club. Vote with your wallet.

 

Make sure to tell the Match Director why you will not be back, "Not complaining, sir, just letting you know that I won't be back because of your rule(s) about ..."  It may help them make better decisions in the future.

[McCandless]

This soft-top footwear has been around since the 1830s.  It is perfectly legal to use in anything except the costume categories.

The stripe can be easily covered with shoe polish.  But, your first day on the range, the stripe will be covered by dust anyway.

 

 

Edited October 4 by McCandless

[John Kloehr]

16 minutes ago, McCandless said:

This soft-top footwear has been around since the 1830s.  It is perfectly legal to use in anything except the costume categories.

The stripe can be easily covered with shoe polish.  But, your first day on the range, the stripe will be covered by dust anyway.

 

 

Again I am seeing a clear heel. There is some traction visible at the bottom but I would not call it lugs.

 

In counterpoint, I suspect my daily shoes are not compliant. I can not really call them lugs or outright athletic shoes, but these Merrills are clearly (to me) modern:

 

 

If these are OK, I would like to know this as they are comfortable and last about a year before they break down and lose the waterproof qualities.

[Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770]

As well as being a fat guy, my knees are getting to be a problem, and I find that a lower heel helps me a lot. Add to that my feet have always been wide. I'd like to get a pair of moccasins to try, but I'm not going to spend $300 on a pair just to try them. 

The Minnetonka moccasins are reasonably priced, but they don't come in a Wide width. Anybody know of another brand that does in about a $100 price point? Preferably not a short shoe.

Edited October 5 by Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770

[Captain Bill Burt]

13 hours ago, John Kloehr said:

Again I am seeing a clear heel. There is some traction visible at the bottom but I would not call it lugs.

 

In counterpoint, I suspect my daily shoes are not compliant. I can not really call them lugs or outright athletic shoes, but these Merrills are clearly (to me) modern:

 

 

If these are OK, I would like to know this as they are comfortable and last about a year before they break down and lose the waterproof qualities.

I see footwear like that fairly often. It doesn’t look cowboy to me, but I go to matches to have fun, not police other’s footwear choices.  
 

If they’re determined to wear sneakers and the MD isn’t concerned about it I figure it’s none of my business.

[Jackalope]

35 minutes ago, Captain Bill Burt said:

the MD isn’t concerned about it

 

In my opinion, as MD, these cross the line into athletic hiking boots.  I have some very similar and they are comfortable....but, again, in my opinion, not appropriate for our game.  

 

From the Shooter's Handbook:  "Participants may choose the style of costume they wish to wear, but all clothing must be typical of the late 19th century, a B-Western movie, or Western television series."

 

I wasn't there at the time, but seriously doubt folks wore anything like this.

 

[Griff]

30 minutes ago, Jackalope said:

I wasn't there at the time, but seriously doubt folks wore anything like this.

"This" by itself is not very telling.  Are you referring to the "chukka" boot pictured in McCandless' post or the modern hiking shoe/boot in John Kloehr's?

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

I think Jackalope was referring to Kloehr's Merrils.  My opinion would put those squarely in the athletic shoe category.

[Jackalope]

14 minutes ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

I think Jackalope was referring to Kloehr's Merrils.  My opinion would put those squarely in the athletic shoe category.

 

This.  Sorry if my message was unclear.

[Griff]

Okay, quit pussy-footin' around.  If your shoe/boot or other foot covering sole looks like/similar/reminiscent of this:

Then you're wearing a "lug" sole.  And not legal in CC or B-W.  But in other categories... feel free...  as long as it's not in a modern athletic shoe design.    

[Eyesa Horg]

Just curious since we haven't heard from @PaleWolf Brunelle, #2495L yet on the subject; where does it say in the handbook that Ropers are SASS approved? I looked but didn't spot it. Curious because I ordered a pair of the first ones shown in this thread and think my feet might like them if they are actually legal for age based categories.

[Rye Miles #13621]

As I understand it there’s no tennis shoes or sneakers allowed. Everything else is fine. 

