Playa Boots
- graidawg
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Re: Playa Boots
my first year I had no problems with hands or feet - even though i did no care whatsoever - last year my hands and feet were a wreck - not painful but i thought i may be turning into a lizard they were so dry and scaly, so i would say Badger balm is essential (or some other moisturiser) because as eveyone says you never know
oh and the dust on your feet does feel so good.
oh and the dust on your feet does feel so good.
FREE THE SHERPAS
Burners with torches is right and natural and just.-fishy.
CATCH AND RELEASE.
Burners with torches is right and natural and just.-fishy.
CATCH AND RELEASE.
- lucky420
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Re: Playa Boots
I actually felt better going barefoot. But you really can't stray to far from camp barefoot
Oh my god, it's HUGE!
Re: Playa Boots
Those are adorable.edbrez wrote:
for the ladies

I've worn converse high-tops, low-tops and knee high out there. I find them quite comfortable, although you can't skip socks (because of the little vent-holes on the side) and socks should go up as high as the sneaker does to prevent rubbing. If you don't normally wear converse with socks underneath, you have to make sure there's room for your desert socks . . .or
for the guys
Would a lighter more breathable option not be more comfortable in the heat than big heavy leather boots?
I've nice cons at the moment![]()
anyone have experience with cons whether they are comfortable or not on the playa?
If your cons are as nice as the ones depicted above, know that it may be difficult to rehabilitate them post-playa. I toss my canvas ones into garment bags and machine wash cold, but if they're leather they're going to be a bit distressed.

*** The Burning Man Survival Guide ***
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
- ygmir
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Re: Playa Boots
how funny would it be to sew an extra toe on each?Savannah wrote:Those are adorable.edbrez wrote:
for the ladiesI would wear them if the toes weren't individually delineated.
I've worn converse high-tops, low-tops and knee high out there. I find them quite comfortable, although you can't skip socks (because of the little vent-holes on the side) and socks should go up as high as the sneaker does to prevent rubbing. If you don't normally wear converse with socks underneath, you have to make sure there's room for your desert socks . . .or
for the guys
Would a lighter more breathable option not be more comfortable in the heat than big heavy leather boots?
I've nice cons at the moment![]()
anyone have experience with cons whether they are comfortable or not on the playa?
If your cons are as nice as the ones depicted above, know that it may be difficult to rehabilitate them post-playa. I toss my canvas ones into garment bags and machine wash cold, but if they're leather they're going to be a bit distressed.
On my daughters baby announcement, I took a pencil eraser, and dipped it in ink, to add a 6th toe to her baby footprint (from the hospital) that we printed on the cards..........the reactions were priceless.
YGMIR
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
Re: Playa Boots
ygmir wrote:how funny would it be to sew an extra toe on each?
On my daughters baby announcement, I took a pencil eraser, and dipped it in ink, to add a 6th toe to her baby footprint (from the hospital) that we printed on the cards..........the reactions were priceless.

- Eric
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Re: Playa Boots
One more tip with my chucks (going back to Trilo's mentioning of comfort) - I wear gel insoles in mine all week, same as I do with Chucks in the city. Only thing I don't like about them in the lack of arch support, I would be in much pain without my Doc Scholls!
It's a camping trip in the desert, not the redemption of the fallen world - Cryptofishist
Eric ShutterSlut
Former Ass't Editor & columnist, BRC Weekly
Eric ShutterSlut
Former Ass't Editor & columnist, BRC Weekly
Re: Playa Boots
Gel insoles are a wonderful thing. In 2010 a friend who was still on the road managed to get a call through to my rideshare before the event opened, and I was asked if I needed anything from the default world. I said, "All I want are some gel insoles. And a hooker. And some blow."
I got my insoles!
I got my insoles!
*** The Burning Man Survival Guide ***
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
- edbrez
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Re: Playa Boots
I just thought reading stories about the issues with playa foot that five finger style boots would resolve that.
Feet would be nice and snug and would avoid contact with the alkaline dust. I should probably pack vinegar lemons Dr Scholls gels (thanks for suggestion Eric) and good quality wool ankle socks. I know it has been mentioned before how the playa plays havoc on nails so ill look into this as well. Best prepare for every eventuality i guess
In relation to footwear, they have to be comfortable. I really wouldn't fancy dragging big boots around all week. I'll go with light weight somewhat breathable material. My poor unfortunate feet get enough abuse as it is, I'd hate to think they might suffocate in the heat
Can I ask a question that may appear irrelevant to this thread
How cold does it get at night, is it relative to how hot it is during the day or does the temperature plummet? I know has been mentioned here about wrapping up feet at night, just curious if anyone has a rough idea of temperature at night?
Feet would be nice and snug and would avoid contact with the alkaline dust. I should probably pack vinegar lemons Dr Scholls gels (thanks for suggestion Eric) and good quality wool ankle socks. I know it has been mentioned before how the playa plays havoc on nails so ill look into this as well. Best prepare for every eventuality i guess

