I know this is probably a common issue with us 57 year olds trying to play ball after a 20 year rest. I bought a set of molded cleats and played a few games and my Achilles were on fire, so I switched to turf shoes (I play infield) which really helped my feet. My question would be what are the most comfortable turf shoes out there and would high tops be a little better with aching heels? Thanks guys

Both Tanel and Boombah have good comfortable turf shoes. I would suggest looking into using KT tape on your achilles tendons when you play. It definitely helps.

Tanel are ok but, stay I away from Boombah. Their shoes offer no support for your feet. For any of the turf shoes I would take the insole that they come with and throw then as far as you can. They are simply flat pieces of foam. Again no support to the feet Replace them with shock doctor inserts or something similar.If you don't buy new shoes for next season-you should still buy new insoles for your old shoes.
For Achilles and Plantar fasciitis issues.
Go here http://www.heel-that-pain.com/heel_seats.php
I wear these in not only my softball shoes but,my everyday shoes as well.Wear these and you have no foot issues. I had Plantar fasciitis from wearing Boombah shoes. I have teammates that could hardly walk due to Achilles and Fasciitis that use the Heel Seats and no longer have foot issues.

3n2, like playing in slippers

Look into the Salomon Fellcross or Speedcross and try them, you will never go back to turfs or cleats.

They are designed to be trail running shoes and have great flexibility (which will help you achilles), cushioning and are light weight.

Other companies (Adidas, NB, Asics etc) make trail running shoes as well.

(I agree with JMM about kinesiology tape, but it should be worn after play as well because it helps in the healing process when the achilles is swollen.)

I've been completely happy with Tanel turf shoes. I wear the high tops for ankle support. They are so comfortable I wear them all day long in a tournament, not changing out of them. Don't know about the heel problem, but I've never had an issue with it. I play about 120-140 games a year with Tanels on turf and they last a bit longer than a year. I use cleats with dirt/grass combo fields (most tournaments).

I will never buy another pair of Boombah turf shoes. I been waiting for a chance to sound off on them.

I bought a pair Boombahs back in April, didn't really start to use them until May, by August the sides were split where the toe meets the foot and the uppers had shifted away from the soles.

Lousy customer service: After about 5-6 emails and photos sent to their customer service I was told sorry, they were not able to warranty them. I told them I was not 20 years old and playing 6 nights a week in them and running like a jack rabbit, I'm 57 years old and played once a week plus tournaments and BP. I figure honestly, these shoes lasted at best 2 months.

I went back to my 4 year old 3n2's and wore them until a fellow player gave me an older pair of Tanels.

I strongly recommend 3n2's or Tanels. Both are superior to Boombah in support, comfort and durability. Boombahs are lighter in weight but they are shoddy and flimsy.

For about the last 10 years I have worn Mizuno 9 spike turf shoes. I never have to take them off between games. Less then $60 from Softballfans.com. I probably get about 200 games per pair before having to replace them.

in regard to the Salomon shoes mentioned above, the Fellcross are 170 dollars...the speedcross are 125 dollars....here is link to site if you are interested...very nice colors, that's for sure
http://www.zappos.com/salomon-speedcross-3-black-black-silver-metallic-x~1?zlfid=191&ref=pd_sims_p_ab_t_1

I too, give my vote to the Mizunos. Longest lasting and most comfortable shoes I've owned.

Totally agree with titanhd. I've been wearing the heel that pain inserts with Salomon Speedcross shoes for two seasons and no longer have any heel or foot pain. The key is to wear them at all times, playing or not. The Salomon's also come with a 2 year warranty which is very nice, if needed.

I had issues with Boombah as well and won't buy from them again. Bought a new style after having good luck w my first pair. Was told they fit the same....wrong...off a half size and they wouldn't cover shipping costs so had to pay first to get them...then to send back....then for the new pair again. Ridiculous! After about a month had the same issue someone else mentioned with the toe. Customer service stinks and have gone to other companies for shoes and pants. Most of the women are wearing addidas trail running shoes. Very light weight and super comfortable ...I have two pair of Vigors and another style that I had prior to that. Love them!

