For those that have fought in turnshoes what can you tell me that will ease my concerns?

In Late Medival Living History and Reenacment proper in the US, anything but turnshoes are forbidden by every 15th or 14th century group in these catagories actually attempting combat. Turnshoes are only particularly dangerous to wear in combat when shoes are mis-matched - that is, everybody in turnshoes are endangerd by the clod in Engineers boots. Getting stepped on while wearing turnshoes is not particularly painful if the person stepping is wearing turnshoes as well. Turnshoes that are broken in, and have properly abraided soles are no more dangerous in most terrain conditions than any other footwear, unless you start looking to athletic shoes with cleats.

In my experience, turnshoes are far more comfortable to wear than most modern, and most other tyoes of historic footwear. Ankle support can be got by a brace - ones are made that can be worn under turnshoes (at least ankle or calf boots). The dangers of turnshoes are highly overrated - largely exagerated by people whop have never worn a properly made set, or by people who just plain adamantly refuse to try anything 'less supportive'.

If your looking at combat in the SCA, or any similar club, then by all means where whatever you are comfortable with. In the US however, in Late Medieval reenactment, as stated before - no other type of shoes are allowed.

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Thank you for the very detailed reply. It was exactly the information that I was looking for and I also thank you for not scolding me on asking a question that relates (at least in my case) to SCA combat as happened on my other thread regarding how to strap a suit in a period manner.

I will definately look into getting a pair. Are there any companies that you would suggest that make turnshoes that will hold up better than others in combat?