In relation to footwear, they have to be comfortable. I really wouldn't fancy dragging big boots around all week. I'll go with light weight somewhat breathable material. My poor unfortunate feet get enough abuse as it is, I'd hate to think they might suffocate in the heat

Can I ask a question that may appear irrelevant to this thread
How cold does it get at night, is it relative to how hot it is during the day or does the temperature plummet? I know has been mentioned here about wrapping up feet at night, just curious if anyone has a rough idea of temperature at night?
"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" Dr Johnson
- theCryptofishist
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Re: Playa Boots
Does anyone else look at those pictures and think "Magritte".
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- edbrez
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Re: Playa Boots
theCryptofishist wrote:Does anyone else look at those pictures and think "Magritte".

"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" Dr Johnson
- Eric
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Re: Playa Boots
There's no telling the temperature range until closer to the event (usually the build blog gives a general idea if conditions are abnormal), but expect in the 90s+ (32c+) during the day, and they have gotten as low as the mid 30s (1.6c) at night. There have also been years where it never got colder the the low 60s (18c-ish). Enough conversion, Fahrenheit from here out: one year it hit about 39 on Weds, but then was in the 60s by Friday at night.
You really do need to be prepared for anything - and never, ever, ever, just bring one pair of shoes & think you'll be fine. I did that my first year, with extremely comfortable boots (off-playa), by the end of the week I was literally cutting slits in them to relieve the pressure on my feet. Even though you're coming from overseas, bring at least two pairs of shoes so that you have something to fall back on if one doesn't work out.
Also - never break shoes in on the playa. Trust.
You really do need to be prepared for anything - and never, ever, ever, just bring one pair of shoes & think you'll be fine. I did that my first year, with extremely comfortable boots (off-playa), by the end of the week I was literally cutting slits in them to relieve the pressure on my feet. Even though you're coming from overseas, bring at least two pairs of shoes so that you have something to fall back on if one doesn't work out.
Also - never break shoes in on the playa. Trust.
It's a camping trip in the desert, not the redemption of the fallen world - Cryptofishist
Eric ShutterSlut
Former Ass't Editor & columnist, BRC Weekly
Eric ShutterSlut
Former Ass't Editor & columnist, BRC Weekly
- MyDearFriend
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Re: Playa Boots
No oh no, don't be thinking like that please Eddie. There is no avoiding the dust.edbrez wrote:I just thought reading stories about the issues with playa foot that five finger style boots would resolve that.
Feet would be nice and snug and would avoid contact with the alkaline dust. <snip>
There is no avoiding the dust.
Playa dust particles are about 4 microns across. They float in the air, constantly. That dust gets in everywhere that air does. Whatever strategy you use should deal with the fact of dust on your skin.
Embrace the dust. It really is lovely.
Of course it will eat you if you are careless...








Safety Third!
"Burning Man ruined my life as I knew it, and I have never been happier." -mgb327
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"BTW I'm not your wife so don't lie to me." -Ratty
- theCryptofishist
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Re: Playa Boots
I've had lovers like that...MyDearFriend wrote:Of course it will eat you if you are careless...
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- edbrez
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Re: Playa Boots
theCryptofishist wrote:I've had lovers like that...MyDearFriend wrote:Of course it will eat you if you are careless...

The lady protests too much
"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" Dr Johnson
- edbrez
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Re: Playa Boots
embrace the dust
In keeping with tradition I shall bend down onto my knees and kiss the earth on my arrival on this sacred soil
In keeping with tradition I shall bend down onto my knees and kiss the earth on my arrival on this sacred soil

"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" Dr Johnson
Re: Playa Boots
I would'nt buy wool socks.
Most of us just buy a "bag-o-socks" at walmart for the week.
Most of us just buy a "bag-o-socks" at walmart for the week.

