Boots Review

Unlike most sports, woodsball™ isn’t played in flat, sterile environments. Woodsball fields are often uneven, hilly, and sometimes muddy. To move effectively, you need light, sturdy footwear that can handle abuse, weather, and unfriendly terrain. You spent big bucks buying a sweet paintball gun and all the right gear; so don’t skimp when it comes to footwear. Succeeding in paintball is all about being in the right position. You can’t get to that position if you’re slipping and sliding. Ankle sprains aren’t any fun either. Choose the right boot and you give yourself an immediate advantage over the sucker on the other side of the field wearing tennis shoes.

The good news is that picking the right boots is relatively easy. Magnum is the world leader in high performance footwear. Like the Tippmann line of paintball guns, Magnum boots offer unparalleled performance and durability. Magnum is so confident that you will be completely satisfied with their boots that they offer a sixty day money back guarantee.

Phantom V-Lite 8” Side Zip Boot
The Phantom V-Lite 8” Side Zip is the ultimate boot for the demanding player. A slip resistant outsole offers sturdy footing for all terrain performance. The sock liner has the Magnum “MPACT” design which means its molded for high performance without sacrificing comfort. The sock liner absorbs shock and sucks out moisture keeping your feet dry and protected.

The reinforced stitching and a mixed nylon/leather outer shell help make the boot flexible and yet incredibly sturdy. Scenario players will appreciate the intimidating para-military look of these boots. With a side zipper, getting in and out of these boots is easy. A reinforced heel prevents ankle injuries without being overly stiff. All of this protection is amazing when you consider that the Phantom V-Lites are completely non-metallic. This is a great feature for the player who travels by plane. I had absolutely no problems at the airport carrying my Phantoms in my carry on bag. Try that with steel toed boots.

I tried these boots out in a winter game with five inches of snow on the ground. At the end of a long day of play, my feet were cold but completely dry. Right out of the box, these boots are comfortable. Unlike most boots, there really is no need for a “break-in” period.

Despite their size, the Phantom V-Lites are light. Freakishly light. Spend some time on the Magnum website and you get the idea these people are obsessed with making boots that are impossibly light. These boots look like a Sherman tank but are as light as a scooter. This is where these boots leave everything else in the dust. Extra weight on your feet means you run slower and wear out quicker. A light pair of boots that can protect your feet and keep you dry and comfortable will help you take your game to the next level.

Viper 6-inch Paintball Boot
The Viper 6” boot offers the same hi-tech comfort and performance of the Phantom V-Lite for the budget minded player. Light and tough as nails, the Viper has a leather and nylon outer shell and a contoured insole. The 6-inch boot is super-lightweight but still offers the ankle support a woodsball player will need. You can run, jump, and crawl in these boots. I was particularly impressed that once I tied them on, they never became loose or felt uncomfortable. To be honest, these boots seem to “disappear”. You forget you are wearing boots. They feel like a natural extension of your feet.

Cleaning and Maintenance
Magnum boots are easy to clean and maintain. A moist brush or rag can be used to scrub away dirt before allowing the boots to air dry. Water-based conditioner can be applied periodically to keep the boots supple and looking new. While some Magnum boots are waterproof, it is recommended to treat the leather once in awhile with a water-based formula. With a little care, you can keep your Magnum boots in great shape for years.

Recommendations
Both the Viper and Phantom series boots perform very well. Which boot is best for you most likely depends on your budget and personal preference. Either way, you can’t go wrong. The only mistake you can make is wearing inferior footwear. For the price, these boots are everything a serious woodsball™ player could ever want. The quality construction and lightweight design will provide years of satisfying performance. The sixty day money back guarantee is a nice thing even though I am confident you won’t need it. Once you strap these boots on you won’t want to give them back. The Viper and Phantom series from Magnum are built to kick butt and keep you from falling on yours.