no hiking boots?

hollywallydoodle · Post by **hollywallydoodle** » Fri May 30, 2008 10:06 pm

i'm a nub...in many ways...posting and bm, so please excuse if i posted this in the wrong place. i only know the nub lingo thanks to my gamer husband.

i read in one of the posts here in q&a, tips and tricks (i can't remember which page because i read them all and lost track) that it is a big mistake to wear hiking boots, but they didn't say why. is it a mistake to wear boots because they don't breathe?

i was planning on alternating between crocs and combat boots.

doh...i wanted this to be in frequently asked questions...i guess i need to 'reply' to make that happen.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Fri May 30, 2008 10:11 pm

You were misinformed. Wear what you normally wear, keep your feet clean, change socks a couple times a day, use lotion as needed.

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Fri May 30, 2008 10:28 pm

What Bob said.........

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Fri May 30, 2008 11:15 pm

The only problem I know of with boots is when a storm comes with rain on the playa.

The playa can cake up big time on the boots making it difficult to walk.

Just from experience.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sat May 31, 2008 12:39 am

DVD Burner wrote:The only problem I know of with boots is when a storm comes with rain on the playa.

The playa can cake up big time on the boots making it difficult to walk.

Just from experience.

How many times have you been to "the Playa", ????

It doesn't matter what type of shoe or wheel or bare foot you have, it is going to build up a "platform" on it.

Wheelchair tires are just as susceptible as army boots.

I have never seen anyone trying hockey or speeed skates yet..........

Dork · Post by **Dork** » Sat May 31, 2008 1:00 am

You don't NEED hiking boots because there really is no rough terrain to deal with. They can be hot, and some people have a problem with hot feet. If you are not one of those people and generally find boots comfortable, by all means bring them. They are great for climbing domes and such.

In general - wear whatever is the most comfortable for walking long distances, because that's what you'll probably be doing. They'll be covered in playa dust regardless, so style is less of an issue.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Sat May 31, 2008 2:28 am

Good quality, comfortable sandals are the mainstay.

At least during the day, they are.

Boots and enclosed shoes are mostly worn at night by almost everyone.

magicmarty · Post by **magicmarty** » Sat May 31, 2008 4:56 am

I found that tennis shoes the best all around. Leather boots seem to get ruined by the palya dust and sandals allow too much dust on on your feet. Just one guy's opinion.

MozyBonz · Post by **MozyBonz** » Sat May 31, 2008 6:51 am

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Sat May 31, 2008 7:54 am

MozyBonz wrote:

SWEET....

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Sat May 31, 2008 9:35 am

No matter what kind of wacky footwear you choose to bring along, bring something practical as a backup.

AND:
[youtube][/youtube]

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat May 31, 2008 10:40 am

Bah, shoes! I don't need no stinkin' shoes!

phil · Post by **phil** » Sat May 31, 2008 1:32 pm

To add my two cents, I wear shoes and boots to protect my feet. I used to wear sandals and flipflops, but the playa powder ate my feet up pretty bad. Boots are nice to ward off rebar and such.

My suggestion is to come with different types of footwear. See what works for you, then you'll know for future years.

Be aware that there are tripping hazards and toe-busting things on the playa as a result of us Burners. I do recommend shoes even if the playa powder isn't a problem for your skin. You'll find out. :->

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Sat May 31, 2008 2:17 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:Bah, shoes! I don't need no stinkin' shoes!

Just showing off now!

gidget · Post by **gidget** » Sat May 31, 2008 5:06 pm

MozyBonz wrote:

Nice poulaines.

Captain Goddammit · Post by **Captain Goddammit** » Sat May 31, 2008 6:24 pm

Another vote for good-ol' sneakers. They do everything you need on the playa: Keep the dust off your feet, are light and comfortable for walking a lot, offer adequate protection from hazards, and can be used as a container for breakfast cereal.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat May 31, 2008 6:35 pm

gyre wrote:
theCryptofishist wrote:Bah, shoes! I don't need no stinkin' shoes!
Just showing off now!

You got a problem with that?

falk · Post by **falk** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:31 am

oneeyeddick wrote:Good quality, comfortable sandals are the mainstay.

I got a horrific case of playa foot wearing sandals my first year. I realize that some people are more susceptible to playa foot than some, but the only way to find out if you're one of the susceptible ones is to see if you get it.

I think proper walking shoes, socks, and moisturizer twice a day are a better choice than sandals.

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:15 am

Everyone is susceptible to playa foot at almost the same level.
It is those that pay attention, read the survival guide, and bring vinegar that survive it
with no problems... that is.... unless you have fins.

(edited once to steal the joke right out of your lap )

gyre · Post by **gyre** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:29 am

I've had my hands torn up badly out there.
I use a good moisterizer for that.
I use a spray bottle to wash my hands often.
I've never had an issue with my feet.
I change my socks, wash my feet when I can.
That's it.
I don't take vinegar out there.

Hazbro · Post by **Hazbro** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 11:14 pm

If I may plagiarise and bastardise at the sametime.

[quote] BURNING. DAN
You stick with me, you learn from
the guys who been on playa awhile,
you'll be right. There is one item
of gear that can be the
difference between a live burner and
a dead burner.

Burning. Dan stops and looks at the Virgins.

BURNING. DAN
Socks, cushion, sole, any darn colour.
Try and keep your feet dry when you're
out humpin'. I want you boys & girls to
remember to change your socks wherever
you stop. The dust will eat a burner's
toes right off their feet.

:D with apologises to Forrest Gump.[/quote]