"Don't buy ur Burn...........Build ur Burn!"
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- VultureChow
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Re: Playa Boots
Yep. Made that mistake last year. Got really nice socks, but didn't bring enough to change during the day. Next year is more socks of lesser quality.FIGJAM wrote:I would'nt buy wool socks.
Most of us just buy a "bag-o-socks" at walmart for the week.
Sic Semper Spectatores
- theCryptofishist
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Re: Playa Boots
I cannot draw the inferences here...edbrez wrote:theCryptofishist wrote:I've had lovers like that...MyDearFriend wrote:Of course it will eat you if you are careless...![]()
The lady protests too much
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- theCryptofishist
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Re: Playa Boots
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
- edbrez
- Posts: 199
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Re: Playa Boots
Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III, scene IItheCryptofishist wrote:I cannot draw the inferences here...edbrez wrote:
![]()
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks"
Sorry I was a little vague as to what I meant

Hopefully this clears things up

"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" Dr Johnson
- edbrez
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Re: Playa Boots
I guess its socks or tea towels i'll be packing sotheCryptofishist wrote:Well, here's more stuff to consider. Are socks the best choice?

"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" Dr Johnson
- theCryptofishist
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Re: Playa Boots
edbrez wrote:
![]()
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks"
theCryptofishist wrote:I cannot draw the inferences here...
No, I did recognize the reference, just didn't know how to apply it. I guess you're suggesting that I don't actually mind those lovers who ate me if I was careless.edbrez wrote:Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III, scene II
Sorry I was a little vague as to what I meant
Hopefully this clears things up
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
Re: Playa Boots
This is what I LOVE about this place: In just *one* post, we have Shakespeare, Socks & Sex.
Man, I am SO home.
Man, I am SO home.

Give me an underground laboratory, half a dozen atom-smashers, and a beautiful girl in a diaphanous veil waiting to be turned into a chimpanzee, and I care NOT who writes this nation’s laws. ... S.J. Perelman
- ygmir
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Re: Playa Boots
you can't pay for humor like this.theCryptofishist wrote:edbrez wrote:
![]()
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks"theCryptofishist wrote:I cannot draw the inferences here...No, I did recognize the reference, just didn't know how to apply it. I guess you're suggesting that I don't actually mind those lovers who ate me if I was careless.edbrez wrote:Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III, scene II
Sorry I was a little vague as to what I meant
Hopefully this clears things up
YGMIR
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
Re: Playa Boots
This makes me want to write a poem.Roark wrote:This is what I LOVE about this place: In just *one* post, we have Shakespeare, Socks & Sex.
Man, I am SO home.
(Although it would be easier to take a sonnet and just fuck with it.)
*** The Burning Man Survival Guide ***
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
- theCryptofishist
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Re: Playa Boots
Yeah, you think you want to fuck with a sonnet. But the next morning when you wake up next to it, you realize it was a big mistake.
The Lady with a Lamprey
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
"The powerful are exploiting people, art and ideas, and this leads to us plebes debating how to best ration ice.
Man, no wonder they always win....." Lonesomebri
Re: Playa Boots

*** The Burning Man Survival Guide ***
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
- ygmir
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Re: Playa Boots
*gets chair and popcorn*Savannah wrote:This makes me want to write a poem.Roark wrote:This is what I LOVE about this place: In just *one* post, we have Shakespeare, Socks & Sex.
Man, I am SO home.
(Although it would be easier to take a sonnet and just fuck with it.)

YGMIR
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
Unabashed Nordic
Pagan
- Elorrum
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Re: Playa Boots
and then the couplet at the end... whew. Don't give away your personal deets, and stay hydrated.
"Ask again later." - Magic 8-Ball
Re: Playa Boots
My sonnet got weird, quickly.
Maybe we should talk about boots . . .

Maybe we should talk about boots . . .
*** The Burning Man Survival Guide ***
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle
"I must've lost it when I was twerking at the trash fence." -- BBadger
"Snark away, ePlaya, you magnificent bastards." -- McStrangle