Footwear

A good pair of running shoes is a must for agility. A pair that is comfortable and provides good traction is what you should shop for. For those who want to know what agility handlers are saying about their shoes we have provided this page.

I bought a pair of soccer shoes last summer...a truly fabulous purchase. I have a size 8 foot and didn't have any problem finding a pair of women's shoes...and they probably saved my neck, not to mention my knees! (at 57 that is an issue) at some of the wet fall trials we ran. I run excellent (one qualifying standard leg! yeah!) and some of those sharp turns can put ya flat on your little tushy! Leaving the dog standing there looking at mom like..."So?.....are you resting or what!" Marcia Whitmore

I have used Saucony running or cross training shoes for as long as I have been running in agility. They have good soles with lots of ribbing for traction. They also provide excellent support. Only problem is, they are not wet weather shoes. But I still always use
them. Louise Wetzel PS. I haven't fallen yet one a course but there's always a first time.

I've been running my dog in agility for 2 years now and the best shoes for me have been the gortex light weight, ankle high, hiking boots. The Gortex is important because they are waterproof. Try walking thru the early morning dewy fields to let your dog pee and normal shoes (socks and feet) are soaked almost immediately. They have a great tread for most surfaces. The ankle high support is important for all the stopping and turning we do. Only takes a sec to twist an ankle and be out for weeks.

Because they are the light weight hikers, I am comfortable wearing them all day in the summer as well as spring and fall. Just adjust the socks.

I know some people like soccer cleats but these are not comfortable to wear the entire day. Having to change my shoes right before I get to run my dog is not an extra stress I need to deal with. I would rather focus on my dog and the course and know my feet are good to go.

LL Bean has them, NIKE, and many other companies that sell hiking or outdoor gear. Gortex Light Hikers.

Salomon Sports is the more specific site link for the light weight type hikers I like to use. Don't know about the cost though and these may be a little heavy duty for our lightning like speed on an agility course. Hard to really tell from the photo but this seems to be a company dealing with Extreme Sport-type activities (agility?!?). If you keep your eyes open for sales and discontinued colors, you can get quite a savings on the more commonly known brands. Campmore(sp?) has a Website to try. Jennifer Kavanaugh.

Just a note on the Soccer shoes, I have seen people step on their dogs with those on! OUCH! Poor dog's toes! Barb Simons

BTW, the NB 801s are very comfortable but last season I had good luck running in a pair of low-style leather trail runners from Vasque. They gave me excellent traction even in very wet/sloppy conditions, and they have lots of support. I sealed them with NikWax, so I never had a problem with wet feet either. I did find them less comfortable on hard-packed dirt surfaces though which is why I wanted the 801s. I love my Vasques, but they are not quite as forgiving as I would like on very hard surfaces -- ie: packed dirt. They do great on grass, loose dirt, and in the wet. Hope this helps! Bonny Georgia (still breaking in her NB 801s)

I just purchased a new pair of New Balance 803s. I went to a running shoe store and explained to the salesperson the type of running and turning done in agility and on what surface I competed on. He recommended a cross trainer type shoe. I tried a few on and the New Balance 803s felt the best. The sales person told me that the 803s are closer to the 801s than the 802 model. I hope to try them out soon, but with a foot of snow on the ground I may have to wait awhile. Thanks for the your story Brenda; I think I'll be retiring my soccer shoes. Lisa

No foot, no handler. Why not live it up - have a bunch of shoes and bring them all! What works for me is to bring at least three pairs of shoes. Lightweight athletic shoes with trail-runner treads, for when footing is dry and grass is not slippery, GoreTex light hikers or New Balance 801s for muddy conditions, and either Teva sandals to "let the tootsies
breathe" in the summer or mud shoes for walking around a chilly wet ring site, when not running. I also bring a number of extra pairs of socks and moleskin or band aides for any hint of a blister.

Being flatfooted, I also wear orthodics and would highly recommend them to anyone who is having pain, strain, or stiffness associated with your feet. They only cost about $350, and if you get the hard molded ones they can last for up to 10 years (I just had mine recovered). They prevent many injuries and help to preserve the correct structure of your feet into the golden veteran years (yours). Melanie Mecca

Re: agility shoes. I used to wear Sacony running shoes and they were okay. Recently, I purchased Merrill "Blades - 45 degrees" which are a trail running shoe. They are great! I use them for hiking and agility. They have a very nice, cushioned insole, fairly stiff soles, great long-lasting wide waffle bottoms (that get sticky when wet), etc. I just love them! They come in men's and women's styles and differ only with width selection. My
footing has become much more secure since I've been wearing these and I feel more confident to run faster and not "think" so much about where my feet are. I purchased mine at REI. (Usual disclaimer here) Cathy Barber

I have 2 pairs of shoes that I keep for running my dogs. I prefer softball rubber cleats to soccer ones because they have Cleats all along the outside of the bottom of the shoe. This is great for going side to side as well as going forward and back. I have the high top style for even more support. I wear these in wet and tall grass. because the cleats are fairly big I wear a sneaker with traction soles for hiking, in dirt and if the grass is short and dry or the ground is very hard. The cleats can be to much. my Cleats are
from Nike and my sneakers are from Saucony. Judy Reilly

Dita Shoes Dita makes the world's #1 shoe for international field hockey, but agility enthusiasts around the world have found that these shoes are highly suitable for the needs of our sport. Imported from England and now available through Clean Run.

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