I have had the same problem noted by others with the sole separating on Boombah's by the toe and the return process is painful. I have had 2 pairs that have done the same thing after not much use so it definitely appears to be a design flaw.

Can anyone provide comment on the Tannel and Salomons with respect to fitting a wide foot and how heavy they are compared to Boombahs? That would be very helpful so I appreciate any feedback that anyone can offer.

I guess I've been lucky. I've had 2 pair of Boombah's and had no problems. Very lightweight and good traction. Just bought another pair.

I think Boombah shoes are good but overrated.
When it comes to buying things like shoes it is better to go to a "brick and mortar" store and try the shoes on before buying. It saves on time and shipping costs if the shoes don't fit or feel right.

One of the biggest problems I have with shoes is that after a few games of running in the outfield my toes get sore. It seems to occur more often with turf shoes. It could be the shoes get a better grip when hitting the ground and my foot slides forward just enough to rub against the inside front of the shoe. I have had it happen to me wearing Boombah's (2 pair) and a pair of Mizuno's. I have tried wearing 2 pair of sox but that didn't seem to help much. My foot size is 10.5 and the shoes I bought were 11's. I don't know if going to size 11.5's would make much difference as the foot would still slide within the shoe. And yes, I do tighten the shoe strings.

New Balance has a turf shoe out. They are supposed to be good. Buy 1/2 size bigger though.

I've worn the Adidas Turf Hog for ages. They hold up good.

I would suggest physical therapy for plantar fasciitis. Very simple exercises you can do sitting on the couch. Stretch the tendon by moving your toes. Put your heel on a softball, mash and roll to break up the calcium formation.

FYI ~ If you take a lot of BP, SN Kid, that will make your toes hurt. The running only aggravates it.

Just saying.

I have tried at least 5 different brands if not more. Still trying to figure out why I wasted money on all of them except Tanels.
I have one newer pr for tournamnets, 2 older pr 1 for practice and 1 for league play. After 4-5 years on several, they are still going strong. For the hell of it, I bought a new brand at a tournament in Joliet last summer. They lasted 3 games before falling apart. I prefer the mid level over low cut as they give me a little more ankle support. I have had a little toe issue in the past. I now buy 1/2 size bigger. The difference between an 11 and an 11-1/2 is really small, but gives the toes needed space. Problen solved.

I have used Nike 5/8 airspeed destroyers the past 3 years.....they aren't high tops and they aren't low....no Achilles pain at all...Tanels felt great on my feet but 2/3 of the season my heels really got tender...the new balance umpire shoes are really nice too but too slick for outfield wet grass.....the Nikes are discontinued but you can find them on ebay for some good prices...they come in turf soles and a little more aggressive sole for outfield....luckily I stocked up on them to last me some more seasons

here is a link to what they look like in the aggressive sole.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKE-Air-SPEED-DESTROYER-5-8-Turf-Trainer-Lacrosse-FOOTBALL-Cleats-Shoes-SIZE-18-/150841461362?pt=US_Men_s_Athletic_Footwear&var=&hash=item231eda0a72

Does anybody know where to find extra wide (4E) turf shoes? I have always had to wear running shoes as I can't find them anywhere.

"One of the biggest problems I have with shoes is that after a few games of running in the outfield my toes get sore. It seems to occur more often with turf shoes. It could be the shoes get a better grip when hitting the ground and my foot slides forward just enough to rub against the inside front of the shoe. I have had it happen to me wearing Boombah's (2 pair) and a pair of Mizuno's. I have tried wearing 2 pair of sox but that didn't seem to help much. My foot size is 10.5 and the shoes I bought were 11's. I don't know if going to size 11.5's would make much difference as the foot would still slide within the shoe. And yes, I do tighten the shoe strings."

Should I get size 11.5 shoes?

A full size bigger than my foot.

What do you think?

Any suggestions?

S.A. player - I also have a wide foot and the Mizuno 9 spike turf shoe has worked well for me.