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

 

Jackalope,

 

I'd have to agree, Athletic hiking boots.  However your quote "All CLOTHING must be typical" specifically addresses "CLOTHING" and does not extend to foot wear.  Doesn't mention footwear at all.  Footwear is a separate subject.

[Texas Maverick]

On 10/3/2025 at 4:59 PM, Eyesa Horg said:

Just ordered a pair! On sale for $119 from $132+.

I wear a 9.5 and that size has a coupon for a total cost of under $59!! Even if turns out I can't wear em for CAS, they'll be good for every day!

I have worn them for about 3 years to EOT, Land Run, multiple State Championships and a bunch of local matches without any issues at all. 

 

TM

[Texas Maverick]

On 10/3/2025 at 6:04 PM, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

@John Kloehr Half-A-Hand Henri has been as well known for shooting barefoot as for being a good shooter for a number of years.  I can't say whether she has had an issue with that at any specific ranges.

I shot at EOT with her in NM in 2019 and she was barefooted then.

 

TM

[Texas Maverick]

On 10/3/2025 at 12:26 PM, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

 

Mav, my size was on sale so I just ordered, thanks!   I can still wear my boots but it ain't getting any easier. 

Between my lower back issues and my leg issues I wear what I can get my feet into comfortably. If someone has an issue with that they can take it to the match director and we can discuss it. I have never had anyone in my 8 years of shooting ever question my footwear.

 

TM

[El Chapo]

On 10/3/2025 at 8:53 AM, Tracker Jack Daniels,58780 said:

There are only two categories which call out specific footwear, Classic Cowboy, and B Western.  All the rest anything but athletic shoes, and footwear with lug soles are good to go. It has also been my experience that most Match Directors will work with you on footwear to accommodate your medical needs.

 

If someone badgers you about your footwear, ask them to show you in the Shooter's Handbook the specific ruke they claim you are violating.

 

I'd like to know where in the shooter's handbook you found any rule prohibiting lug soles in the age based categories?  

 

This is an issue that definitely needs clarification in our rules.  I have heard every version of this there is, but I'm not aware of there being ANY rules on footwear outside of classic and b-western, other than that "athletic" shoes are prohibited.

[Scarlett]

On 10/5/2025 at 8:21 AM, Jackalope said:

 

In my opinion, as MD, these cross the line into athletic hiking boots.  I have some very similar and they are comfortable....but, again, in my opinion, not appropriate for our game.  

 

Thank you, @Jackalope  if I can wear the shoes above, I will shoot better because my feet won’t hurt so bad. And, I could run a little faster from position to position. After 2 days of Wild Bunch and 4 days of vending (on my feet 90% of the time) my feet hurt. This afternoon at the ladies mini match they were killing me. (I’m at Land Run).
 

I’m certainly NOT a “Karen” however, I do think that there is some expectation of people wearing western style boots - lace up or regular cowboy boots, moccasins or whatever.  As for @Renegade Roper and @Ashley D Austin and the MANY others whom I KNOW have back, foot or other issues, this does NOT apply to them.  Common sense… and most of use common sense. Some of us push limits and take advantage. 
 

Hugs!

Scarlett

[Eyesa Horg]

On 10/3/2025 at 5:59 PM, Eyesa Horg said:

Just ordered a pair! On sale for $119 from $132+.

I wear a 9.5 and that size has a coupon for a total cost of under $59!! Even if turns out I can't wear em for CAS, they'll be good for every day!

Received them yesterday. They fit well and seem pretty comfortable just walking around the house. There were quite a few negative reviews on Amazon regarding sizing and QC, but I find the fit to be exactly what I would expect. If they turn to junk, I'll be back and let ya know. Will try wearing at a match this weekend.

[Chantry]

33 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said:

Received them yesterday. They fit well and seem pretty comfortable just walking around the house. There were quite a few negative reviews on Amazon regarding sizing and QC, but I find the fit to be exactly what I would expect. If they turn to junk, I'll be back and let ya know. Will try wearing at a match this weekend.

You have to shoot this weekend's match barefoot!

[Eyesa Horg]

8 minutes ago, Chantry said:

You have to shoot this weekend's match barefoot!

Yeh! That's not likely🤣 Those clay chips would be painful on my dainty feet! 

