GD 'convertible' plate shoes

[LMan]

is anyone familiar with these, the lo-cut ones you insert/remove the metatarsal plate for both plate and base work? worthwhile, or just a gimmick?

thanks!

[ozzy6900]

The "convertables" look like crap. also wouldn't trust the snap on plate. Go with the traditional plate shoes and base shoes. Gerry Davis has them on his web site.

[LDUB]

Just get some normal shoes.

[tjones1]

I've heard they are really heavy.

[Lawrence_Dorsey]

I've worn the +POS lo-cut, the Honigs Hi-top, and the pre-Patent Leather GD Hi-Top. I liked the GD Hi-Top a lot and still do. The GD-12's are a good plate shoe if you are on a budget. I personally don't think they look like crap. They don't look a whole lot different than the Nautilus shoe (which is the company that makes them for Davis)except for the low-top and the leather strap which holds the metatarsal plate in place. The new design of the GD-12 doesn't have the snap fastener system, it uses velcro. And for a plate shoe they are not heavy. I've enjoyed wearing them.

I haven't worn them as a base shoe and don't plan to unless an emergency occurs (like I forget my base shoes). They seem heavy (even with the met guard removed) for a base shoe.

Bottom line is this...If you want a top quality plate shoe and can afford the money, go with the GD patent leather shoes. You will not be disappointed. If you need to hold a little cash back, try the GD-12's. They are a good shoe.