I receive a lot of questions about equipment I use for practical shooting. One of the good questions is what shoes to use for practical shooting. I use two models: Lowa Men’s Zephyr GTX and Salomon Speedcross 3. Both models are great, I have used Lowa for most of the competitions but now started using Salomon shoe.

They both are great, they both have membrane, Lowa Zephyr GTX uses Gore-Tex and Salomon Speedcross 3 uses Climashield. So both shoes should be waterproof and breathable. I have tested Lowa Zephyr GTX under heavy rain and my feet were dry. Salomon Speedcross shooes aren’t as breathable as Lowa, my feet were wet after a whole day match.

Lowa Zephyr GTX Low and Salomon Speedcross 3

Lowa Zephyr GTX Low and Salomon Speedcross 3

Lowa Zephyr GTX gives you better protection thanks to the Monowrap Frame. Salomon Speedcross 3 shoes are as light as possible.

Lowa Zephyr GTX outsole has a medium tread which is good but I like Salomon’s ContaGrip rubber outsole more.

Salomon Speedcross 3 is a narrow shoe, but it is very comfortable to wear it. Lowa Zephyr GTX is wider. I prefer to wear Salomon speedcross with thin Coolmax socks, Lowa is more comfortable with thick Coolmax socks.

Lowa Zephyr GTX Low and Salomon Speedcross 3

Lowa Zephyr GTX Low and Salomon Speedcross 3

One-pull Quicklace system of Salomon Speedcross 3 shoe is better and more reliable than traditional laces on Lowa Zephyr GTX.

Insoles: Сlimate Сontrol in Lowa Zephyr GTX and Ortholite in Salomon Speedcross 3, both work perfectly.

These shoes are great and work under all possible conditions. But I prefer to wear Adidas GSG9 high shoes with warm Under Armour socks during winter or when there are a lot of water and mud on the range. They are also waterproof and lightweight and as comfortable as possible.

I have tried other modern military and tactical boots but they are too heavy or don’t have the most up to date technologies as membrane, grippy outsole or Ortholite insoles.

Both shoes are not cheap, but made of high-quality materials. They will last for a very long time. Highly recommended.

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