[Matthew Duncan]

On 10/3/2025 at 9:53 AM, Tracker Jack Daniels,58780 said:

If someone badgers you about your footwear, ask them to show you in the Shooter's Handbook the specific ruke they claim you are violating.

I carry a knife inside my boot with 1” of the handle showing.  Years ago at the Indiana State I had a stranger tell me that my knife was illegal.  I didn’t waste my time asking if it was State law, SASS or because the planets were not aligned.  I said Thank you for telling me and went on with the stage.  That was twenty some years ago and I’ve been carrying the same boot knife ever since.  No black  Suburbans or helicopters came swooping in to “arrest” me so I reckon I’m good.

Edited October 8 by Matthew Duncan
Correct autocorrect

[The Surgeon]

I can't say that I ever once looked down at someone's feet to see what shoes they were wearing. I agree that they should resemble western footwear but if someone has medical issues you gotta do what you gotta do to keep playing this game. 

[Blackwater 53393]

I’m recovering from my ninth surgery on my left foot. I won’t even consider including the two on the right foot in this instance.

 

I’ve continued to wear acceptable footwear during this ordeal for as long as I’ve been dealing with it. That’s eight plus years!

 

If I can, I plan to resume shooting around Christmas if my physical therapy/rehab is successful, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to wear what would be considered acceptable any longer!

 

Would I be given a pass, given the evidence presented below!

 

 

The most recent. Taken Monday 10/6/25
 

Taken on 04/03/25

 

Taken 06/27/25

 

 

Edited October 8 by Blackwater 53393

[Sedalia Dave]

42 minutes ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

I’m recovering from my ninth surgery on my left foot. I won’t even consider including the two on the right foot in this instance.

 

I’ve continued to wear acceptable footwear during this ordeal for as long as I’ve been dealing with it. That’s eight plus years!

 

If I can, I plan to resume shooting around Christmas if my physical therapy/rehab is successful, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to wear what would be considered acceptable any longer!

 

Would I be given a pass, given the evidence presented below!

 

 

The most recent. Taken Monday 10/6/25
 

Taken on 04/03/25

 

Taken 06/27/25

 

 

 

 

Bet metal detectors are fun. 😆

 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

5 hours ago, Eyesa Horg said:

Received them yesterday. They fit well and seem pretty comfortable just walking around the house. There were quite a few negative reviews on Amazon regarding sizing and QC, but I find the fit to be exactly what I would expect. If they turn to junk, I'll be back and let ya know. Will try wearing at a match this weekend.

Got mine as well.  QC was okay, some loooong loose threads under the innersoles and a few loose threads outside.  They felt okay, but improved when I replaced their padded innersole with a little bit more padded one.  I will wear them this weekend at the Texican Rangers since they shut down for 2 months after the match (hunters on the land) and we need to bring in targets, tables, etc so not a high fashion match.  I will also try them at one club where a couple of stages have a very rocky surface that hurts more with my boots.

 

4 hours ago, Matthew Duncan said:

I carry a knife inside my boot with 1” of the handle showing.  Years ago at the Indiana State I had a stranger tell me that my knife was illegal...

I'm trying to figure out what that guy was thinking?  Unless you were Classic Cowboy and he didn't think a knife like that counted (which was still wrong).  Otherwise, what a maroon (joke, not otto  )

 

@Blackwater 53393 Do they call you the six million dollar man?  Robocop?  I almost lost my left leg due to very, very bad doctoring after a motorcycle wreck when I was 16.  Lots of nerve problems in that foot but no extra hardware!   Best of luck getting back to shooting.

Edited October 8 by Abilene, SASS # 27489
addition

[Blackwater 53393]

4 minutes ago, Abilene, SASS # 27489 said:

@Blackwater 53393 Do they call you the six million dollar man?  Robocop?  I almost lost my left leg due to very, very bad doctoring after a motorcycle wreck when I was 16.  Lots of nerve problems in that foot but no extra hardware! 

The running joke in my family is that with all the hardware implanted in me, (the foot, three implants in my cervical spine, and a medium sized erector set in my lumbar spine) and all the hardware attached to me at different times, (NFL style knee brace, foot drop apparatus, and prescription lumbar back brace) for some of the things I do, I could certainly pass for a Borg!!

