ISO the perfect playa boots

[Savannah]

Regarding Platform Boots: it depends on the person, what they're used to, and for how long. I love "KISS Army" boots and wore 'em all over the playa one year because they used to be my favorite boots for club nights. The ones pictured above have a thick platform and a bit of weight, but are equivalent to a 1" or 2" heel on the inside, so--for some--they are completely doable on the playa, and this is one reason why one sees them in so many pictures (that, and because spike heels sink right into the playa). So, making thick (or high) platforms one's only pair of footwear--or a brand new experience--might be the thing to guard against.

It's also good to skip a really old pair of platform boots, because as they age the sole often pulls away from the rest of the boot. This can be fixed with Shoe Goo, of course, but then you worry about the repair falling apart a mile and a half from camp.

Well, I do.

[theCryptofishist]

(I just worry why I keep opening this thread...)

[lucky420]

Really what junglesmacks said is so spot on. Comfort out there is key. I am most comfortable up there barefoot or in sandals or at night converse chucks. I like my uggs up there because there comfortable and easy to slip on and off real fast.

If my feet can breathe I don't feel quite as hot as if I was wearing shoes. Of course I have tough ass feet and go barefoot as much as possible. Lots of people complain about playa foot so barefoot is not for all. I would tend to think that you might get playa foot more readily by getting a blister from sweating and wearing shoes and then playa getting in the cuts...

And you will walk miles and miles everyday even if you bring a bike. I walked damn near 6 hours one night and 5 hours another night with my bar cart with not much resting times either of those nights (what was I thinking )

I usually bring 2-3 pairs of thongs and a couple of different chucks (besides the uggs). I also put insoles in the chucks due to my High arches.

[lucky420]

ahhh fishy ((fishy))

[Savannah]

I would tend to think that you might get playa foot more readily by getting a blister from sweating and wearing shoes and then playa getting in the cuts...

I think so. I can say--the only time the dust ever started to eat at my [unusually playa-resistant] feet, it was 'cause I was wearing fashionable snug leather flip flops. The dust would get trapped under one of my toes and didn't slide out again, & would then mix with sweat. I caught the problem during the nightly lemon wash, & put some neosporin on. Now it's back to cheap, rubber flip flops & other loose sandals for around camp--and boots the rest of the time, like normal.

I think I can continue to get away with flip flops if the dust can easily escape.

(Note: not a good solution for all.)

[tattoogoddess]

It's also good to skip a really old pair of platform boots, because as they age the sole often pulls away from the rest of the boot. This can be fixed with Shoe Goo, of course, but then you worry about the repair falling apart a mile and a half from camp.

Well, I do.

I have worn these bad boys for 4 years like this! I have the soles but never put them back on. I once got a bottle cap stuck on the bottom when working at the bar. It was a bitch to get out! lol

[MyDearFriend]

Go for it, then, TTG.

Seriously, boots are for your feet and not for your eyeballs; you should choose them with your eyes closed.

My boots are leather, mid-calf, pull on with finger loops and quite comfy even after five miles. I have had them for years. And now they have a lovely patina of dust that does not wash off in the rain.

[EspressoDude]

I take at least 3 pair of boots plus high quality flip-flops.

one pair of Demonia platform sole buckle boots ( cheep like $50 but look good ) for strutting around
one pair Wesco Jobmaster boots for working
one pair ancient cracked Wesco Jobmaster boots painted silver to go with silver metallic outfits.

check out Wesco boots, especially the Big Boss....

[tattoogoddess]

Any one have a place to buy shoes like those i posted from payless? I have large calfs so most boots dont fit me.

[HiBbY]

my question is why havent thay made boots with dead head patterns all over?? shit ton of jerry bears? Bolt?? nada??? just lame ass sneakers, we need dead boots maaaaaaaan

[junglesmacks]

My boots are leather, mid-calf [..]

I read this as "mid-thigh" and was ready to immediately demand pictorial proof..

my question is why havent thay made boots with dead head patterns all over?? shit ton of jerry bears? Bolt?? nada??? just lame ass sneakers, we need dead boots maaaaaaaan

Make 'em then, Sparky. I'm sure you could trade a dank partially used sleeping bag for them at the next Rainbow fest.

[Sail Man]

Any one have a place to buy shoes like those i posted from payless? I have large calfs so most boots dont fit me.

http://www.snaz75.com/

[wh..sh]

This is the year for perfect pair of droolwrothy military boots.

http://www.drjays.com/shop/P1103210/fas ... itary-boot

[NellieX]

If anyone lives in a state where there are DOTS (a women's clothing shop w/straight and plus sizes. The clothing is pretty clubby and poorly made, but they're cheap), they carry dirt-cheap boots that would be perfect for the playa. Relatively tall, slip on, the sizing is generous (to account for swollen) feet, and it only takes a day or two of wearing to break them in. If they get completely destroyed, toss them, they're only twenty bucks.

[cpart]

Amen.

[Lollipop]

Ok folks. Here's a challenge for you. I'm in the market for a new pair of hiking boots anyway. I can't spend $200+ and I need boots with GREAT SUPPORT as I have issues with foot pain. Pretty much can't walk barefoot anymore. I plan on riding my bike everywhere but I'd like to get a really good boot for the playa that I can stand in for the entire day if need be. I'll put my inserts in them too. I am less interested in fabulous as I am in making it through the long nights and walks with as little pain as possible. I can make them fabulous myself. Ideas?

[trilobyte]

This thread is full of awesome finds and ideas on places to look. Good luck finding what you're looking for

[theCryptofishist]

(And you don't have to cross-post to find them. It only irritates people.)

[Lollipop]

(duly noted - i shall strive not to irritate people from now on - thank you for correcting me)

[theCryptofishist]

(thank you for taking it like a woman...)

[Lollipop]

(i did...you made me laugh...thank you...i'm generally not snippy...tough week...please accept my apology