Footwear for emergencies

[Treo]

This is more a preparedness topic than S&T but how many of us give thought to what kind of footwear we’re wearing?

I live on my feet, as some of you may know my job requires a lot of walking over fairly rugged terrain. So I give a lot of thought to what kind of shoes I buy for work.

If I learned nothing else in the Army I learned that a bad fit on a pair of boots or a cheap pair of boots that don’t offer any support can make you miserable. So can a pair that’s not water proof (and God help you if you end up in a pair of those dog skin Chinese jungle boots they sell at the surplus stores)

At the moment I’m fairly sold on Teva in general I wear their E-vent Raiths at work and Nomad sandals at home (and occasionally when no one but me is around I wear them at work too) They have the best foot bed I have ever felt on a pair of shoes, they offer support and I have no doubt that if I had to I could walk home from work in them.

So, in an emergency would the shoes you’re wearing right now hold up? What if you had to run? Fight? Would your shoe hold up to a walk home form work?

 

[gunnerbob]

Good food for thought Treo!

 

[rdm6680]

Good post. I have a pair of timberlands that fit perfect. But, they are heavy and clunky. I would like a better hiking boot. Is that what your tevas are? Can you send a link.

I think I get pretty lazy outside of work. I often wear flip flops or even slippers out and about. Doesn't bode well for self defense if my feet need to become a weapon. Laziness. It's just so easy when running to store or walking dog.

 

[gunnerbob]

I wear flip-flops all the time too...... :\

 

[Firefighterchen]

I agree with the others, great post that everyone should digest.

As for me, yes I have thought about it. Yes my shoes right now I could go to battle in, Oakley Sabot Mid boots. I can run, jump, fight, hike, go long distances. I wear them almost everyday.

If I do not wear them, I still consciously choose shoes that I can sprint in, in case of an emergency.

The only issue I have is like rdm, sometimes I just get lazy and throw on some sandals. I do buy the kind that completely strap to my foot, but they are no where near ready for an emergency.

The only time I wear flip flops is at the pool, or when I make short trips to the mailbox or if I need to grab something right outside.

 

[eagleeyes]

i hate wearing shoes but have a few pairs when it's necessary to wear shoes ....i also have a good pair of hiking boots for jungle adventures. living in south florida it may behoove me to get a good pair of long rubber boots with a good sole for when the flood waters rise and i need to go out for some reason
if you must wear shoes or boots find a comfortable pair and keep your feet clean and dry
i read somewhere that listerine clears up athletes foot don't know how well it works but if you have it it may be worth a try
best wishes keep your feet healthy clean and dry

 

[Sir Diealotz]

Timberland pro titans every day.

 

[Kingolis]

I've always been a fan of Link Removed for Fall through Spring. And Link Removed most other days.

Those Teva look like a really choice as well.

 

[Shoobee]

My court shoes (aka tennis shoes) are by Nike, very comfortable, and I wear them everywhere I can, besides church, weddings, funerals, etc.

My hiking boots are by Lowa and expensive $300+ and are my main go-to pair for hiking and backpacking and hunting. If I were bugging out on foot, I would obviously wear these. Like you said, they are not cheap nor ill fitting.

My western boots seem to work pretty good for rain, snow, mud, etc. But not great for hiking. These are originally riding boots and evolved in the American equestrian West in the 1800s. They are still good for some things but not others.

For business casual I wear expensive Florsheim penny loafers. These are lite, cool and comfortable, but the worst thing you can wear in the wilderness or away from office buildings.

Footware has always been complicated, and hence the early evolution of the trade of shoemakers and bootmakers.

 

[Treo]

The only issue I have is like rdm, sometimes I just get lazy and throw on some sandals. I do buy the kind that completely strap to my foot, but they are no where near ready for an emergency.

You'd be surprised what you can do in a pair of Tevas. I wear my nomads at work occasionally just to see if they are up to the task. I can put 12 miles up and down hills, over gravel and through the weeds on them in a day and my feet are just fine.

Can you send a link.

Link Removed

 

[JohnD13]

+1 on the Tevas. As for boots, Wolverine boots have always fit and felt good on my feet. They last for years. Rocky boots also are great, my favorite pair of hunting boots in fact. Fit and support are critical regardless of whose boots you buy.