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!

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.

Just get some normal shoes.

I've heard they are really heavy.

I have them
 

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.