Shoes & Boots: Your Best Friend On The Playa

Mister Jellyfish Mister · Post by **Mister Jellyfish Mister** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:40 pm

There's only one thing worse than running out of water in the desert: Losing your mobility. That's why the right shoes or boots are essential to a happy burn. If your tootsies are too sore to walk or pedal your bike, it can be frustrating if your experiences don't come to you.

I like quality hiking boots with stiff soles and a perfect fit. I'll add more arch support if I need it, then break them in good prior to the playa. Waterproof gortex does not breathe so this year I'll try some damn good hiking socks with 30% wool and 70% synthetic to really wick the moisture out.

Keeping the playa dust off your feet is a good idea. Many horror stories out there about what the alkali can do to make things go downhill fast.

Don't spend all your limited funds on drugs and blinky toys. Get something you will thank yourself for everyday. Oh, and a super-cushy bike seat too!

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:44 pm

good points, MJM.....

I wear my pull on wellington work boots........and, they look nice with my man-dress or sarong.......

oneeyeddick · Post by **oneeyeddick** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 9:51 pm

Barefoot is the way to go, unless you DON"T have three testicles, then it is "ok" to wear boots.

Elorrum · Post by **Elorrum** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:15 am

I suggest a thin slick liner sock, it reduces friction that can cause blisters, and wicks moisture as well. So your two socks slide between each other, instead of your boot rubbing against your foot. It also helps what are likely expensive hiking socks to last longer.

**burn** · Post by **burn** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:22 am

You've got to see these!

http://www.trenddelacreme.com/2009/01/s ... -ters.html

ygmir · Post by **ygmir** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:29 am

see, Risky, every time I try to wear those type shoes on the playa, I end up tipping over backwards.

it seems, my "weight to surface area" ratio allows the spikes to just sink..........

and, that's embarrassing in a short skirt and fishnets.

geospyder · Post by **geospyder** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:30 am

**burn** wrote:You've got to see these!

http://www.trenddelacreme.com/2009/01/s ... -ters.html

Cross posted the link on one of the gun forums I'm on. Will be interesting to see the comments.

Back on topic - what will the Playa dust do to a good pair of hiking boots? Will it destroy them? I'm thinking of the boots as an alternative to an old pair of tennis shoes. Don't want to wear the same shoes all week - phew!

Ugly Dougly · Post by **Ugly Dougly** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:52 am

Get a grip, Geo, it's just alkali dust. A good quick spit shine should last you all week. As you were.

swampdog · Post by **swampdog** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 10:25 am

My foot care approach. Wear my good old hiking boots. Buy a big pack of decent cheap white socks (costco, etc). Every morning, wipe my feet down with wet wipes, then spray them with a vinegar solution. When dry, give them a good coat of skin lotion. Put on a fresh pair of socks and my trusty boots and I'm good to go all day.

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 11:24 am

swampdog wrote:My foot care approach. Wear my good old hiking boots. Buy a big pack of decent cheap white socks (costco, etc). Every morning, wipe my feet down with wet wipes, then spray them with a vinegar solution. When dry, give them a good coat of skin lotion. Put on a fresh pair of socks and my trusty boots and I'm good to go all day.

I 2nd you swampdog. We also did a foot soak half way through the burn, in ice cold water and vinegar. That sure felt good

We'd also put lotion on our feet before going to bed.

geospyder · Post by **geospyder** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 12:55 pm

Thanks for the info - Boots, tennis shoes, lots of socks. I definitely have plenty of lotion. That is one of my gifting items - small tubes of hand cream.

SonOfUgly · Post by **SonOfUgly** » Sat Aug 08, 2009 4:15 pm

oneeyeddick wrote:Barefoot is the way to go,.

sure is

Rommel · Post by **Rommel** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 5:39 pm

Just know that silk sock liners are designed to keep your feet
warm due to friction. They're great when it's cold, but it's a
bad choice for hot weather. Find something that wicks moisture
from your feet.

Rommel
Gigsville-Lahontan Korps

[quote="Elorrum"]I suggest a thin slick liner sock, it reduces friction that can cause blisters, and wicks moisture as well. So your two socks slide between each other, instead of your boot rubbing against your foot. It also helps what are likely expensive hiking socks to last longer.[/quote]

ZiggZagg · Post by **ZiggZagg** » Mon Aug 17, 2009 11:32 pm

[quote="SonOfUgly"][quote="oneeyeddick"]Barefoot is the way to go,.[/quote]

sure is[/quote]

Honestly. I went only barefoot or with sandals last year and my feet were fine.

Artemis · Post by **Artemis** » Tue Aug 18, 2009 8:46 am

Don't assume you'll be the one that can go barefoot. Some folks are not bothered by it, many are.

Seems to depend on each person's PH or sensitivity levels. I wore shoes all the time and did wipes and lotion (Burt's Bees for feet works amazing).