 

12 minutes ago, Sedalia Dave said:

Bet metal detectors are fun. 😆

 

Almost all of my implants are either titanium or carbon fiber.  When they repaired my lower back, they gave me a card to use, going through the airports and courthouse metal detectors. I have never had to use it in an airport, but at that big rotating deal where they look you over, I’ve seen TSA employees shudder and some even turn their heads!

 

I’ve used the card at the courthouse a time or two in the past, but recently it hasn’t been necessary.

[El Chapo]

2 hours ago, The Surgeon said:

I can't say that I ever once looked down at someone's feet to see what shoes they were wearing. I agree that they should resemble western footwear but if someone has medical issues you gotta do what you gotta do to keep playing this game. 

 

Are loggers "western" footwear?  White's Boots is probably the oldest surviving American footwear company.  Everyone seems to agree that Packers, which came later and were born out of (that is, they are just modified loggers) an invented by the PNW boot manufacturers, are western footwear.  Thus my curiosity.

 

I can say with conviction that ortho surgery sucks, physical therapy sucks even more, and that's why I really hope SASS clarifies this someday.  I definitely don't want to look like a "cheater," but not slipping and falling and needing another knee reconstruction is very high on my list of things to avoid for the next 40+ years I hope to live.

 

  

37 minutes ago, Sedalia Dave said:

Bet metal detectors are fun. 😆

 

Fortunately my doctor used plastic to screw in my new ligament (which was made from my own tendon).

Edited October 8 by El Chapo

[Blackwater 53393]

4 minutes ago, El Chapo said:

Fortunately my doctor used plastic to screw in my new ligament (which was made from my own tendon).

Yeah! My doctor was going to use those to reattach the ligaments and tendons in my shoulder!  Decided on ones made from donor bone instead!

 

 

[The Surgeon]

3 hours ago, El Chapo said:

 

Are loggers "western" footwear?  White's Boots is probably the oldest surviving American footwear company.  Everyone seems to agree that Packers, which came later and were born out of (that is, they are just modified loggers) an invented by the PNW boot manufacturers, are western footwear.  Thus my curiosity.

 

I can say with conviction that ortho surgery sucks, physical therapy sucks even more, and that's why I really hope SASS clarifies this someday.  I definitely don't want to look like a "cheater," but not slipping and falling and needing another knee reconstruction is very high on my list of things to avoid for the next 40+ years I hope to live.

 

  

 

Fortunately my doctor used plastic to screw in my new ligament (which was made from my own tendon).

I don't know that i would classify them as western but I wouldn't care if someone was wearing them. personally i think regular cowboy boots are more comfortable. i wear square toe style western boots and they are fairly light comfortable and slip on. 

[Crazy Gun Barney, SASS #2428]

4 hours ago, Blackwater 53393 said:

I could certainly pass for a Borg!!

I got titanium and cadaver bone in my neck, when it happened I used to tell people I didnt know if I was turning Cyborg or Zombie.

[Stump Water]

On 10/3/2025 at 9:36 AM, Ashley D Austin said:

This spring, I attended a state match and was told I had to wear "cowboy boots".

 

We all know that's not true.

 

We have not seen what the OP was wearing.

[Black Hills Barb]

I am a Match Director and have been for many years.  Over that time I have been contacted by several shooters with medical issues, and most of those issues are with their feet.  Usually they ask if they need something from their doctor.  I don't require them to present that, but I do appreciate that they contacted me prior to the match to ask.  Doing so eliminates any issue with another shooter questioning someone else's choice of footwear. 
If shooters with foot problems can find a shoe that is comfortable for themselves as well as visually suitable for the cowboy era, I see no issues.  The SASS rule is pretty clear and states "outlawed items".  The outlawed footwear is "All types of athletic shoes or combat boots, no matter the material from which they are constructed."   
We did have a long time shooter with some serious health issues who, in his later years, could only wear crocs and did have a doctor's approval as well. So, if your choice of footwear it pretty far off the cowboy era fashion, you most likely should have something from a doctor.