Running shoes?

[scott_k]

Last year I brought running shoes and combat boots. Much to my surprise, the running shoes were the most comfortable option and I wore them 90% of the week. However, I've come to understand that the playa surface was particularly firm last year. If the playa surface is particularly powdery and brittle this year, how will I fare with my high-end running shoes that I wear 7 days a week in the default world?

I'll definitely bring my deteriorating combat boots as a back-up plan, but I'm wondering if I should invest in some high-end 20holes. Please consider that I'm on a very tight budget, and I have flat feet that require me to wear running shoes as often as possible. Also, I'm very prone to athlete's foot, and boots do not help.

However, should the playa surface be soft and powdery, nothing would be more miserable than sinking several inches into the dust with every step

How bad does it really get?

[Jackass]

Playa will put a stop to athlete's foot, at least while you're there. Go barefoot a few hours around camp, playa between your toes feels good. Not much different than baby powder. Medicated?- maybe

[some seeing eye]

I don't think there is a need for new shoes.

In my experience, the playa is broken up by the weight of vehicles. Then the dust forms dunes. The dunes are easy to see when walking and avoidable. There is the possibility the dune could fill in some deep depression, but there aren't many deep depressions. Others are welcome to chime in with their theories.

I've seen ankle and knee injuries from people loosing control of their bicycles when they hit a dune. So a 10"+ boot would provide more ankle support, but that shifts the torque of a mishap to the knee.

Always possible to decorate, even temporarily, any old comfy shoe into something costumey. I like shoes I can throw in the wash too.

[Eric]

I wear both (and dress shoes as well) depending on what I feel like. You'll be fine in running shoes - however, if you're going to buy new shoes, leave them at home for post burn and wear your current pair to the playa. No worries about breaking in the new ones and you'll have a fresh new pair waiting for you when you get home.

[Bob]

Jesus fuck I can't believe we're even fielding questions like this. Go burn something or blow a goat, for fuck's sake.

[scott_k]

Thanks everyone!

*I realize I used the superlative "most" incorrectly in my initial post. Sorry kids.